Himalayan Footsteps

Paro Holidays

Destinations

Paro is a charming little town in the valley of Paro river and home to the only airport of Bhutan. Its most remarkable feature is the imposing Dzong, which towers over the village with its massive walls, visible from far away.

Paro DzongParo is home to many cultural highlights of the country. The jewel of them all is Taktsang monastery. An excursion to there is one of the highlights of a visit to Bhutan and not to be missed! It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months.

Rinpung Dzong, the ‘Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’, was built in 1646 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. Paro DzongApart from commanding a slightly elevated strategic point overlooking the longest stretch of the Paro valley, Rinpung Dzong is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs in the valley. It now houses the district administration offices and Paro’s monastic community. It is also an architectural wonder, setting the tone for official dzongs throughout the Kingdom and inviting the visitor to wonder at the cultural strength of the Kingdom’s heritage.

Ta Dzong was built in 1651 as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong, and since 1968 is home to the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artefacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection.

Further up the valley you will find Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, its towering outer walls are still an imposing sight. From here on a clear day you will have a splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari.

Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. It was built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.

Paro treks and tours

  • Chomolhari Trek

    Chomolhari Trek

    12 days for £2182 per person

    The eight-day trek will take you through the ever-changing landscape of Bhutan: Through fields and forests, valleys and hills, passing villages and traditional yak herders. Discover the whole variety of Bhutan on this holiday! click to view details

  • Nepal-Bhutan Tour

    Nepal-Bhutan Tour

    21 days for £3658 per person

    Travel to Asia and see two countries in one tour. Discover Nepal and Bhutan. Experience the culture by taking part in two of Bhutan’s colourful festivals, visit major sights and remote villages. click to view details

  • India & Bhutan

    India & Bhutan

    15 days for £2667 per person

    Visit the country of finest tea and majestic mountains before heading overland to the last Shangri-La on earth. This tour package combines India and Bhutan on a unique journey. click to view details

  • Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

    Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

    13 days for £2370 per person

    On this moderate trek in Bhutan you will have spectacular mountain views, fish for trouts in picturesce lakes, encounter Bhutanese flora and fauna. Before and after the trek you will have a cultural programme with the main sights of Paro and Thimphu. click to view details

  • Bumthang Cultural Trek

    Bumthang Cultural Trek

    11 days for £1993 per person

    Visit the heartland of religion in Bhutan and see the country’s oldest monasteries and temples on this three-day trek. Before and after the trek experience a cultural programme of the countries major towns and sights. click to view details

  • An Odyssey Of Bhutan

    An Odyssey Of Bhutan

    11 days for £1993 per person

    Immerse into the rich culture of the Kingdom of Bhutan! Our travel will take you around the country’s sights, show you traditions and customs. Get to know Bhutanese food and handicraft, learn about festivals and religion and marvel at the untouched nature. click to view details

  • Haa Valley in Bhutan

    Haa Valley in Bhutan

    8 days for £1428 per person

    This tour will show you the most popular attractions of Bhutan, including the famous “Tiger’s Nest” monastery. You will also visit the Haa Valley: one of the country’s undiscovered jewels. It is also known as the “Hidden-Land Rice Valley” and features a rugged, mountaineous landscape. click to view details

  • Essence Of Bhutan

    Essence Of Bhutan

    5 days for £862 per person

    Experience culture, religion and traditions of Bhutan on this holiday package to the major places to visit in the country of gross national happiness. This is a short tour that can perfectly be combined with a stay in one of the neighbouring countries India, Nepal or Tibet. click to view details

#

Get our brochure

Click below to request a copy

Always wanted to go to the Himalayas?
Contact us now

Share online

“Our holiday with Himalayan Footsteps was very well organised. We always felt safe, got good advice and the team have been truly great, helping us have possibly the best holiday we’ve ever had.”