Visitor Information
Visitors and overnight guests are always welcome at Palpung Thubten Chöling. Whether planning to visit for the day or an extended period of time, please either use our online reservation form or email in advance reservations@kagyu.com.
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 (from July 1st on)
Palpung Thubten Chöling Monastery offers overnight accommodations. Double occupancy rooms and single occupancy 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 lunches (i.e. one overnight stay, plus lunch). Rates do not include teachings/seminar fees, and are subject to change during special seminars.
| Type of Accommodation | Non-Member | Member |
| Dormitory not available at this time | $50 | $40 |
| Double Occupancy Room Guest House | $60 | $50 |
| Double Occupancy Room Maitreya Center | $75 | $65 |
| Single Occupancy Room Guest House | $65 | $55 |
| Single Occupancy Room Maitreya Center | $80 | $70 |
Please note: Due to our limited number of guest rooms, single occupancy rooms may not be available.
Day Guests:
- Suggested donation for Lunch is $10
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Please send an email to reservations@kagyu.com if you are joining us for lunch only.
Local Hotels & Motels
There are a number of hotels and motels in the area. To get you started in your search, unless otherwise noted, the motels listed below are all located on Route 9 (within 10 minutes of Kagyu Thubten Chöling).
Prices vary. 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.