The Asian Enduro Series (AES) – BHUTAN!

The rage is on as the emergence of a new trail comes in the shape of the Madman Trails. The Madman Trails of Bhutan is a tribute to his holy wanderlust, and to test the trails in all it’s glory.

Limbukha is the starting point for the Madman Trails, the trail’s highest point is at 2,100 feet. The ride immediately sets you on a lovely single track carpeted with oak leaves, where strategically placed kickers allow faster riders to zoom off at break neck speeds while leaving the slower riders with enough room to maneuver.

The forgiving gradient of this section is a delight regardless of the riders’ skill sets. The single track is intermittently littered with both natural and man-made burms and switchbacks at par with the best.

The first edition of the race will be held in the land of the thunder dragon, from the 5th and 6th of December 2020. The Asian Enduro Series will take place in Limbukha, Punakha and the final race will be divided into 6 stages in 2 race days.

Punakha district has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Punakha Dzong is not only the second oldest and second largest dzong but it also has one of the most majestic structures in the country.

October 13, 2011 marked an unforgettable wedding of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema which was held at Punakha Dzong.  It was built at the confluence of two major rivers in Bhutan, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, which converge in this valley. It is an especially beautiful sight on sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its white-washed walls.

In addition to its structural beauty, Punakha Dzong is notable for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani. This relic is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara that miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of Tsangpa Gyarey, the founder of the Drukpa School when he was cremated.

Punakha valley has a pleasant climate with warm winters and hot summers. It is located at an average elevation of 1200 m above sea level. Owing to the favorable climatic conditions, rice has become the main cash crop cultivated in the region.

The event is brought to you by The Bhutan Philanthropy Ventures Pvt. Ltd (BPV). It is  a social enterprise founded by  His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck. We are a socially oriented commercial company that applies commercial strategies to maximize social impact.