Is Paro safe?
Very safe, with almost no crime. The Tiger's Nest hike, winding roads and stray dogs are the main risks. Costs exclude the daily US$100 visitor fee.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-10-19.
- Homicide rate in Bhutan: 2.5 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Bhutan: 16.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 113 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 110 · Tourist police 2300.
Safety in Paro at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Very rare; occasional bag theft from parked cars or unattended items. |
| At night | Very quiet after 9 pm; restaurants close early. Carry a torch on unlit lanes. |
| Solo women | Very safe for solo women. Guides and hotels are respectful; dress modestly at dzongs and monasteries. |
| Other risks | Altitude (2,200 m) and Tiger's Nest at 3,120 m; Stray dogs and rabies risk; Landslides on the Paro–Thimphu highway in monsoon |
Scams, areas and local laws
Take care
- Stray dogs at night around Paro town
- Tiger's Nest trail: steep sections, slippery in rain, takes 5–6 hours
- Landslide-prone highway to Thimphu in monsoon
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Smoking is banned in public places, and tobacco you bring in is limited and taxed.
- Tourists generally can't bring or fly drones without an advance permit.
- Exporting antiques or religious artefacts is illegal; non-antique crafts need an export permit.
How Paro compares in Bhutan
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Thimphu | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Paro | 5/5 · Very safe |
Quick answers
Is Paro safe for solo female travelers?
Very safe for solo women. Guides and hotels are respectful; dress modestly at dzongs and monasteries.
Is Paro safe at night?
Very quiet after 9 pm; restaurants close early. Carry a torch on unlit lanes.
What is the crime rate in Paro?
Very rare; occasional bag theft from parked cars or unattended items. Nationally, Bhutan records 2.5 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2020).
What number do I call in an emergency in Paro?
Police 113 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 110 · Tourist police 2300.
More about Paro
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Tourism Council of Bhutan
- Bhutan Travel (visa and fee)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.