The Bhutan Ultra takes place on the legendary Trans Bhutan Trail.
The Trans Bhutan Trail is an ancient pilgrimage and communications route connecting Haa, in the far west of Bhutan, with Trashigang in the east. The trail dates back at least to the 16th century and played a major role in uniting the region’s many kingdoms, repelling foreign incursions, and eventually in the birth of Bhutan as a nation in 1907. In 2018, with the vision of His Majesty, The Fifth King and supported by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, the Bhutan Canada Foundation led an initiative to restore the Trail to make it accessible once again for locals, pilgrims, and travellers.
The total length of the Trans Bhutan Trail is 403 kilometres, crossing 27 gewogs (villages) and nine Dzongkhags (districts) of Bhutan.
The Bhutan Ultra explores the eastern part of the trail, starting in Tsangkha and finishing in Trashigang. Athletes will cover a total distance of 200 km and overcome 11,000 m of positive elevation. All divided up in 6 stages. The race will start at an elevation of 2,278 m. Minimum and Maximum elevation will then vary quite a bit each day. Stage 3 will feature the highest elevation with participants reaching 3,775 m. Daily positive elevation ranges from 1,340 to 2,245 m.
