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PARO |
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PARO (7,000 ft.) |
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The beautiful valley which encapsulates within itself rich
culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends is
home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temple and monasteries,
country’s only airport and the National Museum. Mt.
Chomolhari (7300 mtrs) resigns in white glory at the north
end of the valley and its glacial waters plunge through deep
gorges to form the Paro river. Paro is also one of the most
fertile valley in the kingdom producing a bulk of the famous
red rice from its terraced fields.
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WHAT TO SEE IN PARO:
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DRUKGYEL DZONG
This Dzong, with a
delightful village nestling at its foot was built in 1614 by
Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the
Tibetan invaders led by Mongolion Warlord, Gushri Khan.
Historically and strategically this dzong withstood all its
glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide National
Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained
even it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day one
can see the commanding view of Mt. Chomolhari from the
village below the Dzong. |
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RINPUNG DZONG
Also known as
fortress of the heap of jewels, it was built during the time
of Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 1646. The approach to the
dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called the
Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge to the dzong over a
stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural
wonder of the dzong as well as life around it. It is also
venue of the Paro Tshechu held once a year in spring. |
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TA DZONG
On a ridge immediately
above the Rinpung Dzong is the Ta Dzong, built in 1951 as a
watch tower. Unlike the rectangular shape of the Dzongs, Ta
Dzong is round more like parts of an European castle. Since
1967 the dzong was re-established as the National Museum and
fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thanka
paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. |
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KYICHU LHAKHANG
The origin of Kyichu Lhakhang dates back to the seventeenth century. It is
one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan (the
other is jambey lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is
compose of twin temples, the first temple was built by
Buddhist Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and
in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kessang, the queen mother of Bhutan
arranged for a second temple to be built alongside the first
one in same style. |
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FARM HOUSE
The beauty of Paro
valley is embellished by cluster of quaint Farm houses.
Bhutanese farm houses are very colourful, decorative and
traditionally built without the use of single nail. All
house follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to farm
house is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the
lifestyle of a farmer. |
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TAKTSANG MONASTERY
This monastery
clings to sheer cliffs. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava
flew on the back of a tiger to the site of Taktsang
Monastery. A must see place for all visitors. (4 hrs short
trek)
(Pack lunch recommended)
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