Rinpung Dzong, Paro

Name: Rinpung Dzong
Address: Paro, Bhutan

#2 among attractions in Paro

Top attraction, Historical place, Sacred and religious sites, Forts and castles

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Facts and practical information

Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, stands as a formidable fortress and a quintessential example of Bhutanese architecture in the city of Paro, Bhutan. This majestic structure serves not only as a religious and administrative center but also as a testament to the country's historical defense against invasions.

Constructed in the 16th century by Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the dzong was built on the foundation of a monastery. The name "Rinpung" translates to "Heap of Jewels," reflecting the dzong's intrinsic value and grandeur. Over the centuries, it has withstood the test of time, including a catastrophic earthquake in 1897 and a fire in 1907.

The dzong's towering whitewashed walls and intricate woodwork are awe-inspiring, while the red and gold embellishments showcase the richness of Bhutanese culture. Inside, a series of courtyards, temples, and offices are interconnected, revealing the dzong's complex and multifaceted design.

Visitors to Rinpung Dzong can explore its numerous chapels and assembly halls, which house a vast collection of sacred masks and costumes used during the annual Paro Tshechu, a religious festival featuring traditional dances and ceremonies. The dzong also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and the Paro River, making it a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 27°25'36"N, 89°25'23"E

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Paro Bhutan

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Day trips

Rinpung Dzong – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Paro Taktsang, National Museum of Bhutan, Chelela Pass, Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang.

5.9 miNW
Cliffside monastery with storied caves
Paro Taktsang, Paro
150 min walk • Perched on the edge of a cliff at a dizzying height of over 3,000 meters, Paro Taktsang is a breathtaking monastery that has become the cultural icon of Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger's Nest, this sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site is located near the city of...
~1070 ftNE
Museum
National Museum of Bhutan, Paro
6 min walk • Perched on a hill above the quaint town of Paro, the National Museum of Bhutan stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of this Himalayan kingdom. Housed in Paro Ta Dzong, a former watchtower built in 1649 to defend the Rinpung Dzong fortress, the museum was...
6.1 miSW
Mountain pass
Chelela Pass, Paro
156 min walk • Chele La is the highest motorable point in Bhutan, sitting 3,988 metres above sea level, between the Haa and Paro valleys. The pass is located 35 km from Paro and 26 km from Haa on the Bondey-Haa Highway. Built in the 1990s, the asphalt road is narrow and steep, with sharp turns and sheer drops.
0.8 miNW
Monastery
Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, Paro
22 min walk • Jangtsa Dumgtseg Lhakhang is a Buddhist temple in western Bhutan. The temple is notable as it is in the form of a chorten, very rare in Bhutan. It is located on the edge of a hill between the Paro valley and the Dopchari valley, across the bridge from Paro.
3.1 miW
Monastery, Sacred and religious sites
Kyichu Lhakhang, Paro
79 min walk • Kyichu Lhakhang, is an important Himalayan Buddhist temple situated in Lango Gewog of Paro District in Bhutan.
5.8 miNW
Temple
Tawang Taktshang Monastery
148 min walk • Taktsang Monastery is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist sacred site and temple complex, located on the cliffside of the Tawang District in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
7.5 miNW
Museum
Drukgyal Dzong
191 min walk • Drukgyal Dzong was a fortress and Buddhist monastery, now in ruins, located in the upper part of the Paro District, Bhutan. The dzong was probably built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet.
0.7 miS
Universities and schools
Paro College of Education
18 min walk • Paro College of Education is one of the constituent colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan.It began as Teacher Training Centre for preschool care, which was formally inaugurated on 4 November 1974 with five female trainees and the center was a demonstration school at the Rinpung campus.