![Paro comes into view, dominated by its fortress-monastery](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487234.eAEduzET.Bhutan20092485.jpg) Paro comes into view, dominated by its fortress-monastery |
![Rinpung Dzong, more commonly referred to as the Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487236.k4ssyg4v.Bhutan20092487.jpg) Rinpung Dzong, more commonly referred to as the Paro Dzong |
![Rinpung Dzong on the north bank of the Paro River](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487237.zcYrRIle.Bhutan20092488.jpg) Rinpung Dzong on the north bank of the Paro River |
![Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487238.tz9KdWVy.Bhutan20092489.jpg) Paro Dzong |
![Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487239.jv5oADvu.Bhutan20092490.jpg) Paro Dzong |
![The Rinpung Dzong was built ca. 1645 on the site of an older monastery](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487241.ko1MwQ0N.Bhutan20092494.jpg) The Rinpung Dzong was built ca. 1645 on the site of an older monastery |
![Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487245.LDqPPlS6.Bhutan20092532.jpg) Paro Dzong |
![Paro Dzong and the river](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487246.xfSjAmMV.Bhutan20092539.jpg) Paro Dzong and the river |
![Paro Dzong from the bridge to the west of the town center](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487247.ciM02YpC.Bhutan20092540.jpg) Paro Dzong from the bridge to the west of the town center |
![Looking down of Paro Dzong from the National Museum of Bhutan, a former watchtower](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487248.j1zzVhEl.Bhutan20092579.jpg) Looking down of Paro Dzong from the National Museum of Bhutan, a former watchtower |
![The gilded roof of the utse (central tower) looking over the rice fields south of the river](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487249.NYtNWIFp.Bhutan20092584.jpg) The gilded roof of the utse (central tower) looking over the rice fields south of the river |
![Paro Dzong seen from above](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487250.Weiad3iK.Bhutan20092585.jpg) Paro Dzong seen from above |
![Utse (Central Tower) of Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487251.C2h7Y2cn.Bhutan20092588.jpg) Utse (Central Tower) of Paro Dzong |
![Paro Dzong with its large central tower](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487252.ywOF1lyB.Bhutan20092589.jpg) Paro Dzong with its large central tower |
![View of the Paro Valley with Rinpung Dzong and the Paro Airport](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487253.tqOou1ZF.Bhutan20092594.jpg) View of the Paro Valley with Rinpung Dzong and the Paro Airport |
![Paro Dzong often gives air travelers their first impression of Bhutan](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487254.Iw3edLN7.Bhutan20092620.jpg) Paro Dzong often gives air travelers their first impression of Bhutan |
![Rinpung Dzong, Paro](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487255.Yu7QqxZG.Bhutan20092622.jpg) Rinpung Dzong, Paro |
![The central tower (utse) rising above Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487256.9vh7BKii.Bhutan20092624.jpg) The central tower (utse) rising above Paro Dzong |
![The main entrance reached by a defensive bridge on the north side](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487257.LUmqY5BB.Bhutan20092625.jpg) The main entrance reached by a defensive bridge on the north side |
![The north side of Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487258.K6I5ubS2.Bhutan20092644.jpg) The north side of Paro Dzong |
![Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487259.6Ne6nLZc.Bhutan20092645.jpg) Paro Dzong |
![Monks on the steps of Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487260.irVzGNBq.Bhutan20092646.jpg) Monks on the steps of Paro Dzong |
![Another monastic building next to Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487261.cnLO1C9W.Bhutan20092649.jpg) Another monastic building next to Paro Dzong |
![Dennis, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487262.j23A6oT5.Bhutan20092651.jpg) Dennis, Paro Dzong |
![A young novice monk in a hurry](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487264.XwEaBhgC.Bhutan20092655.jpg) A young novice monk in a hurry |
![Dog hanging around the entrance of Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487267.co4VN4G5.Bhutan20092660.jpg) Dog hanging around the entrance of Paro Dzong |
![Thunder Dragon - the symbol of Bhutan](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487268.BIQAd5pP.Bhutan20092662.jpg) Thunder Dragon - the symbol of Bhutan |
![The main entrance to Paro Dzong protected by dragons](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487269.6FfzEk2w.Bhutan20092663.jpg) The main entrance to Paro Dzong protected by dragons |
![Bhutanese Thunder Dragon](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487270.rpGagDHa.Bhutan20092665.jpg) Bhutanese Thunder Dragon |
![Thunder Dragon, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487271.1PIpcDlO.Bhutan20092666.jpg) Thunder Dragon, Paro Dzong |
![Mural - Yulkhorsung, Guardian King of the East, white with lute](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487272.vdCzaQgt.Bhutan20092667.jpg) Mural - Yulkhorsung, Guardian King of the East, white with lute |
![Mural - Phagkepo, Guardian King of the South, blue with a sword](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487329.hGEd12el.Bhutan20092668.jpg) Mural - Phagkepo, Guardian King of the South, blue with a sword |
![Mural - Chenmizang, Guardian King of the West, red with chosen and snake](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487330.HKIFvVFF.Bhutan20092669.jpg) Mural - Chenmizang, Guardian King of the West, red with chosen and snake |
![Mural - Namthosey, Guardian King of the North, yellow with mongoose and a banner of victory](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487331.KcBzbevj.Bhutan20092670.jpg) Mural - Namthosey, Guardian King of the North, yellow with mongoose and a banner of victory |
![Wheel of Deluded Existence (Wheel of Life), Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487332.WHTdwWEi.Bhutan20092672.jpg) Wheel of Deluded Existence (Wheel of Life), Paro Dzong |
![Mara, the God of Deception and Dissolution, holds the wheel in his claws - the crown of skulls symbolizing inevitable death](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487333.n1AZQIGi.Bhutan20092673.jpg) Mara, the God of Deception and Dissolution, holds the wheel in his claws - the crown of skulls symbolizing inevitable death |
![At the top, the Realm of the Devas, celestial gods](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487334.cv2RgPim.Bhutan20092674.jpg) At the top, the Realm of the Devas, celestial gods |
![Wheel of Life - The Realm of Asuras, the jealous demigods and titans. The wishing tree links their realm to that of the gods](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487335.DUTFZX0G.Bhutan20092675.jpg) Wheel of Life - The Realm of Asuras, the jealous demigods and titans. The wishing tree links their realm to that of the gods |
![Wheel of Life - The Realm of Pretas, the Hungry Ghosts - always wanting, never satisfied](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487336.fEEleWLi.Bhutan20092676.jpg) Wheel of Life - The Realm of Pretas, the Hungry Ghosts - always wanting, never satisfied |
![At the bottom, the Realm of Hell, characterized by suffering](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487337.SXtyb7DL.Bhutan20092677.jpg) At the bottom, the Realm of Hell, characterized by suffering |
![Wheel of Life - detail of the torments of Hell](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487344.w5027pQ6.Bhutan20092684.jpg) Wheel of Life - detail of the torments of Hell |
![Wheel of Life - The Realm of Animals](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487338.FTSYgFZB.Bhutan20092678.jpg) Wheel of Life - The Realm of Animals |
![Wheel of Life - The Realm of Mankind](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487339.sY2fOkG3.Bhutan20092679.jpg) Wheel of Life - The Realm of Mankind |
![On the left of the inner circle, the righteous ascending while on the opposite side, the hell-bound descend](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487340.enayEj2U.Bhutan20092680.jpg) On the left of the inner circle, the righteous ascending while on the opposite side, the hell-bound descend |
![Paro Dzong - mural of the symbols of Long Life](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487341.YHeyO3O2.Bhutan20092681.jpg) Paro Dzong - mural of the symbols of Long Life |
![Thunpa Punzhi - the Four Harmonious Friends](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487343.XjXOcHrg.Bhutan20092682.jpg) Thunpa Punzhi - the Four Harmonious Friends |
![Paro Dzong - tiger on a chain](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487345.ReOiNQRg.Bhutan20092685.jpg) Paro Dzong - tiger on a chain |
![Paro Dzong - bull on a rope](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487347.y4e4ZiQP.Bhutan20092686.jpg) Paro Dzong - bull on a rope |
![Door to the Dyt Hall, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487348.EB1OurGK.Bhutan20092687.jpg) Door to the Dyt Hall, Paro Dzong |
![The 8-spoked Khorlo, or Wheel of Life](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487349.Ur79BBxc.Bhutan20092688.jpg) The 8-spoked Khorlo, or Wheel of Life |
![Detail of the woodwork and painting of Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487350.9tCb8AuT.Bhutan20092689.jpg) Detail of the woodwork and painting of Paro Dzong |
![Wooden beams and supports, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487352.6H0KK0OY.Bhutan20092690.jpg) Wooden beams and supports, Paro Dzong |
![The Utse (Central Tower) of Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487353.B99vXAym.Bhutan20092691.jpg) The Utse (Central Tower) of Paro Dzong |
![The Utse (Central Tower) of Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487354.QeJGCV6y.Bhutan20092693.jpg) The Utse (Central Tower) of Paro Dzong |
![Mural - Tiger on a Chain, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487355.8lVhwbJu.Bhutan20092694.jpg) Mural - Tiger on a Chain, Paro Dzong |
![Mural - Bull on a rope, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487358.O6ntlWoL.Bhutan20092696.jpg) Mural - Bull on a rope, Paro Dzong |
![Bhutan2009 2695.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487357.qYu3WUp5.Bhutan20092695.jpg) Bhutan2009 2695.jpg |
![Bhutan2009 2697.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487359.mmWSNjzs.Bhutan20092697.jpg) Bhutan2009 2697.jpg |
![Monks passing through the courtyard, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487360.nwLPOxg8.Bhutan20092699.jpg) Monks passing through the courtyard, Paro Dzong |
![From the upper gallery, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487361.CvRn638y.Bhutan20092705.jpg) From the upper gallery, Paro Dzong |
![Dennis with two young monks, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487362.f7rh2XsS.Bhutan20092706.jpg) Dennis with two young monks, Paro Dzong |
![Dennis with two young monks, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487363.eERexRr3.Bhutan20092707.jpg) Dennis with two young monks, Paro Dzong |
![Me and Monks, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487364.GgplekP1.Bhutan20092708.jpg) Me and Monks, Paro Dzong |
![View from Rinpung Dzong looking towards the town center of Paro](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487365.QnQogpjk.Bhutan20092710.jpg) View from Rinpung Dzong looking towards the town center of Paro |
![Looking out the window overlooking the Paro River](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487367.5hXgS3gm.Bhutan20092714.jpg) Looking out the window overlooking the Paro River |
![Pennant flag, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487368.qJCeqQYu.Bhutan20092715.jpg) Pennant flag, Paro Dzong |
![Central Tower, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487756.iQ5ZHpMT.Bhutan20092717.jpg) Central Tower, Paro Dzong |
![Monk selling trinkets to tourists](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487758.YkU0e1XD.Bhutan20092718.jpg) Monk selling trinkets to tourists |
![Monk shop, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487761.PiKU7cnk.Bhutan20092719.jpg) Monk shop, Paro Dzong |
![Tandin Dorji hanging out of Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487763.5puY13IW.Bhutan20092721.jpg) Tandin Dorji hanging out of Paro Dzong |
![Bell in the courtyard of Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487765.zlcxJI4z.Bhutan20092722.jpg) Bell in the courtyard of Paro Dzong |
![Central Tower, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487767.pEfKIBZv.Bhutan20092723.jpg) Central Tower, Paro Dzong |
![Another version of the Wheel of Life, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487769.93nTlZei.Bhutan20092724.jpg) Another version of the Wheel of Life, Paro Dzong |
![Always strive to stay in the top half of the Wheel of Life](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487772.Jq6wXrye.Bhutan20092725.jpg) Always strive to stay in the top half of the Wheel of Life |
![Best to avoid the bottom half of the Wheel of Life](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487773.b1dAjvVY.Bhutan20092726.jpg) Best to avoid the bottom half of the Wheel of Life |
![Guardian Kings with Enlightened Beings](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487775.zEF0nfn7.Bhutan20092727.jpg) Guardian Kings with Enlightened Beings |
![Bhutan2009 2728.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487778.OXcR4Gds.Bhutan20092728.jpg) Bhutan2009 2728.jpg |
![Older monks at Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487780.BbfASEav.Bhutan20092729.jpg) Older monks at Paro Dzong |
![Monk texting, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487782.39EB4wVW.Bhutan20092730.jpg) Monk texting, Paro Dzong |
![Tandin describing the Auspicious Symbols, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487784.2ID00f1H.Bhutan20092732.jpg) Tandin describing the Auspicious Symbols, Paro Dzong |
![An odd pillar beside Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487786.k3rVy8D8.Bhutan20092734.jpg) An odd pillar beside Paro Dzong |
![Dennis with some local ladies on the path from Paro Dzong to the river](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487789.IhFvMlhg.Bhutan20092735.jpg) Dennis with some local ladies on the path from Paro Dzong to the river |
![Paro Dzong's south face](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487792.AcND16RO.Bhutan20092739.jpg) Paro Dzong's south face |
![Paro Dzong's south face](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487795.TaTBXOq1.Bhutan20092740.jpg) Paro Dzong's south face |
![Central Tower of Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487797.Fr1F80Qj.Bhutan20092741.jpg) Central Tower of Paro Dzong |
![All Bhutanese visitors must wear National Dress including Kabney and Rachung to visit the Dzong or National Museum](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487800.1J0UZ0Lp.Bhutan20092742.jpg) All Bhutanese visitors must wear National Dress including Kabney and Rachung to visit the Dzong or National Museum |
![Tower Bridge across the Paro River at the foot of Rinpung Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487802.FYriGph7.Bhutan20092745.jpg) Tower Bridge across the Paro River at the foot of Rinpung Dzong |
![Dennis and the cantilevered bridge at Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487805.hsMPLOdQ.Bhutan20092746.jpg) Dennis and the cantilevered bridge at Paro Dzong |
![Cantilevered Bridge, Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487806.SNaHA9PW.Bhutan20092747.jpg) Cantilevered Bridge, Paro Dzong |
![Bhutan2009 2749.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487809.gbCRXfpa.Bhutan20092749.jpg) Bhutan2009 2749.jpg |
![Avalokiteshvara - the Vision of Selflessness](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487812.gC46gQBc.Bhutan20092750.jpg) Avalokiteshvara - the Vision of Selflessness |
![View of Rinpung Dzong from the old Cantilevered Bridge](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487815.lq2SJSRm.Bhutan20092755.jpg) View of Rinpung Dzong from the old Cantilevered Bridge |
![Guru Rinpoche, Paro Bridge](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487817.x3dOLXx5.Bhutan20092756.jpg) Guru Rinpoche, Paro Bridge |
![Sakyamuni, the Historic Buddha, Paro Bridge](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487819.yeOJ0x78.Bhutan20092757.jpg) Sakyamuni, the Historic Buddha, Paro Bridge |
![Paro Dzong at night](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487822.YTjTzL02.Bhutan20093229.jpg) Paro Dzong at night |
![Paro Dzong at night](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487823.QBMdasIJ.Bhutan20093242.jpg) Paro Dzong at night |
![Dennis on a night visit to Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487825.edizexE7.Bhutan20093247.jpg) Dennis on a night visit to Paro Dzong |
![Town of Paro at night, from the hillside near Paro Dzong](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487827.BNa4FHuM.Bhutan20093249.jpg) Town of Paro at night, from the hillside near Paro Dzong |
![Paro Dzong at night](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487828.dtfNxHc7.Bhutan20093257.jpg) Paro Dzong at night |
![Paro Dzong at night](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487829.jPvqmUOm.Bhutan20093258.jpg) Paro Dzong at night |
![The moon tries to break through the clouds above the lights of Paro](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/120487830.vNT5liCO.Bhutan20093262.jpg) The moon tries to break through the clouds above the lights of Paro |