Bhutan Trail Runner Tour: Haa – Thimphu Run Experience
detail informations
A Brief Description
07 Nights/08 days in Bhutan
Discover Bhutan beyond the roads with our unique Bhutan Trail Runner Tour: Haa – Thimphu Run Experience — an unforgettable running adventure through the ancient pathways of the legendary Trans Bhutan Trail. Designed for trail runners, endurance travelers, and adventure seekers, this experience combines high-altitude running, cultural immersion, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
This multi-day trail running journey takes you from the pristine valley of Haa to the vibrant capital city of Thimphu, following historic trekking and village routes once used by monks, traders, and pilgrims across Bhutan. Along the way, runners pass through peaceful forests, traditional Bhutanese villages, mountain ridges, monasteries, and scenic landscapes untouched by mass tourism.
The experience also includes a special urban trail run in Thimphu using the city’s beautiful hiking routes — from the iconic Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) to the historic Wangditse Lhakhang. This scenic run offers panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley while blending nature, spirituality, and local culture.
To complete the adventure, runners will take on one of Bhutan’s most iconic trail experiences — the legendary Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery Run) in Paro. Running through pine forests and mountain trails toward Bhutan’s most sacred monastery creates a truly unforgettable finish to the journey.
- Trail running through the historic Trans Bhutan Trail
- Scenic mountain and forest routes from Haa to Thimphu
- Authentic Bhutanese village and cultural experiences
- Thimphu hiking route run from Buddha Point to Wangditse Lhakhang
- Iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery trail run in Paro
- High-altitude endurance adventure in the Himalayas
- Combination of culture, fitness, wellness, and adventure travel
- Ideal for trail runners, active travelers, and running clubs
Day 1. Arrival at Paro Airport – Haa
On arrival at Paro International Airport today, you will be met by your guide. You will be driven by private vehicle to the town of Haa, with a brief stop en route to take in some breathtaking Himalayan vistas at Chelela which, at 3,810 metres (12,500 feet) above sea level is the highest paved road in Bhutan.
You will be given time to settle into your camp at Haa and to rest before joining your guide for an afternoon acclimatization walk around the town.
Dinner and overnight stay at Haa camp.
Day 2. Haa – Ngopa
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Katsho, where you will begin your first day of trail running on the ancient Trans Bhutan Trail. For generations, the people of Haa followed the route you will walk today to trade with the Parops in the neighbouring valley.
The age-old trail follows the beautiful Haa river as it gently rises out of the Katsho Valley, passing through yak pastures before heading into forests of pine and rhododendron. As you traverse the Katsho Valley, look out for cliff-edge Bjungneydra Taktsang (monastery), also known as “The Mini Taktsang”, and the sky burial site of Kungkarpo. The trail continues to climb until it reaches the pass at Kaleyla, where it crosses the ridge trail between Chelela and Sagala. At Kaleyla, you will enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan range to the north, including on the clearest days vistas of Mount Jhomolhari (7,326m/24,036ft), Mount Jichudrakey (6,662m/21,860ft) and Mount Tsherimgang (6,532m/21,431ft). You will be provided with a picnic lunch during this stop.
From Kaleyla, run down through rhododendron and bamboo forest into the Paro Valley. The last few kilometres to Paro will then be on tracks which meander through traditional Bhutanese farming villages.
On reaching the camp, you will be served hot tea and other drinks.
Toal Run Distance: 15 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 895 metres (2,936 feet)
Elevation Loss: 1,245 metres (4,085 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,772 metres (9,095 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,375 metres (7,792 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 3,684 metres (12,087 feet)
Day 3. Ngopa – Damchenang
After breakfast this morning, rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail running east. The trail rises gently from Lamgong Village as it traverses the sprawling rice paddies of the Paro Valley, before carving around the northern ridge and descending into the traditional village of Dopshari.
Our team will prepare the picnic lunch. After lunch, head out onto the trail for one last time for the climb up to Upper Dopshari (Damchenang), where you will end your hike with stunning views out over the Paro Valley.
Relax at the camp. At the camp, if you want to try our Traditional dart game, our crew members will prepare.
Trek Distance: 14.92 kilometres (9.27 miles)
Elevation Gain: 758 metres (2, 487 feet)
Elevation Loss: 301 metres (988 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,375metres (7,792 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,830 metres (9,285 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 2,830 metres (9,285 feet)
Day 4. Damchenang – Tshalunang.
After breakfast today, rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail heading east towards Tsalunang. Today’s run begins with a climb from Upper Dopshari through community reforestation projects, small farming villages, into deep forest and along pristine rivers. You may well find the perfect spot to hoist some lungdhar (prayer flags) on your way.
After a picnic lunch at Jelila, the trail drops gently down into the Tsalunang Valley, passing through forests of blue pine and rhododendron on its way.
Enjoy a hot shower on arrival at your campsite. A dinner prepared from organic, locally-sourced produce will be provided at camp.
Trek Distance: 12.81 kilometres (7.96 miles)
Elevation Gain: 770 metres (2,526 feet)
Elevation Loss: 812 metres (2,664 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,830 metres (9,285 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,777 metres (9,111 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 3,473 metres (11,395 feet)
Day 5. Tshalunang – Buddha Dordenma
After breakfast at camp, continue your trail run east towards Bhutan’s Capital city, Thimphu. With elevations ranging between 2,248 metres (7,375 feet) and 2,648 metres (8,688 feet) above sea level, Thimphu is the fifth highest capital city in the world by altitude. It is also the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights. The city offers a unique blend of the modern world with Bhutanese tradition.
From Tsalunang, the trail climbs through forests of fir, blue pine, dwarf rhododendron and through yak pastures before it reaches the pass at Pumola, which, at 3,994 meters (13,104 feet) above sea level, is the highest point on the Trans Bhutan Trail.
After enjoying a picnic lunch and excellent mountain views at Pumola, rejoin the trail as it meanders down through picturesque meadows, offering stunning views of the Thimphu valley from the long ridge thereafter.
Towards the end of the day, you will arrive at Buddha Point, home to Thimphu’s most recognized landmark, the Buddha Dordenma. Guarding the entry to the Thimphu valley, this 51-metre (167 feet) gilded bronze statue is filled with 125,000 miniature statues and sits atop a three-storey base housing a chapel and thousands of donated statuettes. The statue was commissioned to mark His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s 60th birthday.
At Buddha Point, we will bid farewell to our crewmembers.
Check in to your hotel before heading out for dinner with your guide at one of the many excellent restaurants in the capital.
Trek Distance: 17.53 kilometres (10.89 miles)
Elevation Gain: 1,197 metres (3,927 feet)
Elevation Loss: 1,373 metres (4,505 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,777 metres (9,111 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,609 metres (8,560 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 3,994 metres (13,104 feet)
Day 6. Thimphu – Paro.
After the early breakfast or tea/coffee at the hotel. We will drive to Paro Airport for your onward flight. Your guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport.
The Extended Experience
Day 6. Thimphu – Stay.
After our breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Buddha Point, where today’s trail starts. Before we run we will visit the Big Buddha Statue. We will run till Wangditse Lhakhang and back to BBS tower (total distance will be around 10kM). From here we will drive to town for lunch. After lunch, we will visit Memorial Chhirten and stroll around Thimphu town. Drive to Paro. Dinner and overnight stay at Paro hotel.
Trek Distance: 9 kilometres (5.59 miles)
Elevation Gain: 220 metres (721 feet)
Elevation Loss: 100 metres (328 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2500 metres (8,202 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,650 metres (8,694 fee)
Maximum Elevation: 2,685 metres (8,810 feet
Day 7. Paro – Stay.
After our breakfast, we will drive till the base of Tiger’s nest monastery, where our run starts. We will run till the last view point and then run back to the base, where our car will be waiting for us to take to the hotel for lunch. Today’s run distance will be around 7km. After lunch, we will walk around the town. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel, Paro.
Trek Distance: 9 kilometres (5.59 miles)
Elevation Gain: 900 metres (2952 feet)
Elevation Loss: 900 metres (2952 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2500 metres (8,202 feet)
Ending Elevation: 3120 metres (10,236 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 3150 metres (10,334 feet)
Day 8. Paro – Airport.
Breakfast at the hotel and then driver to Paro Airport for our onward flight. Your guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport.
Thank you and Tashi Delek.
Start planning your tailor-made Dream Holiday to Bhutan – The Land of happiness!
In order to experience the best and rewarding fulfillment clients must plan in advance the different logistics that you have in your minds before actually venturing into the world of trips. You might have wishes and hopes for which you need to plan.
The following information will help you to plan your dream trip to Bhutan.
1. When and how to visit Bhutan?
Choose your traveling date like Arrival/Departure date. You also need to choose entry/depart Bhutan via AIR or LAND.
By Air: Druk Air, the national carriers is the only service operator in the kingdom and operates several flights per week from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi & Kolkata (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). The Paro International Airport is located about an hour and a half drive from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
Paro airport is daylight restricted, and the flights are totally dependent on the weather. As a result, sometimes flights are delayed. It is therefore a good idea to keep at least 24 hours of transit time for connecting flights out of Paro. You might also want to consider traveling on a non-restricted ticket so that if you miss a connecting flight, you can be rerouted or seated on the first available carrier.
Sometimes flights into Paro are disrupted because of unfavorable weather conditions. If this occurs, the flight will stop for the night at the transit airport. To be prepared, you may want to carry your essential personal items in your carry-on luggage.
By Land: Phuentsholing, a Bhutanese town in the southwest has road access to India. It is located about 170 km from the Indian domestic airport at Bagdogra, West Bengal. Phuentsholing is about 172 km from Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan and is about 6hours drive distance.
2. What are your itineraries?
All the tours can be customized and extended as per our valued client’s requirements. There are sample itineraries for your kind reference and it will give you some general idea of the likely trip scheduled.
Complete the tour request form and submit it to us. Send us correct name list. We will send you the flight reservation status via email.
After confirming your reservation, we need the scanned copy of member’s passport.
Please remit us full payments and send us the copy of remittance paper via email. Visa will not be accepted without full payment.
We will send you the flight ticket copy and Visa Clearance Copy prior to your departure to Bhutan via email. You need to print out and carry along with you.
Start packing and looking forward to have a memorable trip in the LandThunder Dragon, DrukYul.
Hot stone bath (Dhotsho) is a traditional bath of Bhutan, where a tradition of heating up stones and then soaking in the water that is in turn heated by the stones. This is also a curative method and is used throughout the country We Bhutanese belief that this bath has so much of medicinal benefits. Some diseases are curable-like joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorder, arthritis and many other minor
diseases. Especially for the old age, where we have lots of body pains, joints pains helps a lot by this Hot Stone Bath (Dhotsho).
I think, the minerals in the rocks have certain chemicals, which can cure certain disease of our body. Hot stone bath has no side effects. It is in its pure natural form. We can organize the hot stone bath during your stay in Bhutan.
The cost for experiencing this will be USD 20 per person.
The Bhutanese textiles are rich, vibrant, and colorful and are a complex art form as well as an integral part of the Bhutanese culture. This Bhutan weaving experiences will give you an insight about the rich textiles in Bhutan. You can sit one of the handlooms of Bhutan and weave your self practically. We promise that you will really enjoy this with great satisfaction in your life.
We will also see or learn the natural coloring and dyeing. You can bring your own materials like handkerchief to dye and color. So visit Bhutan and experience it practically by yourself.
So to arrange this you need to pay extra payment of USD 50 per person.
Folk Performing Arts & Music in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. We have Cultural Program Performing groups, which they will perform like Traditional folk songs, dances and keeps original tunes and dances alive. Moreover, new choreography for some traditional and regional songs is sometimes developed.
The troupe also performs mask dances that have historical and spiritual significance.
The program will be about 1hr program and the cost will be USD 100/program. Usually we organize this in the evening before your dinner. But any time of the day can be organized.
Tiger’s Nest is most visited spot in Bhutan and it is much awaited by every tourist who visits Bhutan to climb to Tiger’s Nest.
It takes about 2 hrs 30mins up steep climb through the forest of pine, oak and Rhododendron. However you can ride the horse and climb till the Taktshang cafeteria.
The price will be approximately USD 12-15. So we can arrange the horses and let us know.
