Total Estimated Distance: ~130–150 km
Total Elevation Gain: ~9,000–11,000 m

Lowest Elevation: ~2,280 m (Paro Valley)
Highest Elevation: ~5,010 m (Sinche La Pass)

Expect a demanding mix of high-altitude trail running and hiking across one of the most remote routes in the Himalaya. Daily time on feet ranges from 5–9 hours, with distances typically 10–30 km per day, depending on terrain, weather, altitude, and individual pacing.

Some days involve long, steady climbs to high mountain passes above 4,800–5,000 metres, while others follow rolling alpine valleys and river systems. The route traverses rhododendron forests, glacial moraines, yak-grazing pastures, remote villages, and vast Himalayan basins beneath sacred peaks like Mount Jomolhari.

This is not continuous running. We move together as an expedition, regroup frequently, take breaks for acclimatisation, photos, meals, and recovery, and adjust pacing to conditions. The focus is on endurance, resilience, safety, and immersion, making this a true high-Himalayan expedition rather than a race.

5 (Extreme | Expedition Level)

This is our most demanding trip and is designed as a true high-altitude Himalayan expedition. Expect long days on steep, technical terrain, sustained climbs to multiple high passes above 4,800–5,000 metres, remote camping, and limited exit options once on the trail. Daily distances range from 10–30 km, with 5–9 hours on your feet, often at altitude.

Participants must have excellent base fitness, prior experience on uneven or mountainous terrain, and the mental resilience required for expedition conditions. While you may run some sections, much of the route involves power hiking at altitude, and pacing is dictated by terrain, weather, and acclimatisation rather than speed.

This trip is suitable for experienced trail runners and strong hikers who are comfortable being challenged physically and mentally in a remote environment.
It is not suitable for casual runners, beginners, or those seeking a relaxed or sightseeing-focused Bhutan experience.

If you’re unsure whether this expedition is right for you, we strongly encourage you to contact us to discuss suitability before booking.

Ground Transport:
All in-country ground transport is included throughout the trip, from airport transfers on arrival and departure to inter-valley journeys by private vehicle.

Flights:
Guests fly into Paro International Airport (PBH) via approved regional gateway cities such as Bangkok (BKK), Delhi, Kathmandu, Singapore or Kolkata. International flights to the gateway city are booked by guests. Flights from the gateway city to Paro are arranged and booked by us in partnership with Blue Poppy Tours, and added to your final invoice. Estimated price for flights from gateway city to Paro will range from $800-$1100 USD.

*Business class also available upon request

Airport Transfers:
Group transfers are provided on scheduled arrival and departure days, with guides meeting you at Paro International Airport and accompanying you throughout your journey.

Visas:

All visitors will need to have a valid Visas. Via our local partner on this expedition, Blue Poppy Tours, will organize your visas, which are inclusive in the tour price. We will require scanned copies of your passports. These Visas can only arranged once payment has been made, so please pay your final balances on time to avoid delays. Travel in Bhutan is controlled by numbers and thus we are required to be very organised and prompt in our applications.

Bhutan, known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a Himalayan kingdom deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition and cultural preservation. Dzongkha is the official language, though English is widely spoken, particularly in hotels and among guides. The local currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), which is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR).

Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and larger businesses, but cash is recommended for rural towns, local markets, and small purchases along the journey. Traditional Bhutanese dress is commonly worn in daily life, especially in villages and religious sites, adding to the country’s distinctive and timeless atmosphere.

Accommodation throughout the journey is carefully selected to balance comfort, recovery, and authenticity. Off the trail, you’ll stay in hand-picked 4–5 star boutique hotels and lodges, offering twin-share rooms (private upgrade available), modern amenities, and warm Bhutanese hospitality. On the expedition itself, accommodation is in fully serviced tented camps. One night in Gasa, at the end of the expedition, will include basic guest house accommodations and no private rooms will be available.

Accommodation includes:

Paro: Amba Paro and Zhuwaling in the Paro Valley, ideally located for acclimatisation hikes and visits to Tiger’s Nest.
Punakha: Dhensa Hotel in the Punakha Valley, close to the rivers and Punakha Dzong.
Gasa: Basic guesthouse (single rooms not available for this night).
On the trail: Fully supported tented camps with sleeping, dining, kitchen and toilet tents, pre-set each day by the expedition crew.

Each off-trail property provides comfortable rooms and quality meals, while on-trail camps are designed for rest and recovery in remote, high-altitude environments.

November marks the start of winter in Bhutan and offers cool, stable conditions ideal for high-altitude trekking and expedition travel. In the valleys, expect daytime temperatures of 10–18°C, with cooler mornings and evenings around 0–5°C.

At higher elevations above 3,500 metres, daytime temperatures are colder and night-time temperatures often fall below freezing, especially at camp. Snow is possible on high passes, though November typically offers clear skies, low humidity, and excellent visibility, making it one of the best months for Himalayan views.

Weather in the Himalaya can be unpredictable, and participants should be prepared for cold, wind, and sudden changes, particularly at altitude. Proper layering and cold-weather gear are essential for comfort and safety during the expedition.

Breakfast:
Daily breakfast is provided throughout the trip. At hotels, this is typically a buffet-style breakfast. On expedition days, breakfast is prepared fresh at camp before setting out.

Lunch:
Lunches are a mix of packed trail meals during expedition days and restaurant lunches when off the trail. Picnic lunches are prepared by the expedition crew and eaten along the route.

Dinner:
Evening meals are served at hotels, guesthouses, or prepared fresh at camp by the cook crew. Expect a blend of traditional Bhutanese cuisine and familiar Western-style dishes, designed to support recovery after long days. Highlights may include ema datshi (chilli and cheese), rice and noodle dishes, soups, dumplings, and seasonal vegetables.

Meals are hearty, nourishing, and well-suited to the demands of high-altitude travel.