Marathon in Bhutan
The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan - the land of high mountains and deep valleys, where compassion and wisdom are the measure of a good life and where, instead of the gross national product, gross national happiness is measured.
On March 2, 2019, an international marathon takes place there, 42 kilometers (or 21 km, half marathon) through a breathtakingly beautiful valley, surrounded by densely wooded mountains. The goal of the marathon is the historical and probably most beautiful castle monastery in Bhutan, the Punakha Dzong.
Enjoy the cleanest air of the earth during your stay and experience the unique culture of Bhutan in addition to the marathon. Visit ancient Buddhist temples and let your thoughts enter new paths. These experiences will accompany you for a lifetime.
On March 2, 2019, an international marathon takes place there, 42 kilometers (or 21 km, half marathon) through a breathtakingly beautiful valley, surrounded by densely wooded mountains. The goal of the marathon is the historical and probably most beautiful castle monastery in Bhutan, the Punakha Dzong.
Enjoy the cleanest air of the earth during your stay and experience the unique culture of Bhutan in addition to the marathon. Visit ancient Buddhist temples and let your thoughts enter new paths. These experiences will accompany you for a lifetime.
7 days / 6 nights
Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro
Dates: February/March 2020
Price per person for groups of 4-10 persons: 1.759, - €
Travel price includes: -
Accommodation in a 3 * hotel in a double room
- Full board - private vehicle
- all entrance fees
- English speaking guide
- taxes, visa fees
Supplements:
Individual travel 1 person: 75,- € per night Individual
travel 2-3 persons: 32, - € per night
per person Single room: 43, - € per night
Depending on the time and interest, all tours and services can be adapted and expanded according to your wishes.
Possible flight options:
Hamburg - Bangkok (including 1 overnight stay) - Paro: from 1.470, - €
Hamburg - Delhi (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.245, - €
Hamburg - Kathmandu (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.110, - €
Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro
Dates: February/March 2020
Price per person for groups of 4-10 persons: 1.759, - €
Travel price includes: -
Accommodation in a 3 * hotel in a double room
- Full board - private vehicle
- all entrance fees
- English speaking guide
- taxes, visa fees
Supplements:
Individual travel 1 person: 75,- € per night Individual
travel 2-3 persons: 32, - € per night
per person Single room: 43, - € per night
Depending on the time and interest, all tours and services can be adapted and expanded according to your wishes.
Possible flight options:
Hamburg - Bangkok (including 1 overnight stay) - Paro: from 1.470, - €
Hamburg - Delhi (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.245, - €
Hamburg - Kathmandu (including 1 night) - Paro: from 1.110, - €
Detaillierter Reiseverlauf:
Day 1
Paro - Thimphu
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights through a snow-capped mountain world - with stunning views of some of the highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. Our guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to Thimphu. The trip takes about two hours and on the way you visit the Tamchok Lhakhang (monastery), which can only be reached via a suspension bridge with prayer flags. The Bhutanese believe that when we cross this bridge we purify ourselves from bad deeds of our past.
Upon arrival in Thimphu, you can refresh yourself in the hotel. In the evening you visit the Kings' Memorial Stupa and have the opportunity to observe the people exercising their religiousity.
Overnight in Thimphu.
(Altitude Thimphu: 2,300 m)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights through a snow-capped mountain world - with stunning views of some of the highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. Our guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to Thimphu. The trip takes about two hours and on the way you visit the Tamchok Lhakhang (monastery), which can only be reached via a suspension bridge with prayer flags. The Bhutanese believe that when we cross this bridge we purify ourselves from bad deeds of our past.
Upon arrival in Thimphu, you can refresh yourself in the hotel. In the evening you visit the Kings' Memorial Stupa and have the opportunity to observe the people exercising their religiousity.
Overnight in Thimphu.
(Altitude Thimphu: 2,300 m)
Day 2 (28. February)
Thimphu
Your day begins with a visit to the main Post office in Bhutan. The special feature here are the Bhutanese colorful and lovingly designed stamps, which are sought after by collectors all over the world. And you have the opportunity to send a postcard to your loved ones. Afterwards you visit the open air museum "Simply Bhutan", where you get closer to the everyday life and the culture of Bhutan. A very lively experience in which you can participate immediately. Lunch is served in the museum's traditional restaurant.
Afterwards, take a walk through the Taking Conservation Area, where you will also see the national animal of Bhutan, the same Takin. From here, head to the Kunsel Phodrang, a 50-meter high seated Buddha statue, where you can enjoy views of the entire Thimphu Valley.
In the evening there is the Tashichho Dzong on the program, seat of the Bhutanese government and summer residence of the monks. The majestic architecture with the balanced proportions, the traditional decoration and the paintings impress every visitor.
Later you will have time for a stroll in the city and, for example, a visit to a craft shop.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Your day begins with a visit to the main Post office in Bhutan. The special feature here are the Bhutanese colorful and lovingly designed stamps, which are sought after by collectors all over the world. And you have the opportunity to send a postcard to your loved ones. Afterwards you visit the open air museum "Simply Bhutan", where you get closer to the everyday life and the culture of Bhutan. A very lively experience in which you can participate immediately. Lunch is served in the museum's traditional restaurant.
Afterwards, take a walk through the Taking Conservation Area, where you will also see the national animal of Bhutan, the same Takin. From here, head to the Kunsel Phodrang, a 50-meter high seated Buddha statue, where you can enjoy views of the entire Thimphu Valley.
In the evening there is the Tashichho Dzong on the program, seat of the Bhutanese government and summer residence of the monks. The majestic architecture with the balanced proportions, the traditional decoration and the paintings impress every visitor.
Later you will have time for a stroll in the city and, for example, a visit to a craft shop.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3 (1. March)
Thimphu - Punakha
Today you cross the Dochu-La (pass / 3,100 meters) - on a clear day you have a spectacular view of the mountains of the Himalayas - and then drive back down into the valley of Punakha. Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan. First of all, check in with your guide for the marathon.
Then visit the Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Happiness, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. The palace is located at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu (Mother and Father River).
Dzong's three-story main temple is a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. In 1907, the first king of Bhutan was crowned here.
Later you will walk to the "Chimi Lhakhang" temple. This temple is also seen as a symbol of fertility, childless couples come here for blessing. The hike takes about an hour.
Overnight in Punakha.
(Height Punakha: 1,300 m)
Today you cross the Dochu-La (pass / 3,100 meters) - on a clear day you have a spectacular view of the mountains of the Himalayas - and then drive back down into the valley of Punakha. Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan. First of all, check in with your guide for the marathon.
Then visit the Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Happiness, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. The palace is located at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu (Mother and Father River).
Dzong's three-story main temple is a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. In 1907, the first king of Bhutan was crowned here.
Later you will walk to the "Chimi Lhakhang" temple. This temple is also seen as a symbol of fertility, childless couples come here for blessing. The hike takes about an hour.
Overnight in Punakha.
(Height Punakha: 1,300 m)
Day 4 (2. March
Punakha: Marathon!
Today you participate in the Bhutan International Marathon and walk 42 or 21 kilometers, along the scenic mountains of the Punakha Valley.
Overnight in Punakha.
Today you participate in the Bhutan International Marathon and walk 42 or 21 kilometers, along the scenic mountains of the Punakha Valley.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 5 (3. March)
Punakha - Thimphu - Paro
After breakfast drive back to Paro. Lunch will be in Thimphu, where you will also have time to explore the city and get some souvenirs.
Upon arrival in Paro, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, one of the oldest in Bhutan, built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.
(Altitude Paro: 2,200 m)
After breakfast drive back to Paro. Lunch will be in Thimphu, where you will also have time to explore the city and get some souvenirs.
Upon arrival in Paro, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, one of the oldest in Bhutan, built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.
(Altitude Paro: 2,200 m)
Day 6 (4. March)
Hike to the Taktsang Monastery
(Tigernest)
In the morning you walk to the monastery Taktsang - to the famous "Tigernest". The monastery is built at about 3,000 meters altitude on a rocky outcrop and offers a magnificent view of the Paro valley. It is said that in the second half of the eighth century Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this spot on the back of a tigress and spread the teachings of Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill - more than 500 steps up and through a valley. The view and the experiences make up for it. It goes through pine forests and past prayer flags, again and again you have the view of the valley of Paro. Those who like to ride horses can lend one and cover part of the way.
On the way back to Paro visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple - one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.
(Tigernest)
In the morning you walk to the monastery Taktsang - to the famous "Tigernest". The monastery is built at about 3,000 meters altitude on a rocky outcrop and offers a magnificent view of the Paro valley. It is said that in the second half of the eighth century Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this spot on the back of a tigress and spread the teachings of Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill - more than 500 steps up and through a valley. The view and the experiences make up for it. It goes through pine forests and past prayer flags, again and again you have the view of the valley of Paro. Those who like to ride horses can lend one and cover part of the way.
On the way back to Paro visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple - one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 7 (5. March)
Departure
Depending on the departure time you still have time to explore Paro. Then drive to the airport and say goodbye.
Depending on the departure time you still have time to explore Paro. Then drive to the airport and say goodbye.
