Bhutan Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half-Marathon

Our group, the ease of itinerary, the trek, Bhutan - everything! I felt like we were on a very local and cultural trip that didn't feel like a 'tour'.

The location was incredible! The culture and activities/tours were fun and interesting. The tour guides were the best!! The tour group was a wonderful group of people. Ann was a great host!

We had a travel group that meshed very well. Many solo travelers, like myself, so that was reassuring from the start.

We had a travel group that meshed very well. Many solo travelers, like myself, so that was reassuring from the start.

It was one of the best experiences of my life. It was my first trip to Asia and I will not be deterred by the long flight to go again. I am so glad the cultural component of the trip was as rich and varied as it was and that it was presented to us by such a wonderful young man from Bhutan. He treated us like family and really helped me see the interweaving of Buddhism into all aspects of living in Bhutan. I tell everyone if they want a special experience they will always remember they need to travel to Bhutan. If they are a runner I emphasize how fantastic the marathon experience was as well.

A truly incredible experience! I would highly recommend a trip to Bhutan.

The guides and staff were phenomenal! They were extremely accommodating in insuring we had the best experience. I would highly recommend this group.

Thank you to Ms. Suter for her excellent piece on what to do if your race is cancelled. Her writing reminded me to refocus on mindfulness and to maintain the training plan for the Outback. Her counsel applies not only to running but to life in general. In line with something Ms. Suter writes, I recently resumed yoga to help deal with the Covid-19 stress. I had started following a Runner’s World yoga DVD in the months prior to Bhutan to prepare spiritually.  Ironically I dropped yoga when we returned to the states because I felt too busy!

That leads to my next thought.  We were reminiscing the past two days about our wonderful time in Bhutan.  Thank you to the great staff at Marathon Tours & Travel.  These memories, plus Patagonia and the Big 5 tours, remind us of the beauty in the world.  We greatly appreciate the work Ann and Stephanie have done for us.  We look forward to traveling again. 

You can't explain the country, you have to see it. People still can't believe the course we ran.

If one wishes to experience a deep Buddhist culture, which is striving to maintain its true identity in the beauty of the Himalayas, with the bonus of a foot race, this is the life experience for you.

What did I like best? All aspects of the Druk Path Trek, visit to temples, Buddhist monks' blessing before the race and local nature of the race. Hotels and van were comfortable, food good and communication excellent.

Brutally difficult course, but very well marshaled. I was worried about the spacing between the water stops, but having full sized bottles of water to carry worked quite well.

If I could, I would give our guides an 11 out of 10. They were phenomenal -- knowledgeable, personable, terrific.

Loved the course....it was difficult but so so so enjoyable....the scenery was spectacular... the single track was FUN! Course markings were excellent, rest stops plentiful.

I was thrilled with the beauty of the country and being able to spend so much time hiking it. The camaraderie of most participants and staff added to the fun

This is a unique trip because the run is actually secondary in the experience. Words really can't describe it, I'm telling friends to go and then lets talk!

It was professionally organized, the guides were great, every day was an adventure, the hikes, especially Tigers Nest was just awesome. Jeff's attention to detail and his ability to connect with everyone on the trip makes it a great experience.

Inspirational, spiritual and unique.

Our tour guide was absolutely wonderful. His organisational skills were second to none and he never missed a thing. During the trek he was always calm, kind and knowledgeable and looked after everyone. Once back in Thimphu and Paro he was on top of everything without having to be asked. He is probably the best guide we have had over the course of many trips. We cannot speak highly enough of him.

Very physically difficult which led to an even deeper spiritual journey.

Jeff was terrific as were the local guides. I appreciate having a MTT representative on-site who is very knowledgeable, helpful and truly cared about my well-being. Also, the nicest and most enjoyable local guides and drivers of any tour I’ve ever taken.