Visit
Preparing for Your Visit
We're looking forward to welcoming you to Karmê Chöling!
A little preparation will help you settle in comfortably and make the most of your time here. Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is beautiful in every season, but the weather can change quickly, and life at a residential retreat center may be different from what you're accustomed to.
The information below provides general guidance for your visit. Your program may have additional or different requirements, so please refer to your program-specific welcome letter for details.
What to Bring
Vermont is beautiful in every season, but the weather can be unpredictable. Summer temperatures can climb into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop to 15 to 20°F below zero. Our historic farmhouse also has its own personality: some rooms can be quite warm, while others can be drafty. Packing a variety of layers, including comfortable clothing for sleeping, will help you stay comfortable.
Clothing & Footwear
- Enough clothing for the length of your retreat (guest laundry facilities are not available)
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for meditation and movement
- Layers for indoor comfort, including sweaters, warm socks, and sleepwear suitable for different temperatures
- Slippers or indoor shoes for the main house
- Socks for the shrine rooms, where outdoor shoes are removed
- Comfortable, sturdy shoes or boots for walking around the grounds
- Rain jacket or other waterproof outerwear
- An umbrella
Personal Essentials
- Toiletries and personal medications
- Reusable water bottle
- Flashlight or headlamp for navigating the grounds after dark
- Phone and other electronic-device chargers, including any necessary charging cables
- Spare batteries for battery-powered items
- Headphones or earbuds for listening to electronic devices without disturbing others
- Favorite snacks or specialty foods you may want during your retreat
- Notebook or journal, if desired
- Personal alarm clock, particularly if your program restricts phone use
For Summer & Warmer Weather
Summer days can be hot, and much of life at Karmê Chöling takes place outdoors.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Insect repellent effective against ticks and mosquitoes
- Long pants and tick-protective socks for walking in wooded or grassy areas
- Permethrin-treated clothing or gear, if you use it for tick protection
- Bathing suit and beach towel if you'd like to enjoy swimming in one of the beautiful nearby lakes during your free time
Ticks are common in Vermont. We recommend an EPA-registered insect repellent suitable for ticks, such as one containing DEET or picaridin, along with protective clothing and regular tick checks. Permethrin products are for clothing and gear, not for application to skin.
For Winter & Colder Weather
Winters in the Northeast Kingdom are serious! We can receive several feet of snow, and icy conditions are common.
- Insulated winter coat
- Warm hat, gloves or mittens, and scarf
- Insulated, waterproof winter boots with good traction
- Thermal base layers and warm sweaters
- Warm socks and comfortable indoor layers
- Sleepwear suitable for a cooler room
A Few Practical Things to Know
Laundry: We do not have laundry facilities for guests. There is a laundromat approximately 15 minutes away, so please bring enough clothing for your retreat.
Our Store: We carry a limited selection of toiletries, batteries, chargers, and other essentials. Availability varies, so please bring anything you know you'll need.
Towels: Bath towels are provided in main-house rooms and dormitories. If you plan to swim, bring a separate beach towel. Guests staying in camping accommodations should bring their own towels.
Electronic Devices: Please use headphones or earbuds when listening to audio or video, and follow any additional device guidelines specific to your program.
Meditation Supplies: Our shrine rooms are equipped with a wide variety of meditation cushions in different shapes and sizes, as well as chairs and meditation benches. You're welcome to bring your own cushion or other support if you prefer.
Bedding & Accommodations
What you need to bring depends on where you're staying.
| Accommodation | What to Bring |
|---|---|
| Main House Rooms | Bedding and bath towels are provided. |
| Shared Dormitories | Bedding and bath towels are provided. |
| Shrine Room Floor | Bring a sleeping bag or other bedding and a pillow. Foam sleeping pads are provided. |
| Camping Cabins | Bring your own bedding, pillows, and towels. Beds with mattresses are provided. |
| Tent Camping | Bring your own bedding, pillows, and towels. If you're bringing your own tent, you'll need that too. KCL tents have cots and foam sleeping pads. |
Please see our Where You'll Stay page for more information about each accommodation option.
Please Leave at Home
Firearms and recreational drugs are not permitted at Karmê Chöling. Please leave these items at home.
Plan your visit
