Walking through the sacred northern reaches of the Paro Valley reveals a landscape steeped in ancient myths and triumphant histories. This journey connects two of Bhutan’s most contrasting yet spiritually significant ruins and temples: Kyichu Lhakhang and Drukgyel Dzong. At Kyichu Lhakhang, visitors stand before a 7th-century sanctuary, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to pin down a colossal, earth-spanning demoness. The air here is heavy with the scent of butter lamps, incense, and the soft rustle of orange trees that bear fruit year-round. Further up the valley, the towering stone ramparts of Drukgyel Dzong rise like a phoenix against the backdrop of Mount Jomolhari. Recently restored from a devastating fire, this fortress once guarded the kingdom against northern invasions. Walking between these sites along rural paths lined with prayer flags and farmhouse orchards offers a profound journey through Bhutan’s spiritual origins and its victorious defense of sovereign identity.
One fun fact people love:
Legend has it that the two orange trees in the inner courtyard of Kyichu Lhakhang are miraculous; despite the high-altitude winters, they are said to bear fruit continuously throughout all four seasons of the year.
Where in Paro is it?
Both sites are located in the northern region of the Paro district, with Kyichu Lhakhang sitting along the main valley road about 5 kilometers from Paro town, while Drukgyel Dzong stands at the very end of the paved valley highway, roughly 14 kilometers from the town center.
How to reach:
- A private car, tourist van, or local cab is the most convenient way to travel between these two sites.
- You can drive from Paro town to Kyichu Lhakhang in under 10 minutes, and then continue driving northward for another 15 minutes to reach Drukgyel Dzong.
- Active travelers can easily arrange a scenic day-long bicycle ride or a gentle valley walk connecting the villages located between these two historic landmarks.
Best time to visit:
October to March provides crisp mountain air, brilliant sunshine, and the clearest snow-capped views of Mount Jomolhari behind the high walls of Drukgyel Dzong.
Best time of day:
Go either:
- Early morning (around 08:30 AM to 10:30 AM) to experience the peaceful, quiet chanting of monks at Kyichu Lhakhang before the daily tourist crowds arrive.
- Late afternoon (around 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM) to capture the beautiful golden hour light casting dramatic shadows over the stone ruins of Drukgyel Dzong.
Entry fee:
While there is no separate fee to walk around the exterior grounds of the monuments, entry to the inner temples of Kyichu Lhakhang and the interior courtyards of Drukgyel Dzong requires a standard entry ticket of BTN 500 (approximately USD 6), which is usually included in standard tour packages.
Commute difficulty:
Very easy. The route consists of flat, well-paved, and smooth valley roads that are suitable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- Make sure to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you will need to remove them frequently before entering any temple chamber at Kyichu Lhakhang.
- Remember to dress respectfully; hats, sleeveless shirts, shorts, and open-toe sandals are strictly prohibited inside the sacred premises of both sites.
- There is a hidden, worn wooden floorboard inside Kyichu Lhakhang’s main chapel that has been worn down into deep grooves by the hands and feet of countless pilgrims performing prostrations over many centuries.
- The walk up to Drukgyel Dzong has a paved slope, but it can still be slightly steep; take your time ascending to avoid altitude-related shortness of breath.
- Do not take photos inside the altars and inner sanctuaries of the temples, as photography is strictly forbidden once you step inside the threshold, though outdoor photography is perfectly fine.