{"id":322,"date":"2023-03-27T15:58:53","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T19:58:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usa.marathontours.com\/events\/bhutan-thunder-dragon-marathon-and-half-marathon\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T16:09:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T20:09:35","slug":"bhutan-thunder-dragon-marathon","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-us\/events\/bhutan-thunder-dragon-marathon\/","title":{"rendered":"Bhutan Thunder Dragon Marathon & Half"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":325,"template":"","event_types":[6,106,104,101],"event_locations":[18],"event_distances":[11,12],"event_course_types":[16],"event_seasons":[27],"class_list":["post-322","events","type-events","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","event_types-adventure","event_types-half-marathon","event_types-marathon","event_types-trail","event_locations-asia","event_distances-half-marathon","event_distances-marathon","event_course_types-trail-remote","event_seasons-spring"],"acf":{"event_hero_image":12135,"event_logo":330,"event_logo_background":{"enable":false,"background_colour":"#FFFFFF"},"event_status":"off_sale","event_status_labels_available":"book-now","event_status_labels_waitlist":"available-soon","event_status_labels_off_sale":"sold-out","event_waitlist_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Available Soon","url":"mailto:ann@marathontours.com","target":"_blank"}},"event_additional_buttons":null,"event_book_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Book Now","url":"https:\/\/forms.marathontours.com\/booking?tc=TDM","target":"_blank"}},"event_extra_button":"","event_overview":"

If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel's Bhutan Packages please:\u00a0EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0CALL 617-242-7845<\/a><\/p>\r\nBhutan or Druk Yul (the land of the Thunder Dragon) as it is known in Bhutanese, is mystical, enchanting and like nowhere you have ever been. Remote and isolated it is the last great Himalayan kingdom. Although completely cut off for centuries it has tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its customs and traditions.\r\n\r\nThe Bhutanese people with their Buddhist beliefs have a strong sense of identity and of the interdependence between man and nature, expressed through the national policy of Gross National Happiness and concern for the environment. Its environment is wild and pristine and it is home to some of the world\u2019s highest unclimbed mountains, the last great undestroyed forests of the Himalayas and exotic wildlife.\r\n\r\nRegularly voted one of the world\u2019s top travel destinations, Bhutan still remains accessible only to the privileged few. The Thunder Dragon Marathon is your chance to see the country at ground level, to immerse yourself in its unique culture and enjoy an unforgettable running and travel experience.\r\n\r\nThe 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.\r\n\r\nMake it a tour of a lifetime by combining our Great Wall and Bhutan Thunder Dragon packages. Compare two historic cultures, from the bustle of China to the quiet tranquility of Bhutan. The Dragon Challenge<\/a><\/strong> is two (2) challenging races separated by 1800 miles and eight (8) days!","event_overview_button":"","event_feature_icons":null,"event_features":{"meals_included":{"detail":"Most meals included (see itinerary)","title":"Meals Included"},"guide":{"title":"Guide","detail":"English speaking guide included with activities"},"transfers":{"detail":"Airport transfers included (walk or hotel shuttle)","title":"Transfers"},"trip_extension":{"title":"Trip Extension","detail":"The Dragon Challenge - China and Bhutan! "},"accommodation":{"title":"Accommodation","detail":"Accommodations as outlined in the itinerary"},"entry":{"title":"Entry","detail":"Guaranteed entry"},"celebration_party":{"detail":"Post-race celebration dinner included","title":"Celebration Party"},"excursions":{"title":"Excursions","detail":"Tours & hikes as per the itinerary"},"helping_hand":{"title":"A Helping Hand","detail":""},"worldwide_events":{"title":"Worldwide Events","detail":""},"medal_bling":{"title":"Medal Bling","detail":"Finisher medal presented at post-race dinner"}},"event_gallery":[{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":703},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":325},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_video","youtube_video":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ymr66UrMDAw"},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":702},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":700},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":704}],"event_packages":[{"package_title":"Culture Package | Bangkok, Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro ","package_duration":"8 Nights","package_dates":"May 18 - 26, 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Monday, May 18","day_content":"Make it a tour of a lifetime by combining our Great Wall and Bhutan Thunder Dragon packages. Compare two historic cultures, from the bustle of China to the quiet tranquility of Bhutan. The Dragon Challenge<\/a><\/strong> is two (2) challenging races separated by 1800 miles and eight (8) days!\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nA cultural tour that captures the variety and beauty 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 is combined with the Great Wall Marathon<\/a> tour to create the Dragon Challenge referenced above.)\r\n\r\n--\r\n\r\nArrive in Bangkok and transfer (walk or hotel shuttle) to the Hyatt Regency <\/strong>Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel<\/strong>. We recommend booking your international flights for morning or afternoon arrivals into Bangkok, our flights to Bhutan the following morning typically have very early departures."},{"day_title":"Tuesday, May 19","day_content":"We will have an early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (approx 2 1\/2 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. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Wednesday, May 20","day_content":"Today we start our acclimatization activity with a hike Soela Gompa via Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The recommended hike is approximately 20km with a high degree of difficulty (elevation gain and altitude) and will take approximately eight (8) hours. This will definitely provide you with a beautiful Himalayan trekking experience and bragging rights. An option to return after visiting the Chorten for a shorter hike can be arranged. Overnight in Punakha. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Thursday, May 21","day_content":"Drive to the Capital City Thimphu (2 1\/2hrs). Hike up to Buddha Point and the giant seated Buddha, the Takin Reserve (National animal), Thimphu Dzong, postal museum, and craft workshops.\u00a0 Overnight Thimphu. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included<\/em>)"},{"day_title":"Friday, May 22","day_content":"After an early breakfast dive back to Paro and hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 6hrs. On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang Monastery. Overnight Paro.\u00a0 (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included<\/em>)"},{"day_title":"Saturday, May 23","day_content":"Free time for shopping in Paro. Race day briefing. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 24","day_content":"Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half-Marathon RACE DAY!<\/strong>\r\n\r\nEarly breakfast before the 8:00 am start of both races. Celebration dinner and Cultural show at a local hotel. Overnight Paro. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, May 25","day_content":"We will enjoy a final day in Paro before a late afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight to Bangkok. Arrive in Bangkok late in the evening and transfer to the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel. (Breakfast and lunch included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Tuesday, May 26","day_content":"Depart for home.\r\n\r\n(Itinerary subject to change)<\/em>"}]},{"package_title":"Trek and Culture Package | Bangkok, Paro, Druk Trail Trek and Thimphu","package_duration":"10 Nights","package_dates":"May 16 - 26, 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"Saturday, May 16","day_content":"Make it a tour of a lifetime by combining our Great Wall and Bhutan Thunder Dragon packages. Compare two historic cultures, from the bustle of China to the quiet tranquility of Bhutan. The Dragon Challenge<\/a><\/strong> is two (2) challenging races separated by 1800 miles and eight (8) days!\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBhutan has some of the best trekking in the world and as part of our ten night package we offer a fully supported four day trek on the famous Druk (or Thunder Dragon) Trail. With much of the hike up and around 4,000m will also help you acclimatize for the race (which has an average altitude of 2,300m). The ten night itinerary also takes in a visit to the famous Tigers Nest and an overnight stopover in the capital Thimphu.\r\n\r\n(Please note: This package is hosted by 209 Events staff)<\/em>\r\n\r\n--\r\n\r\nArrive in Bangkok and transfer to the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel. We recommend booking your international flights for morning or afternoon arrivals into Bangkok, our flights to Bhutan the following morning typically have very early departures."},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 17","day_content":"Today starts with an early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. Overnight Paro. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, May 18","day_content":"Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest), which will take approx. six (6) hours. On the way back visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight Paro. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Tuesday, May 19","day_content":"Druk Path Trek \u2013 Day 1. Climb gradually upwards from the Paro Valley to the camp at 3650m. Most of the altitude gain is done today along forest trails. 20km.\u00a0 The climb is moderate to hard. Overnight camping. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Wednesday, May 20","day_content":"Druk Path Trek \u2013 Day 2. Leaving the camp, it will be a fairly steep climb for about one (1) hour, you will then follow a ridge with views of Mt Jomolhari. A steep descent takes you to the campsite next to a beautiful lake. The total hike is 15km. Overnight camping. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Thursday, May 21","day_content":"Druk Path Trek \u2013 Day 3. Today is a short but tough day of ascents and descents up to 4150m. Total distance is 13km. Overnight camping. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Friday, May 22","day_content":"Druk Path Trek \u2013 Day 4. The day begins with a gradual climb\u00a0with possible views of Mt Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan\u2019s highest mountain, before dropping into Thimphu on a steep descent. If there is time we\u2019ll visit the Takin Reserve, (the Takin is the national animal of Bhutan a mix between a cow and goat and is probably the largest mammal you have never heard of) which is close to the finish point of the trek. Overnight Thimphu.<\/em>. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, May 23","day_content":"In Thimphu. Visit the painting school, folk heritage museum, textile museum, Bhudda Point, Takin Reserve. Afternoon visit to craft bazaar and weekend market before driving back to Paro for the event race briefing. Overnight Paro. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, May 24","day_content":"Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half-Marathon RACE DAY!<\/strong>\r\n\r\nEarly breakfast before the 8:00 am start of both races. Celebration dinner and Cultural show at a local hotel. Overnight Paro. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, May 25","day_content":"We will enjoy a final day in Paro before a late afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight to Bangkok. Arrive in Bangkok late in the evening and transfer to the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel. (Breakfast and lunch included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Tuesday, May 26","day_content":"Depart for home. (Breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n(Itinerary subject to change)<\/em>"}]}],"event_extensions":"Make it a tour of a lifetime by combining our Great Wall and Bhutan Thunder Dragon packages.<\/strong> Compare two historic cultures, from the bustle of China to the quiet tranquility of Bhutan.\u00a0 The Dragon Challenge<\/a> is two (2) challenging races separated by 1800 miles and eight (8) days!\r\n\r\n ","event_extensions_packages":null,"event_packages_and_rates":"

Bhutan Thunder Dragon Tour | Eight-Night Culture Package: May 18 - 26, 2026<\/h3>\r\n
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Bhutan Thunder Dragon Tour | Ten-Night Trek and Culture Package: May 16 - 26, 2026<\/h3>\r\nThailand Features:<\/strong>\r\n