BHUTAN YOGA RETREAT SMALL GROUP JOURNEY a Journey of Yoga and Meditation a JOURNEY of YOGA and MEDITATION
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
BHUTAN YOGA RETREAT SMALL GROUP JOURNEY A journey of yoga and meditation A JOURNEY OF YOGA AND MEDITATION Explore the enchantingly beautiful destination of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the sacred land of the thunder dragon, the perfect destination to embark on a journey of discovery, wellness and vitality. &Beyond’s privately guided, 10-day Bhutan Yoga Retreat Small Group Journey offers an exclusive opportunity to venture through the pristine landscapes of awe-inspiring Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha, and Paro, whilst experiencing world-class meditation and yoga sessions. This extraordinary set-departure journey offers a wonderful way to gain personal insight and the opportunity to delve into a rich tapestry of culture, in the company of renowned English-speaking guide Tashi Phuntsho and specialist healing facilitator, Zoe Nash. The Bhutan Yoga Retreat Small Group Journey caters for intimate groups, and offers special access to a series of unique experiences that are exclusive to &Beyond guests. It has been specially designed with spiritual and wellness enthusiasts, spiritualism and Buddhism devotees, active travellers and cultural enthusiasts in mind. What we love about the Bhutan Yoga Retreat Small Group Journey: • Exclusive set-departure date: 11 May 2019 to 20 May 2019 • Small group of just 6 to 8 guests, which means plenty of flexibility and privacy • Enjoy a unique 10 day / 9 night itinerary spanning Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha and Paro • Guided throughout by Tashi Phuntsho, a well-known and experienced English-speaking local guide • Balance body, mind and soul with Zoe Nash, a specialist healing facilitator • Be captivated by breath-taking mountain views from Do chu La pass • Explore the spectacular fortresses and temples of Thimphu and Punakha • Marvel at the beautiful Phobjikha Valley • Hike up to the iconic ‘Tiger’s Nest’ monastery in picturesque Paro www.andBeyond.com AT A GLANCE TIBET (CHINA) Laya Delve into the cultural and spiritual riches EASTERN HIMALAYAN MOUNTAIN RANGEof Bhutan Gasa KULONG CHU Chamkhar Chhu WILDLIFE SANCTUARY INDIA Mangde Chhu 11 May 2019 to 20 May 2019 JIGME DORJI Kulonga Chhu NATIONAL PARK 10 days / 9 nights Lhuntse Khuri (Khuru) Chhu INDIA Punakha Private Guides: Tashi Phuntsho, Zoe Nash SIKKIM 3 Trashi Yangtse Jakar Tawang Specialist healing facilitator: Zoe Nash 1 Wangdue Trongsa ARUNACHAL Paro 4-6 THIMPHU 2 Gangtey Minimum guests: 6 PRADESH Mongar Haa SAKTENG WILDLIFE THRUMSHINGMaximum LA guests: 8 SANCTUARY Gangtok TORSA STRICT NATIONAL PARK BHUTAN Trashigana NATURE RESERVE Rate: From USD 10 933 per person sharing Puna Chhu Tsang JIGME SINGYE Zhemgang WANGCHUCK Dangme Chhu Torsa Chhu NATIONAL PARK Darjeeling Daga Chukha Pemagatshel Damphu KHALING Samtse Phuentsholing Galephu ROYAL MANAS Sarpang NATIONAL PARK WILDLIFE SANCTUARY PHIBSOO WILDLIFE Sunkosh Chhu Samdrup Jongkhar SANCTUARY MANAS TIGER RESERVE WEST BENGAL INDIA ASSAM SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES 1 2 NIGHTS, TAJ TASHI Th imphu, Bhutan - Explore the National Memorial Chorten, constructed in memory of the father of modern Bhutan - Discover the gigantic Buddha Dordenma, a massive Buddha statue that brims with over 100 000 smaller Buddha statues - Venture into the Takin Preserve in Motithang, and observe the national animal of Bhutan - Hike to Tango Goenpa and reach the monastery that was founded in 12th century - Visit the institute for Zorig Chusum, a well-known arts, crafts, and painting school - Appreciate the beauty of Bhutan fabric at the Weaving Centre and Textile Museum - Glimpse the 380 year old Tashichho Dzong housing the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan - Balance mind, body and spirit with a yoga and meditation sessions with Zoe - Dress up for dinner in traditional clothing and enjoy a cultural program with Bhutanese performances 2 NIGHTS, GANGTEY LODGE 2 Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley - Visit Dochu La and the 108 stupas built in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers - Capture magnifi cent sightings of Jhomolhari Mountain and Jichu Drake - Explore the Gangtey Goemba (monastery), overlooking the spectacular green expanse of the Phobjikha valley - Learn about the black-necked crane at the Crane Information Center - Head to the Shedra Monastic School and participate in a meditation session with monks - Enjoy a half day Longtey Hike through rhododendron forests - Sink into a guided meditation session of Anapana Sati - Try your hand at traditional archery or darts (khuru) on the lodge grounds - Breathe deeply with gentle Flow and Yin yoga sessions in serene surrounds www.andBeyond.com AT A GLANCE 3 2 NIGHTS, AMANKORA Punakha Valley, Bhutan - Participate in an energetic Vinyasa yoga session with the sun rising over picturesque mountains - Hike to the famous fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to the great yogi of the 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenley (the ‘Divine Madman’) - Visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery and view stunning statues - Let your thoughts drift away with a mindful meditation session - Hike to the majestic views of Khamsum Yuelley, built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, for the protection of the country - Unwind with a traditional Hatha yoga session on the temple courtyard - Visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong, the second largest in Bhutan, and for many years its seat of government 4 1 NIGHT, UMA BY COMO Paro, Bhutan - Participate in an early morning Hatha Flow yoga session at the lodge’s archery grounds - Visit the Ta Dzong or the National Museum, housing a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps - Explore an authentic farmhouse and gain insight into the lifestyle of a farmer - Enjoy a Yin yoga class in the Uma’s yoga studio followed by a yoga Nidra Meditation 5 1 NIGHTS, BUMDRA CAMP Paro, Bhutan - Embark on an exhilarating two-day Bumdra trek to the ‘Rock of One Hundred Thousand Foot Prints’ - Appreciate magnificent views of the Paro and Dochhu Valleys - Climb up to a pretty temple, which boasts commanding views - Trek through ruins and fluttering prayer flags into an ancient forest and meadow dotted with chortens (shrines) - Sleep peacefully in a campsite near the Bumdra monastery (cave of thousand prayers) with enchanting views of the Himalayan range 6 1 NIGHTS, UMA BY COMO Paro, Bhutan - Unwind with a meditation session - Hike from Bumdra to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a venerated and sacred Buddhist sight on the edge of a steep cliff - Explore the gardens of Zangtopelri (Heaven on Earth) and peer over the edge onto the ornate roofs of the Taktshang, hanging on the cliff far below - Relax into a Yin yoga session in the Uma’s yoga studio www.andBeyond.com SIGNATURE TRADEMARKS ICONIC DESTINATIONS Explore the majesty and magnificence of Bhutan and traverse through a spectacular fiercely protected country that remains flawless and completely authentic in its natural beauty, spirituality, culture, revered temples and places of worship. Bhutan is the last Himalayan kingdom and the only carbon-negative country in the world, with 70% of the land covered in forest. THIMPHU The capital of the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is a stronghold of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture and culture. Considered the country’s most modern city, it has retained the unique character of a charming Bhutanese town. Here, an array of restaurants and internet cafés sit alongside old fortresses, monasteries and forests. Thimphu is also the only national capital city in the world to not have any traffic lights. Visitors can embark on beautiful scenic hikes, travel along adventure-filled cycling routes, explore the grand Thimphu Dzong that houses the throne room of the King and venture to the General Post Office, where personalised stamps can be commissioned. GANGTEY Set close to the centre of Bhutan, Gangtey is in a remarkably attractive glacial valley called Phobjikha. One of the most beautiful destinations in Bhutan, it is the winter home to a group of globally endangered black-necked cranes that arrive every year from the Tibetan Plateau. The region boasts various nature trails as well as a Crane Information Centre to educate visitors. Gangtey boasts its own important religious sites such as the Gangtey Goempa Monastery, situated at the head of the valley, from where you can take in exceptional views. PUNAKHA Beautiful Punakha has been linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history, and two of Bhutan’s most significant rivers converge here. At their confluence is the majestic Punakha Dzong, an absolute marvel. The route from Thimphu to Punakha is quite spectacular and takes travellers over the renowned Dochula Pass, which showcases interesting monuments along its course and offers the awe-inspiring opportunity to view the great Himalayan Mountain Range. PARO The historical town of Paro lies at the centre of a valley rich in sacred sites and ancient buildings, and forms part of the core of exceptional destinations in Bhutan. This pretty destination is covered with terraced paddy fields and quaint farmhouses scattered throughout the valley in the lower areas. In the upper reaches, coniferous forests look down onto the beautiful Paro Chhu River, which snakes its way below. Among the many temples in the area Paro is most famous for the iconic Takhtsang Lakhang (also known as the Tiger’s Nest), situated at the northern end of the valley. It is also home to the National Museum, which displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artefacts and artwork. BUMDRA WILDERNESS CAMP The Bumdra Wilderness Camp is located cosily under the deeply revered Bumdra monastery and features spectacular scenic views of the Himalayan range. Bumdra is known as the Cliff of a Hundred Thousand Prayers, or the Rock of One Hundred Thousand Foot Prints, and myth reveals that over 800 years ago one hundred thousand Dakinis (angels) left their gentle footprints on this sacred area when they appeared. *Terms and conditions apply www.andBeyond.com SIGNATURE TRADEMARKS EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION TAJ TASHI (THIMPHU) Boasting sweeping views of the mountains that rise above Thimphu Valley, the Taj Tashi features a spectacular blend of Bhutan’s traditional fort-monastery architecture with the ultimate in modern design.