BHUTAN INTERNATIONAL MARATHON TOUR

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is a land of high mountains and deep valleys where compassion and wisdom are the benchmark against which all things are measured, and where the King rules by ‘Gross National Happiness’.

On your Bhutan International Full Marathon (26.2 miles (42 kms)) and Half Marathon (13.1 miles (21 kms)) journey through stunning rural countryside and villages, before finishing at the historic Punakha Dzong, you’ll discover the geographical and cultural wonders of a country naturally designed to be a tantalizing destination for adventure and spiritual seekers.

• Bhutan International Marathon is Organize by: Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC)

Day 1: Arrival at Paro drive to Thimphu 

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Sightseeing:

• National Memorial Chorten – Built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

• Thimphu Dzong – The largest Dzong, is also the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan.

• Buddha Point – Located at Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha makes it one of the largest statue of Buddha in the world.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha 

After breakfast drive towards Punakha vai Dochula Pass

• Dochula Pass – The 108 chortens was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and to liberate the souls of the soldiers lost.

• Chimmi Lhakhang – The divine madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated.

• Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance.

You will be attending the briefing for tomorrow’s event.

Overnight at hotel in Punakha

Day 3: Punakha, Bhutan International Marathon 

After breakfast attend the briefing;

• Friday, March 1, 2019 – 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
  Packet Pick Up and race check-in inside THE NEW MULTI-SPORTS HALL in Khuruthang (ABOVE TAXI PARKING). PLEASE BRING A PICTURE ID TO CHECK IN. You will receive your race number at this time which will need to be pinned to the front of your running shirt. If you have not yet paid your registration fee, you can do so at the BOC office PRIOR to the event, or at the Packet Pick Up.
• Friday, March 1, 2019 – 2:00 PM.
  Our mandatory pre-race briefing will be right after Packet Pick Up on Friday, March 1, at 2:00 PM, also inside THE NEW MULTI-SPORTS HALL in Khuruthang (ABOVE TAXI PARKING).

Day 4: Punakha, Bhutan International Marathon Day

Today is the day of the Bhutan International Marathon. The itinerary will kick off very early as you make your way to the starting point Gasa Dzongkhag. Both events finish at the beautiful Punakha Dzong in the town of Punakha in the country of Bhutan. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout. All the best!

• Saturday, March 2, 2019
  Full Marathon runners must report to the KHURUTHANG TAXI PARKING and be on the bus by 5:30 AM on race morning in order to catch the bus to the start line of your event.
• Half Marathon runners must report to the KHURUTHANG TAXI PARKING and be on the bus by 6:00 AM on race morning in order to catch the bus to the start line of your event.

Buses will leave Punakha Dzong at 5:30 am to head to the start line. Race starts at 7:30 am

Overnight at hotel in Punakha

Day 5: Punakha – Gantey (Phojikha valley) 

After breakfast towards the remote glacial valley area of Gangtey.

• Traveling through the pristine mountains of central Bhutan, we enter the Phobjikha Valley, also known as the Gangtey Valley. Here you may see the black-necked cranes) that migrate here from November to March. You might also see other native animals, such as muntjac, sambar, serow, leopard, red fox, or yak.

• On a hill overlooking the entire valley is the Gangtey Goempa, a large 17th-century monastery.

Overnight at hotel in Phojikha Valley

Day 6: Gangtey To Paro 

After breakfast head back to Paro and the scenic beauty of the Paro Valley. This area has many monasteries, temples, dzongs, and natural wonders that make Bhutan such a breathtaking country.

• Paro Dzong – usually called Rinpung Dzong, means Fortress on a Heap of Jewels as it was built with stones rather than clay. It is considered one of the most impressive dzongs in the country and the finest example of both 15th and 17th-century Bhutanese construction.

• Ta Dzong – a cylindrical seven-story watchtower built in 1649 that is now the National Museum of Bhutan. This museum houses artifacts, weapons, textiles, and fine Bhutanese art from 4000 BCE to the present. The building is a conch shape with spiral construction inside and out.

Overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 7: Explore Paro and Hike to Taktsang

After breakfast on our final tour day an exhilarating one-hour hike to 

• Taktsang Monastery (or Tiger’s Nest), one of the most recognizable sites in Bhutan. Built precariously on a hillside cliff, it sits more than 10,000 feet above sea level.

• Visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of medieval Bhutan, it was used as a stronghold against invading Tibetan armies. After a fire destroyed it in 1951, it remains a ruin as a symbol of the past military victories. On clear days, you can also see the snowcapped peak of Jhomolohari mountain.

Overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 8: Paro Departure

After breakfast your guide and driver will drive to Paro airport for your onward flight destinations.