BHUTAN INTERNATIONAL MARATHON TOUR

Arrive Paro

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide and transferred to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels". It has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. You will walk downhill till the road point crossing the wooden bridge. Your vehicle will be waiting here to take you to Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest and most sacred temple in the country. This evening you can stroll through Paro town. Walking through the market and meeting with the people will be an enjoyable experience.

Paro-Punakha

Today, you will drive to Punakha. The road leads through the Paro Valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chhuzom (confluence), where you can see local farmers sit by the side of the road selling vegetables, apples and dried cheese. From Simtokha crossroad, the road climbs to the Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch at Dochula, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. On the way, you will stop at Lobesa to hike through rice paddies up to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley, or the "Divine Madman," who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River.

Punakha

After breakfast, you will drive to Damchen Resort in Khuruthang for Packet Pick Up and also for pre-race briefing. Later in the afternoon, visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship.

Marathon Race

Today you will participate in Bhutan International Marathon, followed by the prize award ceremony.

Punakha-Thimphu

Following breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu via Dochula pass. En route, stop at Lamperi Botanical garden to see different species of plants. The park also has numerous viewpoints, trekking routes and a lake. You can walk around through the green lushes with clean air fluttered from the cool broad leaf and mixed conifer forests. On reaching at Dochula, visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Check into hotel on arrival. After lunch, you will visit Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Nunnery temple, traditional paper factory and the giant Buddha Statue at Kuenselphodrang overlooking the Thimphu valley. You will then visit the majestic Tashichhodzong, the seat of the national government. In the evening you can explore Thimphu city and absorb the lifestyle of the people.

Thimphu-Paro, Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Today you will drive to Paro and then hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Explore the monastery and hike down to the valley floor. This is a fantastic conclusion to your stay in Bhutan!

Depart Paro

After breakfast, you will drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.