Paro (Bhutan) - "Thunder Dragon Marathon and Half Marathon". Bhutan, the land of the Thunder Dragon, is mystical, enchanting and like nowhere you have ever been. Voted one of the world's top travel destinations, Bhutan remains accessible only to the privileged few. Nestling between Tibet and India it is a country of raw natural beauty; from stunning mountain scenery to tropical plains. This pristine scenery is home to exotic wildlife and is one of the last refuges of species like the Black-Necked Crane, the Golden Langur and even the Royal Bengal tiger. The Bhutanese people with their Buddhist beliefs have a strong sense of identity and of the interdependence between man and nature. This is expressed in the national policy of Gross National Happiness and concern for the environment. We are very priviledged to be able to organise one of the most exclusive marathons in the world in conjunction with Bhutanese Tour Operator Blue Poppy. The Thunder Dragon Marathon highlights all of the aspects of Bhutan that make it so special. Running through the beautiful Paro Valley the route takes in fantastic scenary and passes many iconic landmarks, like the Tigers Nest Monastery, Paro Dzong and many religious Chorten - a true mountain and cultural experience. Mostly on trails and mountain paths with some road sections, the route has a number of climbs but with an altitude variation that stays between 2,200m and 2,530m there are no tremendously difficult sections although it remains a suitable challenge. www.thunderdragonmarathon.com