An annoying sound jolted us awake at 5 am today. Not enjoying early mornings encouraged us to stay at the Hyatt at Bangkok’s airport so we were assured of a short walk to the airport check-in counter rather than be forced to wake at 4 am and hoping for no traffic on the road from our hotel in the city.

All went to plan with an easy check in at 530 and an on time arrival in Paro. We had been told it’s a tricky airport to fly into with only highly certified pilots permitted to land here. It was very cool to see clouds below us while flying near a mountain that rose higher than our plane.

The immigration was automated and efficient. While waiting for the bag I had a seat and the older man next to me started up a conversation. We chatted for a few minutes when we were interrupted by a foursome that had a look of awe in their eyes and bowed deeply. He chatted to them for a moment and returned to me. Clearly he was well known. When I suggested that he might have been in politics he hesitated for a moment and said yes but that he had retired 15 years ago.

Easy research led to the conclusion that the gentlemen in question was Jigme Thinley, the first prime minister of Bhutan (Bhutan became a democracy in 2008). Later our guide remarked that he had lived in Bhutan for his entire life and had never spoken to the prime minister but I spoken to him in my first five minutes in the country.

Our guide Tandin and our driver Setschu met us and we were off. We drove about an hour following the Paro river as it wound through the valley. It is rather stark without too many trees yet beautiful. We made our first photo stop in front of a 14th century monastery before arriving at the Palace in the Sky, as they call the Six Senses lodge in Thimphu. It is perched on a hill overlooking the Thimphu Valley and the Buddha Dordenma statue is visible on a neighbouring hill.

Of course the service is impeccable and they won’t let us do anything on our own. You are greeted with an incense burning and they place white shawls over you as a symbol of purity.

The stunning lobby looks out to the reflecting pool and I was able to capture a fantastic reflection photo of the sky.

Lunch was an interesting and delicious mix of foods from Bhutan and neighbouring countries.

Afterwards we went to our large room (at 77 sqm it is larger than most HK apartments) with its wood burning fire and soaking tub overlooking the hills. Very zen and comfortable.

We are located at 2350 meters above sea level and we feel it! In theory this a warm up as we will climb up to 3150 meters when we visit the Tigers Nest on our last full day.

To begin the preparation we did a hike with our guide up to the top of the hill behind the resort. Let’s just say coming down was easier than the climb up in this altitude. And we can most definitely justify desserts now.

David went for a short swim in the heated indoor pool but said it is much more challenging to exercise in this altitude.

Dinner was besides the fire in the main dining room and we returned to our room where we found hot water bottles warming out bed. Heavenly.