Travelblog visit Drugyel Dzong, Paro Valley, Bhutan

Wim van Ginkel, February 2016

The Paro Valley in Bhutan is one of the most visited valleys of Bhutan. And one can easily understand why, it's a beautiful valley, with its traditional farm houses, rice fields and the imposing Paro Dzong, the famous Tiger's Nest monastery and one of the oldest and holiest temples in the country.
There are many walks and even bike rides in the valley and Paro itself is a colorful town. On the outskirts lies the archers track, which regularly hosts competitions crossbow shooting, the national sport of Bhutan.. Plenty to do so in this valley, which can be easily spent several days, even to nicely relax in one of the fine hotels, in which the Naksel hotel with its vistas is one of the finest hotels.

Few people go to the end of the valley, there is the dilapidated Drukyel dzong. However, it is definitely worth driving here a while back. The dzong itself is an imposing fort, surprising and impressive to see, such dzong in non-restored condition. It is built on a high rock, it was also intended as a defensive stronghold to stop marauding Tibetans. Due to its high location, you have beautiful views from the dzong. One side you look at the Paro valley, on the other hand looms the snowy peak of Chomolhari on, the highest mountain in the Bhutanese Himalayas.

The Drukyel dzong is a half hour drive from Paro town. Very nice to go biking there, a delightful trip, which gradually climbs to the dzong.