A Journey to Bhutan- The Land of Happiness-4

I hope you must have enjoyed the journey so far, read the previous post here.

This time i take you to Paro:planned, unplanned, I spent 3 days in Paro and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Paro is one of those places where you have plenty to do. If you are taking the aerial route this is where you will land and believe me the landing will be exciting.

Things to do in Paro

1. Trek to Taktsang Monastery: If you are in Bhutan and relatively fit, you can not afford to miss this monastery. Located at almost 3000m, it was an experience I will always remember throughout my life. I had never imagined such a magnificent place sandwiched in mountains.Once you reach the place, deposit your bags and camera and climb the stairs to the monastery, you reach a place which is so quiet and equally majestic. I sat by the window in the prayer hall, closed my eyes and meditated. As the legend goes  Taktshang (Tiger’s lair) evolved form 747 AD when Guru Padmasmbhava chose a cave on a sheer rock face to meditate and, assuming a wrathful form, Guru Dorji Drolo, astride a tigress, subdued the evil spirits n the locality. Taktshang thus became one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the Himalayan Buddhist world.

2. Paro Dzong and Museam: 

Paro Dzong and museum is something you will never miss as it marks the entrance to the small city of Paro and can be seen from quite far. The entrance to the Dzong is so enchanting, you cross a medieval bridge over a beautiful river. You walk in a garden to the series of steps to the Dzong. Enjoy the architecture and the magnificent view of the city from here. Carry your lenses and take some good clicks. It was formerly the meeting hall for the National Assembly and now, like most dzongs, houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts.The museum is located further up from the monastery and has an entrance ticket, like other museams you will not be allowed to carry cameras and mobile phones.

Note that you can go to the museum and Dzong by taxi as well but that fun of seeing a place in slow motion is always on the walk.

3)Chele La pass:

Many people do a day trip to Chele La and back . You can do a round trip on a taxi, spend good time at the pass and come back. It will be a good 4-5 hour activity. At the Chele La also you could explore one of the trails and probably plan a trip to Haa valley and back. I had done the pass while travelling from Ha valley to Paro . Chele la (pass) at an elevation 13000 ft asl is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour’s drive from Paro as it passes through lush valleys, pine and rhododendron forest. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Places to eat in Paro

We explored a lot of places to eat as the there are so many varied options both on the market road and on the road parallel to the market road. The road parallel to the market road has more of pubs and some high end resturants while the market road has a mix of hotels and restaurants. I mention below a list of great places to eat, special mention to Biroche Cafe which has cakes made by a 5 star chef and worth a try.

1. Biroche Cafe(Try the cheese cake)
2. Sonam Cafe(Momos)
3. All season cafe (Try the Ema Datse and peanut masala)
4. Yegyel Cafe (It had amazing Thai food )

Places to stay: 

I stayed at 2 places which i Booked through MMT. 1)Hotel Dorje Ling – Would advice not to book this place. 2)Khamsum hotel- It is a business hotel and one of the best in our stay, please go for this.