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Bhutan Thunder Dragon Marathon & Half
Nights
from 4
Date
25 May 2025
Enter the Bhutan Thunder Dragon Marathon 2025
Bhutan, also known as Druk Yul or “The Land of the Thunder Dragon,” is a mystical and enchanting destination unlike any other. Nestled between Tibet and India, this small Himalayan kingdom boasts stunning natural beauty with landscapes that range from sub-tropical plains to steep mountains and valleys.
Frequently ranked among the world’s top travel destinations, Bhutan remains a unique and exclusive place to visit. The Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half Marathon offer a rare opportunity to explore this extraordinary country on foot, immersing yourself in its rich culture while experiencing an unforgettable running adventure.
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 mountain scenery and features many iconic landmarks, such as the Tigers Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tigers Nest), Paro Dzong and many religious Chorten or shrines. It is a true mountain and cultural experience.
Contact us for 2025 availability.
Meals Included
Most meals included (see itinerary)
Guide
English speaking guide included with activities
Transfers
Airport transfers included (walk or hotel shuttle)
Trip Extension
The Dragon Challenge - China and Bhutan!
Accommodation
Accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
Entry
Guaranteed entry
Celebration Party
Post-race celebration dinner included
Excursions
Tours & hikes as per the itinerary
Medal Bling
Finisher medal presented at post-race dinner
Coopah
2 week free trial for Coopah training plans
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Thursday 22 May
Arrive in Paro from Kathmandu (Delhi and Bangkok arrivals available at a supplement).
Friday 23 May
Embark on a 6-hour hike to the famous Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) with a visit to Kichu Lhakhang.
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Tuesday 20 May
Arrive in Bhutan’s peaceful Paro Valley and embark on a scenic drive to the Punakha Valley via the stunning Dochu La Pass, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. In Punakha, visit the awe-inspiring Punakha Dzong, once home to Bhutan’s royal family and the intriguing Temple of Fertility, shrouded in legend.
Wednesday 21 May
Begin your day with a memorable hike to Soela Gompa, a hidden gem nestled in the foothills. The moderate trek offers a chance to soak in Bhutan’s wilderness with the option to shorten the hike if preferred.
Thursday 22 May
Travel to the capital city, Thimphu, where you’ll visit the magnificent seated Buddha at Buddha Point, the Takin Reserve and Thimphu Dzong. After lunch you’ll continue to Paro where you’ll visit the National Museum and hike part of the marathon route before visiting Paro Dzong.
Friday 23 May
Embark on an unforgettable 6-hour hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most revered sites. On the way back you’ll visit Kichu Lhakhang Buddhist temple as well.
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Sunday 18 May
Arrive in Paro from Kathmandu (Delhi and Bangkok arrivals also available at a supplement).
Monday 19 May
Embark on an unforgettable 6-hour hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most revered sites. On the way back you’ll visit Kichu Lhakhang Buddhist temple as well.
Tuesday 20 May
Start the legendary Druk Path Trek ascending through lush forests to your first campsite at 3,650m. This moderate to hard trek covers 20km, providing the perfect introduction to Bhutan’s natural wonders.
Wednesday 21 May
Trek along ridges offering breath-taking views of Mt. Jomolhari, one of Bhutan’s sacred peaks. Descend to a beautiful lakeside campsite after covering 15km of stunning terrain.
Thursday 22 May
Continue your trek, tackling a short but challenging day of ascents and descents that take you to heights of 4,150m.
Friday 23 May
Descend from the high-altitude trails into the Thimphu Valley, completing your trek with potential views of Bhutan’s highest peak, Mt. Gangkhar Puensum. Visit the Takin Reserve before heading to your hotel in Thimphu.
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Packages & Rates
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Our Bhutan Thunder Dragon Marathon & Half 2025 packages include:
- Flights from Kathmandu to Paro or from Delhi, Bangkok, and Singapore (available for an additional charge)
- Accommodation in standard hotels throughout Bhutan
- Daily breakfast and dinner at hotels (except on trekking days) and lunch at local restaurants as per the itinerary
- Tour guides throughout
- All sightseeing activities and entrance fees
- Ground transportation in Bhutan
- On trekking days: all necessary trekking equipment and staff, including a guide, cook, helpers, and horses to carry luggage and tents (please note sleeping bags are not provided)
- Bhutan Visa
- Compulsory Sustainable Development Fee
- Tips for guides, drivers, and trekking staff (including cooks and horsemen)
Not included:
- International flights to Kathmandu, Delhi, or Bangkok (the starting points of the tour)
- Visas for Nepal, India, or Thailand
- Marathon or half marathon entry (can be purchased in addition)
All prices are per person in UK pounds sterling Double Occupancy Single Occupancy 4 Night Bhutan Marathon Weekend Tour £2099 £2299 6 Night Culture Tour £2849 £3099 8 Night with Druk Trail Tour £3499 £3799 ExtrasAll prices are per person in UK pounds sterling Marathon or Half Marathon Entry with package £225 Flight SupplementsPlease note these prices are flight supplements above the package price. The basic package includes return flights between Kathmandu and Paro. KTM/PBH/KTM NO SUP BKK/PBH/KTM £250 DEL/PBH/KTM £95 BKK/PBH/BKK £500 DEL/PBH/DEL £190
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Event Information
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The Bhutan Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half-Marathon
Race Date: May 22 2025
Race Time: 09:00am
Route
The first 8km of the course follow road surfaces, with a gentle downhill slope running alongside the Paro Chu (river). At the 8km mark the half marathon veers off to the right ascending behind the Paro Dzong (fortress), while the full marathon continues on a long, steady climb along the Wang Chu with farm tracks running above scenic rice fields.
At the 18km point marathon runners cross the river and head back towards Paro, enjoying a gentle downhill stretch until the 25km mark. From here the course presents its most challenging climb — a 4km ascent on the road, passing above the Paro National Museum. It then transitions to a single track for 1km reaching the race’s highest altitude of 2,560m.
After descending back towards the Paro Chu, the marathon and half marathon routes converge beneath the Paro Dzong & crossing the iconic wooden bridge. The final 10km of both routes involve a long steady uphill climb, alternating between road and wide farm tracks with views over the river and rice fields before descending into the finish at Udumwara Hotel.
The total elevation gain is 995m for the marathon and 450m for the half marathon, though the altitude will make it feel more demanding. The race starts at 2,400m with the lowest point in Paro Town at 2,200m.
Temperature: Expected temperatures range from 15°C to 21°C degrees. Humidity is comfortable in May and light rain is a possibility.
Entry Fee: All tour packages include the race entry fee, race t-shirt, pre-race pasta dinner, finisher medal and post-race celebration dinner. Your entry is guaranteed after receipt of a completed tour application form and deposit.
Time Limit: The marathon course time limit is eight (8) hours. There is no time limit for the half marathon.
Difficulty: Difficult, especially if you do not have experience running at altitude and/or on hilly courses that include some single track trail. More information can be found on the official race website here.
About Bhutan
Bhutan is a truly unique destination. Secluded and remote, it stands as the last great kingdom in the Himalayas. Though isolated for centuries, Bhutan has gradually opened itself to the outside world while resolutely preserving its rich customs and traditions.
With deep-rooted Buddhist beliefs, the Bhutanese people maintain a strong cultural identity and an understanding of the balance between humanity and nature. This is reflected in the national policy of Gross National Happiness which places a high value on environmental protection. Bhutan boasts untouched natural landscapes including some of the highest unclimbed peaks in the world, expansive virgin Himalayan forests and rare wildlife such as the Black-Necked Crane, Golden Langur, and Royal Bengal Tiger.
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Registration & Booking
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On Request Bookings
Request Bookings will confirm that you have accepted our Booking Conditions. Your booking is not however, guaranteed until our partner company confirms availability. Please expect confirmation of place within 1-3 days of making your booking. Your card payment details will still be required for the deposit to secure your space, though please be advised this information will be held securely, and the card will only be debited upon confirmation of booking. Please contact us to request your booking.
Disclaimer
209 Events reserve the right to change the itinerary and/or running course without further notice in the event of extreme weather.
By signing up for this event you agree to their Terms & Conditions.
Visa
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 & all elements of the application is included in the package.
Travel advice
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for UK’s current entry restrictions and requirements. Advice for the UK is available here – UK travel advice
Security Policy
Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and/or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover, including cover for existing medical conditions and any activities you plan to do.
If you are unsure where to start, we’ve teamed up with Bikmo. Bikmo offer tailored insurance packages that cater for both competitive and non-competitive trips, covering you for many of our running events. If you wish to book insurance through Bikmo, you can benefit from an exclusive 5% discount*, simply use the code DESTINATIONSPORT5 at their checkout. More information can be found here.
*7 days European travel cover from £16.85. Bikmo non-competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA number 300317 Bikmo competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered directly by Jackson Lee Underwriting (JLU). This promotion is provided by Bikmo Ltd Glendale House Sandycroft Industrial Estate Flintshire CH5 2QP
Age Limits
Full & half marathon runners must be at least 18 years old on race day.
Time Limit
The cut off time for the marathon is 8 hours but has some flexibility depending upon the weather conditions or any special circumstances. There is no cut off time for the half marathon. All runners who do not achieve the cut off will be picked up and driven to the finish line.
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Seven Continents Club ®
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The Seven Continents Club (SCC) offers a unique opportunity for runners to run on all seven continents of the globe, as well as providing numerous benefits to its members. The club operates as a global frequent traveller club for runners, offering waitlist priority for high-demand events, early pre-registration periods for a number of races in popular destinations and tour package vouchers for money off international tour packages. What’s more, Seven Continents Club rewards all its members for the extraordinary achievement of running marathons on each continent with their own special finishers medal and certificate of completion. Join the SCC today!
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