Monastery

Visitor Information

Visitors and overnight guests are always welcome at Kagyu Thubten Chöling. Whether planning to visit for the day or an extended period of time, please either use our online reservation form or call in advance at (845) 297-4840.

Individuals interested in an environment combining meditation, study, and work are welcome to stay for any length of time. Guest rooms are available for short retreats.

Overnight guests are asked to assist in routine center chores. Everyone is responsible for maintaining a peaceful environment conducive to meditation.

With that in mind, if you are unwell, we ask that you please stay home to rest and recover and come join us again when you are feeling better. Germs spread quickly within a community and we appreciate your concern for the health of the residents and guests of the monastery.

Please note that many of our meals may contain common allergens incuding soy, wheat, tree nuts, seeds, milk, and egg products. We are sorry that we are unable to accommodate special dietary needs.

Accommodations at KTC

Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery offers overnight accommodations. Dormitories, semi-private rooms, and private rooms are available. Reservations are required .

Visitors are encouraged to bring warm clothes in cool weather, appropriate shoes and/or boots, a flashlight, alarm clock, and phone card. Personal meditation cushions are only needed for large seminars. If you are planning to be outdoors, you may wish to also bring insect repellent/tick repellent, a hat and socks.

Rates: Daily rates include vegetarian meals (i.e. one overnight stay, plus breakfast, lunch and dinner). Rates do not include teachings/seminar fees, and are subject to change during special seminars.

Type of Accommodation	Non-Member	Member
Dormitory	$45	$35
Semi-Private Room	$55	$45
Private Room	$60	$50

Meal Pricing (if not staying overnight): Breakfast $4 | Lunch $8 | Dinner $6

Please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are joining us for meals only.

Local Hotels & Motels

Unless otherwise noted, the motels listed below are all located on Route 9 (within 10 minutes of Kagyu Thubten Chöling). An extended list that includes hotels up to an hour from KTC can be faxed upon request.

Prices vary, ranging from approximately $50 to $100 per night. Some of these motels offer discounts to seniors, members of AAA, AARP or government employees. Please call the motel directly for rates in effect during your planned visit.

Ramada Inn Fishkill (845) 896-4995 Poughkeepsie (845) 462-4600	Days Inn (845) 454-1010 Note: 20 minutes from Kagyu Thubten Chöling
Courtyard by Marriott Fishkill (845) 897-2400 Poughkeepsie (845) 485-6336 Nationwide reservations: (800) 321-2211	Holiday Inn Express Poughkeepsie (845) 473-1151 www.poughkeepsiehi.com. Holiday Inn Fishkill (845) 896-6281
Wellesley Inn Fishkill (845) 896-4995 Nationwide reservations: (800) 444-8888	Hampton Inn and Suites Poughkeepsie (845) 463-7500

Shrine Room Rules and Etiquette

Basic Rules:

The shrine room is open for practice from 6 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. (except during seminars when hours will be posted).
Wear proper attire in the shrine room (i.e., no shorts, open or low cut shirts, or short skirts).
No food or beverage is permitted in the shrine room during teachings or empowerments.
At the start of each teaching session, perform three prostrations after Rinpoche and the Lamas are seated. When there are no Lamas in attendance, perform three prostrations along with the Umzay (chanting master).
Maintain silence in the shrine room at all times. When it is necessary to speak, please whisper.
Note that practitioners do not talk during Tsokpa (chanting assemblies).
Do not step over pecha tables or place chanting texts on the floor

Other Courtesies:

Cushions are limited, please use only one cushion when there are many people in attendance. After the session, please return your cushion to the back of the shrine room.
Transliterations of the opening and dedication prayers are available upon request.
Chairs can be provided upon request. Inform the registrar if you need one.
For more information about Tsokpa (chanting assembly), please speak with the Chöpön (person in charge of the shrine) between chanting services.
Take all personal belongings (except chanting texts) with you after each teaching and chanting session. Personal belongings left in the shrine room will be removed to the lost and found.
In the event that children become restless or begin to cry, parents are requested to take them downstairs, where the teachings can be heard via speakers.

Policies and Rules

No drugs or alcohol.
No televisions, radios, newspapers or magazines.
No smoking in or near the buildings.
No candles or incense in dormitories or guest rooms.
Camping by permission only.
No pets in the buildings or on the grounds.