Walking in Thimphu

This is an afternoon walk in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Thimphu is in a river valley, but it is high in the mountains (7,000 - 8,500 feet) making it one of the highest capitals in the world. The mountains in the background combined with the skyscape are quite striking. 

The city itself is very clean and well maintained. The architecture and decorative flourishes are very attractive. For the most part the people do not dress in western style clothes, instead the women wear an ankle length dress called a kira, and the men a gho which is a sort of robe that reaches to just above the knees. 

The city is comparatively very quiet, with little traffic or crowd noise, which gives it a very tranquil feeling. 

 

Remind me never to land at this airport

The title of the video asks, "Most difficult landing in the world - Bhutan?" It certainly looks like it is a contender. The airport is Paro in Bhutan. Visual rules only, no instrument approaches. The pilots had to overfly the airport and head a up a valley where they did a tight 180 degree turn as they bled off altitude. Then there is a tight zig-zag to line up and drop onto the short runway.

Pretty much of a white knuckle ride. Then again, the bus ride there probably isn't any less terrifying.