Visit
During Your Stay
Welcome to life at Karmê Chöling!
Karmê Chöling is more than a retreat center. It's also home to a residential community of people who live, work, and practice together. During your visit, you'll become part of that community, sharing meals, spaces, and daily life with fellow retreatants, residents, staff, and volunteers.
We ask everyone to approach this shared experience with kindness, consideration, and respect for one another, the land, and the contemplative environment.
Here you'll find practical information about community life, exploring the grounds, and the guidelines that help make Karmê Chöling a welcoming place for everyone.
Quiet Hours & Electronic Devices
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Please keep conversations, music, and other activities quiet enough that they don't disturb others who may be sleeping or practicing, particularly in and around the main house.
Electronic Devices
We encourage mindful use of electronic devices during your stay. Some areas of Karmê Chöling do not permit electronic devices, so please pay attention to posted signs.
When listening to music, watching videos, or using other audio, please use headphones or earbuds to avoid disturbing others.
Cell service is limited in our area. AT&T generally works, but Verizon coverage is unreliable. We have very good Wi-Fi throughout our main facilities, and Wi-Fi calling is available.
Some programs may have additional restrictions on electronic devices. Please follow the guidelines provided for your particular program.
Exploring the Land
Karmê Chöling is surrounded by hundreds of acres of beautiful Vermont countryside, with woodland trails, gardens, meadows, and places to sit quietly and enjoy the natural world.
You're welcome to explore the grounds and trails during your free time, weather and program schedules permitting.
Before heading out on a hike, please read and follow our Hiking Safely at Karmê Chöling guide. It includes important instructions for downloading trail maps, sharing your location, preparing for changing conditions, and staying safe on the trails.
Ticks are common in Vermont, so we also encourage you to review our tick-prevention information and check yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Health & Well-Being
Because we live, practice, and share meals in close quarters, we ask everyone to be mindful of the health and well-being of others.
If you're feeling ill or experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, please limit contact with others, stay out of shared spaces when possible, and wear a mask when you need to be around people.
If you become ill during your stay, please let Guest Services know so we can help you make appropriate arrangements.
Care & conduct
Care & Conduct
Karmê Chöling is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone who lives, works, practices, or visits here.
We acknowledge that harm has occurred within the broader Shambhala and Vajradhatu communities, including abuses of power and failures of accountability. We honor those who have been harmed and those who have spoken about their experiences. We recognize that creating a culture of safety, dignity, and accountability requires ongoing attention, learning, and a willingness to change.
Our Care & Conduct Policy is one way we put these commitments into practice. Everyone who stays at Karmê Chöling is required to read and sign the policy, which outlines our shared responsibilities, boundaries, and expectations for respectful conduct. We take these commitments seriously, respond to concerns, and enforce the policy when boundaries are violated.
We encourage anyone who has questions or concerns to speak with us. We are committed to addressing concerns with care, fairness, and accountability.
Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs
Smoking & Vaping
Smoking and vaping are permitted only in designated areas. Please use the Beehive smoking area and be considerate of others.
Alcohol
Alcohol is permitted only during approved events or rituals. Please do not bring or consume alcohol outside of these approved circumstances.
Cannabis & Other Drugs
Cannabis (marijuana) and illegal recreational drugs are not permitted for program participants at Karmê Chöling, regardless of their legal status in Vermont. Prescription medications prescribed to you are permitted.
Fire Safety & Camping Guidelines
For everyone's safety, candles, open flames, and cooking equipment are not permitted inside camping cabins or tents.
Please do not store food or toiletries in tents or camping cabins, as these can attract wildlife.
Outdoor fires are permitted only in designated areas and must follow any current fire restrictions. Please do not start a fire without authorization.
Plan your visit
