If the skies are clear you’ll be treated to some breath taking views of the highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. Paro stands at 7,500 ft. above sea level. You’ll be met by our Bhutanese hosts who will receive you and drive to hotel. Overnight : Paro

Start early as the drive is long. Today we’ll experience one of the highlights of your trip in Bhutan with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. After breakfast in Thimphu we’ll drive through Paro to Satsam Chorten and from there a do a two hour trek up to the viewpoint of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (tea house) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang Monastery. The first part was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche), the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort. Lunch is served at the completion of the trek.

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (riding ponies are available at an additional charge).

Time permitting the journey can be broken with a visit to Tamchog Lhakhang built by Thangtong Gyalpo or the Iron Bridge Builder as he is known. This former saint from the 14th century introduced the art of building suspension bridges with iron chains and the only way to reach his temple is by one of these bridges. Reaching at the Chuzom or confluence we catch a glimpse of the three shrines in Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese style which were built to ward off evil spirits near the checkpoint. Continue drive to Punakha with a quick lunch stop in Thimphu.

A truly awe inspiring road as it zigzags up to the 3,140m-high mountain pass of Dochu La with its forests of fluttering prayer flags, and on a clear day, you will have sweeping views of the main Himalayan range. Stop at the Dochula Memorial Site. The most well known pass in Bhutan, Dochula Pass is located about 30 km away from the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. The 108 chortens at Dochula were built by one of the Queen Mother’s to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed when fighting the Indian rebels in 2003. Though Bhutanese have wanted to build these chortens to mark the victory of the Bhutanese army, the King has rejected this offer and instead uses the chortens to commemorate the deceased. The Punakha Dzong, “the palace of great happiness or bliss” is the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic. The Dzong is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley and was the auspicious location for the marriage of the Fifth (current) King. It is also the location for the finish line of the Bhutan International Marathon as well as our Awards Celebration!

Pre-race briefing and packet pick up in Punakha. – Packet pick up is from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and the pre-race briefing is at 2:15 PM at Damchen Resort.

Duration of drive: 3-4 hours (170 Km approx)

Summary:

1. EARLY Breakfast in Punakha
2. Travel to shuttle bus pick up at Damchen Resort
3. Shuttle busses leave to the start line at Damchen
4. Both races start at 8:00 AM
5. Riverside picnic lunch
6. 6:00 PM Event Awards Ceremony and dinner, traditional dance, music and entertainment next to the majestic Punakha Dzong.

Bhutan International Marathon and Half Marathon!
Our event will be capped off with an Awards Celebration, dinner, bonfires and traditional dance and music right at the stunning Punakha Dzong.

Punakha Dzong – You will head down along the riverside the massive architectural edifice of the 17th century Punakha Dzong (fortress/monastery) soon looms into view. Built in 1637 by Shabdung Nawang Namgyal in a commanding position at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu (Male and Female rivers). Bhutan’s second oldest dzong goes by the full name of Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (the Palace of Great Happiness) and is arguably the country’s most attractive dzong. It served as the seat of the Kingdom’s government until the time of the second King and today serves as the winter home of Je Khenpo, head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. Punakha Dromche festival is unique for being the only festival with a procession that re-enact the war against Tibetan in the 17th century.

Overnight : Punakha

Drive up the valley with a brief hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple which stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. It is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions and the only one of its kind in the world. Built over a period of 9 years, One can view 360-degree  of the Punakha valley’s rice fields and river.

The hike 40 to 60 minutes uphill along the rice field and beautiful pine forest. This temple is dedicated to the well-being of Bhutan, and for peace and harmony in the world.

Rafting can be done today at the end of the hike at an additional cost

Overnight : Thimphu

Duration of drive: 2-3 hours (120 Km approx)

-Visit to the 169 foot Buddha Dordenma, the largest upright Buddha in the world, perched overlooking the entire Thimphu valley
-National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
-The National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts
-The Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls)
-The Takin reserve.
-The Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices
-The Royal silversmiths -Bhutanese paper factory at work.
-Handicrafts Emporium, Textile museum, Textile academy and followed by shopping for souvenirs in the Arts and crafts shops of Thimphu.
-Kaja throm farmers market

Overnight : Thimphu

Airport transport to Paro International Airport  to Bangkok