Bhutan International Marathon
The Bhutan International Marathon is unlike any of the marathons that take place in the world. You will be running through the magnificent rural countryside and villages overlooking the majestic Himalayas with the air as clean as it can be (after all Bhutan is carbon negative). The beautiful people dressed in their traditional dress young and old alike will be cheering you on as you discover the enchanting, spiritual and natural wonders of the land of Thunder Dragon.
If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience a different life, run a marathon.
Emil Zatopek
Overview
- Destination: Bhutan
- Nearest City (Airport): Paro
- Entry from India (by Road): Phuentsholing
- Event Date: To be announced
- Package Duration: 7D/6N (customisable on request)
- Guide: Available
- Price: On request
Experience
Every year at the advent of spring Bhutan organises an International Marathon. On your 26.2 miles (42 kms) or 13.1 miles (21 kms) you will be running through stunning rural countryside, before finishing at the historic Punakha Dzong, you’ll discover the geographical and cultural wonders of a country naturally designed to be a magnificent destination for adventure and spiritual seekers.
More at http://bhutaninternationalmarathon.com
While you are visiting Bhutan to participate in the marathon, it would be a great opportunity to soak in the local culture, the natural beauty and the spiritualism of the place.
Experiencing all this you are bound to be happy in this land of happiness. 🙂
We have curated just the right experience for you through the sample itinerary below.
Itinerary
- Sample Itinerary
- This trip comprises of day hikes and journey to explore the nature trail and discovers different floras and faunas which make you feel much connected to nature. You will visit three Major cities/towns of Bhutan and culture sites and heritage, while running the Marathon and exploring the sights along the route as well.
- Day 1 / Arrival, Paro (2,250m /7,382ft) to Thimphu (2,320m/7,656ft): 55km, 1.5 hrs
- As we fly into Bhutan we get spectacular views of the Himalayas. At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative. We will drive to Thimphu. We will stroll down the main street. Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
- Day 2 / Thimphu
- After breakfast, we will drive to Tango Monastery. After lunch, we will visit traditional medicine centre, School of Arts and craft, Folk heritage museum, Takin Preserve Centre - see the rare Takin national animal of Bhutan. Visit to the archery stadium (archery is Bhutan's national game), and trying hands on the sport or catching a tournament could be added to the itinerary as an offbeat activity. In the evening, we will visit Tashichoee Dzong (a fortress of Glorious Religion). We could also decide to take the day lightly by skipping some places and instead take rest, get rid of the jet lag in preparation of the upcoming marathon on 2nd Mar. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
- Day 3 / Thimphu to Punakha (1,250m/4,125ft): 75 km, 2-3 hrs
- After breakfast, we will visit Buddha point (a giant statue - 169 ft, on the hill) and then head off to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute at Dochula pass (3,150m) where we can see the Himalayan Range, if the sky is clear. On reaching Punakha, we will check in the hotel, report for the Marathon visit Multi-Sports Hall in Khuruthang to pick up the bib, race packet and attend the pre-race briefing at 2 PM. After the briefing Metshina Village and take a 20- minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. The barren couples will be blessed with child, if they visit the temple and pray from their heart. Overnight stay in Punakha.
- Day 4 / Punakha. Race day.
- We will arrive at the starting point at the scheduled time for the run. After the run we will spend time in the hotel participating in post-run celebrations. Overnight stay in Punakha.
- Day 5 / Punakha to Paro (2,195m/7,200ft), 127 km, 3.5 hrs.
- After breakfast, we will visit Punakha Dzong, the second oldest fortress of 17th century, which is located right next to the female river. Its quite a beautiful sight indeed. After the visit, we will drive to Paro. Time permitting we will visit typical Bhutanese Cantilever Bridge, one of the finest specimens in Bhutan with its shingle roof and two guard-houses at each end. In the evening we will take a stroll in the market. Overnight stay in Paro.
- Day 6 / Paro: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (5 hrs)
- After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. In 8th century Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley. Later in the evening, we will visit farm house for a traditional hot-stone bath and a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
- Day 7 / Final departure.
- After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport.
Inclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation.
- Transfers and sightseeing by a deluxe vehicle.
- Entrance Fees.
- English speaking guide.
- Bhutan Govt. Royalty.
- Tourism Development Fee.
- Visa Fee.
- GST.
Exclusions
- Delhi/Kolkata/Bangkok/Kathmandu flight service.
- Internal flight fares.
- Personal Insurance, evacuation and medical expenses of any kind.
- Expenses of personal nature like bar bills, telephone calls, laundry, extra mileage and any extra costs incurred due to natural calamities, flight delays etc.
Video
Map
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