19 March 2011

Flying out of Bhutan

Flying out of Bhutan from Paro was an interesting twisty journey through the mountains.



The airport is located in a deep valley on the bank of Paro river with surrounding peaks as high as 18,000 feet (5,500 m). Allegedly, it is considered to be "one of the world's most challenging airports" and only eight pilots in the world are certified to land there.

It is also alleged that it took 7 months for Airbus Industries re-programming of the Airbus 319 cockpit computers in order to allow them to cope with the special challenges posed by this unique airport & its surrounding terrain.

To protect the 'innocent', no mention will be made of the seasoned traveller who sat  next me who quivered during the rapid & twisty departure with their head in their hands - jumping at every noise.

As a bonus - we at last saw Mount Everest in the distance as we headed South for Kolkata.

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