Bhutan Yoga Journey

15th October – 24th October 2018

Beyond The Clouds has created this Yoga Journey for you to experience yoga in a variety of stunning locations across beautiful western Bhutan. On this ten night journey you will discover the well-preserved unique traditions of a country where Gross National Happiness is more important than economic growth! Step into this magical land with us whilst furthering your yoga practice. Our carefully planned tours show you Bhutan’s stunning natural environment, ancient Buddhist temples and friendly and hospitable local people.

9 night tour Departs: London, UK Price: US$ 4,995 (twin share) Single room supplement US$45 per night, subject to availability. Inclusions: ✓ International flights from London, UK to Bhutan ✓ 9 nights’ hotel accommodation (more luxurious in Paro and comfortable elsewhere) ✓ Transport by private luxury bus ✓ Bhutan visa, Bhutan government tourism royalties and local taxes ✓ All meals, mineral water, tea and coffee ✓ English speaking Bhutanese guide ✓ All entrance fees at monasteries and museums ✓ Internationally qualified yoga instructor and use of yoga mats

Stopover accommodation (in Kathmandu or Delhi, if required) Transit visa (if required) Comprehensive travel insurance (Visit our website to get a quote) Alcoholic or soft drinks Additional extra activities e.g. massage, hot stone baths Laundry Tips for guide and driver

About this trip: Your Yoga Journey begins in Paro, home to Bhutan’s only international airport. Spend your first night in the stunning Paro Valley at a Bhutanese-style resort on the edge of a forest just outside the town. Wake up to breath-taking views of Himalayan peaks in your rustic villa. The spacious wood- clad yoga studio looks out on one of Bhutan’s highest mountains, inspiring daily yoga practice.

We travel onwards to Haa, a picturesque valley off the beaten track, and a favourite peaceful experience of life in the Himalayas. Effortlessly charming, Haa is an ideal base for a short day hike, daily yoga practice, and visits to small local temples. Stay in a charming family run converted farmhouse adorned with hand painted murals and an atmospheric shrine room.

From Haa we drive across to Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital city and the only capital in the world without traffic lights! Spend two nights exploring this fascinating little city and take a day hike to Cheri Monastery, a place of pilgrimage for many Bhutanese.

We continue our journey via the scenic Dochu La Pass to Punakha which served as Bhutan’s capital for 300 years, and stay in Wangdue Phodrang. Walk to Chimi Lhakhang Monastery, one of the most revered temples in Bhutan and visit Rinchengang village. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, an ancient monastery built in 1637, and arguably the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. Continue to the Nalanda Buddhist Institute and Sangchen Dorji Lhendrub Choling Nunnery.

Returning to Paro, we take some time to relax into our yoga practice and soak up the joyful Bhutanese lifestyle. On our final day, before leaving Bhutan, we hike up to the grand Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Bhutan’s most famous landmark. A hike up through blue pines, passing water-powered prayer wheels, leads you to this most holy site. This ancient monastery clings miraculously to a sheer cliff, rising 1,000 metres from the valley floor. The views are magnificent over the Paro Valley and the only sounds to be heard are prayer flags blowing in the wind. It’s the perfect end to a journey through the peaceful Dragon Kingdom.

Your teacher: Chrissy has been teaching yoga classes and retreats for the past 12 years and began to practice yoga over 25 years ago. She is trained in Dru Yoga, Gentle Somatic Yoga, the Yoga of Sound, and Yoga Nidra and she is also a Chakradance Facilitator. Chrissy is passionate about yoga that is inclusive, friendly and accessible to people of all body shapes and sizes, ages and abilities. She creates an experience for her students that is guided by her Buddhist practice of Metta, or compassionate loving kindness, so her classes can be both beautifully centering, and calming but also energizing and fun! She is always encouraging - her teaching is full of light heartedness – and with her love of travel off the beaten track, you can be sure that Chrissy will be a wonderful yoga guide for your journey into one of the most awe inspiring, spiritual countries in the world.

Itinerary (Please note this itinerary may be subject to change)

Day 1: 15th October PARO You will be met at the airport by your guide and travel to your hotel just outside Paro. Visit Paro Dzong, the National Museum and the famous Nyamai Zam Bridge. Altitude: 2,250 m Overnight: Paro

Day 2: 16th October HAA Drive to the beautiful valley of Haa and visit the black and white temples. Your accommodation is a rustic lodge where you can take hot stone baths (optional). Driving time: 3 hrs Altitude: 2,700 m Overnight: Haa

Day 3: 17th October HAA Wake up to soft morning light on the picturesque valley around you, and go on a day hike through the forest. Altitude: 2,700 m Overnight: Haa

Day 4: 18th October THIMPU Drive to Thimpu and visit the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point and Trashicho dzong. Driving time: 4 hrs Altitude: 2,350 m Overnight: Thimpu

Day 5: 19th October THIMPU Day hike to Cheri Monastery, followed by visits to the Textile Museum, Post Office and the school of Traditional Arts and Crafts. Driving time: 1 hr Altitude: 2,350 m Overnight: Thimpu

Day 6: 20th October WANGDUE PHODRANG Drive to Wangdue Phodrang via the Dochula Pass. Visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple and Rinchengang Village. Driving time: 3 hrs Altitude: 1,310 m Overnight: Wangdue Phodrang

Day 7: 21st October WANGDUE PHODRANG Visit Punakha Dzong, the Nalanda Buddhist Institute and Sangchen Dorji Lhendrub Choling Nunnery. Altitude: 1,310 m Overnight: Wangdue Phodrang

Day 8: 22nd October PARO Return to Paro. Relax and settle in to your charming hotel just outside the town. Driving time: 4hrs Altitude: 2,250 m Overnight: Paro

Day 9: 23rd October PARO Day hike to Tiger’s Nest monastery. Altitude: 2,250 m Overnight: Paro

NB: Daily yoga sessions will be incorporated into this itinerary

About Beyond The Clouds Beyond The Clouds is run by First Steps Himalaya, a New Zealand-based charitable trust operating quality school-based education projects in rural Nepal to give children the opportunity to reach their full potential. We work closely with government schools to upgrade classrooms and train teachers. Our projects aim to encourage children to learn through child friendly teaching methods. Since the devastating earthquakes struck Nepal in April & May 2015, First Steps Himalaya has committed to rebuilding classrooms and schools in its project area using the earthquake resilient earthbag construction method.

Your participation on this Beyond The Clouds Journey provides us with vital funds to help us run our organisation. The Beyond The Clouds team has years of experience in running unique Himalayan tours. This is reflected in our high quality service combining our thorough knowledge and carefully selected accommodation and itineraries.

How to book Please visit https://www.beyondtheclouds.org.nz/bhutan-yoga-with-chrissy-chelinski and click on ‘book now’. Once we confirm that a space is available for you, a deposit of US$1000 will be required to secure your place (or full payment if within 60 days of departure). Please note US$200 of this deposit is non-refundable.