Definitely ONE OFF MY BUCKET LIST. I am still feeling OLD and TIRED, having just arrived from this dream trip to Bhutan. Not up to writing up my adventures yet. But this I must say. The flight into Bhutan is one for the books. What introduction to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, home of the concept of Gross National Happiness. As they say, HAPPINESS IS A PLACE. And that place is called Bhutan.
How many times have I been on a plane? A helicopter? A train? A boat? I didn’t give much thought about flying into Bhutan. But I sure know that this little Kingdom lies in the Eastern Himalayas right there above India, near Tibet. Snow-capped mountains shining like a jewel filled my plane’s window as we made the approach on our Airbus A319.
I imagined a small airport, and it was. After all, it is a small country. That explains why I found the US$756 round trip fare from Bangkok too pricey. And I was even told Druk Airlines — the only airline allowed to fly in and out of Paro Airport — gave us a hefty discount! Well, discount my foot I thought! From Bangkok, it took 2 hours to land in Dhaka, Bangladesh for a brief stopover. A few passengers got off, with just as few joining us on the 1 hour trip to Paro.
From my window seat, I saw how rugged the landscape is. Those lines down below must be the roads zigzagging around mountains. From a distance, I saw mountains in different hues of blue, even near-green, capped by the white snow shining like a golden tiara under the glare of the sun.
Then the plane made its approach. I could almost feel the pine trees brushing the soles of my feet as one of the highly-trained 8 Druk airlines pilots maneuvered the plane between 2 mountains ………… then actually leaned, veered to the left, turning really, really left, and landing in this short airstrip with a Dzhong or Monastery right there at the end of the runway!
Phew! What a flight. Leaning and swerving around mountain peaks and into the valleys was just insane!! And I have just landed. How exciting can that be? Well, more excitement follows as I begin my series of blogs on Bhutan starting with this and this. And don’t forget to check out my most awesome hike ever. The hike to Taktshang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery is NOT for the faint-hearted, but I’m mighty proud to say I survived it!
Btw, did I tell you that Druk pilots land VISUALLY (no radar), and literally lands the plane on a wing and a prayer? Oh yes, AND I KID YOU NOT!!!
This piece was written in a record time of 10 minutes to join this year’s final month’s blog carnival “The Journey is the Destination” hosted by one of the bloggers whom I deeply admire, Kara Santos of TravelingUp.
Do check out subsequent blogs on this happy place. I have been on a roll. And for good reason!
lifeisacelebration 
Oh. My. Gawd. This is really bucket list stuff. Even the view from the small plane window is wonderful. And I thought flying over the Rockies offered the most breathtaking bird’s eye of snow-capped mountains. But this is the bomb – the Himalayas!
The first photo is simply stunning. Looks like the mountain range has a golden tiara. Is that sunny reflection?
Already salivating for your Bhutan series, Tita Lili. Such a tease! 🙂
I’m still feeling old and tired. Like Mother Goose disguised as Little Red Riding Hood in that flaming red coat 😉 So full of it I can’t write. Waaaah!
Exciting! I look forward to reading your accounts. Cooper from Palawan, Philippines.
Thanks. Still organizing my thoughts ( which are all over!) after the trip. Won’t be long. The old lady just needs some rest 😉
Enjoyed your Bhutan article. Thank you.
Thank u too, Marietta.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful view of Bhutan from the plane. The photos are lovely. I haven’t really heard much about Bhutan but now, I’m interested to read more about it. This looks like a great trip! 🙂
Kara, I was dead tired when I arrived but thoroughly pleased with my trip to Bhutan. Couldn’t pass up the chance not to join the blog carnival you hosted. My brains still full of Bhutan and I just want to keep writing about the experience, but always stymied by the many fond and varied memories which leave me smiling each time. I hope you get the chance to visit Bhutan, if only so I can read your own experiences about the place and its people. There is something about the Himalayan culture that leaves you enthralled.
I have never heard much about bhutan except when we were to memorize the countries back when I was still studying geo. nice pictures and thanks for sharing. :]
Now I’m a lot more excited (if it were possible) about my trip to Bhutan next year! Thanks for the wonderful photos, tips and your beautiful writing Li!
Am sure you’d have a wonderful time, Lin, starting with the Druk landing.
My dear wife is travelling with some friends to Bhutan early next year, so to get her used to the idea of landing at the very difficult Paro airport I showed her this video:
The plane twists and turns as it follows the river along the valley between the mountains, then does a hard right and an even sharper left turn to line up perfectly for the approach. Great pilots doing what they love.
To see more videos just search for Paro landings in YouTube.
Quite an adventure, really. Great as “starters” to a wonderful trip.
Hello How much was the total costs you incurred for this travel?
Airfare+$200 per day covering tours, food, hotel.