Ugyen Pelri Palace


The secluded wooded compound of the Ugyen Pelri Palace, built by the Paro penlop Tshering Penjor in the early 1900s, is now a residence of the Queen Mother, and is thus closed to the public. For views of the palace from above, head to the dzong.

On the road beside Ugyen Pelri Palace are five square chortens that were built in memory of the first king of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck.


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1. Six Chortens

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This line of six chortens marks the entrance into Paro town.

2. Five Chortens

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On the road at the foot of the Paro Dzong, beside the Ugyen Pelri Palace, are five square chortens that were built in memory of the first king of Bhutan,…

3. Archery Ground

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After a visit to Paro's weekend market or Druk Choeding temple, it's well worth wandering down to this local archery ground to see if there's a…

4. Druk Choeding

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Also known as Tshongdoe Naktshang, the quiet and peaceful Druk Choeding is the town temple and an important historical site. It was built in 1525 by…

5. Paro Weekend Market

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Paro's weekend market isn't very large but it has a traditional feel and is a fine introduction to some of Bhutan's unique local products, from organic…

6. Nyamai Zam

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Below Paro Dzong, this traditional wooden covered bridge is a reconstruction of an older bridge, which was washed away in a flood in 1969. Earlier…

7. Paro Dzong

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Paro Dzong ranks as a high point of Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley,…

8. Chhoeten Lhakhang

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The tower-like Chhoeten Lhakhang is southeast of Paro's town square. The caretaker may allow you to visit the upstairs chapel, which features a central…