25 APRIL TO 2 MAY 2026
$5295 USD
LIMIT 14 PEOPLE
2-3 EASY/MODERATE: ALL ABILITIES
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

A WORLD CLASS TRAIL RUNNING ADVENTURE IN THE HIMALAYAN KINGDOM OF BHUTAN

WHY BHUTAN?

MOUNTAINS, MONASTERIES, AND THE MAGIC OF THE HIMALAYAS

Few destinations on earth blend natural wonder and cultural depth like Bhutan — the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Hidden in the folds of the Himalayas, this tiny kingdom offers breathtaking trails, sacred temples, and a chance to step into a way of life that feels unchanged for centuries. You’ll run (or hike) along sections of the legendary Trans Bhutan Trail, climb to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and journey past yak herders, glacial rivers, and ancient dzongs. Between runs, discover Bhutan’s heart: prayer flags fluttering on high passes, warm hospitality in boutique hotels, and the deep spiritual calm of a Buddhist culture rooted in balance and harmony. Paired with world-class guiding, seamless logistics, and the joy of exploring untouched Himalayan landscapes, this is more than just a running trip — it’s an unforgettable journey into one of the world’s last true Shangri-Las.

Trail running vacations
RUN THE TRAILS: Experience Bhutan’s most breathtaking routes — from the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery to high passes beneath the sacred peak of Jomolhari. You’ll traverse rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and yak herder trails, with sweeping Himalayan panoramas at every turn. Distances are tailored to the group, balancing challenge and reward.
All inclusive trail running holidays
END TO END SERVICE: From the moment you arrive in Paro, every detail is taken care of — seamless visas and permits, airport transfers, boutique 4–5 star hotels, delicious Bhutanese cuisine, and expert local guides. All you need to bring is your spirit of adventure; we’ll handle the rest.
Trail running adventure activities
BEYOND THE TRAILS: This adventure is about more than running — it’s your chance to step into Bhutan’s rich culture. Explore ancient monasteries and dzongs, try your hand at archery and khuru (traditional darts), raft the rivers of Punakha, and soak in a hot stone bath. Every moment off the trail is as unforgettable as the runs themselves.

25TH APRIL TO 2ND MAY, 2026

ADVENTURE ITINERARY

  • Accommodation: Thimphu (4–5 star hotel)
    Included Meals: Dinner

    Activities:

    • Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to Thimphu (1 hr drive).

    • Stop at Tamchhog Lhakhang (iron bridge builder’s temple).

    • Visit Buddha Dordenma, Simply Bhutan, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum & Craft Bazaar.

    • Explore the local farmers market and evening walk through Thimphu town.

    • Authentic Bhutanese dinner at Babesa Village Restaurant.

  • Accommodation: Punakha (4–5 star hotel)
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Run/Hike: 22 km | 8 hrs | Moderate | 3100m → 1250m

    • Sunrise views from Dochu La Pass (Himalayan panoramas).

    • Follow the historic “Divine Madman Trail” to Punakha.

    • Tea stop at Aum Toeb Zam homestay, with optional archery & khuru.

    • Lunch at Sew Drangsa, prayer flag clearing.

    • Finish at Punakha Dzong with spectacular views of the Punakha Valley

  • Accommodation: Punakha (4–5 star hotel)
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Run/Hike: 25 km | 9 hrs | Challenging | 1230m → 1920m

    • Cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge.

    • Trail through rice paddies & Mendagang village.

    • Picnic lunch in Lingmukha Valley (“the golden bowl”).

    • Steep climb through forests to a mountain pass.

    • Sharp descent through deep forest, past Dachu Lhakhang with panoramic views of the Shar Valleys.

  • Accommodation: Paro (4–5 star hotel)
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Run/Hike: , Time permitting, leisurely 1-hour hike along the forested hillside to Zuri Dzong.  Passing Gonsaka Lhakhang, Zuri Dzong, with wonderful views of Paro Dzong. 

    • Morning rafting on the Pho Chu (approx. 15 rapids, Class II–IV, 1.5 hrs).

    • Scenic 4 hr drive to Paro.

    • Afternoon hike to Zuri Dzong (1 hr, panoramic valley views).

    • Dinner at Namgay Artisanal Brewery with local craft beer tasting.

  • Accommodation: Paro (4–5 star hotel)
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Run/Hike: 18 km | 8–9 hrs | Challenging | 2900m → 4000m → 2600m

    • 1 hour drive to trailhead at Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2800m).

    • Gradual climb through forest to Bumdra Monastery (3800m).

    • Optional ascent to 4000m peak with Himalayan views.

    • Descend via Sangtopelri to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

    • Visit this iconic cliffside temple before returning to Paro.

  • Accommodation: Haa (boutique lodge)
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hike: 2.5 km | 3–4 hrs | Moderate | 3630m → 3840m → 3800m

    • Scenic drive to Haa, crossing Chele La Pass (3800m).

    • Visit Kila Gompa nunnery (one of Bhutan’s oldest).

    • Hike through rhododendron forest to Chele La.

    • Continue to Haa town, newly opened to tourism.

    • Visit Katso village and nearby temples (Lhakhang Karpo & Lhakhang Nagpo).

  • Accommodation: Paro (4–5 star hotel)
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Run/Hike: 17 km | 5–6 hrs | Challenging | 2900m → 3780m → 2490m

    • Follow ancient trading routes from Haa to Paro.

    • Trails pass yak pastures, pine and rhododendron forests.

    • Summit at Kaleyla Pass with Himalayan views, including Mt Jomolhari (weather permitting).

    • Descend into Paro Valley through traditional villages.

  • Included Meals: Breakfast

    • Transfer to Paro International Airport.

    • Farewell from your guides — Tashi Delek!

“Braz has an exceptional eye for detail—he anticipated exactly what we’d need at every stage of the journey, from the best trails to the right amount of water and the perfect post-run meals. Every day felt well-paced, allowing us to push our limits while still having time to recover and enjoy the stunning surroundings.”
— Charlotte, February 2025

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • TOTAL ESTIMATED DISTANCE: ~80–90 km
    TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: ~+4500 m

    • Lowest elevation: 1,230 m (Day 3 – Punakha Valley start of the Trans Bhutan Trail section)

    • Highest elevation: 3,860 m (Day 5 – Bumdra Monastery route, with optional climb to ~4,000 m peak)

    Expect a mix of trail running and hiking each day, ranging from 2–9 hours on your feet. Some days are shorter cultural hikes (2–5 km), while others are big alpine adventures (up to 25 km). Trails take you through rhododendron forests, rice terraces, yak herder routes, and high passes with Himalayan views. We regroup often, take breaks for photos, and enjoy the scenery, so distances are not non-stop running.

  • 2-3 (Moderate):
    This trip involves a variety of terrain: suspension bridges, forest climbs, and high-altitude passes (up to 3860m). Runs and hikes can be adjusted depending on ability — some guests run sections while others hike at their own pace. A good base fitness is recommended (regular 10–15 km runs or hikes), with confidence on uneven terrain.

    From runners to hikers, and even those that want to just experience Bhutan. We can accommodate all levels of runners and even your partners that want to hike or relax.

  • Adventure Travel: All ground transport during the trip is included, from airport transfers to inter-valley journeys.
    Flights: You’ll fly into Paro International Airport, with connecting flights via Bangkok (BKK) or other regional hubs. We’ll assist with flight guidance once your place is confirmed.
    Airport Shuttles: A group transfer is arranged on arrival and departure days.

  • Bhutan is known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, with a rich Buddhist culture and stunning Himalayan landscapes. The official language is Dzongkha, though English is widely spoken. The currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), pegged to the Indian Rupee. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in hotels and larger shops, though cash is useful in rural towns and markets. Traditional dress is still worn daily, adding to Bhutan’s unique atmosphere.

  • Your accommodation throughout Bhutan includes a mix of 4–5 star boutique hotels and carefully selected lodges. All offer comfortable twin-share rooms (private upgrade available), modern amenities, and warm Bhutanese hospitality. Stays include:

    • Thimphu: City hotel close to cultural highlights.

    • Punakha: Riverside hotel with views of rice paddies and dzongs.

    • Paro: Boutique retreat with access to Tiger’s Nest.

    • Haa Valley: Remote lodge offering a rare glimpse of traditional rural Bhutan.

    Each property provides hearty meals, comfortable rooms, and the perfect base to recover between trail days.

  • April and May bring spring conditions ideal for trail running and hiking. Expect daytime highs of 15–22°C in the valleys, with cooler mornings and evenings (5–10°C). At higher elevations (over 3500m), temperatures may dip close to freezing at night. Skies are generally clear, rhododendrons are in bloom, and conditions are excellent for mountain views.

  • Breakfast: Buffet breakfast provided daily at hotels.
    Lunch: Mixture of picnic lunches on the trail and restaurant meals.
    Dinner: Evening meals in hotels or local restaurants, featuring traditional Bhutanese dishes alongside Western options. Highlights include ema datshi (chili & cheese), hearty rice dishes, dumplings, and seasonal vegetables.

THE ADVENTURE INVESTMENT

$5295 USD

  • $5295 USD: Double/Twin shared room

  • $900 USD Single room supplement for the entire trip

  • USD $1000 non refundable deposit required to secure your place. The deposit can be transferred to another adventure, and will be refunded in full if the adventure doesn’t go ahead (Minimum of 6 people required for trip to go ahead).

  • Remaining balance due by 90 days prior to adventure.

  • Registrations made within 90 days of the trip date must be paid in full.

    • 1 Trail Run Adventure guide and 2 local guides throughout the tour from arrival to departure

    • Sightseeing - all sightseeing, adventures, hikes and runs

    • Transport - airport transfers on arrival and departure as well as all overland travel within Bhutan

    • Visas - royalties, visas and permits. We organise the visas for Bhutan - we require scanned copies of the passports to apply

    • Tips - included in the tour price for guides, drivers and trekking crew

    • Accommodation at 4-5 star hotels

    • Food – full board throughout the trip in local restaurants and hotels

    • Rafting in Punakha, archery and khuru in Paro

    • International flights

    • Connecting flights to Paro ( We will arrange for you)

    • Massages (Can be arranged for additional cost)

    • Items of a personal nature such as drinks, alcohol, laundry

    • Insurance (*Overseas medical and travel insurance is required for this trip)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & PACKING LIST

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING

“If you are considering a trip with this company, my advice is to absolutely do it. We have done multiple trips with similar companies in the space and these folks are in it with their full hearts. They truly want their clients to have the best possible experience and they have a lifetime of experience, long standing relationships with providers and all the skill sets needed to execute trips for their guests that go above and beyond.”
— Daniel, February 2025