| Paro City Tour Guide - Bhutan |
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Paro Facts:
• Area 19.54 sq. km
• Population 203,065
• Altitude Sea Level
• Languages Tamil, French, English
• Best Time to Visit October to March
• STD Code 0413 |
If you are coming to Bhutan by air then Paro is going to be your introduction to this small and beautiful country in Himalaya. Situated in the Paro Valley of Eastern Himalaya, the town is full of legends, heroism, and natural splendour. Though, the capital of Bhutan is Thimphu, but for a longer time of the history Paro had the control of this part of the country. The town is located at an altitude of 2,250 m above the sea level with river flowing gently on its side and making it the most beautiful valley in the country. Visit Paro in the spring and see for yourself what a Kaleidoscope of striking colours this place presents.
Bhutan in some way is the only country left in the world still untouched by the hazards of modern world's so called material development. This phenomenon, has made this country an unforgettable place to explore and giving you access to some of the most exclusive trekking routes in the world. Sightseeing, trekking, hiking, and nature and bird watching are some of the activities in Paro Valley that would have a rejuvenating effect on you.
History
Paro is a place full of legends and history and events which marked the beginning of great cultural heritage of the country. According to legends, Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) came on the back of a tigress to Paro in AD 761, bringing with him the teachings of Buddha from Tibet. Guru Rimpoche established the most important religious site in Bhutan, the Taktsang Lhakang or Tiger's Nest near Paro. Religious leaders of Paro controlled Western Bhutan for quite a long time and Nyingmapa School established by Guru Rimpoche gave great monks and able leaders (the present monarchy also belongs to same school). Sgabdrung Ngwang Namgyal arrived in Bhutan in 1616 from Tibet and established the dual system of governance here that remained in place till the beginning of last century. At the end of 19th century Penlop of Paro was defeated by Penlop of central and eastern Bhutan, who later became the first king of the country.
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How to get there
Air
Paro International Airport is the gateway to the country connected by national carrier Druk Air with Calcutta, Kathmandu, New Delhi, Dhaka, and Bangkok. The airline has only two aircraft with 72 seats each.
Road
Paro is connected to Thimphu, the capital, with an all weather road. Public transport is served by the buses which are often crowded and you are advised not to use them. More often than not, you will visit Bhutan through a travel agency recognised by government of Bhutan. Make sure that your guide is waiting for you at the airport with the transport
Best time to visit
Paro is the part of a country that displays more climatic changes in a small area than any other part of the world. While the day temperature in this region can go up to 15.50ºC, night temperature can go below the freezing point. Spring, mid - December to mid - January, is a beautiful experience here with clear blue sky and dry climate. Summer (May - August) is warm and wet and visibility is very low during this season. Autumn, October through November, is very mild with clear skies. The best time to visit Paro is spring when weather is at its best and blooming colours of nature makes it an unimaginable destination.
Dining Out
Most of the good restaurants in Bhutan are located in the hotels only, as the standard of food outside is bad to pathetic. Buffet is the preferable way of eating in these restaurants. Local cuisine is combination of north Indian and Tibetan cuisines mixed with red-hot chilly rich dishes of Bhutan
Shopping
Weekend bazaars and small shops sell precious stones brought from Tibet and India, local weaving products, local vegetables and fruits, antique silverware, and old Tibetan coins. To export the antique items from Bhutan, government certification is required.
Tourist Offices
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