Yoga for the travelling body and soul
A yoga retreat among Bhutan’s dramatic scenery will soothe Nelson souls and help raise money to educate rural Nepalese children.
The Beyond the Clouds journey is part of Nelson charity organisation First Steps Himalaya. The tour will take a group of New Zealanders on a nine-day-tour through some of Bhutan’s most pristine regions.
Profits from the trip will allow locals to build earthquake-proof classrooms in Sindhupalchok, Nepal’s worst quake-affected district.
On September 29, yoga teacher Kathy Valler will head the group and kick start the adventure in Paro – a town in a valley west of the capital, Thimphu. Participants will experience a Bhutanese Tschechu, festival, and visit the majestic Punakha Dzong where the coronation of the first king of Bhutan was held.
Two nights will be spent in a traditional farmhouse and the group will be invited to combine yoga practice with day hikes and sightseeing.
Before leaving Bhutan, the group will visit the Taktshang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. Bhutan’s most famous landmark is a sacred, ancient Buddhist monastery which clings to a cliff 1000 metres from the valley floor.
Valler said she was honoured to lead the journey through Bhutan and pass on her yoga teachings to the group. She said First Steps Himalaya was a great cause.
‘‘Anyone with an interest in furthering their yoga practice, in this spiritual destination, should consider joining us.’’
First Steps Himalaya founding director Fionna Heiton said last year’s trip to Bhutan blew her away. ‘‘There’s a real lack of tourists in Bhutan, it’s a clean, green heaven,’’ she said. ‘‘You have to pinch yourself to believe you are really there.’’
Beyond the Clouds runs a number of trips through Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet and also offers tours and journeys that help raise funds for the charity, First Steps Himalaya.
Tours can be combined with volunteer work that helps building projects in Nepal.
For more information visit beyondtheclouds.org.nz, or email info@beyondtheclouds.org.nz. The trip runs from September 29 to October 8 and is priced at US$4925 (flights included).