Tour of the Dragon – The Ultimate Bicycle Race in September

If you’re an adventure lover and a cycling enthusiast, then you need to add the Tour of the Dragon in Bhutan to your bucket list! This epic race is considered one of the toughest one-day races in the world and takes place every September.

The Tour of the Dragon covers a distance of 268 kilometers and climbs over 4,000 meters, with the highest point reaching an elevation of 3,340 meters. The race starts from Bumthang Dzongkhag in central Bhutan and ends in the capital city of Thimphu. The race is not only physically challenging but also offers some of the most breathtaking views of the picturesque landscape of Bhutan.

If you’re wondering why it’s called the Tour of the Dragon, it’s because Bhutan is known as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. The race also symbolizes the journey of Bhutan’s creation story, where the thunder dragon carved out the Himalayas to make room for the people to live.

The History of Tour of the Dragon

The Tour of the Dragon was first held in 2009 as a way to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty the fifth Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s king. It was an initiative to promote cycling as a sport in Bhutan and attract international cyclists to experience the beauty and challenge of the country.

Since then, it has gained popularity and has become an annual event. The race has also received international recognition and has been featured in various cycling magazines and documentaries.

The Rules and Regulations

The Tour of the Dragon is open to both amateur and professional cyclists. However, due to the difficulty level, it’s recommended that participants have prior experience and are physically fit.

The race starts at 2 AM and cyclists have 24 hours to complete the race. Those who don’t finish by 2 AM the next day are officially disqualified. Participants have to pass through three checkpoints, located at the 66km, 138km, and 212km mark, within designated timings to continue the race. Any violation of traffic rules and regulations will result in immediate disqualification.

There is also a team competition, where teams of four members can participate and compete. The team’s time is calculated by the average time of the four members.

The Experience

The Tour of the Dragon is not just a race, but also an experience that you’ll never forget. The race takes you through some of the most beautiful and serene locations in Bhutan. You’ll pass through traditional Bhutanese villages, scenic valleys, and the majestic Himalayas, giving you a glimpse of the country’s unique culture and natural beauty.

Bhutanese locals also gather along the route to cheer and support the cyclists, which adds to the overall experience. Additionally, the race helps in promoting tourism and showcasing the beauty of Bhutan to the world.

Planning Your Trip

If you’re interested in participating in the Tour of the Dragon, you’ll need to plan your trip in advance. The race takes place in September, which is the peak tourist season in Bhutan. You’ll need to make prior arrangements for transportation, accommodation, and race preparations.

Moreover, you’ll also need to obtain a special permit to enter Bhutan, as the country has a restricted tourist policy. The permit can be obtained through a registered Bhutanese tour operator.

But even if you’re not participating in the race, you can still visit Bhutan in September to witness this epic event and explore the country’s beauty at your own pace.

So, are you ready to take on the ultimate adventure of the Tour of the Dragon in September? Be prepared for a challenging but unforgettable experience in the beautiful ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’.

The Tour of the Dragon is considered one of the toughest one-day bicycle races in the world.

The race covers a distance of 268 kilometers and climbs over 4,000 meters.

The highest point of the race reaches an elevation of 3,340 meters.

The race starts from Bumthang Dzongkhag and ends in the capital city of Thimphu.

Bhutan is known as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, which is why the race is named as such.

The Tour of the Dragon was first held in 2009 to commemorate the coronation of Bhutan’s king.

The race has gained popularity over the years and has become an annual event.

The Tour of the Dragon is open to both amateur and professional cyclists.

Participants have 24 hours to complete the race, starting at 2 AM.

There is also a team competition, where teams of four members can participate and compete.

The Tour of the Dragon is not just a race, but a memorable experience, taking you through the beautiful landscape of Bhutan.

The race also helps in promoting tourism and showcasing the country to the world.

If you’re planning to participate in the Tour of the Dragon, make sure to plan your trip in advance and obtain a special permit to enter Bhutan.

But even if you’re not participating in the race, you can still visit Bhutan in September to witness this epic event.

Get ready to take on the ultimate adventure of the Tour of the Dragon, and experience the beauty of the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’.

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