Dragon’s Fury (Dragon’s Fury is an annual event held every first weekend of September)
Dragon’s Fury Race starts in Messina at an altitude of 1410 m (4625 ft). From Messina, the distance to Dochula at 3150 m (10,330 ft) is 38.3 km and the race is all uphill, with an average slope of 5% and a few short sections of up to 10%. You will pass Thinleygang (11 km), Lumitsawa (15 km), Lampiri (28 km), and a memorial chorten for traffic accident victims (32 km). Thinleygang is the only place recognizable as a village, having a couple of shops and a BHU (Basic Health Unit). Racing 1700 m (5575 ft) uphill is as breathtaking as the views. After Dochula, it’s all downhill to Thimphu at 2330 m (7640 ft), with a small climb only at the end at Thimphu finish point.
Route Distance
| Start Point | Elevation | End Point | Elevation | Highest Point | Distance in kilometer |
| Messina | 1200 m | Thimphu | 2330 m | Dochula – 3150 m | 60 km |
| Sl. No. | Station | Distance (in kms) | ||
| From | To | |||
| 1. | Messina (Punakha road junction) | Thinleygang | 10 | |
| 2. | Thinleygang | Lumitsawa | 4 | |
| 3. | Lumitsawa | Lamperi | 12 | |
| 4. | Lamperi | Dochu La | 11 | |
| 5. | Dochu La | Semtokha (Mani Dungkhor) | 17 | |
| 6. | Semtokha (Mani Dungkhor) | Clock tower (via Olakha workshop road and expressway) | 6 | |
| Total distance | 60 km | |||
Kuzuzangpola – Welcome to Bhutan!
Day 01 Arrive Paro. The flight into Bhutan takes you the great Himalayas, offering you the most scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa-chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley with lush green paddy fields, pristine forest, incredulous fortress-like monasteries known as Dzongs and majestically flowing rivers. On arrival at the Paro International Airport, you will be received by Away Smile Travels representatives and escort you to Thimphu. The drive from Paro to Thimphu takes about one hour.
Thimphu situated at an altitude of 2200 M. The Kingdom’s capital city is home to approximately 130,000 inhabitants including the Royal family. Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary to immerse themselves in the contemporary Bhutanese lifestyle.
Visit Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazzar/shop. A one stop shop place to witness Bhutanese rich Culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft products. The shop in its 80 small stall covers all aspect of traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The shops linked with the rural artisans aims to promote Bhutan’s craft industry by creating a viable market, which n turns acts to preserve and promote Bhutan’s unique culture and bring about equitable socio-economic development in the country.
Visit Tashichhodzong: Tashichhodzong means ‘the fortress of the glorious religion.’ It is a majestic fortress in all its grandeur and serves as the seat of Bhutan’s government. The Dzong houses the secretariat, the throne room, the offices of His Majesty the King. The fortress was initially erected in 1641 and later rebuilt in the 1960s by the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu
Day 02 Thimphu-Punakha. (Drive 3 hours)
After drive to the beautiful valley of Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. After a dramatic one-hour drive, the zigzag course of the road brings you to Dochula, a beautiful mountain pass (alt 3,140 m) with its fluttering prayer flags and a spectacular set of 108 miniature chortens. On a clear fine day, you will also get awe-inspiring glimpses of the towering Himalayan peaks around. The remaining part of the drive is mostly a gradual descent into Punakha valley.
Punakha situated at an altitude of 1200 M. Punakha Dzongkhag has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1950s. Punakha Dzong is not only the second oldest and second largest dzong, but it also has one of the most majestic structures in the country. Punakha Dzong was built at the confluence of two major rivers in Bhutan, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, which converge in this valley. It is an especially beautiful sight on sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its white-washed walls.
Visit Punakha Dzong. Placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, the first King Gongsr Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored in the recent years by the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. At the Dzong, enrich your trip with the opportunity to see the highest standards in woodwork. Overnight Hotel in Punakha
Day 03 Punakha
After breakfast arrive at registration venue.
10:00 AM-2:00 PM Registration confirmation and race packet pick up at the Punakha Multi-Sports Hall, Kuruthang. Free time to explore. Overnight Hotel in Punakha
Day 04 Punakha RACE START
After breakfast arrive at race start point.
8:00 AM Report to start area, biking inspection and light breakfast for participants
9:00 AM – RACE START! (Flag off by Dasho Dzongdag)
12:00 PM Riders should cross Thinleygang
3:00 PM Riders should cross Dochula
7:00 PM Awards ceremony at Thimphu. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu.
Note: If you cannot finish the event, you will be picked up by the sweep vehicle and transported to Thimphu.
Note: Please contact us for details or log into www.tourofthedragon.com http://www.tourofthedragon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/5th-DF-Race-Guidelines-2019-updated.pdf
Day 05 Thimphu-Paro (Drive 1 hour) Paro Sightseeing (Hike to Taktsang Monastery)
After breakfast, drive to Rumthngaka village and hike to Taktsang. The main highlight of the trip is the hike to one of Bhutan’s most venerated pilgrimage sites, the Taktsang Goemba, commonly referred to as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche miraculously flew here on the back of a tigress, meditated in a cave here for three months and converted the whole of Paro valley to Buddhism. Resting at an altitude of 900 m above the valley, Taktsang is an architectural wonder and the spectacular around 5 hours round trip walk will be your most overwhelming experience ever.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang built in the 7th century by the famous Buddhist Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. This is one of the oldest and most holy temple in Bhutan. Overnight Hotel in Paro
Day 06 Departure: After breakfast drive to the Paro International Airport, where our representatives will bid you goodbye!
Thank you (Kardrienchhey) for visiting Bhutan with Away Smile Travels “Smiles for Miles “