Third stage was designed with 28,3km, running about 18km in the Thimphu valley before going steeply up by one km to the second checkpoint at a small temple. After 2km flat along the forest with an outstanding view to the Royal palace and the Parlament building, the runners had to go another 6km steeply up the the camp, located in the Phajoding monastery in 3600m.

In the afternoon all runners participated in a football match against the monks, which was won by the well trained monks with 4:1.

The night the runners shared several rooms with the young monks in the monastery.

Todays stage was again won by Canadian Mark Tamminga ahead of Paul Brady and Japanes runner Masanao Kobayashi. What resulted in the same overall ranking up to now.

Again fastest woman was Brish runner Georgina Ayre ahead of Joany Verschuuren and Canadian Christine Horner.

Incredible performance by 74 year old American Hans Schmid who is 13^th overall now.

All runners have finished the stage in a good mood and looking forward to the 4^th stage of 37km.