Bhutan International Marathon 7 Days 6 Nights Tour

Package Overview

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is a land of high mountains and deep valleys where compassion and wisdom are the benchmark against which all things are measured, and where the King rules by ‘Gross National Happiness’.
On your Bhutan International Full Marathon( 26.2 miles (42 kms) ) and Half Marathon ( 13.1 miles (21 kms)) journey through stunning rural countryside and villages, before finishing at the historic Punakha Dzong, you’ll discover the geographical and cultural wonders of a country naturally designed to be a tantalizing destination for adventure and spiritual seekers.

Marathon Detail
This is a marathon distance (26.2 miles/42K) and a half marathon distance (13.1 miles/21K) running event in Bhutan. Please read the information on this website to understand more about the event and what is expected of each participant.
MARATHON AGE LIMIT: 18 years old
HALF MARATHON AGE LIMIT: 16 years old
Deadline for registration for ALL participants is February 16th, 2018.

Step 1:
Fill out the appropriate registration form and either send it in or drop off in person at the Bhutan Olympic Committee Offices in Thimphu or sign up online if you have a credit card.

Step 2:
For your registration to be complete you must wire your Registration Fee using the information as follows or bring it into the BOC office.
For Wiring of Registration Fee use the following information:
For Ngultrum:
Name of Bank: Bank of Bhutan Limited, Thimphu, Bhutan
Branch: Thimphu
Swift Code: BHUBBTBT 022
Account No.: 100900382
Beneficiary: Bhutan Olympic Committee
For USD Remittance:
Beneficiary Bank: Bank of Bhutan Ltd
Main Branch, Thimphu, Bhutan
Post Box No. 102
Thimphu, Bhutan
Swift code: BHUBBTBT022
Receivers Correspondent Bank/Routing Bank:
Standard Chartered Bank Ltd.
One Madison Ave
New York, NY 10010 - 3603
Swift Code: SCBLUS33
Chips ABA 0256
FEDWIRE ROUTING NO. 026002561
Beneiciary Bank’s A/C No. 3582036853001 (USD)

Ultimate beneficiary Account No.: 100900382
Name: Bhutan Olympic Committee
Branch Name: Thimphu

Registration Fee
SAARC PARTICIPANTS
Cost
Registration Fee - Marathon : USD $ 75/ -
Registration Fee - Half - Marathon: USD $ 55/ -
You can register either with a credit card though Active.com. Or you can fill out a Registration Form and wire transfer your entry fee to the BOC. See information below for wire transfer.
BIM Registration - SAARC
(Deadline for Registration is February 16th, 2018)

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS
International Cost
International Registration Fee - Marathon : USD $ 150/ -
International Registration Fee - Half - Marathon: USD $ 110/ -
(Deadline for Registration is February 15th, 2018)
For International Participants with credit card please Sign Up Here. or International Participants without a credit card you will need to download and fill out the registration form and then Wire Transfer your entry fee.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrival at Paro Airport, Bhutan 

  Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel if possible.
  Sightseeing:
  National Memorial Chorten - Built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
  Thimphu Dzong - The largest Dzong, is also the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan.
  Buddha Point - Located at Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha makes it one of the largest statue of Buddha in the world.

• Day 2 : Thimphu To Punakha

  Dochula Pass - The 108 chortens was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and to liberate the souls of the soldiers lost.
  Chimmi Lhakhang - The divine madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated.
  Punakha Dzong - Built in 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.
  You will be attending the briefing for tomorrow’s event.

• Day 3 : Punakha, Bhutan International Marathon Event Day

  Today is the day of the Bhutan International Marathon. The itinerary will kick off very early as you make your way to the starting point Gasa Dzongkhag. Both events finish at the beautiful Punakha Dzong in the town of Punakha in the country of Bhutan. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout. All the best!
  Buses will leave Punakha Dzong at 6:30 am to head to the start line. Race starts at 7:30 am

• Day 4 : Punakha - Phobjikha Valley tour

  Following an overnight stay at Punakha, we head towards the remote glacial valley area of Gangtey.
  Traveling through the pristine mountains of central Bhutan, we enter the Phobjikha Valley, also known as the Gangtey Valley. This bowl - shaped valley borders the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, and the entire area is a wildlife preserve. Here you may see the black - necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) that migrate here from November to March. You might also see other native animals, such as muntjac, sambar, serow, leopard, red fox, or yak.
  On a hill overlooking the entire valley is the Gangtey Goempa, a large 17th - century monastery. The tshokhang (prayer hall) was built in Tibetan style and has eight great pillars. A five - day teschu (festival) is held here every fall where locals and monks perform traditional dances with colorful masks and swords to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the harvest.
  Here you have the option to stay in a hotel or take the rare opportunity to room with a local family. Typically staying in a modest farmhouse, you will immerse yourself in family culture and share in their gracious hospitality.

• Day 5 : Phobjikha valley To Paro

  Today we head back to Paro and the scenic beauty of the Paro Valley. This area has many monasteries, temples, dzongs, and natural wonders that make Bhutan such a breathtaking country. Located on the northwestern border of Bhutan and Tibet is (Jomolhari) Mountain.
  Paro Dzong - usually called Rinpung Dzong, means Fortress on a Heap of Jewels as it was built with stones rather than clay. It is considered one of the most impressive dzongs in the country and the finest example of both 15th and 17th - century Bhutanese construction.
  Ta Dzong - a cylindrical seven - story watchtower built in 1649 that is now the National Museum of Bhutan. This museum houses artifacts, weapons, textiles, and fine Bhutanese art from 4000 BCE to the present. The building is a conch shape with spiral construction inside and out.

• Day 6 : Paro Sightseeing

  On our final tour day, we take an exhilarating one - hour hike to Taktsang Monastery (or Tiger’s Nest), one of the most recognizable sites in Bhutan. Built precariously on a hillside cliff, it sits more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
  North of Paro to visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of medieval Bhutan, it was used as a stronghold against invading Tibetan armies. After a fire destroyed it in 1951, it remains a ruin as a symbol of the past military victories. On clear days, you can also see the snowcapped peak of Jhomolohari mountain.

• Day 7 : Departure from Paro

  After breakfast your guide and driver will drop you till Paro airport.

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing

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Package Start From

• Paro, Bhutan, Asia

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Terms & Conditions

Other Terms & Conditions :

We Guaranteed your Visa Approval

• We boast at 100% approval rate when it comes to getting Visa’s for our clients. To enter Bhutan, you are required to have a VISA except for Indian, Maldivian and Bangladesh. All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent.


• You are required to send the photo - page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks will help you to obtain your Bhutanese Travel or Tourist visa once your trip is confirmed by making full payment.


• At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.


• Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks is Local licensed Tour Operator authorized to organize Bhutan Visa and we boast a 100% approval rate when it comes to getting Visa’s for our clients.

Note:

• Your Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.


• Visa fee of US$ 40 per person should be send along with the tour payment.


• Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain visa at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals can also use their voters Identity Card (VIC)).

The following are the details required for processing your Bhutan tourist visa prior to the dates of your travel to Bhutan.
1. Scanned copy of passport
2. Occupation
3. Permanent Address

The visa will be approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment is transferred in the Tourism Council of Bhutan account, kindly note that without full payment TCB will not approve the visa clearance.

Entry Permit:
Indian Nationals travelling to Bhutan do not need Visa.
1. Voter Identity Card or
2. Passport or
3. Aadhaar card with supporting documents (Like Pan card or Driving License) with more than six months validity however is required for presentation at the immigration during entry, to obtain an entry permit along with a copy of passport size photograph and a copy of your passport or VIC or Aadhaar Card.
Bhutan Government with the aim to provide efficient and better services to the regional tourists (Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals) an online permit system, so all visitors booking their tour with us can get free online permit provided they have valid passports only. Thus our guests don’t need to stand on queue for longer time.

Documents required for Permit:
4. Passport with validity of at least six months
5. Voter Identification Card for Indians
6. Aadhaar Card with supporting Documents.
7. Birth Certificate in original must be produced for children and a photo copy of the same must be attached with a prescribed application form.

Route Permit:
It is required for those traveling to restricted areas beyond Dochula pass. The Route Permit is processed & issued in Thimphu, only after arrival in Bhutan. Permit can be processed only during working days:
(Monday - Friday) 9 am to 5 pm in summer (1st March - 31st October)
(Monday - Friday) 9 am. To 4 pm in winter (1st November - 28th/29th February).

Why Trekking In Bhutan?
Trekking in Bhutan with Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks is a best way to experience the beauty of inner Himalayas with trekking in Bhutan. Bhutan has been described as the land of natural paradise and ample opportunity to walk or trek in the pristine environment. We offer trekking routes which are unparalleled in beauty and challenge. Trekking in Bhutan means walking through pristine landscapes, valleys and mountains with stunning views of the Himalayan range exposing exotic flora and fauna not seen anywhere in the globe. For the nature trekkers, we offer customized treks for ornithology, zoology and ethnology botany as Bhutan is famous for the large density of animals, birds, medicinal herbs and orchids etc.
We (Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks) are passionate about trekking trips in Bhutan. We have the unmatched caliber and enthusiasm to unravel the unexplored gems of Bhutan.
If you’ve an adventure lover, you’ll be delighted to discover the unseen rugged side of Bhutan.

Trekking in Bhutan
With the likes of trail that takes you right at the foot of worlds’ tallest unconquered mountain (Gangkar Puensum 7550m), trekking in Bhutan will give you a new experience never like before. With more than 70 percent of the country covered by undisturbed wilderness, trekking in Bhutan will take you ever closer to the nature. These trekking trails once used by famous Buddhist saints like Guru Rinpoche (who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan) in 746 AD while visiting Bhutan from Nepal and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (the unifier of modern Bhutan) in 1616 while fleeing Tibet for a political dispute, this routes are the genuine routes where Bhutanese people still use it today. What makes trekking in Bhutan unique is its calmness and natural feeling; credit to less numbers of trekkers visiting Bhutan and its natural unpaved trails unlike other countries around the world.

Trekking Permits
No specific trekking permits are required to trek in Bhutan. You can trek in Bhutan with normal tourist visa for international tourist and normal entry permit for regional tourist (Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivians).

Best season for trekking in Bhutan
The best season to trek in Bhutan depends on which trekking trail you choose to but in general, March, April, May, September, October and November are the best months to trek in Bhutan. In the month of June, July and August Bhutan receives heavy rainfall and in December, January and February, the high mountain passes along the trekking trails are covered with snow, making it difficult for trekkers.

The best season to trek on different trails in Bhutan are as mentioned below:
8. Bumdra Trek - February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December. However one can trek year round despite any season on this trail.
9. Gangtey Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
10. Samtengang Trek - January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December. It’s doable all year round despite any season.
11. Bumthang Owl Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
12. Bumthang Cultural Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
13. Sagala Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
14. Sinchula Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
15. Druk Path Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December. It’s Doable all year round despite its best seasons.
16. Dagala Lake view Trek - March, April, May, September, October, November and December. Despite the best season, one can trek year round on this trail.
17. Jomolhari Trek - March, April, May, September, October and November.
18. Laya Gasa Trek - March, April, May, September, October and November.
19. Gangkar Puensum base camp trek - One can trek on this route from mid June to October but the best recommended month for this trek is October.
20. Snowmen Trek I - One can trek on this route from mid June to October but the best recommended month for this trek is October.
21. Snowmen Trek II - One can trek on this route from mid June to October but the best recommended month for this trek is October.

Different Grading in Trekking

• Trekking in Bhutan can be of 2 days or a month long. Depending on the number of days taken to trek, gain in altitude and nature of terrains, trekking routes in Bhutan can be graded into four categories; easy, moderate, difficult and very difficult.

1. Easy

• Bumdra Trek


• Gantey Trek


• Samtengang Trek


• Bumthang owl Trek


• Bumthang Cultural Trek


• Sagala Trek


• Sinchula trek

2. Moderate

• Druk Path Trek


• Dagala Lake view Trek

3. Difficult

• Jomolhari Trek


• Laya Gasa Trek

4. Very Difficult

• Gangkar Puensum base camp Trek


• Snowmen Trek I


• Snowmen Trek II


• Trekking experience and physical fitness required to trek in Bhutan


• At 10,760 feet above sea level, Bhutan is ranked highest country in the world, in terms of average land elevations. As a result most of its trekking trails are located on higher altitude, averaging over 12,000 feet above sea level, requiring certain level of physical fitness and trekking experience.


• However with varieties of trails to choose from, both beginners and pro can enjoy trekking in Bhutan. Be it 2 days or grueling 25 days trekking, Bhutan has it all for you to choose from.


• For those who are attempting to go for Snowmen trek (25 days trek), it will be asset if you have certain level of trekking experience and physically fit enough, since snowmen trek is referred to as amongst the world’s most toughest trekking route involving climbs over 5000 m.


• Safety measures


• Altitude Sickness


• Do not ignore any kind of symptoms related to altitude sickness; difficulty in breathing, headache, giddiness and numbness in limbs. If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms, inform your guide immediately.


• Though portable oxygen supplies and first aid kits are always carried along with by the crew members but if possible carry some diamox (acetazolamide) pills, which can be bought from pharmacies across Bhutan.


• The best tactics, if you suffer from altitude sickness is to stop ascending and if the symptoms do not go away or get worse, then descend down. It is advisable that you drink large amount of water every day while you are trekking.


• Food and water contamination


• Meals while trekking in Bhutan are prepared every day by cooking crews and no left over foods are served. Lunch are prepared in the morning along with breakfast and carried as a packed lunch. Dinners are prepared at campsite at the end of every trekking day. Hence chances of getting food contaminated while trekking in Bhutan are very slim.


• Bottled water is carried by trekking crew members but however it is not sufficient for longer duration treks and hence the crew member boils water in the morning for you to carry for the day.


• It is advisable that you bring your own water bottle and if possible carry some water purifier solutions as well. Refrain yourself from drinking directly from the streams nearby.


• Criminal activity


• No trekking trails in Bhutan will meet you with any kind of criminal activities. In fact if you are in need, everyone you encounter will be very much happy to help you whatever way they can.

Safety considerations

• Consult with your guide in regards to dos and don’ts and stick together with your group (if trekking on group). Carry essential items such as head torch, portable cell phone chargers and your mobile phone along with you.


• Trekking gears and manpower provided by Charisma Bhutan Tours & Treks are as follows:


• Horses/ potters and ponies


• Toilet tents with toilet pots and toilet papers.


• Shower tents with hot water shower bag (only for longer duration treks)


• Sleeping tents (A - shaped) with pillows and mattress


• Dinning tents with tables and chairs


• Kitchen tents with whole set of kitchen items to prepare meals.


• Trekking/camping cooks


• Trekking/camping staffs


• Hot water bags in bed.


• Some of the items that you need to bring along while trekking in Bhutan are; Sleeping bag, sturdy and comfortable trekking boots, few changes of cloths, gloves, neck warmers, wind proof/water proof jackets, warm jackets and hiking pants.


• Accommodations during trekking in Bhutan


• With no hotels or home stays along the trekking trails, all the trekkers must spend their nights in the tent (camping). Camping crew member arranges your tents. They travel ahead of you and put everything on place before you reach your campsite.


• Meals while trekking in Bhutan


• All the meals are prepared by trekking cooks who will trek alongside you throughout the entire tour. Lunch are prepared in the morning and carried by trekking staffs. Breakfast and dinners are prepared and served at the campsite.


• Since there are no grocery stores or shops along the trekking trails, all the food items are bought and carried along by the crew members, their horses and yaks. As and when available, our crew members will try to buy fresh vegetables from local communities and include in your menu.

• Trekking alone in Bhutan lone trekkers should not worry because he or she will be followed by trekking guide and crew members for the entire trekking tour.


• Getting into Bhutan


• Travel by air


• The easiest way for visitors to enter Bhutan is by air. Bhutan has two carriers - Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. The pilots are especially trained and internationally licensed for mountain flying and both the airlines have impeccable safety record.


• On clear days the flight to Bhutan offers spectacular views of the Great Himalayas, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Jumolhari, Kula Gangri and you can also catch a glimpse of the Great Tibetan Plateau and its grandeur stretching in the distance.


• We will book your tickets well in advance to avoid last minute rush during the peak seasons without the added commission. To do this you need to confirm your trip, especially during the rush of spring and the autumn festivals, at least 3 or 4 weeks in advance.


• Note: There are flights to destinations that include Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.

Travel by land

• If you wish to travel overland, you can enter and exit Bhutan through its southern gateway of Phuentsholing into the Indian state of West Bengal. It is approximately a five hour drive from Thimphu. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, located approximately four hours by road from Phuentsholing. This border point is an ideal junction for those wishing to combine their exploration of Bhutan with the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal.


• For those who would like to journey across Bhutan, there is an exit only border crossing at Sumdrup Jongkhar in southeast Bhutan to India. The closest airport is 110 km away in Guwahati. From here you a number of destinations you can fly on to including Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata and Bangkok. This is convenient for those flying into Paro in the west and touring across Bhutan without back tracking.

• Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar are the only land border areas open to tourists.


• Entry through Samdrup Jongkhar will take you to Trashigang, the largest District in the country, and from there over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangduephodrang and then finally into capital town - Thimphu. The distance is about 700 kms and will take you a minimum of three days to reach Thimphu.


• Travelling within Bhutan


• One can use domestic flight service to visit Bumthang in central Bhutan or Yonphula in eastern Bhutan. The Yonphula Airport is currently not operational till end of 2016. Flight service between Paro and Bumthang operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The other mode of transport within Bhutan is by road. All the major towns in the 20 districts of Bhutan are accessible by road. Despite high mountains, steep slopes and the deep valleys, Bhutan has a relatively well developed network of roads.

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