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"The affairs of the world will go on forever. Do not delay the practice of meditation."
(Milarepa, great Tibetan Yogi (c. 1052 – c. 1135 AD)
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Whether a complete beginner in yoga and meditation or not, for your next escape, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable week of yoga, introspection, and relaxation in the magic and breathtakingly beautiful Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

The path to enlightenment begins with a single step, and the accumulation of such steps over the course of a lifetime is the sacred journey of the yogi. Drawing upon the mystical energy and tradition of the ancient Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan, we will explore the simple yet profound teachings of the Buddha's "Middle Path," the Tao, and the yogic teachings of liberation as we infuse the beauty and serenity of the Himalayas into our body, mind, heart and soul.

At the core of this unique pilgrimage of self-discovery are the timeless and authentic practices of hatha- and kundalini-yoga, qigong and meditation, each of which will be expertly guided daily. These everyday rituals for transformation will be interspersed with excursions to brilliantly ornate monasteries, complimented by exposure to local customs and delicacies, and integrated via nature walks, healing arts and plenty of opportunity for self-reflection. Over the course of this immersion retreat you will develop personal yoga, qigong and meditation (seated, as well as walking & wilderness) practices that will stay with you for the remainder of your life. You will return home with a new sense of purpose, overflowing with joy and wisdom that accompanies an adventure to a land nothing short of Shangri-La.

As is customary with Asian Yoga Holidays retreats, group size is limited to 12 people only. We like to keep our retreats personal and ensure that each participant gets sufficient individual attention both on and off the yoga mat.


This Yoga Escape includes:

	•	Initial private consultation with Nick, the retreat leader
	•	Two daily group Hatha Yoga classes (2 x 90 mins., Tuesday 07 February - Friday 10 February 2012, with an additional class on Monday 06 February 2012 in the afternoon)
	•	Daily talks, satsang, Q&A sessions (45 mins.)
	•	Two daily meditation classes (mantras, music & sounds) (2 x 30 mins.)
	•	Optional daily spiritual cinema – inspirational movies on the big screen
	•	Complimentary use of Uma Paro Facilities: Indoor Swimming Pool, Gym, Outdoor Sundeck, Business Centre, Library
	•	Complimentary 60-minutes COMO Massage at the in-house COMO Shambhala Retreat (1 time/person)
	•	Daily cultural excursions (e.g. nunnery visit or a hike to the country's most well-known Buddhist monastery – Tiger's Nest)
	•	5 nights accommodation
	•	Monday evening Himalayan gourmet welcome dinner (06 February 2012 - day of arrival)
	•	Full board – 3 wholesome, healthy, organic meals daily
	•	Drinking water, herbal teas, fresh extractions and lassies (all beverges included, with the exception of wine, champagne & spirits)
	•	Return airport transfers from Paro International Airport (PBH)

Awards:

	•	Condé Nast Traveller Gold List – Best for Locationof (2008)
	•	Robb Report – The World's 100 Ultimate Escapes (2007)
	•	TTG – Best New Resort Hotel (2005)

Return on Investment:
Tranquil, Elevated, and Inspired.
Not only will you feel renewed from the inside-out, but you leave Bhutan equipped with a set of yogic purification exercises that will allow you to maintain your newly acquired level of well-being, level of radiance and harmony.

About Uma Paro

Nestled in dramatic Himalayan landscape, 2'300 meters above sea level, Uma Paro overlooks pine-clad valleys and snow-capped mountain ranges. Artfully blending exceptional style, quiet comfort and luxury with local tradition, this COMO inland retreat is dedicated to providing a one-of-a-kind experience of Buddhist culture, wholesome activity, and adventure. A veritable haven for luxury travellers, Uma Paro balances the sybaritic with the active life.

The supremely relaxing and refreshingly organic Uma Paro features 9 Superior Rooms, 9 Deluxe Rooms, 2 COMO Suites, 8 One Bedroom Villas, and 1 COMO Villa, each of which comes with stunning views over the surroundings. In-room facilities include 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, in-room safe, coffee and tea making facilities, satellite TV, DVD player. All villas include personal butler service.

Uma Paro is also home to a holistic spa, featuring among others two 90 square meter bath houses, private massage rooms, an indoor pool with outdoor sundeck and a gym. Available treatments incluce the traditional and locally inspired Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath, facials and massages with particular emphasis on the ancient Indian tradition of Ayurveda.

Transfer Time: 10 minutes from Paro International Airport (PBH)

>> click on any of the images above to access the image gallery featuring more shots of Uma Paro and the surroundings

Cuisine

Uma Paro offers a delectable choice of culinary experiences, with an emphasis on the authentic preparation of locally-sourced produce from the Paro valley. The red rice and hand ground buckwheat flour come from the local villages nearby. Farm-fresh free range eggs and cow's milk accompany an array of seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs. Eastern and Central Bhutan valleys supply Uma Paro with freshly churned butter, hand moulded farm cheeses, apple cider vinegar and wild flower honey.
Uma's Executive Chef has a passion to prepare organic, seasonally-driven, health-giving dishes in innovative ways, building layers of flavour that result in a harmonious balance while still providing surprising and delightful contrasts. Living up to the high standards of sophisticated wellness cuisine, great care is taken to retain living enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in all food items.

Uma Paro's culinary artists are committed to:

	•	Satisfy your eyes, your palate and your emotions with beautiful culinary creations.
	•	Educate you about the benefits of a predominantly plant-based diet.
	•	Show you that eating for health can be extremely satisfying!

All meals can be enjoyed on the terrace (weather permitting), at "Bukhari" restaurant, or in-room if that is your preference.

To download a sample breakfast menu, click here (PDF, 57 KB)
To download a sample dinner menu, click here (PDF, 53 KB)

Testimonials:
"Where Heaven and Earth Become One."
(Ahmed, Cairo)

"We received smiling faces and impeccable service from the moment we arrived in Bhutan until we left 5 days later. Exceptional quality of food and superb accommodation made our stay very special."
(Joanna, London)

"Beyond 5 stars – outstanding service, organic luxurious decor, and great food!"
(Tahai, Hong Kong)

"Wonderful accommodations, outstanding service and delicious, healthful cuisine! Not only are the staff professional and detail-oriented, they are smart people who know when and how to take care of you (and when not). A nice cup of hot ginger tea after a hike, fireplace always lit up whenever we were in the villa, bottles of water never far from reach even at 3'100 meters above sea level, people who are genuinely sincere and always there to share their knowledge and experience with you – great hospitality all over the place."
(Jennifer, Bangkok)

About Bhutan
Bhutan is a small, landlocked Himalayan country with India to the south and Tibet to the north. The vast majority of the less than one million Bhutanese still live a rural existence in largely unspoilt villages and towns. The kingdom transitioned from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy in 2008, and has a calm political life. With a mere 15'000 people visiting Bhutan every year, culture and tradition remain so intact that its population continues to wear national dress.

Winter in Bhutan, that is the months of December, January, and February, is characterized by crisp sunny days and cold dry nights, with daytime temperatures reaching up till a comfortable 20°C. This is the ideal season for the best mountain views – gorgeous blue skies and amazing light. Snow may fall but won't settle for long at Uma Paro.

Passport, Government Fees and Visas

All foreign travellers are required to apply for a Visa before entering Bhutan. Asian Yoga Holidays in cooperation with Uma Paro will handle the visa application for you. We require a scanned copy of the photo page of each guest's passport (this must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay) plus a completed copy of the visa form, to be emailed to you after booking. Visa application takes 2 to 3 weeks. Please note that our package prices are inclusive of all taxes and fees.

The Kingdom of Bhutan requires that every foreign national (except Indian nationals) to pay a Daily Government Royalty of USD 65 per person per day, an FIT ("Free Independent Traveler") surcharge of USD 40 per person per day. Additionally, foreign nationals (except Indian nationals) are required to pay a non-refundable Visa fee of USD 20 per application, and a USD 10 Tourism Development Fund Fee per person.

Due to the somewhat tedious Visa application procedure the booking deadline for this yoga escape is 05 January 2012.

To download the Bhutan Factsheet containing more information on how to get to Paro from Bangkok or Delhi, click here (PDF, 2 pages, 66 KB)

TRAILER: Around the World – Bhutan	TRAILER: Ancient Lives – Bhutan
Choose your preferred media player: Quicktime / Flash	Choose your preferred media player: Quicktime / Flash

• Address: Uma Paro, P.O. Box 222, Paro, Kingdom of Bhutan
• Contact: discover@asianyogaholidays.com, +66 (0)83 393 90 21
• Hospitality Partner Website: www.uma.paro.como.bz

Nick Atlas

Nick Atlas is an RYT/IYF and Yoga Alliance 500-hour certified Yoga Instructor with additional training in Qigong, Tantra, Dance/Movement Therapy, Mindfulness meditation and Yoga Nidra. An award-winning visual artist, professional photographer, author, musician, DJ, gardener/naturalist, wilderness guide, Reiki/Qi healer and avid dream-traveler with over ten years experience in the healing arts, he is widely regarded as a teacher's teacher. In 2010 Nick established the School for Mind & Nature, a research center dedicated to the advancement of mind/body arts & sciences.

>> click on any of the images above to access the image gallery featuring more shots of Nick

After graduating from Emory University with a degree in social-psychology, Nick spent several years as a professional photographer documenting tribal communication and ritualism at music festivals throughout North America prior to receiving the bulk of his mind/body education in India and Thailand. To date he's traveled to over twenty-five countries and forty-nine US states honoring the work of an overwhelming number of gifted healers, swamis and shamans, and has served as a faculty assistant to some of the world's foremost spiritual masters. In particular he is proud to honor the work of Toni Bergins, Roger Jahnke, Jack Kornfield, Bobby McFerrin, Dr. Richard Miller, Stephen Spyrit, Swami Vivekananda Saraswati, Ken Cohen and Paulie Zink.

In 2010 Nick established The School for Mind & Nature, a research center dedicated to the advancement of mind/body arts & sciences as universally-accredited forms of preventative and complimentary medicine, as well as prescriptions for the conscious evolution of humankind in the 21st century.

Having facilitated an extensive array of Mind/Body modalities as an instructor and faculty member at some of the world's most renown spiritual resorts such as Canyon Ranch, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, and the Omega Institute, Nick is a dedicated and passionate practitioner and teacher, looking back at over ten years of experience in the healing arts and consciousness studies. Nick anticipates sharing his knowledge, wisdom, unbelievable stories and vast experience and looks forward to learning with you as you become your own master.

Testimonials

Date	Comment
2 June 2011	"I have been lucky enough to get to know and take yoga with Nick for the last six months.  To say he is gifted doesn't begin to tell the story. I loved his Yoga Sleep Therapy class and slept like a baby!" (Barbara, San Francisco)
11 Feb. 2011	"Your yoga sessions were a revelation and I have not seen anything comparable." (Steve, New York City)
8 July 2010	"I've been practicing yoga & meditation for over fifteen years and have a lot of great teachers but you're the best. I love how your approach is so different and complete, much more than just postures. I don't know what it is, but something inside of me has shifted." (Betsy, Western Massachusetts)
23 June 2010	"I remember you kept telling us throughout the practice that the more we "gave ourselves" to the dance, the deeper we would go – the more we would receive. That resonated with me, and I allowed myself to totally surrender to the movement. It was an unexpected breakthrough in healing my issues with trust. Thank you for creating the sacred space and atmosphere for an experience like this to unfold." (Shanti, New York)

Videos >>click to expand/collapse

Guided Relaxation >>click to expand/collapse

Articles >>click to expand/collapse

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Himalayan Yoga Escape with Nick Atlas (06 - 11 February 2012)


Occupancy & Rates * (all prices per person; please note that all government fees and visa costs are included in the package prices below)
(final booking deadline is 05 January 2012)

Single (Superior Room) - 3'960 USD	Single (Deluxe Room) - 4'780 USD	Single (COMO Suite) - 5'890 USD
Single (One Bedroom Villa) - 7'440 USD	Single (COMO Villa) - 15'890 USD
Double (Superior Room) - 3'490 USD	Double (Deluxe Room) - 3'760 USD	Double (COMO Suite) - 4340 USD
Double (One Bedroom Villa) - 5'120 USD	Double (COMO Villa) - 8'490 USD

If you are sharing a villa, what is the name of your room mate?


Please note: Each participant must fill in this registration form separately.


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Terms & Conditions *Download AYH Terms & Conditions (PDF, 4 pages, 68 KB)

	Please ensure that you fully read and understand the terms and conditions outlined below, as they define both parties' rights, responsibilities, and obligations. 1. Contract The following terms and conditions in addition to the general information published on the website www.asianyogaholidays.com form the basis of the contract between you ("Client") and Asian Yoga Holidays (“Company”), 58/10 M. 8, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, THAILAND. Your contact is with Asian Yoga Holidays, either by electronic mail or via phone. The contract between you and the Company comes into existence once the specified deposit has been paid and you have received a written confirmation and acceptance of your booking via electronic mail. If a Client books for a third party, the Client takes on full legal and financial responsibility for the ensuing contract with the Company. All terms and conditions stated herein will automatically apply to the third party in the same way they apply to the Client who is making the bookings. If a Client has any special requests that go beyond the services included in the package he/she is booking, the Company will endeavour to assist the Client but is not obliged to do so. Additional costs arising from the Client's special request will be borne by the Client. 2. Payment, Deposits & Cancellations a) All prices are quoted in American Dollars (USD) and are inclusive of government & service tax. b) A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total package cost per person is required to hold a reservation and secure a booking. c) Payment schedule and cancellation terms: A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total package cost per person is due in the moment of booking and must arrive at the Company's account within 4 days of booking. Full payment must be received no less than 60 days prior to the scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat. If a booking is made within 60 days of the scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat full payment is required at the time of booking. Once full payments are received we will issue a confirmation receipt detailing the package components. Please review the invoice and notify the Company of any errors or changes. We cannot accept any responsibility/liability of errors or inaccuracies, if we are not notified within 15 days of confirmation invoice issuance. Any cancellation must be made in writing (electronic mail). The cancellation will take effect from the day the written confirmation is received. The following scale of charges will be payable depending on when the notification of cancellation is received. - prior to 61 days before scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat: 25% of total holiday/retreat cost - 60-30 days before scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat: 60% of total holiday/retreat cost - less than 30 days before scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat: 100% of total holiday/retreat cost (including no show) 3. Yoga Holiday & Yoga Retreat Package Rates, Pricing Guarantee In today’s global economy, currency fluctuations and fuel price changes are frequent and unpredictable. The Company therefore reserves the right to alter the published prices prior to booking. Once a booking has been made the Company reserves the right to alter the price as a result of foreign government action (including, but not limited to, changes in the rate of VAT and any other duties or levies, exchange rate fluctuations or increases in transportation costs). If the alteration results in an increase of more than 15% of the original cost quoted, the Client may cancel the booking and obtain a full refund, less an administration fee of 100 USD per person and transaction costs. In the event of an increase, an amended email will be sent to the Client and the difference will have to be settled within 7 days. The Company will absorb an amount equivalent to 2% of the package price and only amounts exceeding 2% will be passed on to the Client. No increase will be made within 30 days of scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat. In the rare event that a Yoga Holiday or Yoga Retreat package bought by the Client is subsequently sold or offered at a discounted price, the Company will be under no obligation to refund the difference in price. 4. Yoga Holiday & Yoga Retreat Package Descriptions, Website Accuracy The information about the Yoga Holiday & Yoga Retreat packages featured on our website and in our marketing materials are given in good faith and believed to be accurate at the time of publication. We rigorously check the accuracy of our information supplied on our web site and brochures. However, it may also prove necessary for the Company to vary or modify a package itinerary or its contents due to local prevailing conditions. The Client agrees to such necessary variations or modifications being made and also agrees to be bound by the decision of the Yoga Holiday/Retreat Coordinator or representative appointed by the Company. 5. Booking Changes & Cancellation by Asian Yoga Holidays We hope and expect to be able to provide you with all the services we have confirmed to you at the time of booking. On rare occasions changes do have to be made, and we reserve the right to make these. Most of these changes are minor. However, if we consider them significant changes we will do our best to advise you as soon as possible if there is time. Yoga Holidays & Yoga Retreats need minimum numbers to proceed. If the package arrangement is cancelled because the minimum number of participants required hasn't been reached by the specified deadline, we will inform you in writing within the period indicated in the description of the package and reimburse all monies received (including the non-refundable deposit paid at the time of booking), less applicable transaction costs. If a teacher is unable to come due to last minute accident / illness, we will find a suitable and similarly competent replacement. 6. Curtailment & Unused Services No refund or compensation will be paid by the Company for any unused accommodation, meals, holidays, retreats, services, transportation or other features included in the Yoga Holiday/Retreat. Clients who do not complete a Yoga Holiday/Retreat for any reason whatsoever, will not be refunded for a portion or the remainder of the package booked. 7. Force Majeure The Company accepts no responsibility for and shall not be liable in respect of any loss or damage or alterations, delays or changes arising from (including, but not limited to) unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond its control, such as war, or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial disputes including air traffic control disputes, terrorist activity, political unrest, change in government regulations, natural and nuclear disaster, floods, fire and adverse weather conditions, technical problems with transport, closure or congestion of airports or ports. 8. Responsibilities of the Client a) Health. All clients participating in a Yoga Holiday/Retreat must be in reasonably good health and not have any medical history of mental disorders (schizophrenia), heart failures, lung disorders, epilepsy, or recent surgery and agree to discontinue the Yoga Holiday/Retreat if any serious medical condition arises during the Yoga Holiday/Retreat. It is understood that under no circumstances whatsoever the Company can be held responsible for health issues of a Client. It is recommended that the Client advises the Company of any health conditions in the moment of booking, and that he/she carries sufficient medication for any medical conditions. b) Travel Documents. It is the Client's sole responsibility to ensure that all necessary travel documents such as passports (minimum 6 month prior expiration date) and appropriate entry Visas if applicable are obtained and are valid. The Company cannot accept any responsibility should you be denied access into a country. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results to fines, cost, cancellation charges, or any other penalties imposed to the Company, you will be responsible to reimburse those charges to the Company. c) Insurance. It is the Client's sole responsibility to ensure that he/she has adequate insurance cover. It is a condition of booking a Yoga Holiday/Retreat that the Client has taken out adequate insurance against such risks as (including, but not limited to) medical costs, personal accident risks, personal liability and legal expenses. d) Right Conduct. The Company makes every effort to ensure the highest standards of yoga etiquette and safety. However, Clients are reminded that they take part in a Yoga Holiday/Retreat at their own risk and that they must behave in a fit and proper manner at all times, in accordance with all recognized yoga practices and procedures and take proper responsibility for their own safety. The Company reserves the right to require to withdraw from the Yoga Holiday/Retreat any person whose actions or conduct is considered by the Company in it’s absolute discretion to be incompatible with the comfort and safety of the Company’s other Clients or to be offensive to them. In the event of such misconduct, no liability whatsoever will be owed to that Client by the Company upon withdrawal from the Yoga Holiday/Retreat. 9. Jurisdiction This agreement shall be governed by Thai law and be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Thai Courts. I hereby certify and acknowledge that I understand that my acceptance on a Yoga Holiday/Retreat organized and carried out by Asian Yoga Holidays (“Company”), 58/10 M. 8, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, THAILAND is predicated on my assurance that I am physically fit to engage in a Yoga Holiday/Retreat with exercise and traveling. I fully understand the risk of yoga exercise, of living and/or traveling through a foreign country and the possible dangers arising from the forces of nature, and I am prepared to assume such a risk. In order for the Company to accept me as a member of the aforementioned Yoga Holiday/Retreat, I hereby release and absolve the Company, its agents, employees and invitees thereof from any and all damages resulting from death or personal injuries, including loss of services, which I may sustain on account of, arising from, or in connection with the aforementioned Yoga Holiday/Retreat or from the ownership, maintenance, use, operation or control of any automobile, ship, boat, sport and water sport equipment or otherwise. I further understand that the remoteness of the destination, local custom and/or prevailing weather conditions may cause minor inconvenience or modification to portions of the Yoga Holiday/Retreat, and the Company reserves the right to modify and/or cancel any arrangements due to unfavourable weather conditions and/or technical difficulties. This liability waiver contract signed by me is entirely subject to the terms and conditions above, which have been read, understood, and unconditionally agreed to. I further agree to strictly observe and comply with the additional terms and obligations that Asian Yoga Holidays or any of its employees may deem necessary or needful during the course of the Yoga Holiday/Retreat.
	* I have read and understood the Terms & Conditions and hereby agree to everything outlined therein.

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I have read and understood the Terms & Conditions and hereby agree to everything outlined therein.