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Paro’s offbeat experiences provide a different perspective on Bhutan. Exploring these places takes you beyond the usual tourist routes and into experiences that feel more personal and immersive. From quiet monasteries high up in the hills to lesser-known hiking trails and local villages, there are many offbeat things to do in Paro. These offbeat activities allow one to explore Bhutan differently, away from the crowds, and engage with its culture meaningfully. In this blog, we will discover the most fascinating offbeat things in Paro and appreciate Bhutan’s cultural diversity.
Top 10 Offbeat Things To Do In Paro
Here are ten lesser-known and offbeat but equally fascinating activities you should explore in Paro:
1. Experience Kyichu Lhakhang Temple
Photo: Romarin07 / Wikimedia Commons
Built around the 7th century, Kyichu Lhakhang, unlike other popular temples, provides a quiet space and allows for deeper spiritual reflection within the temple complex. Many monks and pilgrims visit to meditate, making it an excellent place to experience Bhutanese Buddhist culture in its purest form. The temple is also believed to have been useful in pinning down an ogress obstructing Buddhism in the Himalayas by an ancient Bhutanese king.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
2. Explore The Untouched Beauty Of Haa Valley
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Haa Valley remains one of Bhutan’s least-visited regions, making it ideal for those who want to experience rural life without crowds. The valley is home to traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, ancient temples, and sacred forests. Visitors can hike through its remote trails, interact with locals, and learn about the valley’s rich folklore, including the legend of the protective white and black temples. Unlike more tourist-heavy areas, Haa Valley preserves its centuries-old way of life, offering an authentic glimpse into Bhutanese traditions and customs.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Location: Southwest of Paro
3. Traverse The Majestic Chele La Pass
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Chele La Pass is one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes and travelling here is one of the offbeat things to do in Paro. The pass connects Paro and Haa Valley and is known for its fluttering prayer flags and changing landscapes. The road to the pass winds through dense forests, offering an ever-changing landscape. Those who arrive early in the morning can witness locals performing rituals and hoisting prayer flags for blessings.
Ideal Trip Duration: 10 – 12 hours
Location: Between Paro and Haa Valley
4. Cross The Historic Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The 15th-century iron chain bridge built by Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo is not just a crossing but a piece of history. With its swaying structure and centuries-old iron links, the bridge leads to the small Tachogang Lhakhang Temple. Unlike modern bridges, walking across this one feels like stepping back in time, connecting visitors with Bhutan’s ancient engineering and spiritual legacy. It is one of Bhutan’s few surviving iron chain bridges, making it a rare glimpse into medieval Himalayan engineering.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Location: En route from Paro to Thimphu
5. Visit The Secluded Kila Goempa Nunnery
Photo: Darpan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kila Goempa is one of Bhutan’s oldest nunneries and visiting it is one of the offbeat things to do in Paro. Unlike some well-known monasteries, this remains a living centre of meditation and scholarship for Buddhist nuns. Tourists can hike up a wooded trail to get to it, where they can see prayers said each day and absorb the peaceful daily life of Bhutanese nuns, away from the more commercialised religious centres. The hike provides a glimpse into the isolated existence of the nuns who commit to Buddhist scriptures in the mountains.
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day trip
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Near Chele La Pass
6. Discover The Cliffside Dzongdrakha Monastery
Photo: Christopher Michel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Often called the “Mini Tiger’s Nest,” Dzongdrakha Monastery is built along a dramatic cliffside. While the famous Tiger’s Nest is always crowded, this monastery offers similar views and architectural style without the long hike or tourist rush. The monastery has a peaceful atmosphere where monks continue their traditional practices, and the surrounding forest paths make for a great short trek. The site also features ancient statues and relics, which many visitors miss due to its lower tourist footfall.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Included in the general tourism tariff
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Near Bondey village, Paro
7. Uncover The Mysteries Of Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This chorten-shaped temple, built in 1421 by the legendary bridge-builder Thangtong Gyalpo, stands out for its unusual structure. The three-tiered design represents hell, earth, and heaven, and walking through its dark interior passages is said to purify past sins. The temple also houses murals depicting Buddhist cosmology, making it a fascinating place for those interested in Bhutan’s spiritual traditions. Unlike most temples, its interior passageways form a three-dimensional mandala, offering a rare architectural experience.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Entry Fee: Included in the general tourism tariff
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Between Paro and Dopchari valleys
8. Embark On A Yeti Search Operation In Trashigang
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn / Wikimedia Commons
Trashigang is known for its remote and rugged landscapes, and for those intrigued by Bhutanese folklore, it offers a rare opportunity to search for the mythical Yeti. Many locals believe the creature inhabits these forests, and trekking through the region is one of the great offbeat things to do in Paro. The local elders share accounts of Yeti sightings, making it an engaging adventure steeped in Bhutanese mythology.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Timings: Depends on trekking schedules
Location: Trashigang District
9. Explore The Ancient Dobji Dzong
Photo: Stephen Shephard / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dobji Dzong, built in 1531, is Bhutan’s first model dzong and remains lesser known than others. Once a prison, it has an eerie and mysterious aura. The dzong’s location offers panoramic views, and its ancient corridors still hold remnants of its past. Unlike more famous dzongs, this one has fewer visitors, allowing a more personal and immersive experience. The dzong’s remote setting and preserved interiors make it an intriguing visit for history enthusiasts.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Between Paro and Thimphu
10. Visit The Sacred Temple Of The Divine Madman
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, a saint known for his unorthodox teachings, the temple of Divine Madman, often called, is surrounded by murals of phallic symbols, believed to ward off evil. The Chimi Lhakhang temple has many couples visiting seeking fertility blessings, as the temple is said to grant children to those who pray here. Unlike other temples, its bold artwork and humorous legends make it a rare blend of spirituality and folklore, visiting this temple, one of the best offbeat things to do in Paro.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Sopsokha Hamlet, Punakha
Exploring the offbeat things to do in Paro lets you experience Bhutan beyond the usual tourist routes. From quiet monasteries to scenic trails, these hidden gems offer a deeper look into the country’s culture and history. Step away from the crowds and discover a more personal and authentic side of Paro. Start planning your adventure with TripXL for a hassle-free and unforgettable journey.
Cover Photo: Ugyen Tenzin / Unsplash
