Run Beyond the Finish Line

During the flight, you may enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our guide and transferred to a traditional farmhouse in Paro. On arrival, you will be welcomed by the farmhouse family. Staying at a farmhouse gives you an opportunity to experience the daily life of a Bhutanese farming family and learn about their traditional way of living. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century and now serving as an important administrative and religious centre. You will then visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In the evening, you can stroll through Paro town and explore the local shops and streets. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will drive to Punakha through the scenic western valleys of Bhutan. The road follows the Paro Valley before reaching Chuzom, where the Paro and Thimphu rivers meet. You will stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m), where, on a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Eastern Himalayas. You will also visit Druk Wangyel Monastery, known for its detailed paintings depicting the history and lineage of Bhutan’s present monarchy. From Dochula, the road descends through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock before reaching the warmer Punakha Valley. En route, you will stop at Metsina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple associated with Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will drive to Damchen Resort in Khuruthang to collect your race packet and attend the pre-race briefing for the Bhutan International Marathon. The rest of the day will be kept relaxed so you can prepare for tomorrow’s race. In the afternoon, you will visit Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The dzong is one of the most important landmarks in Bhutan and is known for its impressive architecture and location. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Today you will participate in the Bhutan International Marathon in Punakha. Enjoy the race through the beautiful Punakha Valley, surrounded by mountains, villages and traditional Bhutanese landscapes. After the race, you can relax and recover from the day’s activities. The day will conclude with the prize-giving ceremony. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu via Dochula Pass. On arrival in Thimphu, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, followed by the Motithang Takin Preserve, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. You will then visit Tashichho Dzong, an important government and religious centre, and Buddha Dordenma, the large bronze Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu Valley. Later, you will visit the Traditional Paper Factory and the Post Office, where you can have a personalized Bhutanese stamp made if you wish. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and explore the local streets. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Paro and begin your hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, located at 3,180m. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave where the monastery now stands. Perched on a steep cliff about 900m above Paro Valley, Taktsang is one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria before you explore the monastery and hike back to the valley. In the evening, you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner with a local family. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.