Race tour · 7 days, 6 nights · early March 2027

Bhutan International Marathon Tour: 7 Days for the 2027 Race

Run the full or half marathon from Gasa down the Mo Chhu valley to Punakha, with a week around the race in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro and the Tiger’s Nest to finish.

42 km

Full marathon

21 km

Half marathon

250+

Runners in 2025

Mostly downhill

Course profile

Trip overview

A marathon down a Himalayan river valley

The Bhutan International Marathon is organised by the Bhutan Olympic Committee and runs down the Mo Chhu valley from Gasa to Punakha. The full marathon starts near Yemina in Gasa and finishes at Khuruthang in Punakha; the half marathon covers the second half of the course from Wokuna. The 2025 race was held on 1 March with more than 250 runners, and the 2026 race on 7 March. We expect the 2027 race in early March and will confirm the exact date as soon as it is announced.

The course follows the river through forest, farms and villages, mostly downhill but with rolling sections, at around 1,200 to 1,800 metres. Local children and families line parts of the route. Our trip gives you time to adjust before race day, a recce of the course, a rest day after, and the Tiger’s Nest before you fly home. Entry to the race is arranged through the organisers; we handle everything else.

Highlights

Race week highlights

The race

42 km or 21 km from Gasa to Punakha.

Mo Chhu valley

River, forest, rice terraces and villages along the course.

Punakha Dzong

The 1637 fortress near the finish.

Thimphu

Buddha Dordenma, crafts and Tashichho Dzong.

Tiger's Nest

A gentle shake-out for tired legs.

Hot stone bath

The traditional cure after the race.

Itinerary at a glance

Seven days around race day

The plan is set to the 2027 race date once confirmed. Race day falls on day four.

Day 1: Arrive, to Thimphu

Land in Paro, drive to Thimphu, easy walk.

Day 2: Thimphu

Easy run, Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong.

Day 3: To Punakha, course recce

Dochula, Punakha, bib collection, drive part of the course.

Day 4: Race day

Full or half marathon from Gasa to Punakha.

Day 5: To Paro

Chimi Lhakhang, over Dochula to Paro.

Day 6: Tiger's Nest

Hike to Paro Taktsang at an easy pace.

Day 7: Fly out

Transfer to Paro airport.

Day 1

Arrive in Bhutan

Your guide meets you at Paro airport for the hour’s drive to Thimphu. An easy walk around the National Memorial Chorten and the city centre helps your body adjust after the flight.

Day 2

A gentle day in Thimphu

An easy morning run on forest trails above the city, at about 2,400 metres, keeps your legs moving. Later we visit Buddha Dordenma, the takin at Motithang and Tashichho Dzong. Plenty of water and an early night.

Day 3

To Punakha and a look at the course

We cross Dochula to Punakha. After collecting your race number, we drive part of the course along the Mo Chhu so you know what to expect, then visit Punakha Dzong. A pasta dinner and an early night.

Day 4

Race day

An early start takes you to the start line: near Yemina in Gasa for the full marathon, or Wokuna for the half. The course follows the Mo Chhu down the valley through forest and villages to the finish at Khuruthang in Punakha. Your guide meets you at the finish. In the afternoon, rest, and in the evening a hot stone bath and a celebration dinner.

Day 5

Recovery day and the drive to Paro

A short walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang loosens tired legs. We then drive over Dochula to Paro and visit Rinpung Dzong in the afternoon.

Day 6

Hike to the Tiger's Nest

The hike to Paro Taktsang, at about 3,120 metres, takes most people 4 to 6 hours. After a marathon, take it slowly or ride a horse to the café viewpoint. A farewell dinner follows.

Day 7

Farewell to Bhutan

Your guide takes you to Paro airport in time for your flight.

Where you stay

Punakha hotels fill in race week, so we book early.

Nights	Place	Where you stay	Why we chose it
1 to 2	Thimphu	3-star or 4-star hotel	Acclimatise before the race
3 to 4	Punakha	3-star or 4-star hotel	Close to the finish
5 to 6	Paro	3-star or 4-star hotel	Close to the airport

Luxury lodges in Punakha and Paro make a good post-race treat.

What the price covers

Included and not included

Included

Bhutan visa (USD 40) and the Sustainable Development Fee for every night
Hotels as listed, 3-star as standard, with 4-star and luxury upgrades on request
All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
A licensed English-speaking guide for the whole trip
Private car or SUV with a Bhutanese driver, and all transfers
Entry fees to dzongs, temples and museums
Bottled water in the car
Transport to the start line and from the finish

Not included

International flights into and out of Paro (we can book them for you)
Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend
Drinks, laundry and other personal costs
Tips for your guide and driver
Anything not listed under included
Race entry fee, paid to the organisers

Price on request

Tell us your budget and we will send our best price

We don’t publish one fixed price, because hotels, season and group size change the total a lot. Tell us your dates, who is travelling and the budget you have in mind. We will reply within 24 hours with our best price for this marathon tour.

How we price

What decides the cost of this trip

Government fees

The SDF is USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027, plus a USD 40 visa. These are fixed by the Government of Bhutan and paid through us.

Hotels you choose

Hotel style and group size shape the price. Running clubs travelling together get the best value.

Season and dates

Spring and autumn are peak season. Winter and summer dates are often easier to price well.

Group size

Guide and car costs are shared, so the price per person drops for two, three or four travellers.

We send a written, itemised quote before you pay anything. No booking fees.

Good to know

Planning notes for the marathon

About the course

The race follows the Mo Chhu, one of the two rivers that meet below Punakha Dzong. The full marathon starts in Gasa district, where the valley is narrow and forested, and runs south past villages, farmhouses and small temples, with the river beside you for most of the way. The second half opens out into the wider Punakha valley, with rice terraces and orange trees, and finishes at Khuruthang, close to the dzong. Water stations are set along the route, and local volunteers and schoolchildren cheer the runners on.

Because the course descends overall, quads take a beating. Downhill training in the weeks before the race helps a lot, as does a good pair of cushioned shoes.

Bringing family or friends

Non-runners can join the whole trip. On race day they can watch the start, drive ahead to see you on the course, and wait at the finish. While you rest the next day, they can visit Chimi Lhakhang or walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten above the valley.

Race date and entry

The Bhutan Olympic Committee announces each year’s date and opens entries. The race was held on 1 March 2025 and 7 March 2026, so we expect early March in 2027. We confirm the date with you before you book flights.

Weather and altitude

Early March in the Mo Chhu valley is mild, often cool at the start and warm by midday. The course sits at moderate altitude, but Thimphu and Paro are higher, at about 2,200 to 2,400 metres, which helps acclimatisation. Bring layers for the start and sunscreen for the finish.

Training for the course

The course drops overall from Gasa towards Punakha along the Mo Chhu valley, but there are climbs along the way, and long descents are hard on the legs. Put downhill runs and some hill repeats into your plan, and train on roads, not only on a track. Arriving a few days before the race, as this trip does, gives you time to get used to the altitude and the food. Pack the gels and snacks you trained with, because familiar brands can be hard to find in Bhutan.

Visa, SDF and guide rules

Every visitor except Indian nationals needs a visa, which costs USD 40 and is issued online before you fly. The Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027, with half rates for children aged 6 to 11. A Department of Tourism notice from April 2026 confirms that visitors travel with a licensed guide. We file the visa and pay the SDF for you. Read more in our Bhutan visa guide and SDF guide.

Flying into Paro

Only Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly into Paro, mainly from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Singapore. Pilots land by sight between the ridges, so morning flights are the most reliable. We suggest a night in your hub city on the way in. Our flights to Bhutan page lists every route.

Bhutan International Marathon: questions

How much does the marathon tour cost?

It depends on your hotels, group size and dates. Tell us your budget and we will reply within 24 hours with our best price, including the SDF, visa, hotels, meals, guide and car.

When is the Bhutan International Marathon in 2027?

Expected in early March 2027. It was held on 1 March 2025 and 7 March 2026. We confirm the date once it is announced.

Where does the race start and finish?

The full marathon starts near Yemina in Gasa and finishes at Khuruthang in Punakha. The half starts at Wokuna.

Is the course hard?

It is mostly downhill along the river with some rolling sections.

Who organises the race?

The Bhutan Olympic Committee.

Can non-runners join the trip?

Yes. They can watch at the finish and join all sightseeing.

What should I eat before the race?

Our hotels can prepare pasta, rice and simple meals the night before, and an early breakfast on race morning. Bhutanese food is often very spicy, so ask for mild dishes before the race.

Can I run with a charity or club?

Yes. Many runners travel with clubs. We can arrange a group dinner and a shared support car.

When should we book?

Three to five months ahead, as Punakha hotels fill in race week.