Retreat Cabins

On Sacred Land

KTTG has offered solitary retreats since 1995, in three retreat cabins located on sacred land chosen by the 16th Karmapa. 

The retreat cabins are near the Tashi Gomang Stupa, several miles south of Crestone and in the direction of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The environment is very rustic and the cabins are simple but comfortable.

Learn More About the Cabins

Sustainably Built

The cabins are built of locally produced, highly insulating pumice-adobe block and the passive solar gain design takes fine advantage of the intense high altitude Colorado sunshine.

Cabin Access PLEASE NOTE:

Cabins 1 and 2 are 30 and 50 yards respectively down trail from the road.  You will not be able to drive up to these cabins.  Your supplies will need to be carried to the cabin. An ice sled, which moves quite easily over the sandy trails, is provided for ferrying supplies

Cabins include:

  • wood burning stove (Cabin 1 & 2)
  • solar heat & hot water (Cabin 4)
  • two-burner propane cookstove
  • indoor flushing toilet and shower (Cabin 4)
  • composting toilet and indoor shower (Cabin 1 & 2)
  • propane refrigerators
  • kitchen utensils, dishes, cooking pots
  • solar charger

General Information

Water Conservation

Water conservation is crucial since all water has to be hauled to the cabins. Max usage recommendation is 5-6 gallons/day.

Vegetarianism

Our teacher, HH 17th Karmapa, has requested vegetarianism as a way of life. Our cabins are available to meditators of all faiths and this may not be your belief. However, if you can maintain a vegetarian way of life while on retreat we appreciate it.

Wilderness Living

The cabins are off-grid and retreatants are responsible for building a fire in the wood stove for heating if necessary. The solar system can accommodate charging a cell phone, lap top and lights. Verizon wireless works well here. Other providers may work but not consistently.

Parking

Replace with this: Parking is provided at the Stupa parking lot. Please lock your car and do not leave valuables inside.

Wildfires

Southern Colorado has been in severe drought for many years. Our staff lives in the Crestone/Baca area and is in the retreat area several times a week.

If you see smoke in the forest or are concerned about something that is occurring in the surrounding environment, please call the retreat coordinator. The area around the stupa is a safe zone.

Cabin I, Yeshe Chöling, Dharma Park of Wisdom, is the smaller of the three cabins. Its design is rustic with vigas and a rough plank ceiling. In 2008 additions were made to include a composting toilet and “solar” hot water shower during warm months (not in winter). New solar panels and batteries provide electricity. It has running water but no hot water heater. 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 IV, Dama Dushi, or “4 Square Walls” is the name of the auspicious cabin that Dusum Khyenpa, the 1st Karmapa, attained enlightenment in. It is our most modern cabin. Situated on a sloping meadow overlooking the expanse of the San Luis Valley, this very isolated cabin has its own driveway and parking. This modern passive solar-designed cabin has radiant in-floor heating, a full indoor conventional bathroom, running hot water and enough solar power to support your computer. The kitchen has modern cabinetry with ample storage, a propane refrigerator and hot plate.

Rates

Note: Cabin 3 is currently occupied by a long-term retreatant and is therefore unavailable.

Pricing

Duration Cabin 1 Cabin 2 Cabin 4
Per Night
$40
$50
$60
Per Week
$245
$300
$350
Per Month
$800
$900
$1100

Useful Links

Reservations

Retreat Info

Travel Links

Please confirm prior to making travel plans.

San Luis Valley Regional Airport (Alamosa): https://www.sanluisvalleyairport.org/

Denver > Salida
Bustang Outrider, www.RideBustang.com
Departs Denver Union Station, 1:55 pm; Arrives Salida, 5:05 pm

Salida > Moffat
Chaffee Shuttle (operated by SRDA), 52 Jones St. (Salida), 719.545.8900
Departs Salida, 5:05 pm; Arrives Moffat, 6:08 pm

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