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Paro Valley
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This beautiful valley, where nature &
man conjured to create their dearest image, with its rich terraced
farmland, is home to some of Bhutan's oldest Temples & Monasteries
as well as Bhutan's only Airport. To the north of the valley Mount.
Jhomolhari (7300 meters) reigns in white glory and the glacier water
from its peak plunge, through deep gorges finally forming pa -
chu (Paro river).
Drukgyal Dzong
The dzong with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri khan 1644. Historically & strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide National geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyal Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. Since than the dzong has been in ruins. On a clear day one can see the commanding view of Mount. Jhomolhari from the village.
Taksang Monastery
Literally meaning Tiger's nest; built around the cave in which Guru Padmasambava meditated in the eight century, clings seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 800 meters above paro valley. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche landed on this spot in a miraculous manner, flying on the back of a tigress. For local people it is a place for pilgrimage but for tourist a hike up to the view point cafe opposite the monastery is breathtaking, thrilling and mystical.
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Located behind Ringpung Dzong on the hillside, is the castle shaped Ta - Dzong, one time used as watch tower to defend the Dzong below was built in 1651. Since 1967 the Dzong was re - established as the only national Museum and it has fascinating collections of Art, relics and religious Thankha painting.