Nature & Cultural Hiking in Paro

Day Hike in Paro Region

Hike to floating statue of Dorji Phamo (Mata Varahi) in chumpu nye)

This will be an ease going hike for about six hours to reach the destination. The path passes through the forest with a soothing breeze. A continuous walk of about two hours, you will reach to a small stupa after crossing a river. Then a gradual climb leads you to the Temple where “Dorji Phamo (Matha Varahi)- The flying Goddess” statue lies. This statue is very sacred and ancient as it is believed that the Goddess Dorji Phamo flew from Tibet and stayed on in the form of a statue. She is a life-size statue and believe it or not, her one leg is crossed at the knees and the other is standing but does not touch the ground.(Floating statue).

Then make a visit to Chumphu (Guru Rinpoche Caves).

There are many caves of Guru and few of which is said to be used by his companions like Khandom Mendharawa and Khandom Yeshay Tshokey.  You will witness the waterfall which is said to be the bathing place of Guru and a huge rock which is said to be an opening gate to Heaven. After the visit, we will take a brief rest for a Picnic lunch.

Evening for your own leisure.

Dinner at hotel.

Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest

Drive to Satsam Chorten and then hike to the Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest. Normally it takes about three and half hours to complete the hike but might take longer depending on your fitness.  Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, is an important Buddhist sacred site which clings to the rock face, 900 metres above the valley floor. To the rear of the Taktsang lies Senge Samdup cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is popularly known for the thirteen Taktsang or “tiger lair” caves in which he meditated..it is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to Taktshang from Tibet on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong. This place was consecrated to tame the Tiger demon.

Refreshment will be served at View Point Cafeteria en route.After visiting the monastery, descend back to viewpoint cafeteria for lunch and then further descend downhill to the base. Then drive back to the hotel.

Zuri Dzong

It is two hours hike from the Paro Ta Dzong through the slope of the forest to reach the Zuri Dzong. The trail passes via Gonsaka Lhakhang. You will have a spectacular view of Paro valley and the dzong.From here, a gradual descent will lead you to the Uma resort, where Advent tour transport will be waiting.

Drakarpo Monastery

Drakarpo lhakang is suited on the top of the cliff. It is an hourly hike from Shaba. On the top of the cliff, you will see a cave, which is believed to have been used for meditation by a previous incarnation of Namkhai Ningpocliff. When you enter the main alter, you will hear the great story of Guru Rinpoche where he broke the rock and made a cave for his meditation in the mid 8th century. After the end of the visit, hike down to the base where your tour vehicle will be waiting. Drive back to Paro.

Jili Dzong

It is seven hours hike.The trail is rather a gradual climb till the ridge. on a clear day, beautiful Paro valley and the majestic the Mt. Jomolhari(7314m) can be seen. you will come across a  beautiful apple orchard before entering the forests. From here, the trail is a continuous climb aloft until you reach Jili Dzong, a small fortress. After a picnic lunch, we shall return back to Damchena which takes about an hour. Drive back to Paro.

Jamjalo monastery

Jamjalo lhakang is located on a cliffside near the Shaba village.  The main relic in the temple is the statue of the Buddha of long life, Tara and Drukpa Kinley.  you will notice a rock shaped like a shoe which is kept in the shrine. It is a very precious and an important treasure of the lhakang as it is believed that after Drukpa Kinley had meditated in that place, he left one of his shoes in the temple.

Drive for about thirty minutes onto Shaba. A hike is about an hour sharp climb upward the temple. You have to be careful as the path is slightly steep.

When you are done visiting the place, you may return to the car and drive back to Paro.

Kila Gompa

Kila Goemba serves as a meditation place and is believed to have been built in the early 9th century. It is one of the oldest nunneries in Bhutan. The main temple of Kila Goemba has ancient statues such as of Chenrezig (Avalokiteswara) and Guru Rinpoche. Nuns here live chanting a prayer whole day.

Drive onto Chelepass (the highest road pass -3800m) which takes about an hour. You will be wowed by the spectacular view of Himalayan range. A continuous hike for about an hour will take you to a meditation hut made of stones and then after another hourly hike you will be led to Kila Geomba.