Paro is where nearly every international trip to Bhutan begins, with one of the world’s most dramatic airport approaches. The town is small and attractive, and its valley holds Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum and, on a cliff high above the forest, Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest.
The Tiger’s Nest hike is the emblem of a Bhutan trip. Most walkers take around four to six hours for the return trip. Do it at the end of your visit, when you are used to the altitude.
Top things to do at Paro
Hike to Tiger’s Nest
Start early, take your time and carry water. Ponies are often available for the first section.
See Rinpung Dzong
A fine fortress above the river, and home to a famous spring festival.
Try a hot stone bath
A traditional way to soothe your legs after the hike.
How to get to Paro
- Paro has Bhutan’s international airport. Punakha is usually around four hours away by road, via Thimphu and Dochula.
Insider tips
- Keep your Tiger’s Nest day near the end of the trip.
- Sit on the side your airline or crew suggests for mountain views.
- Confirm your onward flight before leaving Punakha.
Tours that suit Paro
These real listings are the closest match for Paro. Check each itinerary:
Day tour from $88 From Paro/Thimphu: Tiger’s Nest Hike & Hot Stone Bath
Not a Punakha tour, but a useful add-on for your Paro days. A day tour does not replace your visa or SDF, so you need those arranged first.
- Pickup in Paro or Thimphu
- Tiger’s Nest hike
- Optional traditional hot stone bath, reported as a small extra cost
Multi-day tour Bhutan: All-Inclusive 3 or 4-Day Tour with Tiger’s Nest Hike
A short western Bhutan trip focused on Tiger’s Nest. The shorter version may not reach Punakha, so read the itinerary closely if the valley is why you are going.
- Short trip built around Tiger’s Nest
- Choice of three or four days
- Check whether Punakha is included
Multi-day tour Bhutan: 3-Night 4-Day Tour with Tiger’s Nest Monastery
A compact option for western Bhutan. Treat it as a Paro and Thimphu trip unless the listing clearly shows a Punakha night.
- Three nights in western Bhutan
- Tiger’s Nest monastery
- Dochula pass appears on some short itineraries: confirm
