Deep in the Paro Valley you will find the charmingtown of Paro. It is located on the south western side of Bhutan on the banks of the Paro Chhu River. Quaint little Paro is a collection of wooden shop fronts and restaurants. Despite its main street being just thirty years old, it is a place steeped in history. Paro is also home to Bhutan’s National Museum, which is housed in an ancient watchtower and artefacts chronicling the country’s history are on display inside.
There are several Buddhist monasteries that occupy the hills above Paro. The access routes to these hillside abodes are treacherous and they draw not just travellers with a keen interest in culture, religion and history but also adventure seekers. Theonly airport in the area is surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks and strong winds that make for hair raising landings and take offs; after which you may need tocheck into a local Paro hotel to catch your breath. The faint of heart may prefer to take a forty five minute taxi ride from neighbouring Thimphu and enjoy the lush scenery instead. The remote little town is best explored on foot and Uma by COMO, Paro, Bhutan, is the perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of long day of trekking. The resort organises guided tours into the mountains; which hold some of Bhutan’s historic treasures, including Drakhapo Monastery.
The Drakhapo Monastery sits above Shaba at the end of a dirt road. The main temple room is precariously positioned overhanging the edge of a rocky cliff. The precipice is speckled with underground caves that are home to a small community of monks. The complex houses some sacred sites: including the body-imprint of Vajrayogini and a stone boot belonging to Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have embedded many treasures in the cliff during a two month stay in the monastery. The area also has several intriguing hand and foot prints pressed into the rock.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.