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. It is a tough race but also an achievable and wonderfully satisfying 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 making it a true mountain and cultural experience.
Run mostly on trails and mountain paths with some road sections, the marathon 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 2026 the top Bhutanese male runners completed the marathon in under three hours which were course records. The fastest international runner in the history of the race completed the distance in just over four hours with the slowest finishing outside seven hours. In the half marathon the top local runner last year completed the course in 1:57:43 and the slowest finished in 4:13:53. There is no cut off in either race, there is a small amount of traffic on the roads on parts of the course and the race support will stay out of the course as long as you are out there.
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We are likely to use two main hotels in Paro 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. There is an option to upgrade to the superb Amba Hotel for the nights in Paro.
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 basic traditional style with modern facilities like, TV and free wireless internet connection. Pakshing Bar 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.
OLATHONG COTTAGES
Nestled between apple orchards and overlooking the town of Paro, the Olathong Cottages have one of the most impressive views of any hotel in the Paro Valley. Olathong Cottages has nearly 30 rooms arranged into 12 distinct cottages all buillt in traditional Bhutanese style. The impressive restaurant serves a variety of Bhutanes, Chinese and Continental foods and its in-house bar serves a variety of alchoholic and non-alchoholic beverages.
If these hotels fill we will use other hotels of a similar standard in the close vicinity of the start/finish area.
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.
We offer two package options that allow everyone time to acclimatise to the altitude 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 who don't want to camp - there are three nights of camping on the trek - the shorter 6-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 few short treks around Punakha and 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 Dubai and Singapore, again with a supplement. If you are interested in the latter please ask.
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. Delhi is now also a cheaper and shorter international flight, so is worth considering. In most cases you will need to overnight in Kathmandu or Delhi on the outward journey as the flights to Paro leave Nepal or India 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 or 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. 2:09 Events is an ATOL bonded travel agent so we can book international flights for you, but there are not included in the core package.
TOUR OPTION 1 - 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 17 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. Alternatively fly into Delhi and explose this India's gateway city. We can assist you with both options at a supplement.
TUESDAY 18 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 19 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 6-8hrs. Options to return after visiting the Chorten for a shorter hike can be arranged. Overnight Punakha.
THURSDAY 20 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 Thimpu.
FRIDAY 21 MAY: It is an early start today form Thimpu to arrive in Paro for a 9am sart for one of Bhutan's Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 6hrs. On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang Monastery. Overnight Paro.
SATURDAY 22 MAY: Free time for shopping and some sight seeing in Paro. Pre-race briefing and number collection in the evening with pre-pasta dinner. Overnight in Paro.
SUNDAY 23 MAY: FULL & HALF MARATHONS. Early breakfast before the 8.00am start of both races. Lunch is served at the Udumware Hotel where the race starts and finishes. Celebration dinner and Cultural show in the evening. Overnight Paro.
MONDAY 24 MAY: Fly out to Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok.
TOUR OPTION 2 - 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 16 MAY: Early morning flight from Kathmandu into Paro, Bhutan. Arrivals from Delhi and Bangkok also available at a supplement. Overnight Paro.
MONDAY 17 MAY: Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 6hrs. On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang. Overnight Paro.
TUESDAY 18 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 16km. The climb is moderate to hard. Overnight camping.
WEDNESDAY 19 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. After more up and down climbs a steep descent takes you to the campsite next to a beautiful lake. Distance 14km. Overnight camping.
THURSDAY 20 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 21 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 22 MAY: In Thimphu. Visit the folk heritage museum, postal museum and Buddha Point 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 23 MAY: FULL & HALF MARATHONS. Early breakfast before the 8.00am start of both races. Lunch is served at the Udumware Hotel where the race starts and finishes. Celebration dinner and Cultural show in the evening. Overnight Paro.
MONDAY 24 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.
IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING ALONE THE SINGLE PRICE APPLIES.
PRICES PER PERSON IN UK£'s
| TOURS OPTION | DESCRIPTION | TWIN/DOUBLE | SINGLE |
| OPTION 1 - 6 NIGHTS CULTURE TOUR |
|
£2949 | £3199 |
| OPTION 2 - 8 NIGHT DRUK TRAIL |
|
£3499 | £3899 |
| RACE ENTRY | (HALF OR FULL MARATHON) | £225 | |
| FLIGHT SUPPLEMENTS | BKK/PHB/BKK | £500 | |
| DEL/PHB/DEL | £250 | ||
| BKK/PHB/KTM (or vice versa) | £250 | ||
| DEL/PNB/KTM (or vice versa) | £125 |
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 weeks before departure.
Final balance is due 10 weeks before the trip departure.
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:
NOT INCLUDED:
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.
For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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