The third stage of 28km guided the runners up to the mystic Phajoding Monastery in 3600m altitude, one of the oldest, poorest but holiest monasteries in Bhutan. The finl steep 6km climb up to the monastery demanded all energy of the runners. All runners have manged this though stage and enjoyed the warm hospitality of the young monks.

A football match against the monks were another highlight of the day, seeing GlobalLimits winning 5:3 this year after two losses the last 2 years.

The pace was set another time by Argy Papathanasopoulos but Peter Osterwalder was pushing hardly from behind and catched up with Argy at the final climb. Both finished the stage together. Third was in an impressive performance Alan Rees from Australia. Third win in a row in the female category by Véro Messina followed again by Véronique Chamberland. Third was Julia Romanowa who re-gained her third overall rank.