Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum on foot

Start at the main street and cross the Paro Chhu on the covered wooden bridge below Rinpung Dzong. The dzong was consecrated in 1646 after the Zhabdrung received an older fortress from the descendants of a local lama, and it now houses the district monk body in one courtyard and Paro's administration in the other. You enter through a steep stone ramp and a heavy wooden gate. Inside, look for the cosmic mandala paintings in the gate passage and the tall central tower.

Above the dzong, Ta Dzong was built in 1649 as a watchtower and became the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968. Its collection of more than 3,000 works spans bronzes, thangkas, festival masks, arms and textiles. The museum building has been under renovation in some years, with displays moved to a nearby block, so ask your guide what is open; check current status before you travel.

From the museum, walk back down past houses with painted windows to the Deyangkha ground beside the dzong, where the Paro Tshechu's masked dances are held each spring. The full loop is about 3 km with 150 m of climbing. Dress modestly: long sleeves and long trousers or skirt, no hats inside. Your guide will wear a ceremonial scarf to enter the dzong.