Bhutan Mountain Kingdoms Sunrise Flight

Flying into Bhutan is one of the great journeys of the Himalaya. The flight between Kathmandu and Paro, operated by Bhutan's airlines, follows the length of the eastern Himalaya, and on a clear morning the view from the window takes in some of the highest mountains on earth, including Everest, Makalu and Kangchenjunga, before Chomolhari, the sacred peak on Bhutan's border with Tibet, rises ahead as the plane nears Paro.

The flight itself is short, around an hour, and the best views are on the side of the plane facing north, which is the left side when flying east from Kathmandu to Paro. Seats on that side are in high demand, so we request them when booking and recommend checking in early. A mountain briefing card helps you identify the peaks as they appear along the horizon.

After Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, the aircraft begins its descent towards Bhutan. The approach to Paro is one of the most famous in aviation. The airport sits in a narrow valley at around 2,200 metres, surrounded by ridges of up to 5,500 metres, and the runway is short. Pilots fly the final approach visually, following the valley and banking between the forested hillsides before lining up with the runway, often passing close enough to see farmhouses and prayer flags on the slopes. Only a small number of pilots are certified to land at Paro, and flights operate only in daylight.

On arrival, the terminal building, decorated in traditional Bhutanese style with carved and painted woodwork, is itself a welcome to the kingdom. Your guide, required for all visitors to Bhutan, meets you in the arrivals hall.

The weather decides everything. The clearest skies are usually from October to December and from February to April, especially on early morning flights, before clouds build around the peaks. During the monsoon, from June to September, the mountains are often hidden, and flights can be delayed or diverted in poor visibility. Because of the terrain, schedules at Paro change regularly, so keep your plans flexible on your arrival and departure days.

Bring a camera with a zoom lens if possible, and keep it in your hand luggage. Photographs through the window are best taken with the lens close to the glass to reduce reflections.

The experience includes a flight ticket between Kathmandu and Paro, a request for a mountain-side window seat and a mountain briefing card. Airport transfers and meals are not included, and your visa and Sustainable Development Fee for Bhutan must be arranged separately.