Our Himalayan Yoga Adventures take you to the spiritual heart of yoga
A HIMALAYAN YOGA ADVENTURE IN CENTRAL BHUTAN
Visit the famous Tiger's Nest temple perched on a mountainside
Have a traditional Bhutanese Khuney massage and Hot Stone Bath
Camp under the full moon and make an offering at the Dakini Temple
Visit the local Cham dance festival at Thamsing Lhakhang
Spin Tibetan prayer wheels and sit in meditation with monks
Hike through ancient forests to visit Buddhist temples and dzongs
What You'll Experience
September 21 – October 2, 2020 | $3,500 USD
The Yoga Adventure in Bhutan is the perfect opportunity to explore the land of the Thunder Dragon. It’s an authentic journey into yoga practice, Buddhist dharma and Bhutanese culture situated in breathtaking Himalayan landscapes where you can relax in pure nature. On this trip, we will journey through spectacular landscapes to Tongsa and the more remote Bumthang in Central Bhutan. We will visit the Thamsing Cham dance festival at the sacred Guru Rinpoche site, Kurgey Lhakhang, as well as visit Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) in West Bhutan.
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You will visit impressive Buddhist temples and ancient dzongs, receive blessings and teachings from Rinpoches, meet local yogis, meditate with monks in monasteries, trek through first growth forests with views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. We will wander through small villages, experience the gentle flow of rural life and meet friendly and hospitable local people.
The thread of this unique Himalayan pilgrimage is the Yoga and you will practice daily meditation, pranayama and asana, as well as receive Buddhist teachings continuously as we travel to sacred sites in Bhutan. Buddhist holy places are charged with divine presence. They are the abodes of the Gods. These mysterious power places open up a space within us where we may connect to our own divine essence. Bhutan is an inspiring destination that will leave you feeling nurtured, peaceful and serene.
Itinerary
DAY 1 – SEPT 21
Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu. 50 km appx 1.5 hour drive.
You will be met at the Paro airport by your guide and driven to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Check into hotel and relax before exploring a few sights. Bhutan Textile Museum, Zilukha Nunnery for evening puja. Opening Ceremony.
Altitude: 7010 ft / 2350m
Overnight at Thimphu
DAY 2 – SEPT 22
Thimphu to Punakha. 77km; 2hrs drive.
Morning yoga. Drive to Punakha (which served as Bhutan’s capital for 300 years) through Dochula Pass (10142ft / 3091m) with panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges, the 108 Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang memorial chortens, ancient forests and fertile valleys. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss. Built in 1637 C.E., this ancient monastery is the second oldest in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures Drive to the hotel. Evening yoga.
Altitude: 4430ft / 1350m
Overnight in Punakha
DAY 3 – SEPT 23
Punakha to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten. 1.5 hours (42.9 km)
Morning yoga. Walk through rice paddies and forests to an exquisite tantric temple, with a Zangtopelri
to Padmasambhava. Raft the River to a picnic lunch. Afternoon yoga.
Altitude: 4430ft / 1350m
Overnight in Punakha
DAY 4 – SEPT 24
Punakha to Trongsa. 3 h 55 min (138.3 km).
Morning yoga. Visit Trongsa Dzong (1543 C.E.) and the Royal Heritage Museum of Trongsa.
Possible afternoon walk to Taphey Gompa.
Altitude: 7,215ft / 2,200m
Overnight in Trongsa
DAY 5 – SEPT 26
Trongsa to Bumthang. 2 h 48 min (79.0 km)
Drive through pristine forest and dramatic landscapes to Bumthang. Visit to Jampay Lakhang and Kurjey Lakhang.
Altitude: 9185ft / 2800m
Overnight in Bumthang
DAY 6 – SEPT 27
Bumthang
Morning yoga. Thamsing Lakhang Dance Festival. Afternoon yoga.
Altitude: 9185ft / 2800m
Overnight in Bumthang
DAY 7 – SEPT 28
Bumthang to Tang Valley. 2 h 2 min (46.1 km)
Morning yoga. Naring Drak and Mebartso the sacred Burning Lake and Chel Baridrang (birthplace of Pema Lingpa).
Altitude: 9185ft / 2800m
Overnight in Bumthang
DAY 8 – SEPT 29
Fly from Bumthang to Paro.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery in Bhutan. Have a teaching at the Memorial House of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The afternoon is free to shop for souvenirs in Paro town. Afternoon yoga.
Altitude: 7218ft / 2200m
Overnight in Paro
DAY 9 – SEPT 30
Paro to Bumdra Trek. 5 hour hike.
Morning yoga.
Walk at a leisurely pace through ancient forests and ridges with views of the
Paro and Do Chhu valleys and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and high wide meadows
dotted with prayer flags and sacred chortens. This day retreat will be led by Dr. (Amchi)
Sherab who will do a Riwo Sangha ceremony and teach Tibetan yoga.
We will visit the Dakini Cave of a Hundred Thousand Prayers.
Full moon glamping in pure nature.
Altitude: 12467ft / 3800m
Overnight in Bumdra
DAY 10 – Oct 1
Bumdra to Taktshang Paro. 5-hour hike.
The day begins with a Riwo Sangchö smoke ceremony, led by Dr. (Amchi)
Sherab, who will teach Tibetan Yoga. Our trek descends for 2 hours through
spectacular scenery, past the cave of Machig Labdron (11th C.E. Tibetan tantric
yogini and founder of Chöd), before reaching the gardens of Zangtopelri (Heaven on Earth) for a picnic lunch. Soon we arrive at the ultimate Buddhist site – Guru Rinpoche’s Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest – perched on the edge of a sheer cliff, rising 1000 meters from the valley floor. The trail then wanders through a blue pine forest, past fluttering prayer flags and hydro-powered spinning prayer wheels, to your awaiting vehicle to take you to the hotel.
Late afternoon yoga class and Closing Ceremony.
Altitude: 7218ft / 2200m
Overnight in Paro
DAY 11 – Oct 2
Departure day.
*Note: The daily schedule might be subject to change due to circumstances that may arise and in the
highest interests of the program.
The Yoga
Heather Elton and has led international yoga retreats in India and Nepal for over decade. She believes the Himalayas are the most authentic place to practice yoga. Ancient yoga traditions are still alive and practiced by yogis. This realisation led to the creation of Himalayan Yoga Adventures in 2014. Heather began her practice of Modern Postural Yoga in the 1986 and has taught yoga for 15 years. She is also a Buddhist practitioner and has been initiated into the Nath Sampradaya. Heather is the main teacher on the Yoga Adventure but you will also have encounters and teachings with lamas, Rinpoches, khenpos and yogis. Heather teaches Pranayama, Meditation and Asana, as well as Tools of Tantra. Hatha Vinyasa Yoga is taught in a way that integrates ancient wisdom traditions with contemporary psychology into a mindful practice designed to diminish suffering in our lives.
The ‘Tools of Tantra’ section of the program includes basic techniques of spiritual practice: How to use a mala, recite a mantra, spin prayer wheels, walk the Kora. Practice Tantric visualisations of prana/nadis/bindu and chakra meditations to deepen your understanding of the subtle energy body. Receive darshan, puja and blessings, make a Bhakti offering to a deity, and learn how to enter a temple in a respectful way and what to do inside.
For details about Heather see here.
Where You'll Stay
We’ll travel in a luxury bus and stay in a variety of hand-picked hotels from stylish boutique resorts with luxurious spas, to traditional rustic and charming Bhutanese guesthouses, and glamping under the stars. All hotels blend modern conveniences with traditional architecture and are situated in a peaceful natural environment. You will awaken to the peaceful sound of birdsong and awe-inspiring views of Himalayan peaks. We’ll eat delicious local vegetarian cuisine, and dress and behave respectfully in accordance with local custom.
Is This Adventure For You?
If you have an interest in yoga, Buddhism or Bhutan, this Yoga Adventure is for you! It’s great if you’re interested in spiritual practice and have read a few yoga philosophy texts and have a regular asana practice, but that’s not a pre-requisite. The Adventure is open to everyone and all levels of yoga practice will be nurtured. You do need to be fit enough to hike a couple of hours per day. Dharma practitioners, artists, sculptors, and photographers are all welcome. This adventure is ideal for yoga teachers who want to integrate yoga philosophy and texture into your teachings, or for academics and scholars who want to embody the theory into a living practice. A curious mind and a desire to experience the wider realms of yoga are essential.
What People Say
"Only one problem! It was so good gotta go back."
“I have never before witnessed such a beautiful country. The Bhutanese people shine with the energy coming from the nature all around them. 10 days with Heather was a fantastic way to experience this nature, cultural heritage and religion, with clear perception from practicing yoga and meditation all the way.” – Pete Lausberg
“Bhutan with Heather was the ultimate life experience!"
“I felt fully immersed and it sunk deep into my heart to take back home. Heather and Sacred Himalayan Travel put on the most memorable visits and incredible picnic lunches… Bhutan is an exceptionally beautiful and unspoiled country, and Heather’s knowledge and passion brings out the best it has to offer, as well as guiding you into a deeper practice of yoga, meditation and Buddhism. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Heather for organising such a magical and memorable trip.” – Varvara Dranidis-Morgan
"Heather is a spiritual polymath"
“A spiritual polymath, Heather is able to draw on an enormous range of secular and spiritual sources to demonstrate the union of wisdom teachings, from Gandhi to Tagore, from Nagarjuna to something she read in the paper last week.” – Jonathan Ekstrom
"The perfect balance of asana and philosophy"
“Heather is an outstanding yoga teacher. She is authentic with a strong approach and style of teaching. Our group was a mixed level group and Heather excelled at teaching to all levels. I’m a yoga teacher and am very impressed with how Heather handled the group. By the end of the week, everyone’s practice had evolved and deepened. She is open and friendly. Heather provided the perfect balance of asana and philosophy. Every thing she taught was relevant and interesting. Heather is an excellent instructor and she very quickly became familiar with each of us, our abilities, limitations and levels of expertise. She understands alignment principles and her adjustments were spot on. I really enjoyed the way she conducted each class and I particularly enjoyed the sequencing. She is concise, competent, and supportive yet firm. She created an atmosphere of trust and we all bonded as a group from the first day. It was truly a memorable week.” – Connie Muradyan
"She speaks truth to what is."
My yoga teacher from Nepal has created an authentic yoga journey in Bhutan. Go if you are called to exploring the roots of Buddhism, yoga and meditation. Go if you are curious about where you are capable of reaching in this life. Go if you are seeking exploration outside of this modern, West, consumerist, white supremacist, patriarchal worldview. She is a true yogi, has dedicated her life to study and practice with gurus; she is the real deal when it comes to teachers who can facilitate spiritual growth and curiosity because she has first faced herself, she has looked inward and done the work for decades. She speaks truth to what is.
"A profound experience"
“Heather provided a safe and nurturing environment, which facilitated the group dynamics as well as the individual’s pace of learning and development. It was a profound experience.” – Ellie Roberts
"Being taught yoga by a true yogi"
“Once again, THANK YOU for a great retreat. The setting was amazing, the company was great and the teaching was excellent. It has been great being taught yoga by a true yogi and I have totally enjoyed and learned plenty during the week. Thank you also for inspiring and empowering us to self-practice…” – Maria da Cunha
"A life-changing journey"
“I feel like this is the beginning of the rest of my life. I’ve taken that first, very difficult step, on a very long road. I’ll be eternally grateful for the support and guidance you’ve shown me in making a life-changing journey.” – Sarah Osborne
Your Investment
Dates: September 21 – October 2, 2020
Cost: $3,500 USD
Single Supplement: $650 USD
Bhutan Yoga Adventure is produced in partnership with Sacred Himalaya Travel in Bhutan. Laxmi Sherpa is happy to arrange your international flights and further travels in Bhutan.
TRIP INCLUDES
- All accommodation in handpicked hotels
- Return domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang
- 11 nights in 3* hotel; twin sharing
- 1 night luxury camping at Bumdra
- Three vegetarian meals per day;
- Mineral water, tea & coffee
- Kuney massage and Hot Stone Bath
- Transport by luxury vehicle in Bhutan
- English speaking Bhutanese guide
- All entrance fees at monasteries and museums in Bhutan
- Bhutan visa, Bhutan government tourism royalties and local taxes
- Yoga tuition
TRIP EXCLUDES
- International air fare
- Travel insurance
- All personal expenses
- Tips or gratuities
