4 November | Paro

Today was an easy tour around the city of Paro, beginning with a tour of Shari Primary School. We did not go inside the school but had the privalage of visiting with a class of first graders during their English class which was meeting outside on the playground. The children study English throughout their school careers, and even by age 7, were able to speak and understand us very well.

National Museum

The museum featured a new exhibit highlighting the geology, flora and fauna of Bhutan. We’ve seen many animals along our drive through the country, but I was surprised to learn about some of the rare and endangered animals living in protected land in southern Bhutan which include the Bengal tiger, Asian elephants and wild water buffalo. This seems like a good place to visit on a future visit. The museum in now limited to just one building as the watchtower which served as a major exhibit space was damaged during an earthquake and is still under repair.

Paro Dzong

Just below the National Museum it’s a pleasant walk downhill to the dzong. We’ve always enjoyed meeting the young monks-in-training who sit outside the temple here passing out colored strings that have been blessed by a monk. They used to pass this out in exchange for an offering for the monastery housed here, now they also braid the strings into bracelets of whatever colors you choose. The Bhutanese choose the colors that correspond with the year of their birth. Parents often consult an astrologer when a child is born to find out what predictions and cures apply to expect in their life.

Drugyel Dzong

This dzong is now a ruin, destroyed by fire in the 1950s, but in its prime repelled many Tibetan invasions. What’s left is interesting to visit for a climb to far side of the back wall makes for a good view point of the surrounding valleys and Jomulhari, the highest mountain in Bhutan.  Jomulhari hid behind the clouds until we drove away, but allowed us a quick peek just as the setting sun bahed the snow-covered peak in golden light. On our way to this spot, we stopped for photos of tomorrow’s destination – Tiger’s Nest. We’ve been anticipating this big climb in all our planning, hoping for good weather and easy hiking. We’ll get a good night’s sleep tonight so we can make an early start.