AsiaParo
Cliffside monasteries, prayer flag winds, and ema datshi.
Why visit
01 / 10The case for going
Bhutan chose to be different: not pursuing GDP, but Gross National Happiness.
Its 'High Value, Low Impact' tourism model ensures a curated, uncrowded encounter with an untouched Buddhist culture, where the daily tariff covers lodging, food, transport, and a guide, allowing visitors to simply absorb the serenity.
What to do
02 / 10Ways to spend a day
Activities €50–100 total
- 01Hike to Taktsang Palphug, the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 02Explore Rinpung Dzong, a fortress monastery with ancient murals. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 03Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 04Discover the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a historic defense fortress. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 05Experience a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
Book activities & tickets
Cliffside monasteries, prayer flag winds, and ema datshi.
Where to stay
03 / 10The right base
Accommodation €80–150/night
Paro Town
central, walkable to local shops and restaurants
Upper Paro Valley
secluded retreats, stunning views of dzongs
Find a place to stay
How to get there
04 / 10Easiest way in
Fly into:
- Paro International Airport PBH
Plan the journey
How to get around
05 / 10Once you land
Private car and driver, usually included in the daily tariff, for valley exploration and day trips. Paro town is easily walkable.
Get around
What to eat
06 / 10Order this
Food €40–70/day
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Ema Datshi
chili cheese stew
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Kewa Datshi
potato cheese stew
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Red Rice
nutty staple grain
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Phaksha Paa
pork stew with chilies
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Suja
salty butter tea
By the numbers
07 / 10Cards on the table
Safety index
96/100
General guide, not advisory data
Best seasons
Spring · Fall
When it's at its best
Stay for
5 days
The sweet spot
Daily spend
$$$$
A splurge
How to fit in
08 / 10Read the room
Embrace the slow pace, and note how daily life is interwoven with spiritual practice. Visiting a dzong in the late afternoon offers a serene experience as monks chant and light butter lamps.
How to pack
09 / 10What goes in the bag
Best in Spring
Spring: mild, clear days around 15-20C, cool nights, with rhododendrons in bloom across the hillsides.
- sturdy hiking boots for mountain trails
- layers for temperature changes
- a light rain jacket
- sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- a good camera for dramatic landscapes
How to prepare
10 / 10The boring bits
Three things worth sorting before you fly.
Tomorrow's detour
One place worth the trip.
Hand-picked, one a day.