Thunder Dragon Marathon

Nestling 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.

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 scenery and passes many iconic landmark like the Tiger's Nest, Monastery, Paro Dzong and many religious Chorten. A true mountain and cultural experience.

The Thunder Dragon Marathon is run half and half on trails/mountain paths and the road. The route has a number of climbs but with an altitude variation that stays between 2,200m and 2,560m there are no tremendously difficult sections although it remains a suitable challenge.

The Thunder Dragon Marathon is a fully hosted tour.

DISTANCES

• Marathon
• Half Marathon

THE COURSE

The race route starts at Udumwara, underneath the cliff that the Tiger’s Nest is built into. The route is approx. half road surface and half farm trails, on the full marathon there is a 4km section of single track. 

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). The full marathon carries straight on with a long and gradual climb alongside the Wang Chu (river) on farm tracks above rice fields. 

At 18km the marathon route crosses the river and returns towards Paro on the other side on a gentle downhill gradient to 25km. Here, the route has the toughest climb, for about 4km on road, rising above the Paro National Museum, then on single track for 1km to the highest point of the race at 2,560m. 

Dropping back down to the 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 and for the half 450m.  The altitude at the start is 2400m and the lowest point, in Paro Town, is 2200m. 
 

START/FINISH

The start and finish of both the full marathon and half marathon are at the Udumwara Resort. 
Start time is 08.30. 
Before the start the race will be blessed by the Lama in a traditional ceremony. 
All runners will receive an event t-shirt, special Dragon design caste medal and snack, drinks and lunch after the race. The race entry also includes the celebration dinner and prize giving.

TIMING

Final details about the timing will be announced in your participant guide. The Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half Marathon will be manually timed.
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.

ROUTE ROUTE LOGISTICS

Kilometre signs are places every 5km along the route. Directional signs are placed frequently and tape is used to clearly direct Runners along any unmarked paths. An extensive team of local Bhutanese Marshalls will be at key points along the course to give directions and ensure your safety.
Some sections of the Marathon and Half Marathon Routes are run on roads which are not closed to traffic. Although traffic is not heavy, take care and look out for vehicles. 

TERRAIN

The route is a mixture of gravel road, farm fields and mountain tracks with a few sections of tarmac road through Paro town. Trail running shoes are recommended.

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 snacks and bananas.

MEDICAL

The event will be fully supported by local guides and horses, water stations plus medical back up from doctors and local first aiders (there is a modern hospital 500m from the start/finish line in case of emergency). There are evacuation points on the mountain in case of emergency accessed by 4-wheel drive to nearby roads and mobile phones have connectivity on the full route making communication easy.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

May is the end of the festival season and marks the change from Spring to Summer. There are two main seasons for visiting Bhutan.  The first is in the Spring (March to May). This is the season for wonderful flowers and birds, the days are warm and the mountain peaks are still visible for much of the time.  Daytime temperatures in the main centres you are likely to be visiting are around 17 to 22 degrees Celsius, increasing through the season and by May evening temperatures are very pleasantly warm as well.

VISAS

Visas are issued by the incoming tour company in Bhutan and we will take care of this process for you. The cost of your visa is included in the package. Visas are issued 2-3 weeks before travel. Visas are issued as a group and all runners arriving on the same date will be listed on the visa sent to each traveller. 

BHUTAN GENERAL INFORMATION 

The mystical Kingdom of Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalayas bordering India and Tibet. The local name of Druk Yul means ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, which, perhaps, frames the way we think of this magical Buddhist country.

The size of Switzerland but with a population of only 700,000 living in mostly rural communities farming rice on the lower levels and herding yak as the altitude climbs, Bhutan remains a Kingdom steeped in history, mysticism and tradition.

The comparison with Switzerland is not just in size. Unlike many Himalayan areas the Kingdom has protected the mountains from deforestation and tourist exploitation leaving the countryside pristine.

Tourism is controlled and you must be on an organised itinerary booked with a local travel agent to get permission to enter Bhutan – you cannot enter and wander around unguided or back pack through the country.
 

We are pleased to offer a range of options that allow runners to acclimatise to the altitude, with long and short trips to suit your sense of adventure and the time you have available. The treks are fantastic with magnificent views of the high Himalayas and are moderate in difficulty, reaching altitudes of 4,000 to 4,200m, or enjoy a cultural west-to-east tour by private minibus after the marathon to experience the differences across Bhutan. For those on a short time scale the 4-night tour offers enough time to acclimatise and see some of the area including the walk up to the incredible Tigers Nest Monastery and a visit to the capital Thimphu.

Runners on the same itinerary will stay together at the one hotel. Hotels are 3 to 4-star standard and typically have rooms of a good size with ensuite bathrooms, cable TVs and toiletries. 

This this is a fully hosted tour. Accommodation is on a full board basis with breakfast and dinner at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant.  

OPTION 1: 7d/6nt PUNAKHA, THIMPU and PARO

A tour that captures the variety and 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 which gives a semi-tropical climate. This tour can be combined with the Great Wall Marathon by adding flights from Beijing to Bangkok with an overnight before your early morning flight to Paro. 

Day 1 – Tuesday 20 May

Arrival from Kathmandu.
Arrivals from Delhi, Singapore and Bangkok also available at a supplement.
Drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass (approx. 2½ hrs).
Afternoon sightseeing in Punakha; visit the Divine Mad Monks Temple (Temple of Fertility) and the remarkable Punakha Dzong, past home to the King of Bhutan. 
Overnight Punakha. 

Day 2 – Wednesday 21 May

Today we start our acclimatisation with a hike to Soela Gompa via Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten.
The hike is approximately 15km at moderate difficulty with the first 5km possibly being difficult for some. The hike takes around 8hrs.
Options to return after visiting the Chorten for a shorter hike can be arranged.
Overnight Punakha. 

Day 3 - Thursday 22 May

Drive to the capital, Thimphu (2½ hrs).
Hike up to Buddha Point and the giant seated Buddha, the Takin Reserve (national animal), Thimphu Dzong and craft workshops. 
Overnight Thimpu. 

Day 4 - Friday 23 May

After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro and hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest - 6hrs).
On the return, visit Kichu Lhakhang Monastery.
Overnight Paro,

Day 5- Day Saturday 24 May

Free time for shopping in Paro.
Race day briefing. 
Overnight in Paro

Day 6- Day Sunday 25 May

Race day! Marathon and Half Marathon.
Early breakfast before the 8am start of both races. 
Celebration Dinner and Cultural show at Olanthang Hotel.
Overnight Paro.

Day 7 - Monday 26 May

Fly out to Kathmandu, Delhi, Singapore or Bangkok.

OPTION 2: 9d/8nt PARO, THIMPHU and DRUK TRAIL TREK

Bhutan has some of the best trekking in the World and as part of our 9d package we offer a fully supported 4-day trek on the famous Druk (or Thunder Dragon) Trail. With much of the hike up and around 4,000m, this will also help you acclimatise for the race (which has an average altitude of 2,300m). The 9d itinerary also takes in a visit to the famous Tigers Nest and an overnight stopover in the capital Thimphu. 

Day 1 – Sunday 18 May

Arrival from Kathmandu.
Arrivals from Delhi, Singapore and Bangkok also available at a supplement.
Overnight Paro.

Day 2 – Monday 19 May

Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tigers Nest) 6hrs. On the way back visit Kichu Lhakhang.
Overnight Paro.

Day 3 – Tuesday 20 May

Druk Path trek – Day 1.
Climb gradually upwards from the Paro Valley to the camp at 3650m. Most of the altitude gain is done today through Forest. 20km. Climb is moderate to hard. 
Overnight camping.

Day 4 – Wednesday 21 May

Druk Path Trek – Day 2
On leaving the camp climb fairly steeply for 1hr then follow a ridge with views of Mt Jomolhari. A steep descent takes you to the campsite next to a beautiful lake. 15km.
Overnight camping.

Day 5 – Thursday 22 May

Druk Path Trek – Day 3
Today is a short but tough day of ascents and descents up to 4150m. 11km.
Overnight camping.

Day 6 – Friday 23 May

Druk Path Trek – Day 4
The day begins with a gradual climb with views of Mt Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain, before dropping into Thimphu on a steep descent. If there is time you will visit the Takin Reserve, which is close to the finish point of the trek. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, a mix between a cow and a goar and is probably the largest mammal you have never heard of. 
Overnight Thimphu.

Day 7 – Saturday 24 May

In Thimphu. Visit the folk heritage museum, textile museum, Buddha Point, Takin Reserve.
Afternoon visit to craft bazaar and weekend market before driving back to Paro (90-minutes) for the pre-race briefing and number collection. Overnight Paro.
Overnight Paro.

Day 8 - Day Sun 25 May

Race day! Marathon and Half Marathon.
Celebration Dinner and Cultural show.
Overnight Paro.

Day 9 - Mon 26 May

Fly out to Kathmandu, Delhi, Singapore or Bangkok.

Depending on numbers, we are likely to use two main hotels in Paro both at, or a short distance from, the start and finish line. The hotels will be allocated according to those booked for each option - allowing us to keep clients booked on the same option together throughout their time in Bhutan. These are the hotels we have traditionally used.

UDUMWARA HOTEL

The resort has 10 rooms at the main block and 5 cosy villas with 4 rooms in each villa, which are all deluxe twin bedded rooms decorated in a traditional style with modern facilities like security boxes, TV and free wireless internet connection. Pakshing Bar made wholly of bamboo which serves only local drinks and a handicraft shop with all the antiques on display just next to the bar in the main block will surely mesmerize you.

To add on to the existing natural beauty of the resort, a traditional bridge is constructed which passes over a small brook. The resort is a blend of a traditional look with a touch of modern architecture.

TIGERS NEST RESORT 

The Tigers nest Resort Hotel is a traditional wood-framed building that is on a slightly elevated position overlooking the Paro River valley and with views of the Tigers Nest Monastery high on the cliff face opposite. All rooms have bathrooms en suite, flat-screen TV and wifi. Rooms are either in the main hotel building or in spacious bungalows alongside the main building.

If these hotels fill we will use other hotels of a similar standard in the close vicinity of the start/finish.

In Punakha on the 6-night tour the hotel will be the Zhingkhan Hotel, a modern standard class hotel high on the valley side with fantastic views across the river to the Dzong. Rooms are in bungalows above the main reception and all have bathrooms en suite, flat-screen TV and wifi.

In Thimphu on the night after the trek, the hotel is likely to be the excellent  4-star Druk Hotel. The Druk is situated in the bustling capital city, all rooms with bathrooms en suite, flat screen tv and wifi. 

2025 Thunder Dragon Marathon Packages 

Runners on the same itinerary will stay together at the one hotel. Hotels are 3 to 4-star standard and typically have rooms of a good size with ensuite bathrooms, cable TVs and toiletries. 

This this is a fully hosted tour. Accommodation is on a full board basis with breakfast and dinner at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant.  

OPTION 1:
7d/6nt PUNAKHA and PARO: (all prices in AUD$)

Runners $5880pp twin share, $6494 single | Supporters $5480pp twin share, $6094 single

OPTION 2:
9d/8nt 4d PARO, THIMPHU AND DRUK TRAIL:

Runners $6980pp twin share, $7420 single | Supporters $6580pp twin share, $7020 single

Entry is available only in conjunction with a travel package from RunFun Travel. 

Your visa for Bhutan will be arranged on a group basis and is included in the tour cost. You should check the visa details of any other country you are visiting or transiting through on the way to Bhutan.

INCLUDED

• Guaranteed Entry to the Thunder Dragon Marathon or Half Marathon
• Fully hosted tour
• Flights from Kathmandu to Paro (flights from Singapore, Delhi and Bangkok available, supplementary cost applies)
• Visa costs (we will arrange this for you)
• Accommodation 3-4-star hotels, with runners from each itinerary staying at the same hotel
• Breakfast and dinner in hotels each day (except on trekking days), lunch in local restaurants as determined by the days itinerary
• Celebration Dinner
• Guides for each tour option throughout the tour from arrival to departure.
• All sightseeing and entrance fees
• All ground transportation in Bhutan from arrival to departure in 22 seater Toyota Coaster buses or 8 seater Toyota Hiace bus
• On treks – all facilities and staff required on trek including, guide, cook, helpers and horses to cart luggage and tents (sleeping bags are not provided)
• Tips and gratuities for all guides, drivers and helpers
• Compulsory Sustainable Development Fee of USD $200 per day, which is charged to all international visitors to the country. A reduction has been appliced for thoses staying 6-8 nights

EXCLUDED

• International flights to the tour starting point in Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok
• Visas for Nepal, India or Thailand – please check this with your local Embassy
• Drinks (except for water on the bus) and items of a personal nature
• Travel insurance – for your peace of mind RunFun Travel offers travel insurance to cater for all your travel plans. Obtain a quick, obligation free quote by clicking here

HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER!

RunFun Travel is a fully accredited travel agent and can assist you with:

• Flights
• Travel insurance

Please contact us for an obligation free quote that will enhance your trip and we’ll make sure you run the time of your life!

BOOKINGS AND INITIAL PAYMENT

A non-refundable payment of $1200 is required to secure your Thunder Dragon Marathon travel, entry and accommodation package.
All prices are in Australian dollars and subject to change at any time, without notice, before final payment is made.