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Paro is a town known for its farmlands, ancient fortresses, and traditions that reflect Bhutanese culture. There are many things to do in Paro beyond sightseeing, like rafting down the river, hiking through mountain trails, or participating in local customs that have been passed down for generations. The town offers a mix of adventure and cultural experiences, giving visitors a deeper connection to Bhutan’s way of life. In this blog, we will discover some of Paro’s best things to do and explore the Bhutanese way of life.
Top 10 Things To Do In Paro
Here are the top things to do and explore in Paro for an enriching experience during your next visit to Paro, Bhutan:
1. River Rafting On The Mo Chhu And Pho Chhu Rivers
Photo: L Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons
Rafting on the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu Rivers is a great way to experience Bhutan’s landscapes from the water. These rivers have a mix of calm stretches and faster rapids, making them suitable for both beginners and those looking for a bit more excitement. As you paddle downstream, you’ll pass through forests, remote villages, and rocky gorges. The water is clear, and the views of the mountains make the ride even more enjoyable. Unlike busier rafting spots, Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu offer a quieter setting, making the trip feel more personal.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Cost: ₹2,500
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: Punakha, Bhutan
2. Engage In Traditional Archery
Photo: nimrod sheinman / Unsplash
Archery is more than just Bhutan’s national sport—it’s a lively cultural event. Participating in or watching a traditional archery match in Paro is an experience that goes beyond competition. Locals engage in friendly banter, sing victory songs, and perform dances between shots. The bows used are crafted with precision, often from bamboo or modern materials, and hitting the target from a long distance is considered an art. Unlike conventional sports arenas, these matches take place in open fields with no barriers, fostering a communal atmosphere.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Changlimithang Stadium, Paro, Bhutan
3. Experience The Paro Tsechu Festival
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The Paro Tsechu Festival is one of Bhutan’s most significant religious events, drawing both locals and visitors. Over several days, monks perform masked dances that depict Buddhist teachings, while families gather in their best traditional clothing to receive blessings. The giant thangka (religious painting) is believed to cleanse viewers of their past sins. Unlike festivals designed for tourists, Paro Tsechu remains deeply tied to spirituality and community traditions, making it an important cultural experience.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 5 days
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Location: Rinpung Dzong, Paro, Bhutan
4. Paddle Through Paro Chhu’s Waters
Photo: Zachary Collier / Wikimedia Commons
Kayaking in Paro offers a different way to experience Bhutan’s landscape. The Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers have routes suited for both beginners and experienced kayakers. As you paddle downstream, you’ll pass monasteries built on cliffs, traditional villages, and stretches of untouched forest. Unlike the more popular trekking routes, kayaking lets you explore the area from the water, offering a sense of adventure and discovery.
Ideal Trip Duration: 8 – 12 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: Wang Chhu River, Paro, Bhutan
5. Relax In Natural Hot Springs
Photo: mystraysoul / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Bhutanese hot stone baths, known as “dotsho,” have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. The water is heated by river stones, which crack upon contact with the heat, releasing essential minerals. Locals believe these baths can relieve joint pain and improve circulation. Many resorts and traditional homes in Paro offer this experience, often in a wooden tub surrounded by nature. Unlike commercial spas, these baths are rooted in Bhutanese wellness traditions, offering a deeply relaxing and culturally rich experience.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Location: Gasa Hot Springs, Paro, Bhutan
6. Trek To Kila Gompa Nunnery
Photo: Pragyan Bezbaruah / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kila Gompa Nunnery, known as Kila Dechen Yangtse, is Bhutan’s oldest nunnery. It serves as a serene retreat for Buddhist nuns dedicated to meditation and spiritual practice. The trek to Kila Gompa begins near Chele La Pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable point. It winds through dense pine forests, offering panoramic views of the Paro Valley and surrounding Himalayan ranges.
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Location: Near Chele La Pass, Paro, Bhutan
7. Cycle Through Mountain Trails
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Mountain biking in Paro offers an exhilarating way to explore Bhutan’s diverse terrains, from lush valleys to rugged hillsides. Riders can traverse ancient trade routes and secluded trails that pass through traditional villages, dense forests, and terraced farmlands. One notable route includes trails near Chele La Pass, which provides challenging ascents and rewarding descents with beautiful views of the Himalayan landscape. These paths, less frequented by tourists, allow cyclists to immerse themselves in Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Ideal Trip Duration: 8 – 12 hours
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Location: Paro Valley Trails, Paro, Bhutan
8. Try Game Fishing
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Bhutan’s rivers, including the Paro Chhu, are home to species like snow trout, making them ideal for game fishing enthusiasts. The practice is strictly catch-and-release, reflecting Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation. Anglers can enjoy interacting with local communities and learning about traditional fishing methods. This activity is a peaceful getaway from the more frequented tourist paths, allowing for personal reflection and connection with Bhutan’s serene landscapes.
Ideal Trip Duration: 8 – 12
Timings: 6 AM – 4 PM
Location: Paro Chhu, Paro, Bhutan
9. Conquer Bhutan’s Rock Faces
Photo: Riccardo / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Rock climbing in Paro is an emerging adventure sport, attracting climbers to its natural rock formations that offer routes suitable for various skill levels. One notable area is “The Nose,” known for its challenging landscapes and the adventure of ascending the granite cliffs, which is a challenge that mountain climbers enjoy. The thrill of climbing has the added element of a topography view and physical challenge of ascension, complementing the religious and cultural ones for which Bhutan is so famous.
Ideal Trip Duration: 12 – 16 hours
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Location: The Nose Climbing Area, Paro, Bhutan
10. Learn Traditional Arts At A Local Institute
Photo: Isaac Gyamfi Assumeng / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One can learn to immerse oneself in the rich cultural tradition of Bhutan’s arts at local institutes at Paro, such as the one in Thimphu called the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. These offer one hands-on experience in old crafts like painting thangkas, woodcarvings, and weaving. Participating in this creative process not only increases the appreciation for Bhutanese culture but also aids in conserving these ancient arts.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Location: National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Paro, Bhutan
Paro is a place to experience Bhutan’s culture, history, and adventure firsthand. From exploring ancient monasteries and immersing in local traditions, to doing adventure activities like hiking or river rafting, there are plenty of things to do in Paro. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Paro, let TripXL help you plan your trip filled with experiences you are unlikely to find in a guidebook.
Cover Photo: Pema Gyamtsho / Unspalsh
