Paro, Bhutan’s vibrant heart, pulsates with a modern rhythm. Uncover its soul: explore monasteries whispering tales of time, wander bustling markets overflowing with treasures, and breathe in the serenity that permeates the air.
N:B: If you want to see our experience in a Vlog Format, the link is here!
A Snowy Surprise on Dochu La Pass
After spending a blissful day in the fascinating Phobjhika Valley, we started our journey to Paro, Bhutan’s most happening city!
As we climbed up Dochu La Pass, everything turned into a beautiful snowy scene. Big snowflakes danced around us, sticking to my jacket like tiny, shiny stars. It felt like magic! We took loads of photos, laughed, and enjoyed the unexpected snowfall. But as the weather got worse, we knew we had to keep moving. Getting stuck in a snowstorm high in the mountains wasn’t part of the plan.
Finding Comfort at Sonam Yangkhil
Luckily, we found a cozy spot not far away. Sonam Yangkhil, a family-run restaurant, was like a warm hug. The place was so snug, and the food was just what we needed to warm up. Those hot, delicious bowls of food tasted extra good!
This little surprise was a real treat. When we walked in, the family running the restaurant greeted us with big smiles. The Bhutanese dishes we tried were amazing – full of flavor and unlike anything we’d ever tasted. With every bite, we felt grateful for their hospitality and got a whole new love for Bhutanese food.
Arriving in Paro: A Friendly Welcome
Getting to Paro felt like a big win. The Pema Yangsel Hotel, where we were staying, welcomed us warmly with hot tea – exactly what we needed after a long journey.
The Pema Yangsel Hotel, with its traditional Bhutanese style and comfy rooms, became our home in Paro. Sipping on hot tea, we forgot all about the tiredness from travelling and got excited about all the adventures waiting for us.
Changing Plans in Paro
The next day wasn’t as sunny. Our plan to visit Chelela Pass was off – no point going if we couldn’t see the mountains! So, we changed our plans and explored Paro town instead. The National Museum of Bhutan was super interesting, and full of cool stuff from the past. Later, we stood at a spot with a view of the Paro Valley, where the Paro Chhu River looked like a shiny ribbon against the green landscape. Even though we were bummed about missing Chelela Pass, we decided to go with the flow. The National Museum turned out to be a real find.
Walking through it felt like going back in time, learning all about Bhutan’s rich culture and history. The fancy masks, religious paintings, and old stuff from way back when gave us a real sense of what Bhutan was like before. And when the clouds cleared a bit, showing us the Paro Valley below, we were blown away by how beautiful it was.
Seeing a Cool Moment at Paro Airport
But the coolest thing happened when we watched a plane land at Paro Airport. This airport is famous for being tricky to land at because it’s in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains. Seeing the pilot expertly guide the plane to a smooth landing was so exciting. We clapped and cheered with the other tourists, all amazed by the pilot’s skill and the amazing view.
Exploring History at Tachog Lhakhang
Later on, we visited Tachog Lhakhang, a temple perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. It was built way back in the 14th century by Thang Tong Gyal, a big name in Bhutanese history. They say he built the temple after having a vision of Guru Padmasambhava. The hike up was a bit tough, but the view from the top was totally worth it. Looking out at the valley bathed in sunlight made us feel so peaceful.
Checking Out Local Life at the Paro Market
After spending an awesome time exploring the outskirts of Paro, we returned to the town! The centre of Paro is a vibrant marketplace with plenty of shops of various stuff and beautiful cafes! We spent our evening here and did some shopping, mostly buying souvenirs for friends and family! One disappointing thing to see is loads of cheap Chinese stuff! We found many such items in Nepal as well!
We felt hungry and tired after a full day of excursion, especially as the temperature was dropping thick and fast! So found a cozy corner of the famous mountain cafe for dinner! After that, we returned to the hotel and called it a day!
Tomorrow will be a tough day as we shall trek to the famous Tigers Nest Monastery!
The Urban Nomad 