Every year this amazing cycling adventure is held on September.
Registration open for this years adventure, which will be held on September 7th, 2020.
Regarded as one of the toughest cycling race in the world, the race takes the participants across 4 mountain passes & 255 kms , all the way from Bumthang to the capital, Thimphu. The race commences from 2 am.
His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, president of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, started the Tour of the Dragon competition, billed as “the toughest one-day mountain bike race in the world.”
Cyclists will pass through the stunning rural countryside and villages of this tiny Himalayan Kingdom, sometimes known as the ‘Last Shangri La’.
The race is a great chance to discover the geographical and cultural wonders of Bhutan.
TOUR OF THE DRAGON is not a road bike race or a classic mountain bike race, nor it is a gravel grinder, because it doesn’t fit into any of the categories defined by the International Cycling Union. Since the distance of the race is 200+ kms, we would categorize it as an ultra-marathon mountain bike race on roads that happen to be extremely challenging.
National Registration Fee : Nu. 7,000/-
SAARC Registration Fee : USD 165/-
Expat Registration Fee : USD 165/-
International Registration Fee: USD 250/-
DRAGON’S FURY is another shorter cycling adventure on the same day.
Dragon’s Fury race was inaugurated in the year 2015 to celebrate the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty, the 4th Druk Gyalpo, and therefore the distance of the race is 60 kms. The race starts in Messina at an altitude of 1410 m (4625 ft), travels up to Dochula at 3150 m (10,330 ft), then is all downhill until the Changlingmethnag parking finish.
National Registration Fee : Nu. 2,000/-
SAARC Registration Fee : USD 35/-
Expat Registration Fee : USD 35/-
International Registration Fee: USD 100/-
* The Tour of the Dragon starts in Bumthang, central Bhutan at 2610m, (8560 ft).
* Pass through some of the highest mountain roads: Kiki La at 2870m (9420 ft); Gaytsha at 2950m (9680ft); Yotongla at 3430m (11250 ft); Trongsa at 2150m, (7050ft); Chendebji village 2430m (7970 ft), Pelela 3430m (11250 ft); Dochula at 3150m (10330 ft) and end in Thimphu at 2330m (7640ft).
* During the ride through the five major districts of the 20 districts in Bhutan, riders will witness excellent views on the never ending winding roads, ride close to imposing ancient fortresses (Dzongs), encounter villages settlements, bountiful extensive pine and mixed forests and farm fields.
* At Tshangkha it passes the headquarters of the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park.
* Chendebji Chorten, Built in the style of the great Bodhanath Stupa of Nepal, and the Chendebji village (2430m, 7970 ft).
* The Wangdue Phodrang and Punakha Valley.
* The majestic Druk Wangyel Chortens (108 stupas) at Dochula 3150m (10330ft) are a site to see supplemented by greater views of the highest mountain peaks in Bhutan like the Jomolhari 7326 m (24035 ft), Jichu Drake 6794 m (22290 ft), Gangkar Puensum 7570 m (24,840 ft)
5th September, 2020 [Saturday]
12:00 AM Wake-up call
1:00 AM Report to start area, biking inspection and light breakfast for participants
2:00 AM RACE START (Flag off by Dasho Dzongdag)
3:00 AM Every rider is expected to cross Kiki La
7:30 AM Riders should cross Tshangkha by this time
9:00 AM Reach Chendepji
11:00 AM Reach Pele La
1:30 PM Riders should cross Wangdue check post
6:00 PM Final cut-off time at Dochula Pass. If you make it to Dochula by 6:00 PM you are allowed to continue to the finish line.
7:00 PM Awards ceremony at the Changlingmethang Parking, Thimphu
All awards will be given at the awards ceremony on the 5th of September, 2020 at 7:00 PM onward at Changlingmethang Parking, Thimphu.
Tour of the Dragon cash purse and additional prizes will be offered to participants as follows:
1st Nu. 150,000/-
2nd Nu. 95,000/-
3rd Nu. 75,000/-
4th Gifts worth: Nu. 10,000/-
5th Gifts worth: Nu. 10,000/-
6th Gifts worth: Nu. 5,000/-
7th Gifts worth: Nu. 3,000/-
8th Gifts worth: Nu. 3,000/-
9th Gifts worth: Nu. 3,000/-
10th Gifts worth: Nu. 3,000/-
1st Nu. 150,000/-
2nd Nu. 95,000/-
3rd Nu. 75,000/-
4th Gifts worth: Nu. 10,000/-
5th Gifts worth: Nu. 10,000/-
Youngest rider to complete the race [must cross before cut-off time]: Nu. 10,000/-
Eldest rider to complete the race [must cross before cut-off time]: Nu. 10,000/-