Bhutan Sports Festival Itinerary

The mystical Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, the land of happiness, is a land of high mountains, deep valleys, picturesque villages and roaring rivers, and who’s King ruled by a concept of ‘Gross National Happiness’. Your 25K or 50K trail running or mountain biking event through this, Buddhist-cultural-wonder, is a rare opportunity to race in an environmentally protected region while surrounded by prayer flags, chortens and remote villages. All on a user-friendly course in the only country on the planet that is carbon-negative. Post race you’ll experience a traditional Bhutanese culture festival overlooking the pristine Valley. Trail runners and mountain bikers of all abilities welcome

From Organizer – Bhutan Sports Festival

Route and Conditions for both:

International Ultra running and Trail Running: 25K & 50K

International Mountain Biking: 25K & 50K

Overview: Both the 25K and the 50K start and finish in the village of Gangtey, at the north end of the Phobjikha Valley. This Valley lies on the west side of the Black Mountains which separate western and central Bhutan. The entire Valley is enclosed by several ranges and is bisected by the Nake Chuu and Phag Chuu rivers. The Valley floor is carpeted with a special variety of dwarf bamboo which is the prime diet of the protected Black-Necked Crane.

Both events will start together, with the 25K riders looping back toward the start point prior to the 50K riders. Both courses are predominantly on single track, double track or fire-roads. Conditions on the course should be quite ridable.

Elevation: The general elevation in the valley is 3000m or 9800 ft. Since the course loops around the perimeter of the valley it rises and falls intermittently due to terrain changes, yet there are no major extended climbs  or descents on either route.

Weather: Though the course is mostly on hard pack dirt with some rocks as well as uneven terrain, the conditions can change up based on the weather. Average rainfall in this area this time of year is minimal, though it is possible to get some rain showers which can dramatically change up the surface conditions. Average daily temperatures this time of year are approximately 60F (15C). Temperatures early morning and at night will drop down to around 40-50F (~10C).

Villages and Culture: The entire race is in rural to remote Bhutan and intermittently dotted with villages. A village can constitute a couple to several homes. The homes in Phobjikha Valley are traditional Bhutanese homes and most of its inhabitants are farmers. The start and finish area is near the Gangtey Gonpa or monastery.

Cut-off Time: The cut off time for both events is 9 hours from race start.

Aid Stations: Aid stations are located approximately every 10-16k (6-10 miles) apart. Aid stations will feature bottled water, bananas and other products that will be disclosed prior to the race. There will be marker signs at each aid station designating your current run distance.

Runners are required to have their own means to carry water and food in between aid stations. You will be running through environmentally protected areas. Please pack out all your trash or dispose of it at an aid station.

Toilets: We will let you know at the pre race briefing the location of toilet facilities on the route. We highly recommend you bring some toilet paper with you on the course. You will be running through environmentally protected areas. Please pack out all your trash or dispose of it at an aid station.

Medical: Medical personnel will be available at the finish line or in a roving vehicle. We will have some medical supplies at select points along the course.

Timing: There will be undisclosed check points along the route where your location will be monitored. All runners must pass through all check points. All race results will be posted on the race website after the event is complete.

All necessary updates we’ll be shared before the events and our arrival to Bhutan as the event draws near so that you can make appropriate gear choices.