Eight Night "Culture Package" | Bangkok, Punakha and Paro: May 20 - 28, 2024
A 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. (We have combined this tour with the Great Wall Marathon tour to create the Dragon Challenge referenced below.)
(Please note: This package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff.)
Monday, May 20 - Arrive in Bangkok and transfer (walk or hotel shuttle) to the Novotel Bangkok 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.
Tuesday, May 21 - 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)
Wednesday, May 22 - 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)
Thursday, May 23 - Drive to the Capital City Thimphu (2 1/2 hours). Tour Buddha Point and the giant seated Buddha, the Takin Reserve (National animal), Thimphu Dzong and craft workshops. After lunch drive on to Paro (1 hour) visiting the National Museum with the chance to hike part of the marathon route before visiting Paro Dzong. Overnight Paro. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Friday, May 24 - Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest) six (6) hours. On the way back visit Kyichu Lhakhang Monastery. Overnight Paro. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, May 25 - Free time for shopping in Paro. Race day briefing. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Sunday, May 26 - Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half-Marathon RACE DAY! Early breakfast before the 9:00 am start of both races. Celebration dinner and Cultural show at Olathang Hotel. Overnight Paro. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday, May 27 - We will enjoy a final day in Paro before a late afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight to Bangkok. Arrive in Bangkok at 10 pm and transfer to the Novotel Bangkok Airport hotel. (breakfast and lunch included)
Tuesday, May 28 - Depart for home.
Ten Night "Trek and Culture Package" | Bangkok, Paro, Druk Trail Trek and Thimphu: May 18 - 28, 2024
Bhutan 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.
(Please note: This package is hosted by 209 Events staff)
Saturday, May 18 - Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to the Novotel Bangkok 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?
Sunday, May 19 - Today starts with an early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. Overnight Paro. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday, May 20 - 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)
Tuesday, May 21 - 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 along forest trails. 20km Overnight camping. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Wednesday, May 22 - Druk Path Trek – 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)
Thursday, May 23 - Druk Path Trek – Day 3. Today is a short but tough day of ascents and descents up to 4150m. Total distance is 11km. Overnight camping. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Friday, May 24 - 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. Overnight Thimphu. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, May 25 - In Thimphu. Visit the painting school, folk heritage museum, textile museum, Bhudda Point, Takin Reserve. Afternoon visit to craft bazaar and weekend market. Overnight Paro. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Sunday, May 26 - RACE DAY! Early breakfast before the 9:00 am start of both races. Celebration dinner and Cultural show. Overnight Paro. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday, May 27 - We will enjoy a final day in Paro before a late afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight to Bangkok. Arrive in Bangkok at 10 pm and transfer to the Novotel Bangkok Airport hotel. (breakfast and lunch included)
Tuesday, May 28 - Depart for home. (breakfast included)
Thirteen Night Dragon Challenge Package | Beijing, Bangkok, Punakha and Paro:
(Please note: This package is hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff.)
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 is two (2) challenging races separated by 1800 miles and eight (8) days!
