Tour of the Dragon (Mountain Bike Race)
September 5
The Tour of the Dragon is one of the toughest one-day mountain bike races on Earth. Spanning 268 kilometres across the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, it pushes riders to their absolute limits within a strict 18-hour time limit.
Race At A Glance
- Distance: 268 km (167 miles)
- Climb: 4,500+ metres of elevation gain
- Passes: 4 major mountain peaks
- Start: 2:00 AM in Bumthang (2,610m)
- Finish: Thimphu Clock Tower Square (2,320m)
The 5 Race Phases
- 1. The Midnight Launch: Riders start in freezing, pitch-black darkness. Headlamps light the way over Kiki La and the towering Yotong La Pass (3,434m).
- 2. The Fortress Descent: A thrilling 29-kilometre plunge into Trongsa valley. Cyclists fly past ancient cliffside monasteries as alpine cold changes to valley heat.
- 3. The Mud & Mist: A grueling climb up Pele La Pass (3,430m). This section tests mental grit with deep mud, dense fog, and loose rocks.
- 4. The Final Wall: After a brief descent, exhausted riders face the ultimate test: a relentless 40-kilometre uphill slog to Dochu La Pass (3,150m).
- 5. The Capital Triumph: A final high-speed descent into the capital city of Thimphu. Riders finish to cheering crowds and traditional celebrations.
Why Join?
- Elite Status: Conquer 268 km of pure Himalayan climbing in under 24 hours.
- Stunning Views: Ride through untouched alpine forests, sacred fortresses, and valleys.
- Royal Hospitality: Enjoy an unforgettable finish line festival backed by the Bhutan Olympic Committee.