Paro, Bhutan

Thimpu - Punakha - Paro - Tiger’s Nest

Our trip from Punakha to Paro was eventless. A coffee break at Dachula Pass and a halt for identification at a check point were the only stops before we entered the Paro valley. Our driver who turned out to be an expert guide as well, took a detour and brought us at a viewpoint from where the entire airport was visible. It was a beautiful view and scary as well. Hills rise quickly around Paro airport which makes it extremely difficult to take off or land a large plane. Our guide took this moment to sell his skills and we were quickly convinced.

Paro Airport from veiwpoint

As per the deal, our driver cum guide was to take us to three tourist spots - Paro Museum, Paro Dzong and the third was supposedly the oldest temple in Bhutan. But first we had to go to the Druk Air booking office to try book return tickets by air to Delhi. Our other alternative till then was to leave for Phuntoshling next morning, stay overnight there and again start for Siliguri from where our flight was already booked. Fortunately seats were available and we were two happy souls exiting from Druk Air office. It was time to see the museum.

View from Paro Museum

I am not a big fan of museums. However the closer we reached this museum I was all the more excited - reason being the elevation we were taking to reach here. I love high points and the view that comes from there. Paro Museum didn’t disappoint us. The view of Paro Valley, the flowing river and earlier not to visible expanse of the city combined with the cool breeze at top filled us with happiness. It was exactly the place we wanted to be after a long ride. We took few clicks and then left for Paro Dzong which was a couple of mile downhill.

Paro Dzong

Dzongs are places of worship for royalties and hence have stricted codes. Tourists are not allowed to go in without following a strict dressing code - men with round coller tshirts or shorts are not allowed while women should cover their arms and legs appropriately. Paro Dzong is not even half of what we saw at Punakha but still majestis with a positive of being at high point. We were quickly in and out of the complex. We had time to cover the ancient temple our guide was taking about.

Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan

Kyichu Lhakhang was simple and elegant and worth our time. The temple speaks of the time it was erected and the surrounding hills add to the drama. We rotated the prayer wheels at the periphery of the temple and then entered. The interiors were ancient. There was a new prayer wheel getting painted and we enjoyed the fine brushwork that artists were engaged in.

View of Paro Valley Houses and Agricultural Land 

It was time to get back to hotel and enjoy its hospitality. The hotel was on the edge of a cliff overlooking the city of Paro and from this side the night view of Paro Dzong lighted up was truly remarkable. Next day was entirely dedicated to the Tiger’s Nest trail and we had no clue how we will fare on the 5 miles steep uphill trek.