25th May 2025
BHUTAN
Bhutan or Druk Yul (the land of the Thunder Dragon) as it is known in Bhutanese, is mystical, enchanting and like nowhere you have ever been. This tiny Himalayan kingdom nestling between Tibet and India is a country of raw natural beauty and dramatic landscapes that range from sub-tropical plains to steep mountains and valleys.
Regularly voted one of the world’s top travel destinations, Bhutan still remains accessible only to the privileged few. The Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half Marathon is your chance to see the country at ground level, to immerse yourself in the country's unique culture and enjoy an unforgettable running and travel experience.
Race Information
We are privileged to be able to organise the Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half Marathon, one of the world’s most exclusive running races, in conjunction with Bhutanese Tour Operator, Blue Poppy Tours & Treks.
The Thunder Dragon Marathon highlights all of the aspects of Bhutan that make the country so special. Running through the beautiful Paro Valley, the route takes in fantastic mountain scenery and features many iconic landmarks, such as the Taktsang Monastery (also known as the Tigers Nest), Paro Dzong and many religious Chorten or shrines. It is a true mountain and cultural experience.

PACKAGE INFORMATION
The Government of Bhutan puts restrictions on the number of tourists that can visit the country each year and how they book their trips. All travellers to the country must have confirmed bookings for accommodation and travel with a Bhutanese travel agency in order to obtain a visa.
We have three travel
packages available that are arranged in conjunction with our Bhutanese partners, Blue Poppy Tours & Treks. The packages meet the visa requirements and the cost of the visa is included in the packages.
NOTE: Flights from Kathmandu, Bangkok and Delhi depart early in the morning to Paro and we strongly advise that you book overnight accommodation before your flight.
We offer 3 types of packages:
- 4 Night marathon weekend
- From: £2099
- 6 night cultural tour including Thimpu and Punakha
- From: £2849
- 8 night tour - 4 day Trail Trek with race weekend
- From: £3499
Please note prices are twin/double occupant of a room, there is a single supplement for those traveling alone.
RACE ENTRY FEE - £225 (Marathon or Half-Marathon)
OUR PACKAGES
Tour Option | Description | Single Occupancy | Twin/Doube Occupancy |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 4 Night Weekend | £2299 | £2099 |
2 | 6 Night Culture Tour | £3099 | £2849 |
3 | 8 Night with Druk Trail Tour | £3799 | £3499 |
The DEPOSIT is: £750
THE TOUR PRICES INCLUDE:
- Flights from Kathmandu to Paro, or Delhi, Bangkok and Singapore for a supplement
- Accommodation in standard hotels in Bhutan
- Breakfast and dinner in hotels each day (except on trekking days), lunch in local restaurants as determined by the days' itinerary.
- Guides for each tour option throughout the tour from arrival to departure.
- All sightseeing and entrance fees.
- All ground transportation in Bhutan from arrival to departure in 22 seater Toyota Coaster buses or 8 seater Toyota Hiace bus.
- On treks – all facilities and staff required on trek including, guide, cook, helpers, and horses to carry luggage and tents (sleeping bags are not provided)
- Visa for Bhutan
- Compulsory Sustainable Development Fee of $200 per day, which is charged to all international visitors to the country as a tourist tax.
- Tips to guides, drivers and cooks/horsemen on the trek option
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flight to the tour starting point in Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok.
- Visas for Nepal, India or Thailand.
- Travel Insurance.
- Drinks (except water on the bus).
- Personal items such as laundry and souvenirs.
- Entry to the marathon / half marathon (available at a supplement)
£225 - Marathon/Half-Marathon entry fee
FLIGHTS | KTM/PBH/KTM | No supplement |
---|---|---|
BKK/PBH/KTM or vice-versa | £250 | |
DEL/PBH/KTM or vice-versa | £95 | |
BKK/PBH/BKK | £500 | |
DEL/PBH/DEL | £190 |
Please note these prices are flight supplements above the package price. The basic package includes return flights between Kathmandu and Paro.
The DEPOSIT is: £750
HOTEL INFORMATION
Depending on numbers, we are likely to use two main hotels in Paro both at, or a short distance from, the start and finish line. The hotels will be allocated according to those booked for each option - allowing us to keep clients booked on the same option together throughout their time in Bhutan. These are the hotels we have traditionally used.
UDUMWARA HOTEL
The resort has 10 rooms at the main block and 5 cosy villas with 4 rooms in each villa, which are all deluxe twin bedded rooms decorated in a traditional style with modern facilities like security boxes, TV and free wireless internet connection. Pakshing Bar made wholly of bamboo which serves only local drinks and a handicraft shop with all the antiques on display just next to the bar in the main block will surely mesmerize you.
To add on to the existing natural beauty of the resort, a traditional bridge is constructed which passes over a small brook. The resort is a blend of a traditional look with a touch of modern architecture.
OLATHANG COTTAGES
Picturesquely situated on a hilltop nestled among apple orchards and offering scintillating views of Paro, this establishment is blessed with one of the most amazing locations of any hotel in the Paro Valley. This charming hotel complex features 12 individual cottages spread over a vast area all offering amazing views of the valley. All 29 rooms are distributed amongst 12 cottages built in classical Bhutanese style with traditional décor.
The in-house restaurant serves delicious Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine while the bar has a wide assortment of local and international beverages.
Hotels in Bhutan are generally quite small - often 30 rooms or less - and when they are full we will use other hotels of a similar standard in the close vicinity of the start/finish. We generally keep groups together in hotels - irrespective of nationality - based on the package they sign up to.
In Punakha on the 6-night tour the hotel will be the Zhingkhan Hotel, a modern standard class hotel high on the valley side with fantastic views across the river to the Dzong. Rooms are in bungalows above the main reception and all have bathrooms en suite, flat-screen TV and wifi.
In Thimphu on the night after the trek, the hotel is likely to be the excellent 4-star Druk Hotel. The Druk is situated in the bustling capital city, all rooms have bathrooms en suite, a flat screen tv and wifi.
BHUTAN PHOTOS
ABOUT BHUTAN
Bhutan is no ordinary place. Remote and isolated it is the last great Himalayan kingdom. Although completely cut off for centuries it has tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its customs and traditions.
The Bhutanese people with their Buddhist beliefs have a strong sense of identity and of the interdependence between man and nature, expressed through the national policy of Gross National Happiness and concern for the environment. Its environment is wild and pristine and it is home to some of the world’s highest unclimbed mountains, the last great undestroyed forests of the Himalayas and exotic wildlife such as the Black-Necked crane, the Golden langur and the Royal Bengal tiger.
OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS
The Thunder Dragon Marathon attracts a range of international runners from around the globe as well as a number of local runners who are offered free entry to the race.
We partner with a number of travel agents around the world who can offer you guaranteed entry into the Thunder Dragon Marathon or Half-Marathon as part of a holiday travel package to Bhutan. Select from the list of travel partners below to book your holiday.

- United Kingdom
- 2:09 Events Ltd
- info@209events.com
- www.209events.com
- Australia
- Run Fun Travel
- fran@runfuntravel.com
- www.runfuntravel.com/event.php?e=11
- Travelling Fit
- sales@travellingfit.com
- www.travellingfit.com/event/thunder-dragon-marathon/
- Germany
- Interair
- achim.wricke@interair.de
- www.interair.de
- Singapore
- Athletes Journey
- discover@athletesjourney.sg
- www.athletesjourney.sg/run-tours/trail-races/thunder-dragon-marathon
- Austria
- Runners Unlimited
- runners@runners-unlimited.com
- www.runners-unlimited.com
- USA
- Marathon Tours
- http://www.marathontours.com/races/bhutan-thunder-dragon-marathon-and-half-marathon-778
- South Africa
- Penthouse Travel Sporting Tours
- marie@travelways.co.za
- www.runningtours.co.za
- Brazil
- Kamel Turismo
- www.kamelturismo.com.br
- pedro@kamelturismo.com.br