Classic Bhutan · Cultural Tours · Easy
The Western Valleys
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Dochula
- Punakha
- …
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the glacial valley of Phobjikha — the classic first journey through Bhutan, paced with room to breathe.
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Western Bhutan · 2,200 m
Paro
Where almost every journey begins — and where many guests wish they had stayed longer.
A broad, fertile valley of red-rice fields and farmhouses, home to the country's only international airport, the National Museum and the Tiger's Nest.
Most visitors meet Bhutan in Paro, and it makes a gentle introduction. The aircraft banks between forested ridges, lands on a runway laid along the valley floor, and within minutes you are driving past whitewashed farmhouses with wooden window frames, chillies drying on the roofs and prayer flags snapping above the river.
The valley is wide by Bhutanese standards, which gives it an open, pastoral feel. Rice is grown on terraces right up to the edge of town, and the old fortress of Rinpung Dzong looks down over a main street that still has more archery shops than cafés.
Paro deserves more than an airport transfer. We like to begin journeys here with a slow first day — the museum, the dzong, a walk across the cantilever bridge — and to return at the end for the Tiger’s Nest, a farmhouse dinner and a hot stone bath before your flight home.
Things to see
- 01
Taktsang — the Tiger's Nest
The cliff-face monastery 900 metres above the valley floor, reached by a forest trail with a teahouse halfway.
- 02
Rinpung Dzong
A seventeenth-century fortress above the Paro Chhu, crossed by a traditional cantilever bridge. Home to the spring tshechu.
- 03
National Museum (Ta Dzong)
Housed in and beside a round watchtower, with galleries of masks, thangkas, textiles and natural history.
- 04
Kyichu Lhakhang
One of the oldest temples in the kingdom, traditionally dated to the seventh century, with orange trees in the courtyard.
- 05
Drukgyel Dzong
The restored ruin of a fortress that once guarded the trade route to Tibet, with views towards Jomolhari on clear days.
- 06
Dzongdrakha
A cluster of small temples on a cliff above Bondey — a quieter, shorter alternative walk to Taktsang.
Things to do
- Hike to the Tiger's Nest, ideally towards the end of your trip once you are acclimatised
- Soak in a traditional hot stone bath at a farmhouse
- Cycle the quiet roads past rice fields to Drukgyel
- Watch an archery match on a village ground
- Browse the weekend vegetable market by the river
- Walk the two-day Bumdra trek for a night camping above the valley
Local tips
- We usually schedule the Tiger's Nest hike near the end of your stay — your legs and lungs will thank you.
- Start the hike early to walk in shade and avoid the busiest hours.
- Ponies can carry you part of the way up, but everyone walks down.
- Flights into Paro are among the most scenic in the world: request a seat on the left heading in from Delhi or Kathmandu for Himalayan views.
Journeys that include Paro
Classic Bhutan · Cultural Tours · Easy
Bhutan in Brief
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Paro
Four nights, three valleys and the Tiger's Nest — a focused introduction for travellers short on time.
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Cultural Tours · Classic Bhutan · Easy
Into the Cultural Heartland
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- …
West to centre — from Paro across the Black Mountains to Trongsa and the ancient temples of Bumthang.
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