Things to Do in Paro

Paro sits in a valley that feels almost impossibly pristine, surrounded by terraced fields and traditional farmhouses that look like they haven't changed in centuries. The town itself is small enough that you can walk from one end to the other in about twenty minutes, but it punches well above its weight in terms of cultural significance - this is where Bhutan's only international airport sits, and where some of the country's most important monasteries and dzongs call home. What strikes most people immediately is how quiet everything feels, even with the occasional plane overhead, and how the architecture follows strict traditional guidelines that keep modern intrusions to a minimum. You'll find yourself doing double-takes at the hand-painted wooden facades and the way prayer flags flutter from every available tree and rooftop.

The dining scene revolves around hotel restaurants and a handful of local places that serve traditional Bhutanese food alongside some Chinese and Indian dishes. Red rice, ema datshi (chilies with cheese), and various meat dishes dominate local menus, and the food tends to be quite spicy by most standards. A few guesthouses offer cooking classes if you want to understand the cuisine better. For whatever reason, the momos (dumplings) here are particularly good - maybe it's the altitude. Most hotels can arrange traditional hot stone baths followed by dinner, which becomes a highlight for many visitors.

October through December offers the clearest mountain views and most stable weather, though it can get quite cold at night. Spring (March through May) brings rhododendron blooms and pleasant temperatures, but afternoon clouds often obscure mountain views. Summer brings monsoon rains that can make hiking muddy and flying unreliable, though the valleys turn incredibly green. Winter (January-February) can be harsh with possible snow, but you'll have attractions largely to yourself and crystal-clear mountain views on sunny days. For Tiger's Nest specifically, early morning any time of year tends to offer the best conditions.