MyBhutan’s Luxury Tented Sangwa Camp Featured in TIME’s Annual List of the World’s Greatest Places. Read the article here or contact us to stay.
    back to Explorer

    Bhutan International Marathon

    རི་བོ་ཇིཀྲུ་ཌེཀ
    iconactivity

    The Bhutan International Marathon is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, making it a must-do for any marathon enthusiast. The race begins at an altitude of 2042 m (6700 ft), with views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks serving as a stunning backdrop. Runners will follow the picturesque Mo Chhu river, passing through traditional villages, lush rice paddies, and ancient temples, before crossing a 100-meter-long suspension bridge and finishing at the historic Punakha Dzong fortress, which served as the ancient seat of government and the winter home of the monastic body. The course is predominantly rural, with mostly flat or gradual downhill terrain, half on hard-packed dirt road and half on tarmac. For those who prefer a shorter distance, a half marathon is also available, starting at the midway point of the full marathon and ending at Punakha Dzong, which sits at an elevation of 1200 m (3937 ft). The Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) organizes this marathon with the goal of promoting a running culture in Bhutan and providing an opportunity for international runners to experience the country's stunning beauty. The BOC reinvests all profits into developing running awareness campaigns, clinics for Bhutanese youth, and Olympic sports programs, making this event not only a thrilling athl...

    Experience Location
    Loading....

    You May Also Like

    Gasa Tsachu
    4.8
    Gasaiconactivity

    Many of Bhutan’s inhabitants enjoy the blissful waters of natural hot springs for healing and relaxation. One such spring, Gasa Tsachu, stands out for its extraordinary beauty and prime location. Nestled in the foothills of a majestic Himalayan peak, Gasa Tsachu offers naturally warm, wonderfully mineral-rich bathing to soothe one’s body and soul.

    Black-Necked Crane Information Centre
    4.7
    Wangdue Phodrangiconactivity

    Only known to science since 1876, the the IUCN Red List lists this shy species of crane as "vulnerable." A few hundred individuals fly to Bhutan's serene Phobjika Valley -- the country's largest wetland area -- to escape the Tibetan Plateau's frigid winters. The RSPN (Royal Society for Protection of Nature, which created the center) has monitored the cranes here since 1987, and bird arrivals have been steadily increasing in the three decades since.
    Mo Chhu White Water Rafting & Kayaking
    4.4
    Punakhaiconactivity

    While the upper reaches of the Mo Chhu offer challenging whitewater conditions, the lowest stretch of the river combines straightforward rafting with wonderful scenery, making it particularly attractive for those new to rafting. The 6km (3.6 mile) trip takes around an hour — occasionally slightly longer in the spring when winds and currents intervene to push this section of the river from Class I to Class II. An hour spent floating downriver provides an unforgettable experience of the beautiful Punakha Valley.

    Craft Bazaar
    4.2
    Thimphuiconactivity

    Stretching down the middle of Norzin Lam from the National Textile Museum to the luxurious Taj Tashi Hotel, a line of simple bamboo huts house Thimphu's highest concentration of Bhutanese handicrafts and souvenirs. The craft bazaar is one of the capital's most interesting places to browse, with heaps of malas (prayer beads), glossy wooden bowls, brass Buddha statues, grimacing skull masks, sheaves of delicate handmade paper, jewel-toned scarves, and even mugs decorated with photographs of royalty.