INNER SILENCE AT AMANKORA IN BHUTAN

By: Christian Stan | 10 January, 2015

Recognized as the last surviving Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom, Bhutan is true to its cultural, spiritual and
social traditions. This May stay at Amankora and embark on a spiritual journey through the country’s western and central valleys. Embrace the inner silence reflected in its natural beauty and Buddhist teachings.

Using the simple Buddhist technique of ‘mindfulness’, guests will be taught how to bring together awareness of mind, body and breath on this nine-night kora (journey) aimed at developing deeper self-awareness and transforming the mind into a vehicle of enlightened thought. Guided by Mala Barua, the retreat incorporates practises from Tantric Buddhism prevalent in Bhutan, as well as Vedantic principles.

Each day will begin with a zen walking meditation that helps facilitate an awareness of breath, body and thought. Following the first morning’s walk, Mala will introduce these individual components of awareness, which will be further explored over subsequent days.

Each day will incorporate guided meditation, talks and simple exercises which will add immeasurably to this inner and outer journey through four of the Kingdom’s valleys. The last two days of the retreat focus on Buddha’s teachings relating to the nature of suffering and the beauty of silence. The principles of mindfulness will guide guests to experience the natural beauty, culture and spirituality of Bhutan in a more intimate and personal way.

The rates are as follows:

Suite (double occupancy) US$13,950++*

Suite (single occupancy) US$13,050++*

Rates are inclusive of accommodation plus all meals and house beverages for nine nights, a private car, driver and guide for the entire journey and one 60-minute massage at the Amankora spa per person. Rates are subject to 20% government tax and service charge, FIT surcharge of US$30 per person per day (US$40 for single occupancy), government royalties of US$65 per person per day (except Indian nationals), visa application fee of US$40 per person and a Sustainable Tourism Tax of US$10 per person.

Combining the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’ with kora or ‘circular pilgrimage’ in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language, Amankora is a series of lodges across the central and western valleys of Bhutan. The sole surviving Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom, Bhutan is located between the Tibetan Plateau and India, making it one of the most remote and pristine environments on earth. Descending from 7,000-metre high peaks in the north to the low-lying plains of the south, Bhutan’s rivers have forged deep valleys separated by high mountain passes. Historically isolated, each valley’s scenic beauty and topography affords visitors an opportunity for unique journeys of discovery between them.

To best experience all that Bhutan has to offer, Amankora can tailor journeys that include a combination of its Bhutan luxury accommodations located in the valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang.