Two extraordinary destinations, two very different ultra adventures, and the same passion for exploring remarkable places.
For those who have followed the Lapland Arctic Ultra over the years, it will come as no surprise that I have a passion for remote places, spectacular landscapes and adventures that take us beyond our comfort zones.
But there is another country, thousands of kilometres from Swedish Lapland, that has captured my imagination and become the setting for another adventure: Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
For several years now, alongside organising the Lapland Arctic Ultra and Yukon Arctic Ultra, I have been working on bringing another dream to life: the Bhutan Ultra. It will premiere November 6–19, 2027!
A journey along the Trans Bhutan Trail
The Bhutan Ultra will take participants on a six-stage adventure through the eastern part of Bhutan, following sections of the historic Trans Bhutan Trail.
There will be two distances to choose from:
- 200 km across six stages
- 150 km across six stages
The route will lead through spectacular Himalayan landscapes, traditional villages, forests and mountain valleys, with plenty of climbing and descending along the way.
While the Lapland Arctic Ultra challenges athletes with freezing temperatures, snow-covered trails and the demands of Arctic wilderness travel, the Bhutan Ultra offers an entirely different kind of endurance experience.
The challenges will come from mountain terrain, elevation changes and the altitude. And because this is a stage race, participants will have the opportunity to recover each evening, share their experiences and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
More than just an ultra
One of the things that makes Bhutan so special is that the experience extends far beyond the trails.
This small Himalayan kingdom is home to a fascinating culture, deeply rooted Buddhist traditions, magnificent monasteries and communities that have preserved many aspects of their traditional way of life.
The itinerary includes opportunities to experience some of Bhutan’s most remarkable places, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery near Paro, Punakha Dzong and the stunning landscapes of the eastern Himalayas.
For me, organising an event like the Bhutan Ultra is not simply about creating another endurance race.
It is about giving people the opportunity to discover an extraordinary country, challenge themselves and return home with experiences and memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.
That philosophy is also at the heart of the Lapland Arctic Ultra.
From Lapland to Bhutan – Will you join us?
Although the two events take place in very different environments, they share something important: a spirit of adventure, a sense of discovery and the opportunity to experience places that few people get to know in this way.
I would absolutely love to see a few familiar faces from Lapland among the participants in Bhutan in November 2027.
Whether you have already taken part in the Lapland Arctic Ultra, volunteered at the event or simply followed our adventures from afar, perhaps Bhutan will be your next destination?
Find out more about the event, our itinerary and how to join us:
I hope to see you in Bhutan!