Drukgyel Dzong in upper Paro Valley was built in the 17th Century to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over invading Tibetan forces. In the 1950s, the structure was devastated by a fire but the ruins and boundary walls that still stand give the visitor an idea of the dzong’s former grandeur. On a clear day, the view of the Jumolhari Summit is breathtaking.

Also known as Paro Dzong, the Rinchen Pung Dzong or Rinpung Dzong was built in the 17th century over what is said to be the foundations of a 10th century monastery built by the great Guru Padmasambhava, known in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche. The imposing high walls of Rinpung Dzong, “Fortress of a Heap of Jewels” in the local tongue, has over the centuries successfully defended Paro from repeated Tibetan invasions and today, looming high above the town, is one of its most prominent landmarks. While visiting, watch out for dzong’s beautiful murals depicting mandalas as well as the life of Milarepa, the Tibetan master. Rinpung Dzong is the site for spectacular masked dances during the annual Tsechu Festival during which a giant thangka painting depicting Guru Rinpoche is unfurled above the courtyard with great fanfare.

On the hilltop above Rinpung Dzong, stands the Ta Dzong that in the old days served as a watchtower for the former and today houses the National Museum. The museum has a fine colection of thangkas, Buddhist artifacts, exquisite postage stamps, handicraft and weapons.

The 7th Century Pagoda style Kyichu Lhakhang temple is said to have been visited by the Guru Padmasambhava himself and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Built by King Songsten Gampo, the temple is, accorsing to local lore, among the 108 temples erected in a single day by the king to pin down a giant demoness who had lain down across the Himalayas to prevent the spread of Buddhism across the region. Standing over the heart of the demoness, Kyichu Lhakhang is the most important of the 108. The museum next door is also well worth a visit.

The 15th Century chorten-like three-tiered Dungtse Lhakhang is yet another temple built to subdue a demoness and is secured to the ground with chains. Its three tiers are said to represent the earth, heaven and hell. The temple is adorned by some of the country’s finest murals.

Shop for cheese at the charming traditional Sunday market, pick up a pair of Bhutani boots at the Zhayden Nagtsho Traditional Boot Unit or attempt the arduous but highly rewarding climb to the stupendous Taksang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery on its cloudy hilltop perch 900m above Paro. Paro also boasts a fledgeling nighlife and a visit to a nightclub is recommended for those craving the pleasures of urban life.