Kuzuzangpo-la! Arrive in Paro/Bhutan after a breathtaking panoramic flight along the Himalayas

Today is all about the contrast to the chaotic and hectic experiences in the 5 million metropolis of Kathmandu in the last few days. Our journey begins with one of the most spectacular mountain approaches in the world - to Paro. During the entire one-hour flight we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains. Paro Airport is one of the most difficult destinations in the world to fly to. The pilots have to fly by sight and by manual control, as the mountains surrounding the airport make the use of navigation aids impossible. Only a dozen or so pilots are authorized to do this.

As soon as we enter the airport in Paro in Bhutan, we feel like we have been catapulted into another world: peace, serenity and an absolute slow-down mentality prevail here. Our guide for the next few days and our driver greet us warmly, putting a white stole around our shoulders and relieving us of the heavy burden of our equipment. The air is fresh and clean and you can practically smell that Bhutan is the only country in the world with a negative CO2 balance.

After a very idyllic one-hour drive along the Pachu River, we arrive in Timphu, the capital of Bhutan.

After lunch, go on a two-hour hike through the forests above the capital to the Golden Buddha.

We spend the evening with the guide and driver with locals who all speak good English, and sit cross-legged (admittedly very tiring) and enjoy the very tasty and spicy dishes that are served for us.

All in all: a very tiring but no less fulfilling day with incredibly great first impressions of the country and its people.