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Tiger's Nest monastery clinging to a cliff
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About Paro
Taktsang Monastery clings to a cliff 3,120 metres high, accessible by a scenic 3-hour hike through pine forests—one of Asia's most spectacular Buddhist sites. Legend says Guru Rinpoche flew on a tigress to meditate in this cave. The monastery's white walls and golden roofs seem suspended between earth and sky. Paro Valley below is Bhutan's most developed area.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Language
Dzongkha, English
Things to do in Paro
Trekking 3 hours to Taktsang Tiger's Nest Monastery at cliff edge
Meditating in the monastery's inner sanctum with monks chanting
Visiting Paro's Bhutanese architecture museum (Dungtse Lhakhang)
Trekking the Druk Path Trek (5-6 days) departing Paro across passes
Staying in traditional farmhouses (homestays) in Paro Valley
Eating Bhutanese archery matches and traditional cuisine in farmhouse meals
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
12C
Cool, with some rainy days.
February
13C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
March
15C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
April
18C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
May
20C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
June
22C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
July
22C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
August
23C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
September
22C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
October
19C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
November
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
December
14C
Cool, with occasional showers.
Paro is best known as the home of Bhutan's only international airport and of Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery, which clings to a cliff face above the Paro valley and is reached via a steep but spectacular hike through pine forest. The town itself, with its traditional wooden shopfronts and the imposing Rinpung Dzong overlooking the river, sits in a wide, fertile valley that offers some of the most picturesque scenery in the country even before reaching the famous monastery.
Best areas to stay in Paro
Paro Town
The small town centre with traditional shopfronts, restaurants and the main accommodation.
Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) area
The trailhead and surrounding forested hillside leading up to the famous cliffside monastery.
Rinpung Dzong / Paro valley
The fortress overlooking the river and the wider farming valley around it.
Drukgyel Dzong
Ruins of a historic fortress at the head of the valley, with views toward the Bhutan-Tibet border peaks on clear days.
Getting to Paro
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Flights
Paro International Airport is Bhutan's only international airport, with a famously scenic approach through the Himalayas.
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From London
Flights connect via India, Nepal, Thailand or Bangladesh.
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Getting around
Taxis cover the town and valley; the Tiger's Nest and other sites require hiking or short drives plus walking.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Tiger's Nest hike take?
Round trip typically takes 4-6 hours including time at the monastery, with a steep climb of around 900m in elevation gain.
When is the best time to visit Paro?
March to May and September to November offer the best weather for the Tiger's Nest hike and clear valley views.
What else is there to see in Paro besides Tiger's Nest?
Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum, and the traditional architecture of Paro town itself, set in a scenic farming valley.
Do I need a guide for the Tiger's Nest hike?
While the trail itself is well-marked, most visitors are accompanied by their licensed guide as part of an organised Bhutan itinerary.
Is Paro a good base for the whole trip?
Many itineraries use Paro as a start/end point given the airport, with Thimphu and other valleys visited as day trips or onward stops.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The Tiger's Nest hike was tough but absolutely worth it — the monastery genuinely looks like it's glued to the cliff. The flight in over the mountains to Paro airport was an experience in itself.
Owen T. · October 2024
★★★★★
Paro valley is stunning even without the famous monastery — rice paddies, traditional farmhouses and the dzong by the river. Took our time on the hike with plenty of stops and it felt very manageable.
Pema L. · April 2024
★★★★☆
Started early to avoid the worst of the crowds at Tiger's Nest and had much of the lower trail to ourselves. Rinpung Dzong in town was also a highlight, especially with the mountains as a backdrop.
Grace H. · November 2023
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