Why Honeymoon in Paro
Paro combines Bhutan's biggest highlight with its most comfortable bases. You can spend the morning on a pilgrimage trail and the evening by a fireplace with valley views.
The hike to Tiger's Nest is a shared achievement that feels meaningful. You climb through blue pine and prayer flags, reach a viewpoint where the monastery appears across a gorge and finally cross a bridge by a waterfall to reach the temple doors. Many couples light butter lamps inside.
The valley itself is peaceful and pastoral. Farm roads wind past chortens and water-powered prayer wheels. Archers practice in the fields on weekends, with lots of good-natured shouting.
Paro also has the best concentration of luxury lodges in Bhutan, many designed around privacy and mountain views. It is a fitting place to end a honeymoon.
When to Go
October and November bring clear skies, crisp air and the best views of the surrounding peaks. Days are pleasant for hiking, though nights are cold. This is the busiest season.
March through May is lovely as well. Rhododendrons bloom on the hillsides. The Paro Tshechu, a multi-day masked dance festival, usually falls in spring. On the final morning, a giant embroidered thangka is unrolled before dawn. Book early if you want to attend, since hotels fill.
June through August is monsoon season. Rain and clouds are frequent, trails can be muddy and the valley is very green. Fewer visitors come.
Winter, from December to February, is dry and sunny with freezing nights. The Tiger's Nest trail is quiet. The clear air gives excellent views. Pack warm layers for evenings.
Where to Stay
Paro has the widest range of hotels in Bhutan, from simple guesthouses to some of Asia's finest small lodges.
Amankora Paro sits in a pine forest above the valley, with minimalist rammed-earth rooms, wood stoves and views toward the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. COMO Uma Paro is set on a hillside above town, with spacious villas and a spa that offers traditional hot stone baths. Six Senses Bhutan also has a lodge in the Paro valley, with sleek suites and views across the fields.
Zhiwa Ling Heritage is a large hotel built in traditional style, with carved wood, a temple inside and a warm, characterful feel.
Mid-range hotels and farmhouse stays are found throughout the valley. A farmhouse night lets you share dinner with a family and try a hot stone bath. Your tour operator will book accommodation as part of your package.
Romantic Things to Do
Hike to Tiger's Nest early in the morning. Start at the trailhead after breakfast, stop at the cafeteria viewpoint for tea and continue to the monastery. Allow most of the day.
Soak in a traditional hot stone bath. River stones are heated in a fire and dropped into a wooden tub of water infused with herbs. Many lodges and farmhouses offer private baths for couples.
Cross the covered cantilever bridge to Rinpung Dzong, a fortress monastery above the river. Visit in the late afternoon when the light is warm.
Drive up to Chele La pass, one of the highest road passes in Bhutan, for views of the Himalaya on clear days and a short walk among prayer flags.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country. Light butter lamps there together.
Ask your guide to arrange an archery match; locals enjoy teaching visitors.
Getting There and Around
Paro International Airport (PBH) is the only international airport in Bhutan. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly from cities such as Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu and Singapore. Flights are timed for good visibility, usually in the morning. They can be delayed by weather. Allow a buffer day before any connecting long-haul flight.
From Kathmandu or Delhi, sit on the left side of the plane for views of the high Himalaya on a clear day.
The airport is just outside Paro town. Your guide and driver will meet you on arrival, since nearly all visitors travel with a licensed guide arranged by a tour operator.
Thimphu, the capital, is about an hour away by road. Punakha is roughly four hours from Paro over Dochula pass. Getting around the valley is by car with your driver. Short walks between villages and temples are easy to add.
Food and Drink
Bhutanese food centers on chilies. The national dish, ema datshi, is chili peppers cooked with cheese. It is hot, comforting and served at almost every meal. Kewa datshi, with potatoes and cheese, is milder.
Red rice, a nutty local variety, accompanies most dishes. Momos, steamed dumplings filled with cheese, vegetables or meat, are popular snacks.
Butter tea, called suja, is salty and rich, an acquired taste worth trying once. Ara, a home-distilled spirit from rice or grains, is often offered at farmhouses.
Hotel restaurants usually serve a mix of Bhutanese, Indian and Western dishes, often toning down the chili for visitors. Ask for local food at full strength if you like spice.
Luxury lodges offer private dinners in gardens, by fires or in farmhouses, which are lovely for a honeymoon celebration.
Honeymoon Tips
- Schedule the Tiger's Nest hike near the end of your trip, after a few days at altitude.
- Start the hike early and carry water, snacks, a light jacket and sun protection.
- Horses can carry you partway up but not down. The final section is on foot.
- Wear long sleeves and trousers for temple visits and bring a scarf for chilly evenings.
- Ask your operator about attending the Paro Tshechu if your dates align.
- Book a hot stone bath on the evening after your hike; it is the best reward for tired legs.
- Allow a spare night in Bangkok or Delhi on the way home in case of flight delays.
