Nestled in the Himalayas, the north-east Indian state of Sikkim now houses one of the most beautiful airports in the world!
Built into the side of a lush green cliff at a height of 4500 feet above sea, Pakyong Airport near Gangtok has a unique charm, especially since it can only accept about 50 passengers at a time, who would arrive in tiny ATR aircrafts. The airport has a 1.75-kilometre runway, which can handle small ATR aircrafts. One side offers spectacular views of the valley below with a sheer drop.
With a capacity of handling only about 50 arrivals and departures in a day, the airport will witness few flights. But it is set to be a massive relief for travellers and locals, who till now had to travel nearly five hours to the nearest air-link at Bagdogra.
Gangtok is only about 45 minutes from Pakyong, which easily adds another day to any travel itinerary in the region. Pakyong will also see international flights from January, when Druk Air will start flights to Paro, Bhutan.