Our day began with an absolutely spectacular one hour plane ride from Kathmandu to Bhutan. On the way we had a great view of Mt Everest (pictured) and the world's fourth highest mountain, Lhotse. At 29,000ft, Everest wasn't much lower than our cruising altitude of 35,000ft!

The approach to the Paro airport was an exciting slam dunk with flaps and gear down from about 15,000 feet followed by a wing tip turn to the runway in a tight valley. The pilot got a hearty ovation from the passengers when we safely landed!

Our first impression of Bhutan is of a lovely agricultural area with terraced rice paddies surrounded by mountains that look very similar to those at home. It's great to see green again and breathe fresh air!

We are staying in a lovely wooden cottage located above a river near Paro. It is part of a beautiful wooden complex which houses a restaurant and sitting area as well as 10 cottages. It looks somewhat Scandinavian in a Bhutanese sort of way!