Paro Valley

Paro Valley has played an important role in the history of Bhutan. The valley had close relations with Tibet, which meant the establishment of several important buildings in the region. These monuments still hold immense cultural value not only for Paro Valley but also for the whole country.

Prominent tourist attractions in Paro Valley are given below:

Natural Beauty
Serene natural beauty of the valley seems to fill the viewers' heart with joy. Phobjika glacier in the valley has been declared by the government a protected area. The glacier is unaffected by the pollution, contrary to many other other glaiers across the world. Black Mountain National Park is the home of some rare creatures. Craggy mountains and undisturbed calm are the highlights of the Paro valley.

Rinpung Dzong
Overlooking Paro town is Rinpung Dzong, an elegant and harmonious structure. Rinpung Dzong provides fascinating view of Paro valley. The fortress is located on a knoll across the Paro Chu river. All type of religious and social activities in the valley are controlled by Rinpung Dzong.

Ta Dzong
Castle shaped Ta Dzong is located on the high hillside in the vicinity of Rinpung Dzong. Ta Dzong hosts Bhutan's national museum which houses invaluable national heritage. The museum is very intriguing for the people interested in the nation's heritage. During the inter-valley wars in the 17th century, the place was a watch tower erected to defend Rinpung Dzong.

Taktsang Monastery
Taktsang Monastery is the place where Guru Rimponche meditated over thousand years ago. Guru Rimponche had arrived here from Tibet. The monastery suffered a terrible fire in 1998 which damaged the monastery's medieval wall painting and intter temple. The monastery campus also has cafetria.

Druguel Dzong
Druguel Dzong, which could be translated in English the Victorious Fortress, is located on the northern part of the valley. During the 17th century, several Tibetan armies on victory march were repelled by the Bhutanese.