FAQ

This is an extreme expedition at 4,000 m. For your safety, you must prove an ITRA Performance Index or UTMB Index of 500+ within the last two years, or equivalent proof of finishing a 50 km+ mountain trail race. Applications that fall short of this bar may be declined.

No. Given the risks of altitude and the legal force of the waiver, only adults aged 20 or over on race day may participate. This applies strictly, regardless of guardian consent.

No. For accurate and fast review by the medical team, all official medical documents must be submitted in English.

After applying, upload your experience proof and passport scan on Running Connect for first-round review. Once approved, an invoice is issued by email. Pay the 3,500 USD fee by global credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Your slot is confirmed only once payment is complete.

The fee bundles pre-paid, non-recoverable costs (charter, Bhutan SDF, five-star hotels). Refunds follow the cancellation date (ICT, UTC+7): 100% before Aug 19, 2026 (23:59), 50% from Aug 20 to Sep 28, and no refund after Sep 28 (23:59), once SDF and charter seats are fully pre-paid.

In partnership with the Bhutanese government and military, every checkpoint is staffed with troops, and doctors are posted at key points. Every CP carries emergency oxygen cans and masks, so early symptoms can be treated on the spot.

Yes. Medical staff have binding Medical-Stop authority to protect your life and safety. If you contest a reading, you get one re-measurement after 15 minutes' rest under the Medical Director (non-emergencies only). The final decision is binding; no refund or compensation may be claimed on its basis.

No. Any runner who receives intravenous (IV) fluids during the race is immediately classified DNF as a medical safety measure, and the finish is not recognized.

As a global event for runners worldwide, all official proceedings (reception, technical briefing, course signage, and medical checks) are conducted in English only.

Much of the high-altitude course is inaccessible by vehicle. If you withdraw or are cut off, you must reach the nearest checkpoint under your own power. Transport to the Thimphu hotel is coordinated only from designated CPs. Review the per-CP evacuation guide before the event.

Yes, and they're strongly recommended to protect your knees on the steep final 10 km descent. Note that on the Bangkok–Paro charter, aviation security requires poles to be checked, not carried in the cabin.

No. The fee is a single fixed package (charter, visa, SDF, stays, meals). No difference settlement or partial refund applies even if you use only part of it.

Independent, unguided travel is prohibited by Bhutanese law. You may extend through a local agency's private guide package, paid separately. In that case you forfeit the return charter and must buy a separate one-way ticket; extra stay costs and SDF are your own. Apply via the organizer at least 60 days before the event to arrange it.

The organizer assists with the Paro–Thimphu transfer but is not responsible for high-value items; carry valuables in the cabin. Where loss results from the organizer's clear fault, liability is capped at 500 USD per participant.

Temples, government buildings, and sacred sites have strict codes. For the Day 2 Tiger's Nest hike, no sleeveless tops, shorts, or sandals are allowed; wear hiking long pants and a collared top. Running attire is fine on race day (Day 3).

No. Bring your own essentials: motion-sickness pills for the winding mountain roads, and any condition-specific medication. The organizer does not stock personal medicines.

All CP water is filtered or sealed bottled water, safe to drink. Aid is universal sports nutrition (energy bars, gels, electrolytes, bananas) rather than local food. If you're sensitive to specific brands, carry your own usual products as emergency food.

No, photo and video service is included in the 3,500 USD fee. A dedicated outdoor media team shoots along the course and at the finish line throughout race day (Day 3). After the event, high-resolution personal finish photos and the official highlight video are provided to every participant, free of charge.