Bhutan | Enriching Bhutan - including Yoga Retreat
Unplug, slowdown and be enriched by the magic of Bhutan. Since ancient times alll wise cultures have known the value of retreat. Time in retreat allows us to step out of the complexity of our life, to listen deeply to our body, heart and mind. Mornings will be reserved for more invigorating yoga practice, while evening practice will consist of restorative poses and sitting meditation. During the day, various excursions to important cultural and religious sites will be arranged
| Duration: | 11 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW666 |
| Trip Style: | Superior - 4 star |
| Departure Dates: | 04 Jan 2012 |
| Price: | Please Contact Us |
| Single Supplement: | 570 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
This is a wonderful opportunity for solo travellers to experience the beauty and culture of Bhutan in a small group, and practice yoga and meditation at a luxury retreat under the guidance of a renowned yoga teacher
Trip Details
Wednesday 04 January: Bangkok to Paro Valley to Thimphu Valley
Early morning departure from your overnight accommodation to Bangkok airport to board your Drukair flight to Bhutan.
After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your BTCL guide and driver and transferred by car to Thimphu, travelling through the spectacular countryside enroute to Bhutan's capital. All the houses and buildings are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.
Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Thimphu, both by car and on foot. Your options include a visit to the national textile museum, the paper factory and the institute of the 13 crafts. For the more energetic take a hike (or travel by road) up to the telecom tower via the Takin preserve to enjoy a stunning view of the valley.
Overnight Thimphu - Traditional Bhutanese Hote
Thursday 05 January: At leisure in the Thimphu Valley
This morning travel up the Thimphu valley and hike to the picturesque Cheri or Tango Goemba's. As you travel back to Thimphu city view Tashi Chhoe Dzong, the seats of Bhutan's government and the Royal offices and perhaps pay a visit to Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic training school for astrologers.
This afternoon your options include visiting the folk heritage museum, the handicraft centre or the national library.
Overnight Thimphu - Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Friday 06 January: Thimphu Valley to Punakha Valley
This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards across the Dochu La (Pass) to the Punakha Valley (3 hours). Pass the Semtokha Dzong built in 1629 and once the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley. Today it is a Theological university. Stop at Dochu La to view 108 Stupas and on a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya depending on the time of the year that you are visiting the vista can vary from alpine snow to a profusion of blossoms splashed among the soft green of the wild herbs and forest trees.
Enroute stop and visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman). It is a 20 minute walk from the road at Sepsokha to the temple. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a "wang" (blessing). Enjoy an orientation tour of Punakha this afternoon.
Overnight Punakha Valley - Traditional Bhutanese Hotel
Saturday 07 January: At lesiure in the Punakha Valley
This morning visit the Punakha Saturday market where everyone goes to buy their fresh produce before visiting the Punakha Dzong, the second of Bhutan's Dzongs which previously served as the seat of the government. Punakha Dzong is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body) and holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate.
This afternoon enjoy one of the short hikes or walks on offer in this region or perhaps travel to the end of the valley and wander past the local village farm house and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten.
Overnight Punakha - Traditional Bhutanese Hotel.
Sunday 08 January: Punakha Valley to Paro Valley
This morning transfer westwards to the Paro Valley (4 hrs 45 mins). Enjoy an orientation tour of the major features. In the afternoon why not take a stroll up the Paro main street for some handicrafts or visit the Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge.
Overnight Paro Valley - Zhiwa Ling Resort
Monday 09 January: Day 1 Mindfulness Retreat
Today your 5 day yoga retreat programs begins. In the morning, 2 hours of mindful yoga and sitting meditation. In the evening, 2 hours of restorative yoga and deep relaxation.
During your free time today tour the old ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong, the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory (14km from Paro) from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again. On a clear day views of the 24,000 ft snow domed peaks of sacred Mt Jhomolhari can be seen.
Overnight Paro Valley - Zhiwa Ling Resort
Tuesday 10 January: Day 2 Mindfulness Retreat
In the morning, 2 hours of mindful yoga and sitting meditation. In the evening, 2 hours of restorative yoga and deep relaxation.
Late morning, hike to the Taktsang Monastery (5 hours) or (Tiger's Nest) viewpoint (2 hours). The monastery clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at 3000 ft above the valley floor.
Overnight Paro Valley - Zhiwa Ling Resort
Wednesday 11 January: Day 3 Mindfulness Retreat
In the morning, 2 hours of mindful yoga and sitting meditation. In the evening, 2 hours of restorative yoga and deep relaxation.
If time permits, take a a picnic lunch and travel to Cheli la (pass). It is claimed that this is the highest motorable road in Bhutan. Perhaps hike to Kila Nunnery, the oldest in Bhutan, or try one of the mountain ridge hikes that can offer spectacular mountain views.
Overnight Paro Valley - Zhiwa Ling Resort
Thursday 12 January: Day 4 Mindfulness Retreat
In the morning, 2 hours of mindful yoga and sitting meditation. In the evening, 2 hours of restorative yoga and deep relaxation.
Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in the Paro valley. Why not visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century, and see the amazing orange tree in the courtyard, and enjoy a visit to Ta Dzong, the national museum housed in an ancient watchtower, and view the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings and other artifacts.
Overnight Paro Valley - Zhiwa Ling Resort
Friday 13 January: Day 5 Mindfulness Retreat
In the morning, 2 hours of mindful yoga and sitting meditation. In the evening, 2 hours of restorative yoga and deep relaxation.
Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in the Paro Valley and enjoy all the facilities that the Zhiwa Ling resort has to offer. Perhaps travel into Paro town and hire a bicycle. There is some great sightseeing to do, with riding tracks very close to Paro town, or do some last minute shopping.
Overnight Paro Valley - Zhiwa Ling Resort
Saturday 14 January: Paro to Bangkok
Early morning transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight to Bangkok.
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
The Mindfulness Meditation retreat offers practical instruction and group support for building and strengthening your practice. This gift to yourself gives you real time and space for personal reflection, creating the circumstances for your deeper wisdom to find its way into your everyday life.
With no diversions there is nothing to distract us. Self-knowledge and understanding grow as we see that we can live each moment with clarity and awareness. By cultivating the power of present moment awareness we discover inner freedom and a peaceful heart.
In ancient times exercise and meditation were inseparable pathways to awareness. Today, the powerful techniques of mindful yoga, breathing and meditation help us balance the demands of daily life to offer lasting holistic benefits for the body, mind and spirit. When we cultivate the wisdom of our body and mind through movement practices, breathing exercises and meditation, we invite peace of mind.
We offer this mindfulness meditation and yoga practice in the magical setting of Bhutan, where you can unwind, relax and come into a more integrated relationship with yourself and your world. Whether you have been practicing for years, or are just beginning to explore these ancient practices, you will benefit from the beauty and richness of Mindfulness in Bhutan.
Each day of the retreat begins with morning practice of Mindful Yoga and sitting meditation. The eveing sessions also include talks on how we can incorporate mindfulness practices in daily life, discussion and reflection.
SITTING MEDITATION: In sitting practice inner silence and stillness develop, concentration deepens, and awareness expands. Gradually and gently the meditation begins with awareness of breath and opens to include mindfulness of all experiences, external and internal, of body sensations and emotions, of thoughts and the nature of mind.
MINDFUL YOGA: Just as in sitting meditation, where attention is brought to the rhythmic patterns of breathing, Mindful Yoga invites the attention to rest on sensations of the body, becoming aware in the midst of activity. The yoga practices will focus on the deep reflective observations of the body in both stillness and motion.
ZHIWA LING RESORT
This is the first 5 star resort in the Paro Valley to be owned and operated by a Bhutanese enterprise.
The 45-room Zhiwa Ling combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse with the best of 21st century technology. Envisioned and created by a local Bhutanese company, the hotel's elaborate hand-carved wooden cornices and masterful stonework coexist beautifully with cutting-edge telecommunication systems and Swedish under-floor heating.
The spa offers all the amenities of a modern fitness centre - sauna, steam room, gym - as well as a traditional Bhutanese outdoor hot-stone bath. There is a Business Centre, and a Tea House, two fully-equipped conference rooms and a Meditation House. One restaurant specialises in contemporary international cuisine, the other classic Bhutanese dishes. And everyone gathers at the Mad Monk Bar for after-hours fun.
Honouring the spiritual heritage of this ancient Buddhist kingdom, a temple has been built into the second floor of the hotel, made with 450-year-old timbers from the famous Gangtey Monastery, the crowning glory of this new ten-acre cultural landmark in the quiet Paro Valley where Zhiwa Ling fully lives up to its name: Place of Peace.
Guest rooms are appointed with oak floors, hand-knotted rugs and rich furnishings reflecting the heritage of the country, and respect the traditional skills of local craftsmen. All rooms feature satellite television, direct dial telephones and wireless internet connectivity. In-room dining, laundry and the Spa add to the experience of living in the place of peace.
Inclusions
- Drukair economy return airfares to Bangkok/Paro, Bhutan including taxes
- Visa Fees, Government Royalties and Paro Airport Taxes
- Personal guide driver and minibus
- All touring & transfers throughout your journey
- Traditional Bhutanese Hotel Accommodation with private bathrooms - for 4 nights
- All meals
- Entrance fees and sightseeing
- Professionally Operated by Bhutan Tourism Corporation - BTCL
- 6 nights at the luxury Zhiwa Ling Resort Paro
- 5 Morning and evening sessions of Mindful Yoga & Sitting Meditation with specialist Ms Sally Flynn while staying at the Zhiwa Ling Resort
What's Not Included
- Airfares to/from Bangkok
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
