Bair Manzarkhan, LMT, Tibetan medicine and Yuthok Nyigthik practitioner. A native of Buryat-Mongol in Eastern Siberia. With 19 years experience in external therapies of different modalities. Medical and psychological degrees in western education. Mantra healer, yoga and meditation instructor.
Details of this retreat
Rejuvenation & Self-Healing Through Ancient Tibetan Wisdom
This retreat aims at Eliminating Obstacles (Geksel) through reconnecting with the Five Elements, Five Chakras, and Five Inner Lights, which help us to understand our nature and supports us in meeting life’s challenges with clarity, balance, and awareness. Rooted in the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism and Sowa Rigpa (Science of Healing), participants are guided to explore their unique elemental constitution and to understand how the Five Elements — Space, Wind, Fire, Water, and Earth — guide body, energy, and mind.
Through experiential teachings and meditative practice, this retreat offers an accessible yet profound introduction to Tibetan Medicine, suitable for both experienced practitioners and those new to meditation. The intention is to cultivate a deeper connection with one’s true nature, supporting self-healing and the healing of others, emotional balance, and embodied understanding through the integration of ancient wisdom and contemplative practices.
Thursday, May 21
3 - 6 pm Arrival and Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Welcome Program: The Philosophy of Sowa Rigpa
Friday, May 22
7 - 8 am Early Morning Program (Tibetan Yoga)
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm The Five Elements: Subtle and Gross Elements, Elemental Cycles, and the Five Internal Elements
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3 pm Break / Integration Time
3 - 5:30 pm The Three Humors
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Program: Shanglon Practice
Saturday, May 23
7 - 8 am Early Morning Program (Tibetan Yoga)
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Discovering Your Body and Mind Constitution
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3 pm Break / Personal Practice
3 - 5:30 pm Introduction to Eliminating Obstacles Practice
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Eliminating Obstacles Meditation Practice
Sunday, May 24
7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 - 8 am Sang Offering to Shanglon
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Eliminating Obstacles Practice & Questions
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
Getting Here
Menla, 375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
Accommodation
Deluxe Queen
Deluxe Queen Room with Queen Bed and Private Bathroom
Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available
Air Conditioning
All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers.
Deluxe Queen Rooms are Available in Lhasa Inn and Kathmandu House
* Please note that rates include meals and accommodations
Deluxe Double (Shared Room)
Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Size Beds and Private Bathroom
Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available
Air Conditioning
All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers.
Deluxe Double Rooms with Private Bathrooms are Located in the Lhasa Inn
* Please note rates include meals and accommodations.
This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.
Economy Premium Single - Shared Bath
Standard Premium Single Room with a Queen or Full Bed and Shared Bathroom
Up to 10 guests share two large bathrooms. Each bathroom has two shower stalls and two toilets.
A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room
Phone Access Available in Upper Level Of Conference Center. All calls are free of charge
This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant.
* Please note rates include meals and accommodations.
Economy Single - Shared Bath
Standard Single Room with a Twin Bed and Shared Bathroom
Bathroom is Shared with One to Six Other Guests on Your Floor.
A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room
Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge.
This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant.
* Please note rates include meals and accommodations.
Economy Double - Shared Bath (Shared Room)
Standard Double with Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom
The bathroom is Shared with other rooms on the same floor.
High-speed Wi-Fi is available in the room.
Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge.
This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant.
* Please note that rates include meals and accommodations
* Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed)
* This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others
Customer Reviews
4.75 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
An amazing experience, as always!
Menla impresses me year after year. The feeling is like none other. Spiritual, safe, calm, even when the outer world is chaos. The staff are not just friendly, but make Menla feel at home and the event seamless, no matter the weather or obstacles that seem to pop up. My members had an incredible experience. We will continue to come back year after year to host the retreat in this magical place!
5.0
Verified
An Awesome Retreat Experience for mind and body
I went into IGNITING 2026: Light the Fire of Joy through Compassion at the Menla Institute thinking it would be “nice.” It ended up being so much more than I expected - one of those retreats that leaves you feeling genuinely lighter, more grounded, and strangely energized in the best way.
Food: Truly ah-mazing. Since it was vegan and gluten-free, I was expecting it to be… fine. Instead, everything was full of flavor, thoughtfully prepared, and satisfying. And the desserts at dinner? Honestly, a highlight on their own.
Dr. Bob Thurman: The star of the show. Every one of us LOVED his talks. He’s wildly knowledgeable, sharp, and somehow manages to make profound teachings feel totally alive and accessible. Also: he is hilarious. We were completely locked in listening to him - equal parts learning and laughing.
Yoga (Michele Loew): I loved Michele’s classes. She guided the whole group through a beautiful sequence - warm-up, deep stretching, and meditation - in a way that felt supportive and skillful. Her Yoga Nidra was especially powerful, and having Arjun join for the sound bath made it even more immersive.
Krishna Das: Forever the best. He’s the reason we showed up - and he delivered that heart-opening magic he always does. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d also love Michele and Dr. Thurman. This retreat wasn’t just “Krishna Das + extras” - it felt like a complete, beautifully balanced experience.
Marina Abramović: What a soul. Hearing her story - where she came from, what she endured, and how she continues to transform - was deeply moving. She carries a kind of strength and honesty that makes you reflect on your own life in a meaningful way.
Gratitude: Special thanks to Piotr for the tech setup. He was fantastic - calm, capable, and it made everything run smoothly.
Overall, this retreat felt like a real New Year reset - a blend of dharma, movement, music, and reflection that actually lands in your body and your life. I left with more joy, more clarity, and a very full heart.
5.0
Verified
Delighted and Ignited!
Everything was wonderful. The lodging, (Eva's cabin), the amazing food, and especially, everyone who works there, soul food on every level. Michelle's yoga and yoga nidra were unexpected highlights for me. She is emobodied wisdom. Can't imagine this retreat without her. I loved yoga with John Campbell of course--it would be wonderful to have both!!! Like she could do morning and he could have afternoon offering? The yoga nidra and soundscape were very powerful and transformational. Of course, Bob Thurman is a delight and central. The kirtan was so nourishing and pure pleasure. I am just awed by the experience that was created. Divine abundance. The part that couldn't be "controlled" of course by Menla, is the other retreaters--and my fellow passengers were so wise, funny, earnest, kind, considerate, adult--exactly who would be drawn to such an event, at that time, as I had hoped. Did I mention how amazing Michelle is :-)?
5.0
Verified
Menla is a warm supportive space for personal growth and transformation
Everyone at Menla is devoted to provided a supportive space for personal growth. I am deeply grateful. And, the food is delicious.
5.0
Verified
Healty Place with nice peoples and magical nature. Rejouvinate and
Rejuvenating and restorative.Well equipped. Excellent food. Competent staff.
Select your options
Available Dates
May 21 - 24, 2026
Select a Room
Deluxe Queen
$1,560.00
Deluxe Queen Room with Queen Bed and Private Bathroom
Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available
Air Conditioning
All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers.
Deluxe Queen Rooms are Available in Lhasa Inn and Kathmandu House
* Please note that rates include meals and accommodations
Deluxe Double (Shared Room)
$1,317.00
Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Size Beds and Private Bathroom
Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available
Air Conditioning
All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers.
Deluxe Double Rooms with Private Bathrooms are Located in the Lhasa Inn
* Please note rates include meals and accommodations.
This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.
Economy Premium Single - Shared Bath
$1,263.00
Standard Premium Single Room with a Queen or Full Bed and Shared Bathroom
Up to 10 guests share two large bathrooms. Each bathroom has two shower stalls and two toilets.
A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room
Phone Access Available in Upper Level Of Conference Center. All calls are free of charge
This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant.
* Please note rates include meals and accommodations.
Economy Single - Shared Bath
$1,152.00
Standard Single Room with a Twin Bed and Shared Bathroom
Bathroom is Shared with One to Six Other Guests on Your Floor.
A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room
Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge.
This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant.
* Please note rates include meals and accommodations.
Economy Double - Shared Bath (Shared Room)
$1,122.00
Standard Double with Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom
The bathroom is Shared with other rooms on the same floor.
High-speed Wi-Fi is available in the room.
Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge.
This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant.
* Please note that rates include meals and accommodations
* Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed)
* This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others
Cameron's Staff Pick
Verified
Spirituality
Meditation
Yoga
Plant Medicine
