What to Bring & Other Tips
Chöying Dzong is located in the high mountains of the San Luis Valley of south central Colorado. It is a breathtaking place to hear and practice the dharma. It is also located at 8,500 feet above sea level, situated on steep and rocky terrain. We advise retreatants to drink plenty of water and avoid over-exertion when getting settled in order to help your body adjust to the altitude. People with health conditions should be aware of the environmental challenges when preparing for any length of retreat. Bring sturdy walking shoes, a warm jacket and clothes that can be layered for variable changes in the weather.
Please note: The following list is offered only as suggestion. The cabin you stay in may already be supplied with some dry food, candles, and shrine objects. Retreatants are welcome to use these but are also responsible for replacing items they use with items of similar value or usefulness before departing.
- Personal shrine materials, books, paper, pens or pencils.
- Bedding is provided unless you wish to bring your own.
- Bring your own toiletries, sun shower, towel, toilet paper.
- Food, beverages, supplements, medicine.
- Candles, matches, lantern, flashlight, extra batteries
- Clothes and shoes or boots for changeable mountain weather
- Fire starter (recommended during spring and winter months)
- Each cabin is equipped with a sink, a propane stove, and in the cabins with electricity, a refrigerator.
- You will find dishes and utensils for use during your stay.
- Bing glass jars or plastic containers to keep food sealed.
- Avoid mice and other creatures by doing dishes quickly after meals
- Don’t leave food outside, regardless of the season: bears are ever-present and hungry
- Avoid clogging the drain by putting food scraps in the garbage. You may also put your food scraps in the freezer in the storage shed and they will be taken out on garbage day by the caretaker.
- Leave all dishes clean and put away when you are not in the cabin.
- Please take any perishable food items with you at the end of your retreat.
- Take your trash down to the storage shed before Thursday, which is trash day.
- When using the propane stove, maintain a blue flame rather than a yellow one. When the stove is turned up high enough to create a yellow flame, the flame will cause carbon to build up on the bottom and sides of the pot, creating a mess when you set it down on the counter.
