BHUTAN: Paro, A Walk and Drive Around Paro

Paro is a town and seat of Paro District, in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. It is an historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered throughout the area. It is also home to Paro International Airport, Bhutan's sole international airport. Paro Airport is served by Bhutan Airlines and Drukair. The main street has many examples of traditionally decorated buildings. The Dungtse Lhakhang (a 15th-century temple) and the Ugyen Perli Palace are near the new bridge. Members of royal family lodge in the palace when in Paro. Nearby is the old bridge and the Rinpung Dzong. Notable hotels include the Olathang Hotel built in an ornate style. Paro is home to Bhutan's tallest building, the Ta-Dzhong, which is 22 meters (72 feet) high, and has 6 floors. It was completed in 1649. Paro Airport has been described as "the most difficult commercial airport in the world",[5] The airport has only one runway. Airplanes on approach pass by 5,500 m (18,044 ft 7 in) Himalayan Mountain peaks, and the 1,980 m (6,496 ft 1 in) runway length presents a double challenge, due to the low air density. As a result, only a handful of airline pilots (24 as of 2023)[6] are certified to operate commercial airplanes there. About 30,000 people arrive at the airport each year.