Tashi Gomang Retreat Cabins
KTTG has been proud to offer solitary retreats since 1995. Just a short walk to the Tashi Gomang Stupa, the two currently available retreat cabins are built on sacred land chosen by the Sixteenth Karmapa, where they enjoy a sense of isolation with inspiring views of the San Luis Valley, as well as, of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Nestled into the foothills, the cabins are fully equipped to accommodate retreatants for short or long term solitary retreats year round.
Our resident Lama, Zoe de Bray, who has completed the traditional 3-Year Retreat and several years of solitary retreat under the direction of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche can provide instruction, guidance and support to retreatants.
Both cabins are built of locally produced highly insulating pumice-adobe block. The cabins' passive solar gain designs take fine advantage of the intense high altitude Colorado sunshine. In addition, both are equipped with wood-burning stoves that provide all the warmth needed even in the harshest weather. Kitchens include two-burner propane cookstoves, a complete set of kitchen utensils, cooking pots, and dishes. Shrines, practice supplies, sitting cushions and prostration boards are available in both cabins, as well as, solar chargers and a cell phone for emergency use. Water conservation is necessary with the cabins as there is no well. If retreatants use more than 5-6 gallons/day we must charge an additional fee. Parking for retreatants' cars is at the Stupa parking lot.
Cabin I, Yeshe Chöling, Dharma Park of Wisdom, is the smaller of the two cabins. Its design is rustic with vigas and a rough plank ceiling. In 2008 additions were made to include a composting toilet and outdoor "solar" hot water shower. New solar panels and batteries provide electricity. A hand pump in the kitchen allows for drinking and dish washing water. A lovely covered porch overlooks the San Luis Valley.
Cabin II, Döndam Gatsal, Park of Ultimate Truth, is larger than Cabin I and within closest walking distance to the Stupa. It is fully solar-powered and has running drinking and warm water. The indoor bathroom includes a composting toilet and shower. This cabin features a sizeable shrine table. There is now a 110V AC outlet, as well as a 12VDC outlet, adequate power for most computers and light in the evening.
Cabin III, Sherab Dronma, Lamp of Wisdom, is the largest, most remote cabin on HH Karmapa's land commanding a spectacular panoramic view of the valley from its wide picture windows. The cabin has two rooms making it suitable for long-term solitary retreats (including three-year retreats), couples, and short small-group retreats. Fully solar powered, it meets all the needs of a long term serious retreatant with a drinking water system, refrigeration, indoor toilet and shower. This cabin is being used by a lifetime retreatant and is curretnly unavailable.
Reservations
In general, retreatants are responsible for their own retreat management. However, our resident lama is available upon request to Tashi Gomang Retreat Cabin retreatants. Also, limited support services may be arranged with the Tashi Gomang retreat coordinator. Attention to the details and supplies necessary for solitary retreat in the mountains requires forethought and planning. Items to bring include a flashlight, clock, personal towel, dishtowel, bed sheets, sleeping bag or comforter, size "D" batteries, and paper products. The retreatants will be in solitude in the Rocky Mountain wilderness, but will have access to an emergency cell phone and a food drop-off station. All retreatants must complete an emergency information form and sign a release of liability. Retreatants must clean the cabins and leave them in the order and condition they were found at the end of their retreat.
Rates
CABIN I
$30.00 per night, plus $25 (service fee)
$195.00 per week, plus $25 (service fee)
$350.00 for two weeks, plus $25 (service fee)
$600.00 monthly
CABIN II
$40.00 per night plus $25 (service fee)
$250.00 per week, plus $25 (service fee)
$400.00 for two weeks, plus $25 (service fee)
$700.00 monthly
Cabin III
This cabin is currently occupied by a long-term retreatant and therefore unavailable.
SERVICE FEES
$25.00 for each service visit to the cabin
$35.00 for local shopping and food drop-off
$50.00 + gas for trips to Alamosa or Salida for shopping, or airport pick-up/drop-off.
Other services, such as mail management, are complimentary, unless excessive.
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of reservation. The balance, including anticipated service charges, is due upon arrival. Cabins must be cleaned by retreatants before leaving in order to keep our fees as low as possible.
For additional information, contact the Retreat Coordinator, Barbara Falconer, 719-256-4282, 9am to 5pm Mountain Time, or fill out this contact form.
USEFUL TRAVEL LINKS
Alamosa Colorado Regional Airport: http://www.colorado.com/Listing.aspx?did=1725
Black Hills Stage Lines Bus Service between Denver and Moffat, CO: www.blackhillsstagelines.com