Day 0.

Outside Terminal 2 at Dubai International airport on a Tuesday afternoon.


Getting a bite to eat airside in the Marhaba lounge.


And I couldn't resist some dessert too.


I had a few days of leave about to expire from the previous year so started looking at possibilities for a quick getaway from Dubai.

I initially looked at a quick trip to Norway, the Balkans or Tajikistan, but it was the wrong time of year (winter). I hadn't been to Bhutan before and although it was winter there too, the weather looked relatively mild and dry.

A mountainous country roughly the same size as Switzerland but with a population of ~800,000, Bhutan as a country had always intrigued me. It is often billed as the 'last Shangri-La' and is also famous or pioneering the concept of Gross National Happiness, based on the four pillars of good governance, sustainable socioeconomic development, preservation and promotion of culture, and environmental conservation.

Bhutan adopted a “high end, low volume” tourism policy when the reclusive nation first opened its doors to foreigners in 1974. Hence the country imposes a minimum daily fee of ~$250 per person per night, of which includes a $65 government tax and a $10 Tourism Development tax. The fee typically covers accomodation, guide, car & driver, food, entrance fees etc., so while more expensive than neighbouring countries, it still reasonable for a single traveller.

I organised my trip through Raven Tours and Treks after a recommendation and the total price of my tour for three nights was $835 including the $40 tourist visa fee.

Paro Airport is situated at an elevation of 2,235 metres in a deep valley and is one of the world's most challenging airports. It is only possible to fly in on one of the country's two airlines, Drukair — Royal Bhutan Airlines and Bhutan Airlines.

Raven Tours and Treks organised my flight booking for me on Drukair — Royal Bhutan Airlines, flying from Kathmandu to Paro (KTM-PBH) return for $420.

To position to Kathmandu from Dubai I booked a cheap flight on Flydubai for $290 return.