The Snowman Race
An Epic Ultra-Marathon Through Bhutan’s Hidden Mountain Landscapes
Bhutan is considered one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. It provides travelers the rare opportunity to experience its warm hospitality and culture, spirituality, and breath-taking scenery found nowhere else on the planet. The Mountain Kingdom in the Clouds, as it is known, also provides exceptional trekking, bird watching, nature trails and thrill-seeking adventures including river rafting, archery and paragliding, to name a few. These activities are made exceptionally special because of its pristine environment, made up of glistening snow-capped mountains, emerald-green valleys, crystal clear rivers, untouched dense forests, and rich biodiversity. Many people also know it as the land of Gross National Happiness, a pioneering development alternative the nation has followed for over four decades to challenge the problematic conceptualization of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) – an approach that also provides enabling conditions for its citizens to pursue wellbeing from a holistic perspective.
What truly takes Bhutan off the charts as a top tourist destination, while shooting it to the top of extreme sports lists everywhere, is the first edition of the Snowman Race. Anticipation is mounting as the world’s toughest high-altitude ultra-marathon gets set to take place this October. What makes it even more extraordinary is that this epic high-endurance race will take place across the last untouched, stunning landscapes of the remote Himalayan ranges.
Not an Ordinary Race
The Snowman Race is a challenging ultra-marathon and a first-of-its-kind event, where top athletes from all over the world will complete a course covering a total of 222 kilometers, or 138 miles, over the course of 5 days. The race is made up of 30 runners (22 international and 8 Bhutanese), and amongst these, 11 women athletes.
The breathtakingly beautiful but grueling route is the ultimate challenge for the top athletes taking part, as they pass through pristine but dense forests, and vast yet rough mountain terrain. The stunning high alpine pastures, awe-inspiring vistas and the warmth of the remote local pastoralist communities they run through will provide some of the incredible inspiration they will need.
While the Everest Marathon in Nepal has so far been recognized as the world’s highest marathon with the highest point of 5212 meters (17099 feet), the Snowman Race will overtake this honor. The Snowman Run’s highest point is 5470 meters (17947 feet) at Gophula, which the runners will pass during their third day of run.
As described by the organizers of the Snowman Race (www.snowmanrace.org, @SnowmanRace on Instagram and Facebook), the route begins at the historical Gasa Dzong. This is located in Gasa, Western Bhutan, home of the legendary medicinal hot springs. From there, the route traverses uphill to the remote mountain community of Lunana, one of the most remote areas in Bhutan – and also the stunning location of the famous Oscar Nominated movie ‘Lunana: A Yak in the
Classroom’. Against a backdrop of staggering mountains, majestic glaciers and azure lakes, the runners will cover 222 kilometers of absolutely challenging terrain in less than 5 days. Soaring to altitudes of close to 5500 meters (18,050 feet) at the route’s peak before descending to the valley of Bumthang in Central Bhutan, the race will culminate at the historical and auspicious Kurjey Lhakhang. At the end of the race, runners will join in a festive celebration with local communities and inhabitants. Nestled somewhere between myth and mystery, the unforgiving yet strikingly beautiful terrain will truly test the strength and endurance of even the most daring and experienced athletes. Many racers will have trained for many years to get ready for this race, as well as undergo two months of tough training to get ready for the ultimate race on the planet.
Not Just a Place
The Snowman Race organizers provide a moving description of Bhutan as a place, and the role of the race in contributing to the greater good of humanity and all the sentient beings we share our planet with. Their inspiring words are included below, interwoven with my own reflections.
Situated in the Eastern Himalayas, nestled between two Asian giants, Bhutan is a country of striking beauty. Home to supremely diverse wildlife and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, access to Bhutan by air only became possible within the past few decades. This has allowed the uniquely rich cultural and spiritual practices to remain intact, while flourishing and adapting too, leading to a vibrant way of life and deeply spiritual approach to life. The Kingdom’s deep respect for its unique natural resources, including all the sentient beings and biodiversity that inhabit the country, has ensured careful protection and preservation of their environment and its natural resources, contributing to the wellbeing of all who call it home – as well as all those who come to visit it.
The Snowman Race trail follows the historic high-altitude trekking route of one of the most difficult treks in the world, the spectacular Snowman Trek. It is recognized as the toughest, highest and longest trekking route in Bhutan, taking up to 25 days to complete, and has been conquered by fewer people than Mt. Everest. The beautiful trek passes through seldom-visited highland communities such as Laya and Lunana, located respectfully amongst glistening snow-peak mountains and glaciers.
Runners will have the rare privilege of being among the few in history to glimpse and pass the base of the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. Gangkhar Puensum is the last great remaining unsummited peak and also Bhutan’s tallest mountain, soaring to a sheer height of 7,570 meters, or 24,835.96 feet.
Runners will also pass through two of the largest national parks in the country, including Jigme Dorji National Park and Wangchuck Centennial Park. These two national parks are heralded as being the most biodiverse areas in the Eastern Himalayas. The parks stretch from the deciduous forest to the ancient yet now endangered ice fields and glaciers, home to several incredibly rare and protected species of flora and fauna.
Not Just a Race
The Snowman Race follows the trail going through what is believed to be one of the most pristine and unseen locations on earth. Although Bhutan is the first and only carbon negative country in the world, absorbing more carbon than it emits, the locations where the run passes through are where acute global impacts of climate change are experienced firsthand by those living in the Eastern Himalayas.
The race draws inspiration from the deep wisdom of His Majesty the King on the conservation of Bhutan’s natural resources and unique cultural heritage. It aspires to bring to the world’s attention the climate change emergency, one of the defining issues of our time, and its impacts, particularly on the lives of people living in fragile mountain ecosystems. The race aims to highlight the alarming effects of global warming, particularly on the planet’s fragile environments, such as those living in the highlands. The noble goal of increasing awareness of the climate change crisis is in keeping with Bhutan’s position as a leading voice on climate action including uniting global thought leaders and promoting sustainable development initiatives.
Although largely isolated from external influence, the effects of climate change are starkly felt in Bhutan. The location of the race is visible proof of the effects of the climate change emergency, evident here in the receding of its glaciers, ecosystem disruption and socio-cultural and ecological-economic impacts on people in the most remotest of places. This race aims to shine a global spotlight on the serious climate impact on our planet and to highlight the urgent need for global action.
This run and all that it stands for, is symbolic of the challenges we face ahead of us. The next few years are vitally important in determining the future of our planet and all of its inhabitants – humans and all sentient beings. By raising awareness, attention and much-needed funds for the protection of our natural environment, this race represents one small step in the urgent direction we all need to move in, together, before we run out of time.
The Snowman Race reminds us that whether runner, supporter, spectator, cheerleader, environmental champion, traveler, or simply a lover of our precious planet, let us tread gently and lightly in culturally and environmentally fragile areas of our world. As the famous saying goes, take only memories, leave only light footprints – is a fitting mantra for the Snowman Race. It is also an important mantra to travelers to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan and beyond, on this little blue dot we call earth.
