The 2026 Dragon Fury and Sha-Festival
Scheduled for 16–17 October 2026 at Gadhenlingka Park, Wangdue Phodrang, the 7th edition of the Dragon Fury Race and the 2nd edition of the Sha-Festival will bring together sport, culture and community under the theme “The Taste of Sha!” and the slogan “From Valley Fields to Festive Feast.”
This year, Dragon Fury will feature a revised cycling route, starting from Changlimithang, Thimphu, and finishing at Gadhenlingka Park, Wangdue Phodrang. The cross-country cycling event welcomes local, international, and expatriate cyclists, with the inclusion of road-bike cyclists broadening participation. The race promotes endurance, sportsmanship, healthy living, and adventure tourism while showcasing Bhutan’s scenic landscapes.
Alongside the race, the Sha-Festival will bring together communities from all 15 gewogs of Wangdue Phodrang to showcase local products, cottage and small-scale industries, traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. The festival will feature Molay Drendhur, a local beauty contest, alongside cultural performances and live entertainment by Bhutanese artists.
Holding the two events simultaneously connects sport with culture and tourism. Dragon Fury attracts cyclists and adventure enthusiasts, while the Sha-Festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience local traditions, food, products and community life. Together, they create a broader experience for athletes, visitors and residents while providing greater visibility for local communities and enterprises.
The event is organised in collaboration between the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment; Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag Administration; and the Bhutan Olympic Committee.
The race will be supported by designated marshal points, chip timing, and medical teams. With a total prize purse of Nu. 170,000, awards will be presented to leading cyclists in the men’s and women’s categories, with special recognition for the youngest and eldest participants. All participants completing the race will receive a certificate, medal, and T-shirt.
As Wangdue Phodrang prepares to host the 7th edition of Dragon Fury and the 2nd edition of the Sha-Festival, the two events represent a shared commitment to promoting sport, preserving cultural heritage and strengthening community participation. From the starting line at Changlimithang, Thimphu, to the finish at Gadhenlingka Park, Wangdue Phodrang, Dragon Fury will bring cyclists together through the spirit of endurance and sportsmanship, while the Sha-Festival will celebrate the traditions, products and talents of local communities.
Alongside the race, the Sha-Festival will bring together communities from all 15 gewogs of Wangdue Phodrang to showcase local products, cottage and small-scale industries, traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. The festival will feature Molay Drendhur, a local beauty contest, alongside cultural performances and live entertainment by Bhutanese artists.
Holding the two events simultaneously connects sport with culture and tourism. Dragon Fury attracts cyclists and adventure enthusiasts, while the Sha-Festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience local traditions, food, products and community life. Together, they create a broader experience for athletes, visitors and residents while providing greater visibility for local communities and enterprises.
Download the Dragon Fury 2026 Technical Guidebook here.