The mystical Kingdom of Bhutan is located in the Himalayas bordering India and Tibet. The local name of Druk Yul means 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', which frames the way we think of this magical Buddhist country.
Unlike many Himalayan areas the Kingdom has protected the mountains from deforestation and tourism is strictly controlled by government permits so you must be on an organised itinerary to get permission to enter Bhutan; we will be working with Bhutanese Travel Company Blue Poppy.
The second running of the Himalayan Kingdom Marathon & Half Marathon starts just above Paro town, where Bhutan's International Airport is located, at an altitude of 2,400m and will descend to the town at 2,200m to take in the Paro Dzong (castle) before running through the valley and below the incredible Tiger's Nest Monastery.
The half marathon will return to the start area from here while the full marathon continues to the remains of the Drukgyel Dzong before climbing the valley sides to follow a ridge at around 3,000m linking monasteries' and chortens (small temples) before returning to the start/finish line.
Late November offers some of the clearest skies making views of the staggering Himalayan Mountains crystal clear. Daytime temperatures are likely to be around 15C depending on altitude but the temperature plummets at night to 0C.
For more general information on travel to Bhutan and Trekking in Bhutan please see the 2 pdf files below.
Option 1 Full Package starting in London
Fri 14 Nov: Depart from London Heathrow on the BA flight to Delhi at 1515.
Sat 15 Nov: Arrive Delhi at 04.55 and transfer to the 09.00 am Druk Air flight to Paro passing Everest on the way. Arrive at Paro and transfer to the superior 3-star Hotel Olanthang or similar with en suite facilities and satellite TV. Lunch and dinner.
Flights are also available to Paro from Bangkok for those joining from the east.
Sun 16 Nov: Breakfast and visit the 'Tiger's Nest', the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900m above the valley floor (steep climb and steps). Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 2 (see below) arrives.
Mon 17 Nov: TREK DAY 1. Paro to Shana. Drive to the end of the road at Drukgyel Dzong - fortress of victory - where the trek begins. The trek is a fairly easy walk up the valley alongside the Paro Valley and return. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Tue 18 Nov: TREK DAY 2. Chele La. Today we will take the bus to the Chele La Pass stopping to see the fantastic view of Mount Jomolhari on the way. We will then take a down hill trek from the pass (3,840m) to the stunning nunnery that clings to the mountainside at 3,400m and to a logging track below to meet the bus again. A more demanding trek at high altitude and some steep descents. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Wed 19 Nov: This morning visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong. You can also visit Ta Dzong ('the watch tower') now housing the National Museum. Race briefing and number distribution. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Thu 20 Nov: HIMALAYAN KINGDOM MARATHON. The races start in the grounds of the Olanthang Hotel at 7.30am. During the run you'll have views of landmarks like the Tigers Nest and Mount Jomolhari. The finish is back at the Olanthang Hotel where you can recover energy with a buffet before the celebration dinner and prize giving.
Fri 21 Nov: After breakfast transfer to the capital Thimphu for overnight and sightseeing in the city. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Option 2 (see below) departs for Paro Airport after breakfast.
Sat 22 Nov: Today we will visit the weekly market and enjoy more of Thimpu before returning to Paro for overnight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Sun 23 Nov: After breakfast transfer to Paro Airport for the Druk Air flight to Delhi, departing 1045 and arriving in Delhi at 1220. Transfer to a first class hotel, free time in Delhi. Breakfast only.
Mon 24 Nov: Early morning transfer to Delhi airport for the 0655 BA flight to Heathrow, arriving at 1105. Breakfast.
Option 2 - Shorter tour starting in Bangkok
Sun 16 Nov: Depart from Bangkok on the Druk Air flight to Paro and join the itinerary for Option 1.
Fri 21st Nov: Transfer to Paro Airport for the flight to Bangkok.
You will require a visa for India or Thailand as appropriate. Visa's for Bhutan will be obtained on your behalf by Blue Poppy and issued for the group as a whole.
| Prices Per Person | Twin | Single |
| Option 1 Including flights from London | £2779 | £2895 |
| Option 2 With flights from Bangkok | £1699 | £1799 |
| Deposit per person | £400 |
Have you got the right gear for your race? Check out our Kit section to find out what Salomon recommend.
Click onto the GALLERY button to view photos of the event.
