Paro
Paro's airport is Bhutan's main international gateway, and many trips begin with a walk to Tiger's Nest, a monastery built into a cliff.
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Paro is a district in western Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom between India and China. Its valley holds rice fields, farmhouses with painted window frames, and the town of Paro, where many visitors arrive by air and begin their time in the country. The valley's landmark is Paro Dzong, a 17th-century fortress-monastery that still houses monks and the district administration.
The best-known sight is Paro Taktsang, or Tiger's Nest, a monastery built into a cliff about 900 meters above the valley floor. The round trip on foot takes most of a half day, so plan a morning or afternoon for it, and bring water and a layer. Paro suits travelers who want temples, farm walks and mountain views without long daily drives. Spring and autumn bring the clearest skies and mild weather, and two or three nights is enough for the valley.
Paro in five
- Book through a licensed operatorBhutan does not admit independent tourists, so your visa, guide, driver and hotels are arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator before you arrive.Visas and entry
- Carry cash in ngultrum and rupeesCarry cash for small purchases, since many places outside the hotels do not take cards. Indian rupee notes are widely accepted alongside the ngultrum.Money and costs
- Dress modestly for dzongs and templesLong sleeves and trousers or a long skirt are expected inside dzongs and temples. Ask your guide about the local dress rules before you visit.
- Wear proper shoes for TaktsangThe trail to Tiger's Nest climbs steeply through forest at high altitude. Carry water and a layer, and wear shoes with grip.
- Ask before photographing inside templesPhotography is not allowed in many temple and dzong interiors. Your guide will tell you where it is permitted, and it is best to ask first.
Things to do in Paro
See all attractions in Paro
Need to know
- Currency
- Ngultrum (BTN); Indian rupees widely accepted
- Entry
- Most visitors need a visa arranged by a licensed tour operator Read more
- Emergency
- Ask your tour operator or hotel for local emergency numbers
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+6, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, clear
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchSpring festivals
- AprilRhododendron season
- MayWarm, clear
- JuneMonsoon begins
- JulyMonsoon, wet
- AugustMonsoon, wet
- SeptemberClear, mild
- OctoberAutumn, clear
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, quiet
Right now in Paro
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
7
- Feels like
- 6°
- Humidity
- 94%
- Wind
- 8 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 2%
Paro
02:40 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today15°2°2%Tuesday: Fog. High 15°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Wed15°2°0%Wednesday: Fog. High 15°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu15°2°6%Thursday: Fog. High 15°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Fri13°1°25%Friday: Fog. High 13°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 25%.
- Sat12°2°33%Saturday: Drizzle. High 12°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 33%.
- Sun13°0°6%Sunday: Clear. High 13°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Mon13°-2°2%Monday: Clear. High 13°, Low -2°. Chance of rain 2%.
Updated 10:48 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 95.02 BTN
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Thimphuabout 1.5 to 2 hours by roadBhutan's capital, with the Memorial Chorten and a weekend market.
- Punakhaabout 3 to 4 hours by roadPunakha Dzong sits between two rivers.
- Haa Valleyabout 2 to 3 hours by roadA quiet valley reached over Chele La, one of the highest roads in Bhutan.
Before you go to Paro
Rules for Paro, checked
- Bhutan admits tourists only through a licensed operator. Check the Tourism Council of Bhutan site before you book anything.Source
- Photography is not allowed in many temples and dzongs. Ask your guide where it is permitted before you take a picture inside.
- Dzongs and temples expect modest dress and hats off inside. Confirm the current dress rules with your tour operator before you arrive.
Plan around Paro
Entry, towns and routes across the country
Read the guideWhere to stayParo town, valley stays and the trailhead road
Read the guideMoney and cardsNgultrum, rupees and cash for small purchases
Read the guideVisas and entryHow the visa and tour booking fit together
Read the guideGetting aroundDriver, guide and road times between towns
Read the guidePhones and dataMobile networks and SIM options in Bhutan
Read the guideParo FAQ
Can I visit Paro on my own?
No. Tourists must travel with a licensed guide, and the trip is booked through a licensed tour operator before arrival.
How many days do you need in Paro?
Two to three days covers the Tiger's Nest hike, Paro Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Add a day for a drive to Thimphu or Punakha.
Is the Tiger's Nest hike hard?
It is steep and takes several hours round trip at high altitude. Allow half a day, carry water and go in shoes with grip.
What is the best time to visit Paro?
Spring (March to April) and autumn (September to October) have clear skies and mild days. Winter is cold but clear, and June to August is the wet monsoon season.
Do I need a visa for Bhutan?
Most visitors need a visa arranged by a licensed tour operator. Indian nationals follow different entry rules, so check with your operator.
Does Paro have an international airport?
Yes. Paro International is Bhutan's main international airport, served by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines.