WELCOME TO BHUTAN
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.
Nestled 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.
Travelling Fit are offering a choice of 2 packages:
7 Day / 6 Night – Punakha and 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. This tour can be combined with the Great Wall Marathon by adding flights from Beijing to Bangkok with an overnight stay in Bangkok.
9 Day / 8 Night – Paro, Thimphu and Druk (Thunder Dragon) Trail Trek
Bhutan has some of the best trekking in the world and as part of this 9-day package it offers 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 you acclimatize for the race (which has an average altitude of 2,300m). The 9-day itinerary also takes in a visit to the famous Tigers Nest and an overnight stopover in the capital Thimphu.
- Packages Include
- BOTH PACKAGES INCLUDE:
- Guaranteed Race Entry (runners only)
- Return flights Kathmandu to Paro (flights from Delhi, Bangkok or Singapore is possible at an additional cost)
- Guided hike to Taktsand Monastery (Tigers Nest)
- Visit the Capital City Thimphu & hike up to Buddha Point
- All Meals
- Celebration Dinner & Cultural Show post Marathon Event
- All sightseeing & entrance fees as indicated on the itinerary
- Transportation in Bhutan as indicated on the itinerary
- Visa for Bhutan
- Tipping for Guides and Drivers
- Personalised Travelling Fit Running Top
Exclusive to Travelling Fit Clients - Invite to Travelling Fit’s Thunder Dragon Marathon Closed Facebook Group
Exclusive to Travelling Fit Clients
- PACKAGE 1 – ADDITIONAL INCLUSIONS:
- 6 Nights’ Accommodation:
Check-in: Tue 21 May | Check out: Mon 27 May - Sightseeing in Punakha
- Guided hike to Soela Gompa
- 6 Nights’ Accommodation:
- PACKAGE 2 – ADDITIONAL INCLUSIONS:
- 8 Nights Accommodation
Check in: Sun 19 May | Check out: Mon 27 May (Including 3 nights camping) - Guided 4 Day Druk Path Trek including 3 nights camping
- 8 Nights Accommodation
PACKAGE FLYERS
PACKAGE PRICES
The Course
The race route starts at Udumwara, underneath the cliff that the Tiger’s Nest is built on. The route is approx. half road surface and half farm trails.
The first 8km are on road surfaces and slightly downhill alongside the Paro Chu (river). At 8km the half marathon splits off to the right and makes its way up and behind Paro Dzong (Fort).
At Paro Chu the marathon and half marathon re-join beneath Paro Dzong to cross the famous wooden bridge.
The last 10km for both distances are on a gradual but long uphill climb on a mix of road and wide farm track, rising above Paro Chu, with views of the river and rice fields, before dropping into the finish back at Udumwara.
The total height gain on the marathon is 995m. The altitude at the start is 2.400m and the lowest point, in Paro Town, is 2,200.
Testimonials
Race Information
Entry Fees
The entry fee for the Thunder Dragon Half Marathon Bhutan is included in the price of the Marathon package.
Qualifying Times
Start Time
The Thunder Dragon Half Marathon starts at around 8.30am. Note that the exact time will be confirmed during the tour.
Cut-Off Times
There is no cut off time for the Thunder Dragon Half Marathon.
Race Timing
Final details about the timing will be announced in your participant guide.
The Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half Marathon will be manually timed.
Race Packets
Your race pack will be given to you upon your arrival
Pace Setters
There are no official pace setters for this event
Aid Stations
There will be water stations at approximately every 5km along the routes. Water will be served in bottles.
Some stations will also server energy drinks and bananas.
Personal Refreshments and Clothing
There are no provisions for runners to leave personal refreshments along the course
TRANSPORT
Transfers to and from the race is included in the price of your package.
Expo
Not Applicable
Finishes T-Shirts, Medals and Certificates
All travellers will get the event t-shirt, all runners who finish the event will get a medal and a certificate.
Prizes will be awarded at the Celebration Dinner
Weather Conditions
The expected temperature on race day is 23 degrees Celsius
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Marathon
