Paro — Home of the Tiger's Nest

Paro is, for almost every visitor, both the first and last place they see in Bhutan — home to the country's only international airport, and one of the most technically demanding approaches in commercial aviation, flown by only a small number of specially certified pilots weaving between peaks over 5,500 metres high. The valley itself is wide and agricultural, terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses running right up to the airport fence, giving Paro a rural character unusual for a country's main gateway. Rinpung Dzong, the 17th-century fortress-monastery above the town, and the National Museum housed in its historic round watchtower, give a first grounding in Bhutanese history and architecture before heading further inland.

But Paro's real draw sits on a cliff face above the valley: Paro Taktsang, known worldwide as the Tiger's Nest, a monastery built directly into the rock 900 metres above the valley floor. The hike up is steep but well-maintained, taking most visitors 4 to 5 hours round trip, and remains the single most photographed image of Bhutan anywhere in the world. Nearby, Kyichu Lhakhang adds a further layer of history — a 7th-century temple that is among the oldest continuously significant religious sites in the Himalayan region. Most Bhutan itineraries begin here, continue on to Thimphu, Punakha or Gangtey, and return to Paro to fly out.