Paro is a district in western Bhutan, set in the Himalayas in Asia. It is the home of the country's only international airport, so for many visitors it is the first place they see of the kingdom, and it is often the place where a journey through Bhutan begins.
What draws visitors
The district is best known for its historic monasteries, and the most famous of them is the Tiger's Nest monastery. Visitors who come for that alone will find Paro a focused and rewarding stop. The monasteries here give the district a strong sense of Bhutan's religious and cultural life, and a visit tends to feel calm and unhurried.
Planning a visit
- Arrival: the international airport makes Paro easy to reach by air, and it is a sensible entry point for a trip.
- Monasteries: the district's numerous historic monasteries are the main reason to come, with Tiger's Nest as the headline sight.
- Pace: a stay here suits travellers who want to slow down and spend time on the cultural and natural setting rather than rushing between places.
Paro works well as part of a wider journey through western Bhutan. Those interested in its monasteries and its position as the gateway to the country will find that the district rewards a few days of attention, whether they arrive for a single famous monastery or for the broader atmosphere of the valley and its historic sites.
