Bhutan Marathon & Cultural Tour

Details

Day 1 Arrival in Paro, Head to Thimphu

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatise to the altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel and let’s have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine.

Activities:

View of Trashi Chhoe Dzong at Night : ‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’ was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashi Chhoe Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Entrance may be granted to guests only after 5 pm but the nine-hole golf course alongside makes for a quirky photo opportunity.

Walk Around Thimphu Town : Shop and walk around Thimphu town. Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, cafes, shops and nightclubs. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization.

Bhutan Peaceful Residency & Spa or similar 3 star

Day 2 Thimphu

Situated at an altitude of 2400m, Thimphu is the centre of government, religion and commerce. The capital has an interesting combination of tradition and modernity and includes some of the most advanced and remotest parts of the kingdom. It is home to the Kings and the Royal family members, civil servants, expatriates, politicians, business persons and monks. Enjoy this cultural mix based on livelihood. Of culture, we will take you through temples, dzongs, chortens, museums, handicraft stores, nunneries, parks and many more. Allow yourself to meet both traditional and contemporary artists.

Activities:

Buddha Point : Located at Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the 51.5-metre-tall bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha, is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The Buddha Dordenma symbolises indestructibility and is said to emanate peace and happiness to the world.

National Memorial Chorten: Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten. Chorten means ‘Seat of Faith’, and Buddhists often call such monuments the ‘Mind of Buddha’. Treat yourself to the fantastic depiction of Buddhist teachings in the form of paintings and sculptures at this temple. As the name denotes, this National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974, in memory of the Third King.

Takin Enclosure: On the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange-looking beast some say looks like a bee-stung moose.

Tashichhodzong (Thimphu Dzong) : The “fortress of the glorious religion” was first constructed in 1641 and restored by the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichhodzong houses the offices of some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monastic body. Opening hour: Weekday 05:00 PM – 06:00 PM Weekend 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM Winter 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM

Day 3. Thimphu to Punakha

We will set off early from Thimphu after breakfast. Then proceed to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, about 2 1/2 hours drive from Thimphu across Dochu-la pass. Once you cross the pass, you wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gently flowing aquamarine river that leads you to the Punakha Dzong, the second dzong to be built in Bhutan.

Activities:

Dochula Pass : At 3,100 meters, this beautiful pass located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu offers stunning 360-degree panoramas of the Himalayas Mountain range. Here you will also see 108 chortens built by Her Majesty The Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The pass is a popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists.

Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge : At 160 meters, this is known as the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. From here, you will get spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.

Punakha Dzong: Located strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by the Great Unifier of Bhutan as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government in Bhutan was introduced in the 17th century. The first King, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. Damaged by four fires and an earthquake over the centuries, the Dzong was fully restored in recent years by the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It is now the winter home of Je Khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. Marvel over intricate woodwork by the best craftsmen in Bhutan. Visiting Window: Summer Timing: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Winter Timing: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Rest in Punakha

Check in to the hotel and rest for the night

Zhingkham Resort or similar 3 star

Day 4. Punakha Sightseeing

Khamsum Yuley Temple : [Duration 2 hours, 1 hour to ascend and 1 hour to descend] There is no temple in Bhutan built elaborately as this.

This fascinating temple was built by the Queen Mother of the 5th King to bring universal peace to this world. The best of the spiritual artworks are painted on the inner walls. There are also paintings of Buddhist teachers and tutelary deities of the country. This is a great temple to study the symbolic meanings of frescoes and sculptures. The Chorten is situated along a hill up the valley and can be reached after a leisurely hike through the woods and paddy fields.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang: A temple and nunnery perched on a ridge overlooking the Toebesa, Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys. The temple is consecrated by His Holiness and was attended by His Majesty the King, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, members of the royal family, along with hundreds of people from Punakha. The temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva of compassion.

Chorten Nyingpo : Chorten Nyingpo the Lhakhang is in Kabesa Gewog in Punakha. Approximately eight kilometres from the main road. In the 15th century, corresponding to the 8th Rabjung (name of a cycle of 60 years starting with rabbit year), while the famous yogi Lam Drukpa Kinley was on his way to Bhutan from Tibet, he passed by a village in Punakha known as Jiligang (the above story). On reaching the village he tossed away the partially burnt wood that he was carrying with him. The burnt wood landed in the present site where the temple stands. The wood grew into a vigorous leafy tree and deeming it as an auspicious omen later decided to build a temple near the tree. In the 18th century corresponding to the 13th Rabjung, Chogtrul Jigme Singye (1742-89), the 4th reincarnation of Lama Thripa (Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay), visited the place and built the present temple.

Chimi Lhakhang : Also known as the Fertility Temple, this monastery is located in the beautiful village of Sopsokha. It stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch. This monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, the ‘Divine Madman’, known for his risqué behaviour. The footpath to Chimi Lhakhang meanders through beautiful terraces of paddy fields. The walk across the fields takes about 30 minutes. Many have been blessed with children after praying at the temple. Visiting Window 9:00 A.M to 12:00 NOON 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M

Afternoon: • Race Briefing and Kit Collection: After lunch, attend the Bhutan International Marathon race briefing and collect your race kit for the big day.

Stay Overnight at Punakha.

Zhingkham Resort or similar 3-star

Day 5

Race Day – Bhutan International Marathon

Marathon Route Description

The Bhutan International Marathon (BIM) offers an unparalleled running experience through one of the world’s most serene and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re tackling the full 42 km marathon or opting for the 21 km half marathon, each distance provides a unique journey through Bhutan’s stunning rural backdrop.

• Race Participation: Experience the breathtaking Bhutan International Marathon, where the route takes you through stunning rice paddies, traditional villages, and riverbanks.
• Relax and Recover: After the race, unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings of Punakha.
• Start Location:Gasa Dzongkhag

Finish Location & Parking: Punakha Dzong

https://bhutaninternationalmarathon.com/event-info/

Stay Overnight at Punakha.

Day 6 Punakha to Paro

Activities:

Paro Dzong (aka Rinpung Dzong) : Explore Rinpung Dzong, which the locals call the ‘fortress of a heap of jewels. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong stands on a hill above Paro Township. It is linked by a traditional cantilever bridge called the Nemi Zam over the Po Chhu. Walk up the stone-paved path running alongside imposing outer walls. Once inside the Dzong, you will be welcomed by the monks, architecture and beautiful frescoes. This dzong is a highlight for art and history lovers.

Paro Valley : The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan’s old monasteries and temples. The valley is also home to Mount Jomolhari (7,300 meters), situated at the northern end of the valley, whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley.

Kyichu Lhakhang: At 1,300 years old, this is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Like the Jambhay Lhakhang in Bumthang, it is one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue and vanquish an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Legend has it that all 108 temples were built in a single night. The Kyichhu temple’s name means “reservoir of peace”. Next to the temple is a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. You will see photographs and other personal artefacts belonging to the Rinpoche.

After noon we will do the short hike from Paro Taa Dzong to Aman Resort

Duration: 1 hour.

Overnight stay in Paro.

• Stay in Paro Hotel

3-star Paro

Day 7 Paro to Chele La Pass

Duration: 1 hour drive

Chele La Pass is one of the highest road points in Bhutan and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. It is situated at an elevation of 3,988 meters/13,084 feet between the Paro and Haa valleys. The drive to Chela La Pass from Paro is as charming as the Mountain Pass itself. Post the pass, you descend and gradually enter the Haa valley. Explore Places to visit in Haa.

Drive-Up to Chele La Pass

Your first few days of the Bhutan Tour will be steeped in culture and history. It will be good to fuse nature on your trip; take a break, indulge your visual senses with some natural beauty, and give yourself some time to relax and soak in the atmosphere. You have the option to take a leisurely drive and carry a picnic lunch as well as a beverage of your choice. It is just over 40 km to the pass; you drive 5 km to Bondey from Paro town and take an ascending road that leads to Haa (61km) via Chelela Pass.

The Chele La pass is at a cool, crisp mountain pass, and your route takes you through a spectacularly lovely forest of pine, oak and rhododendrons that are ablaze with blood-red and pink blooms in April and May. The heady scent of daphne permeates the air, and the sun-dappled – as enchanting a drive as you could have hoped for. Around 10 km from the top, you can spot the Kila Nunnery perched on the opposite hillside with prayer flags lining the walking path to it and surrounding the complex. Once you cross the tree line, you are likely to come up with yaks grazing in the alpine meadows. The pass itself is marked by a multitude of prayer flags that seem to spear the intense blue skies! On a clear day, you can get a breathtaking view of Mt. Jomolhari and other Himalayan giants.

Stays in Paro Hotels, 3 star

Day8 Paro Sightseeing

Are you ready? We will be making the hike up to one of the key highlights in Bhutan today! Tiger’s Nest aka Taktsang Monastery

Hot Stone Bath

After the trekking, we specially arrange a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath for you to relax your muscles. The process of a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is unique. It uses Menchu (medicinal water), which is nothing, but fresh river water mixed with Artemisia leaves. The water is heated using river stones that are roasted on fire till they are glowing red. The temperature of the water can be increased by adding more heated stones into a wooden chamber via a chute. This chamber is connected to the main tub (also made of wood), which contains the water. The holes in the chamber allow the heat to be infused into the bath (so there is no danger of being burned by the hot stones), and the stones are said to release key minerals into the water, which are believed to have medicinal benefits. One can soak in the water for about half an hour after a tiring day. **Additional charges of USD 25 per person

Taktsang Monastery

Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, this monastery set dramatically on the cliffs of Paro Valley, is Bhutan’s most famous landmark. Some tourists would even say, “A trip to Bhutan is not complete without climbing to Taktsang.” According to local folklore, the Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress (his consort Yeshey Tshogyal) and meditated in one of the caves, before emerging in eight manifestations. A hike up to Taktsang draws people with different interests. It fills those who are spiritually inclined with a sense of peace, while avid hikers feel a sense of achievement upon reaching the monastery. Take time to process the mental and physical sensations that wash over you during the uphill climb as you ascend more than two thousand feet from the valley floor to reach the monastery.

Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

3 stars

Day 9 Paro

Depart Paro.

Morning transfer (15 mins) to the airport for your departure flight. Your guide will bid you farewell at the airport