Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, is mystical, enchanting and like nowhere you have ever been. Voted one of the world’s top travel destinations, Bhutan remains accessible only to the privileged few. Nestling between Tibet and India it is a country of raw natural beauty; from stunning mountain scenery to tropical plains. This pristine scenery is home to exotic wildlife and is one of the last refuges of species like the Black-Necked Crane, the Golden Langur and even the Royal Bengal tiger.…
Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, is mystical, enchanting and like nowhere you have ever been. Voted one of the world’s top travel destinations, Bhutan remains accessible only to the privileged few.
Nestling between Tibet and India it is a country of raw natural beauty; from stunning mountain scenery to tropical plains. This pristine scenery is home to exotic wildlife and is one of the last refuges of species like the Black-Necked Crane, the Golden Langur and even the Royal Bengal tiger.
The Bhutanese people with their Buddhist beliefs have a strong sense of identity and of the interdependence between man and nature. This is expressed in the national policy of Gross National Happiness and concern for the environment.
We are very priviledged to be able to organise one of the most exclusive marathons in the world in conjunction with Bhutanese Tour Operator Blue Poppy.
The Thunder Dragon Marathon highlights all of the aspects of Bhutan that make it so special. Running through the beautiful Paro Valley the route takes in fantastic scenary and passes many iconic landmarks, like the Tigers Nest Monastery, Paro Dzong and many religious Chorten - a true mountain and cultural experience.
Mostly on trails and mountain paths with some road sections, the route has a number of climbs but with an altitude variation that stays between 2,200m and 2,530m there are no tremendously difficult sections although it remains a suitable challenge.
The Route
From the start at Zhiwa Ling, the first few kms are down hill on the road before crossing a metal bridge festooned in prayer flags. It then follows the Paro Chu River downstream where runners are at 2200m altitude. The route remains undulating along the Wang Chu tributary - going up one side for several kms, crossing a bridge and returning down the other side.
Arriving back on the road near Paro you will then climb steadily up the side of a valley passing above Paro Dzong, and up to Zueray Dzong at the highest point of the race (2530m) on a 4km road climb followed by 1km gently up hill on forest trails. From here you start to drop to the valley passing through Uma Resort (2413m).
Dropping back to the river, the 21km will finish after crossing the ornate Paro Bridge in front of Paro Dzong while the marathon continues across the valley on road.
Once across the valley the marathon route then rises up on the road for 3km up to 2,400m, followed by a short climb on a wide track before picking up forest trails along a line of Chortens festooned with prayer flags. A short but steep climb at 30km on road takes you onto trail around a spur before dropping and rising on a number of side valleys. At 32km there is an amazing section through paddy fields bringing you close to rural Bhutan before a final loop with incredible views of the Tigers Nest as you approach the finish line back at Zhiwa Ling.
The first half of the race is easier than the second half with long sections of flat to undulating running on the gravel trail of the river banks. The 21km finishes on the waters edge. This makes the 21km suitable for all runners and run/walkers regardless of pace as there is no cut off time
The marathon continues with one longish climb between 21 and 25km, where runners are rewarded with fantastic views up the valley before the drop to the Paro Bridge, you pass through the south of Paro Town before a second climb through Olanthang with the remainder of the route undulating through forest and small villages.
Cut off time for the marathon is 8hrs but with some flexibility depending on weather conditions. Transportation from the finish back to the start is provided for 21km runners and spectators - the marathon starts and finishes at the same place at Zhiwaling.
Make it a Double with the Great Wall of China
Or make this a double Adventure with the Himalayan Kingdom Marathon - double up on a full Great Wall Marathon 6-night package with fights and we will fly you to Bangkok for 1 night in before going on to Bhutan for the 6-Night Himalayan Kingdom Marathon package. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS OF THE GRAND TOUR.
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UDUMWARA HOTEL (standard 3-star):
The resort has 10 rooms at the main block and 5 cozy villas with 4 rooms in each villa, which are all deluxe twin bedded rooms decorated in a traditional style with modern facilities like security boxes, TV and free wireless internet connection. Pakshing Bar made wholly of bamboo which serves only local drinks and a handicraft shop with all the antiques on display just next to the bar in the main block will surely mesmerize you.
To add on to the existing natural beauty of the resort, a traditional bridge is constructed which passes over a small brook. The resort is a blend of traditional look with a touch of modern architecture.
Hotel in Thimphu after the Trek on 8-night options will be Hotel Phutsho Perli or simialr and in Punakha for the 6-night tour the Zangto Perli or similar.
RAVENS NEST****
Raven's Nest Resort is the latest addition to the hotels in Paro. It has 21 guest rooms with en suite bathroom, private balcony, 42-inch cable LCD TV with premium channels, kitchenette, refrigerator, working desk and space heating. It has 8 standard rooms, 3 deluxe rooms, 2 deluxe rooms with kitchenettes, 6 junior suites and 2 villas. Bathroom amenities include shower and tub combination and rainfall showerheads. Each room is provided with bathrobes, hair dryers, slipper, hair dryers irons and ironing boards and adequate complimentary toiletries. All rooms are provided with complimentary bottled water and coffee or tea makers.
Hotel in Thimphu after the Trek on 8-night options will be the Druk Hotel or simialr and in Punakha for the 6-night tour the Dhensa Punaka or similar.
ZHIWA LING HOTEL (5-star Junior Suite):
The 45-room Zhiwa Ling Hotel combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse with the best of 21st Century technology. Envisioned and created by a local Bhutanese company, the hotel's elaborate hand-carved wooden cornices and masterful stonework coexist beautifully with today's cutting-edge technology.
The spa offers all the amenities of a modern fitness centre - sauna, steam room, gym - as well as a traditional Bhutanese outdoor hot-stone bath. The hotel located amidst beautiful landscape and evergreen forest houses fully equipped business centre, a tea house, two fully-equipped conference rooms, a meditation house and multi cuisine restaurant.
Honouring the spiritual heritage of this ancient Buddhist kingdom, a temple has been built into the second floor of the hotel, made with 450-year-old timbers from the famous Gangtey Monastery, the crowning glory of this new ten-acre cultural landmark.
Hotel in Thimphu after the Trek on 8-night options will be the Taj Tashi Hotel or simialr and in Punakha for the 6-night tour the Uma Punaka or similar.
We are pleased to offer a wide range of options that allow for runners to acclimatise to the altitude with long and short trips to suit your sense of adventure or the time you have available. The treks are fantastic with magnificent views of the high Himalayas and are considered moderate in difficulty reaching altitudes of 4,000 to 4,200m, or enjoy a cultural west-to-east tour by private minibus after the marathon to experience the differences across Bhutan. For those on a short time scale the 4 night tour offers enough time to acclimatise and see some of the area including the walk up to the incrdible Tigers Nest Monastery and a vist to the capital Thimphu.
Why not make it a tour of a life time by combing our 6-night Great Wall Marathon and the 6-night Himalayan Kingdom Marathon tours and compare two great cultures, from the bustle of China to the quiet tranquility of Bhutan. We throw in a free night in a 5-star hotel in Bangkok between the two tours for those booking both together.
FLIGHTS: We suggest if travelling from Europe that Etihad offer the best flighs into Kathmadu for the onward flight to Paro. In most cases you will need to overnight in Kathmandu on the outward journey as the flights to Paro are early in the morning, on the return the Paro fight arrives in Kathmandu in the early afternoon giving plenty of connection time for the departing Etihad flight from Kathmandu.
Flights from Bangkok are also very early morning and we recommend staying at the Novotel at BKK International Airport, which is attached to the airport terminal. Return flights from Paro land in Bangkok in the ate afternoon and you will need to book a late evening onward fight if connecting on the same day.
OPTION 1: 4 NIGHT RACE WEEKEND & CULTURE TOUR
Get a taste of the beautiful and mystical country that is Bhutan. This long weekend option takes you to the famous Tigers Nest and a day visit to the capital city Thimphu.
THURSDAY 24 MAY: Arrival from Kathmandu. Arrivals from Delhi and Bangkok also available at a supplement. Overnight Paro.
FRIDAY 25 MAY: Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 6hrs. On the way back visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang. Overnight Paro.
SATURDAY 26 MAY: Excursion to the Capital City Thimphu (1 hr journey by coach). Visit the painting school, folk heritage museum, textile museum, Buddha Point, Takin Reserve. Afternoon visit to craft bazaar and weekend market. Overnight Paro.
SUNDAY 27 MAY: FULL & HALF MARATHONS. Celebration dinner and Cultural show. Overnight Paro.
MONDAY 28 MAY: Fly out to Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok.
OPTION 2: 6-NIGHT TOUR - CULTURAL TOUR INCLUDING THIMPHU AND PUNAKHA
A tour that captures the variety and culture of Bhutan. The Paro Valley with its surrounding pine clad mountainsides, Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan and the Punakha Valley, a lower lying valley which gives a semi-tropical climate.
TUESDAY 22 MAY: Arrival from Kathmandu. Arrivals from Delhi and Bangkok also available at a supplement. On arrival you will be met by our local guide and driver fo the journey to Punakha.The drive over to Punakha, which lies in a magnificent valley, via Dochu La Pass where, if it is clear you can see many 6000m peaks (drive time approx 3hrs), we take lunch at the Pass. Afternoon sightseeing in Punakha; visit the Devine Mad Monks Temple (Temple of Fertility) and the remarkable Punakha Dzong, which is the past home to the King of Bhutan. Overnight Punakha. Lunch, dinner.
WEDNESDAY 23 MAY: Today we start our acclimatisation activity with a hike to Soela Gompa via Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. This hike is approx 20km at moderate difficulty with about 1hr that is a bit more challenging, The descent is fairly gentle, and in total it will take around 8hrs. Overnight in Punakha. Breafast, lunch, dinner.
THURSDAY 24 MAY: Drive to the Capital City Thimphu (2 1/2hrs). Hike up to Budha Point and the giant seated Buddha, the Takin Reserve (National animal), Thimphu Dzong and craft workshops. After lunch drive on to Paro (1hr) visiting the National Museum with the chance to hike part of the marathon route before visiting Paro Dzong. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight Paro.
FRIDAY 25 MAY: Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 6hrs. On the way back visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang Monestary. Overnight Paro. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
SATURDAY 26 MAY: Free time for shopping in Paro. Race day briefing. Overnight in Paro.
SUNDAY 27 MAY: FULL & HALF MARATHONS. Early breakfast before the 8am start of both races. Celebration dinner and Cultural show at Olathang Hotel. Overnight Paro.
MONDAY 28 MAY: Fly out to Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok.
MONDAY 28 MAY: Fly out to Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok.
Or make this a double Adventure with the Himalayan Kingdom Marathon - double up on a full Great Wall Marathon package with fights and we will fly you to Bangkok for 1 night in a 5-star hotel before going on to Bhutan for the 6-Night Himalayan Kingdom Marathon package. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS OF THE GRAND TOUR.
OPTION 3: 8 NIGHT TOUR - PARO & THIMPHU with 4 DAY DRUK TRAIL TREK WITH RACE WEEKEND
Bhutan has some of the best trekking in the World and here we offer a fully supported 4 day trek on the famous Druk (or Dragon) Trail. Hiking at around 4,000mt each day you will also acclimatise well for the race (which has an average altitued of 2,300mt). You also visit the famous Tigers Nest and stay overnight in the capital Thimphu.
SUNDAY 20 MAY: Arrival from Kathmandu. Arrivals from Delhi and Bangkok also available at a supplement. Overnight Paro.
MONDAY 21 MAY: Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 6hrs. On the way back visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang. Overnight Paro.
TUESDAY 22 MAY: DRUK PATH trek – Day 1. Climb gradually upwards from the Paro Valley to the camp at 3650m. Most of the altitude gain is done today through Forest. 20km Moderate difficulty. Overnight camping.
WEDNESDAY 23 MAY: DRUK PATH trek – Day 2. Leaving the camp climb fairly steeply for 1hr the follow a ridge with views of Mt Jomolhari. A steep descent takes you to the campsite next to a beautiful lake. 15km. Overnight camping.
THURSDAY 24 MAY: DRUK PATH trek – Day 3. Today is a tough day of ascents and descents up to 4150m. 11km. Overnight camping.
FRIDAY 25 MAY: DRUK PATH trek – Day 4. The day begins with a gradual climb with views of Mt Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan highest mountain before dropping into Thimphu. Overnight Thimphu.
SATURDAY 26 MAY: In Thimphu. Visit the painting school, folk heritage museum, textile museum, Budda Point, Takin Reserve. Afternoon visit to craft bazaar and weekend market. Overnight Paro.
SUNDAY 27 MAY: FULL & HALF MARATHONS. Celebration dinner and Cultural show. Overnight Paro.
MONDAY 28 MAY: Fly out to Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok.
NOTE: Flights from Bangkok and Delhi depart early in the morning to Paro and we strongly advise that you book overnight accommodation before your flight.
THE TOUR PRICES INCLUDE:
NOT INCLUDED:
PRICES PER PERSON IN UK£'s
OPTION 1: 4-NIGHTS RACE WEEKEND
|
4 NIGHT OPTION |
TWIN/DOUBLE |
SINGLE |
|
STANDARD ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE |
£1679 |
£1829 |
|
4-STAR DELUXE ROOM UPGRADE (at Ravens Nest only) |
£60 |
£95 |
|
4-STAR VILLA (at Ravens Nest only) |
Price on request |
Price on request |
|
5-STAR EXECUTIVE SUITE UPGRADE (at Zhiwa Ling Hotel only) |
£755 |
£1275 |
|
FLIGHT SUPPLEMENTS: KATHMANDU-PARO DELHI-PARO BANGKOK-PARO SINGAPORE-PARO |
SINGLE SECTOR INCLUDED - NO SUPPLEMENT £115 £145 £245 |
RETURN FLIGHTS INCLUDED - NO SUPPLEMENT £230 £290 £490 |
|
RACE ENTRY FEE |
£160 |
|
OPTION 2: 6-NIGHT CULTURE TOUR WITH DAY HIKES
|
6 NIGHT OPTION |
TWIN/DOUBLE |
SINGLE |
|
STANDARD ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE |
£2235 |
£2455 |
|
4-STAR DELUXE ROOM (at Ravens Nest only) |
£120 |
£160 |
|
4-STAR VILLA UPGRADE (at Ravens Nest only) |
Price on application |
Price on application |
|
5-STAR EXECUTVE SUITE UPGRADE (at Zhiwa Ling only) |
£755 |
£1275 |
|
FLIGHT SUPPLEMENTS: KATHMANDU-PARO DELHI-PARO BANGKOK-PARO SINGAPORE-PARO |
SINGLE SECTOR INCLUDED - NO SUPPLEMENT £115 £145 £245 |
RETURN FLIGHTS INCLUDED - NO SUPPLEMENT £230 £290 £490 |
|
RACE ENTRY FEE |
£160 |
|
OPTION 3: 8 NIGHT PARO/THIMPHU & DRUK TRAIL TREK
|
8 NIGHT OPTION |
TWIN/DOUBLE |
SINGLE |
|
STANDARD ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE |
£2599 |
£2895 |
|
4-STAR DELUXE ROOM (at Ravens Nest only) |
£120 |
£160 |
|
4-STAR VILLA UPGRADE (at Ravens Nest only) |
Price on application |
Price on application |
|
5-STAR EXECUTIVE SUITE UPGRADE (at Zhiwa Ling only) |
£755 |
£1275 |
|
FLIGHT SUPPLEMENTS: KATHMANDU-PARO DELHI-PARO BANGKOK-PARO SINGAPORE-PARO |
SINGLE SECTOR INCLUDED - NO SUPPLEMENT £115 £145 £245 |
RETURN FLIGHTS INCLUDED - NO SUPPLEMENT £230 £290 £490 |
|
RACE ENTRY FEE |
£160 |
|
A non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure this tour:
Final balance is due 10 weeks before the trip departure.
THE TOUR PRICES INCLUDE:
NOT INCLUDED:
For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com