Bhutan is surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains allowing the country to remain
relatively isolated until modern times but these mountains also provide an
"interesting" flight path for approaching airplanes. The landing approach
maneuvers between mountain passes including an abrupt last minute turn to
become aligned with the runway in Paro.

All flights into Bhutan involve the Royal Bhutan Airlines otherwise known as
Druk Air. Druk Air consists of two modern planes and pilots well trained in
mountain landings. We flew in calm weather but have heard it can be a
challenge when the mountain winds blow.

Quick Facts about Bhutan:
Size: similar to Switzerland
Population: 635,000 (2005)
Life Expectancy: 63 years
Literacy: male 69%, female 51%
Population in Agriculture: 69%
Major Religion: Buddhism
Main Export: hydro-electricity to India