Bhutan's Tiny Himalayan Airport Is One Of The Trickiest Places In The World To Land

The runway is short, with little space on either side.

The Google Maps satellite view shows it is nestled among the Himalaya Mountains.

One Google reviewer says there's one duty free shop and a small beverage counter, but "sweet and hospitable security and one of the most charming airport buildings ever."

[Source: Google Review]

Many of the passengers who fly into Paro are tourists.

[Source: The Daily Mail]

Monks use the airport as well, perhaps to visit Bhutan's monasteries. Or they are locals going away for a bit.

Sometimes, the airport is used for more formal occasions. In April 2010, Bhutan hosted the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit. Here, the Indian prime minister arrives at Paro.

[Source: Reuters]

Until July 2011, the only airline using Paro was Druk Air.

It is now open to a few more airlines, including private jet service through charter company Chapman Freeborn.

[Source: Travel Daily Asia]

As they come in for landing, pilots must navigate a series of quick turns, to avoid the tall mountains and get in position to land on the short runway.

The airport is only used in good weather, but gusts of wind are an ever-present risk.

[Source: The Daily Mail]

They can make landing and taking off quite scary.

[Source: The Daily Mail]

Planes taking off seem to be on a collision course with a hillside.

But they quickly gain elevation, and bank right.

If all goes well, they clear the peak and start their journey.

Now see what a very different airport looks like.

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