Zuri Dzong: A Serene Buddhist Retreat in Paro
Discover Zuri Dzong, a stunning Buddhist temple in Paro Valley, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere steeped in rich cultural heritage.
Zuri Dzong, a beautiful Buddhist temple situated in the heart of Paro Valley, is a must-visit for tourists seeking both spiritual enrichment and stunning natural beauty. This temple, perched atop a hill, offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscapes, which are especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. The architecture of Zuri Dzong reflects traditional Bhutanese styles, characterized by intricate woodwork and vibrant murals that narrate stories from Buddhist teachings. As you wander through its sacred spaces, you will encounter locals and pilgrims alike, adding to the temple's vibrant atmosphere. The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing ample opportunities for visitors to explore its serene surroundings. Be sure to take a moment to meditate or simply appreciate the tranquil ambiance that permeates the area. For those interested in hiking, the trek up to Zuri Dzong is an experience in itself; the trail is lined with lush vegetation and offers a chance to spot various bird species native to the region. Don't forget to bring your camera, as the panoramic views from the temple grounds are a perfect backdrop for unforgettable photographs. While visiting, it’s also a good idea to respect the local customs: dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering sacred areas, and speak softly to preserve the peaceful environment. Zuri Dzong not only serves as a spiritual sanctuary but also as a reminder of Bhutan's rich cultural heritage, making it a rewarding stop on your journey through this enchanting country.
Local tips
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
- Bring water and snacks, as the hike to the temple can be quite strenuous.
- Respect local customs by dressing modestly and maintaining a quiet demeanor.
- Engage with local monks if possible; they often welcome visitors and can share fascinating insights.
A brief summary to Zuri Dzong
- CCCH+W6V, Paro, BT
- Monday 8 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
- Thursday 8 am-6 pm
- Friday 8 am-6 pm
- Saturday 8 am-6 pm
- Sunday 8 am-6 pm
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car from Pemagatshel to Zuri Dzong, you will need to take the PHUENTSHOLING-PARO highway. Start by heading towards the main road leading out of Pemagatshel. After approximately 2.5 hours of driving, you will reach the junction for Paro. Turn left onto the Paro road and continue for about 1.5 hours. As you approach Paro, follow signs to Zuri Dzong. The final stretch involves a steep drive uphill to the dzong. Parking is available near the entrance.
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Public Transportation
To reach Zuri Dzong using public transportation, first take a local bus from Pemagatshel to Paro. Buses typically leave from the central bus station in Pemagatshel throughout the day. The journey will take about 3.5 to 4 hours. Once you arrive in Paro, you can hire a taxi to take you to Zuri Dzong. The taxi ride will take approximately 30 minutes and will cost around 300-500 Ngultrum depending on your negotiation skills and traffic conditions.
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Hiking
For the adventurous, you can hike to Zuri Dzong from Paro. After arriving in Paro by bus, you can walk to the base of the dzong, which is marked by a sign. The hike is steep but rewarding, taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry water, as the trail can be challenging.
Attractions Nearby to Zuri Dzong
- National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་།
- Jangsarbu Lhakhang
- Valleys Of Bhutan
- Khangkhu Lhakhang
- Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang | ཟླུམ་བརྩེགས་ལྷ་ཁང་།
- Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point
- Choemthangkha Menchhu
- Bondey
- Dasho Nishioka Chorten
- Ugyen Pema Woedling Zangthopelri
- Dzongdrakha Monastry
- Kyichu Lhakhang སྐྱིད་ཆུ་ལྷ་ཁང་།
- Drakarpo
- Kila Goenpa Nunnery
- Wire Rope Sling Bridge & Rock Beach
Landmarks nearby to Zuri Dzong
- Rinpung Dzongkhag
- Rinpung Dzong རིན་སྤུང་རྫོང་།
- COMO Uma Paro
- Aum Choden
- Six Senses Paro
- Paro Dzongkhag Archery Ground
- Hungrel Gewog Office
- Druk Choeding Lhakhang
- Drakarpo Monastery
- Lama Tshering Dorji General Shop
- Chhoeten Lhakhang, Paro, Bhutan
- Paro Town Shop No.12.Empty space for rent
- Gangtey Palace, Paro
- Mountain Cafe - Paro
- Sonam trophel restaurant