Thunder Dragon Marathon & Half Marathon, Bhutan

Date: 26 May, 2024

Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, is known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes, legendary ancient fortresses, spicy food, colourful festivals and most of all its cultural authenticity. Squeezed between Tibet and India, this beautiful mountain Kingdown is the high Himalaya in its natural state where some of the world's rarest species, like the Royal Bengal Tiger or Golden Langur, still roam freely untroubled by human interaction. If you are looking for a unique running and cultural exper…

Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, is known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes, legendary ancient fortresses, spicy food, colourful festivals and most of all its cultural authenticity. Squeezed between Tibet and India, this beautiful mountain Kingdown is the high Himalaya in its natural state where some of the world's rarest species, like the Royal Bengal Tiger or Golden Langur, still roam freely untroubled by human interaction.

If you are looking for a unique running and cultural experience, Bhutan is the place for you! The charms of this isolated Himalayan Kingdom are knitted strong within its cultural realms and you'll have a chance to sample much that the country has to offer on one of our Thunder Dragon Marathon packages. The race itself, which offers full and half-marathon options, is organised in conjunction with our Bhutanese partner, Blue Poppy Tours and it is a tough race but an achievable challenge.

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 scenery and passes many iconic landmarks, such as the Tigers Nest Monastery, Paro Dzong and many religious Chorten - a true mountain and cultural experience.

Run mostly on trails and mountain paths with some road sections, the route has three significant climbs but with an altitude variation that stays between 2,200m and 2,530m and a total ascent of close to 1500m. There are no tremendously difficult sections but at this altitude those long uphill drags can be quite challenging.

In 2023 the top Bhutanese runners completed the marathon in 3:16:34 a little outside the course record of 3:05:20. The top international runner completed the distance in under four hours, the slowest, who walked most of the way, finished in 8:47:14. In the half marathon the top local runner completed the course in 1:51:24 and the slowest finished in over five hours. There is an eight-hour cut off in the marathon but none for the half, although there is some flexibility on the marathon cut-off depending on your personal circumstances.

ROUTE MAP

GARMIN CONNECT ROUTE MAP WITH PROFILE

If you would like to hear about up and coming 2:09 events and news join our newsletter list

Book this Holiday

We are likely to use two main hotels both at, or a short distance from, the start and finish line. The hotels will be allocated depending on numbers booked for each option - this way we can keep clients booked on the same option together throughout their time in Bhutan.

UDUMWARA HOTEL

The resort has 10 rooms at the main block and 5 cosy 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 a traditional look with a touch of modern architecture.

TIGERS NEST RESORT

The Tigers nest Resort Hotel is a traditional wood-framed building that is on a slightly elevated position overlooking the Paro River valley and with views of the Tigers Nest Monastery high on the cliff face opposite. All rooms have bathrooms en suite, flat-screen TV and wifi. Rooms are either in the main hotel building or in spacious bungalows alongside the main building.

If these hotels fill we will use other hotels of a similar standard in the close vicinity of the start/finish.

In Punakha on the 6-night tour the hotel is likely to be the Zhingkhan Hotel, a modern standard class hotel high on the valley side with fantastic views across the river to the Dzong. Rooms are in bungalows above the main reception and all have bathrooms en suite, flat-screen TV and wifi.

In Thimphu on the night after the trek, the hotel is likely to be the 4-star Druk Hotel. The Druk is situated in the bustling capital city, all rooms with bathrooms en suite, flat screen tv and wifi.

Itinerary

We offer a range of package options that allow everyone time 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 even though some reach altitudes of 4,000 to 4,200m. 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 incredible Tigers Nest Monastery and a visit to the capital Thimphu.

FLIGHTS: Bhutan has only one international airport in Paro. Flights from Kathmandu to Paro are included in the package prices, flights from Bangkok or Delhi are available with a supplement. There is also a limited service from Singapore, again with a supplement.

International flights into these gateway cities from your home country are not included in the package and need to be booked separately.

If you are travelling from Europe, a number of the Middle East airlines offer excellent flights into Kathmandu 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 leave Nepal early in the morning. On the return, the Paro flight arrives in Kathmandu in the early afternoon giving plenty of connection time for a departing late afternoon early evening flight from Kathmandu.

Flights from Bangkok also depart early in the morning and we recommend an overnight stay at the Novotel at BKK International Airport, which is attached to the airport terminal, the night before travelling to Bhutan. Return flights from Paro land in Bangkok in the late afternoon and you will probably need to book a late evening onward fight if connecting on the same day.

TOUR OPTION 1 – 4-NIGHT RACE WEEKEND PACKAGE

Enjoy a taste of the beautiful and mystical country of Bhutan. This long weekend option takes you to the famous Tigers Nest Monastery and a day trip to the capital city Thimphu.

THURSDAY 23 MAY: Arrival from Kathmandu. Arrivals from Delhi and Bangkok are also available at a supplement. Overnight Paro.

FRIDAY 24 MAY: Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 6hrs. On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang. Overnight Paro.

SATURDAY 25 MAY: Excursion to the Capital City Thimphu (90-minute journey by coach each way). Visit the folk heritage museum, textile museum, Buddha Point, Takin Reserve. Afternoon visit to craft bazaar and weekend market. Return to Paro for pre-race briefing and number collection.Overnight Paro.

SUNDAY 26 MAY: FULL & HALF MARATHONS.Celebration dinner and Cultural show. Overnight Paro.

MONDAY 27 MAY: Fly out to Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok.

TOUR OPTION 2- 6-NIGHTS PUNAKHA & PARO

A tour that captures the wide variety and rich 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 with a semi-tropical climate.

MONDAY 20 MAY - Take a pre-night in Kathamndu and explore this fascinating city before your flight to Paro the next morning. Although neighbours, the contrast between Nepal and Bhutan is stark.

TUESDAY 21 MAY: Arrival from Kathmandu. Arrivals from Delhi and Bangkok are also available at a supplement. Drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass (approx 2.5 hours). Afternoon sightseeing in Punakha; visit the Devine Mad Monks Temple (Temple of Fertility) and the remarkable Punakha Dzong, past home to the King of Bhutan. Overnight Punakha.

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY: Today we start our acclimatization activity with a hike to Soela Gompa via Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. This hike is approximately 15km with a moderate level of difficulty but for some, about 5km of the initial climb will be on the difficult side. The hike will take around 8hrs. Options to return after visiting the Chorten for a shorter hike can be arranged. Overnight Punakha.

THURSDAY 23 MAY: Drive to the Capital City Thimphu (2.5 hours). Hike up to Buddha Point and the giant seated Buddha, the Takin (Bhutan's national animal) reserve , 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 24 MAY: Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 6hrs. On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang Monastery. Overnight Paro.

SATURDAY 25 MAY: Free time for shopping in Paro. Pre-race briefing and number collection. Overnight in Paro.

SUNDAY 26 MAY: FULL & HALF MARATHONS. Early breakfast before the 8.30am start of both races. Celebration dinner and Cultural show. Overnight Paro.

MONDAY 27 MAY: Fly out to Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok.

TOUR OPTION 3 - 8 NIGHT PACKAGE – PARO, THIMPHU AND DRUK TRAIL TREK

Bhutan has some of the best trekking in the world and as part of our 8-day package, we offer a fully supported 4-day trek on the famous Druk (or Thunder Dragon) Trail. With much of the hike up and around 4,000m, it also helps clients acclimatize for the race (which has an average altitude of 2,300m). The 8-day itinerary also takes in a visit to the famous Tigers Nest and an overnight stopover in the capital Thimphu.

SUNDAY 19 MAY: Early morning flight from Kathmandu into Paro, Bhutan. Arrivals from Delhi and Bangkok also available at a supplement. Overnight Paro.

MONDAY 20 MAY: Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 6hrs. On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang. Overnight Paro.

TUESDAY 21 MAY: DRUK PATH trek – Day 1. Climb gradually upwards from the Paro Valley to the camp at 3650m. Most of the altitude gain on the four-day trek is done today along forest trails. Distance 20km. The climb is moderate to hard. Overnight camping.

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY: DRUK PATH trek – Day 2. Leaving the camp we climb steeply for 1hr and follow a ridge offering views of Mt Jomolhari if the weather is clear. A steep descent takes you to the campsite next to a beautiful lake. Distance 15km. Overnight camping.

THURSDAY 23 MAY: DRUK PATH trek – Day 3. Today is a short but tough day of ascents and descents up to 4150m. Distance 11km. Overnight camping.

FRIDAY 24 MAY: DRUK PATH trek – Day 4. The day begins with a gradual climb with possible views of Mt Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain before dropping into the Thimphu valley floor on a steep descent. Potential visit to Takin Reserve, which is close to the finish point of the trek before taking the coach to the overnight hotel. Distance 12km Overnight Thimphu.

SATURDAY 25 MAY: In Thimphu. Visit the folk heritage museum, postal museum, Buddha Point and Takin Reserve. Afternoon visit to craft bazaar and weekend market before driving back to Paro (90-minutes) for the pre-race briefing and number collection. Overnight Paro.

SUNDAY 26 MAY: FULL & HALF MARATHONS. Celebration dinner and Cultural show. Overnight Paro.

MONDAY 27 MAY: Fly out to Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok.

NOTE: Flights from Kathmandu, Bangkok and Delhi depart early in the morning for Paro and we strongly advise that you book overnight accommodation before your flight.

PRICES ARE PER PERSON.

TWIN - TWO PEOPLE IN A ROOM WITH TWO BEDS.
DOUBLE - TWO PEOPLE IN A ROOM WITH ONE DOUBLE BED.
SINGLE - ONE PERSON IN THE ROOM.

IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING ALONE THE SINGLE PRICE APPLIES.

PRICES PER PERSON IN UK£'s

TOUR OPTION	DESCRIPTION	SINGLE OCCUPANCY	TWIN/DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
OPTION 1	4-night Race Weekend 4-nights Paro with a visit to Tiger’s Nest & Thimphu	£2199	£1999
OPTION 2	6-nights Culture Tour 2-nights Punakha 4-nights Paro with day hikes, and visit to Tiger’s Nest and Thimphu	£2999	£2799
OPTION 3	8-night with Druk Trail Trek 2 nights Paro 3-nights camping 1-night Thimphu 2 nights Paro and a visit to Tiger’s Nest	£3699	£3499

RACE ENTRY FEE	Marathon/Half Marathon	£200

FLIGHTS	KTM/PBH/KTM	No supplement
	BKK/PBH/KTM or vice-versa	£250
	DEL/PBH/KTM or vice-versa	£95
	BKK/PBH/BKK	£500
	DEL/PBH/DEL	£190

Flights into Paro are usually early in the morning so an overnight stay is recommended on the inbound journey. Flights from Paro into Kathmandu arrive around in the late morning, but a long transfer time is advised for onward flights in case of delays out of Paro. Flights from Paro to Bangkok arrive in the late afternoon and again an over-night in Bangkok is advisable.

A deposit per person is required to secure this tour. This is non-refundable if the client cancels the the booking 10 weeke before departure.

DEPOSIT £750

Final balance is due 10 weeks before the trip departure.

It is requirement to obtain a Bhutanese visa that you have travel insurance to cover you for the period of your stay in Bhutan. There is no requirement for it to cover any particular activity just that it covers your time in Bhutan. The cost of the visa is included in the package and all elements of the application are handled by 2:09 Events and our partner in Bhutan, Blue Poppy.

THE TOUR PRICES INCLUDE:

Flights from Kathmandu to Paro. Delhi and Bangkok have a supplementary charge
Accommodation in standard hotels in Bhutan
Breakfast and dinner in hotels each day (except on trekking days), lunch in local restaurants as determined by the days' itinerary.
Guides for each tour option throughout the tour from arrival to departure.
All sightseeing and entrance fees.
All ground transportation in Bhutan from arrival to departure in 22 seater or 8-seat Toyota Coaster buses.
On treks – all facilities and staff required on trek including, guide, cook, helpers, and horses to carry luggage and tents. You are required to bring your own sleeping bag but all other camping equipment is provided. Your luggage is transported by horse from campsite to campsite you will be trekking with a small day sac only.
Visa for Bhutan
Compulsory Sustainable Development Fee of $200 per day, which is charged to all international visitors to the country as a tourist tax. This has been reduced in 2024 for those staying at least six days.
Tips to guides, drivers and cooks/horsemen on the trek option

NOT INCLUDED:

International flight to the tour starting point in Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok.
Visas for Nepal, India or Thailand.
Travel Insurance.
Drinks (except water on the bus).
Personal items such as laundry and souvenirs.
Race entry, not included in tour price but bookable separately

Why is Bhutan so expensive?

Bhutan is a unique country, with a unique approach to tourists. The government is intent on making the country an exclusive destination accessible to a limited number of tourists. There are no independent travellers and all tourists have to arrive as part of a tour group working with a local company. All of our packages operate through our local partner, Blue Poppy Tours. The government then sets a minimum price for all international travellers and within that price is a contribution to the country's Sustainable Development Fund of $200 a day, now discounted for those staying for six days or more.

WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE. TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD PROTECT YOUR DEPOSIT OR ANY OTHER PAYMENTS IF YOU CANCEL THE TRIP DUE TO INJURY, ILLNESS OR UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. WE DO NOT REFUND DEPOSITS AND WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DECIDE TO CANCEL YOUR TRIP AFTER IT IS CONFIRMED.

Thunder Dragon Marathon & half Marathon Route

Terms and conditions

Booking Enquiry

For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com

Thunder Dragon Marathon & Half Marathon, Bhutan

Itinerary

Booking Enquiry

Quick Links

Contact 209 Events

Grab our newsletter