Frequently Asked Questions

The duty of thoughts and emotions is to arise and to pass away. Our duty is to not grasp or cling, to just let them be.  ~  Tsoknyi Rinpoche

How do I Register for a Pundarika Foundation Retreat?

Registration and payment information is available by visiting the program page.

Retreat fees must be paid by credit card (MasterCard and Visa are accepted).

Payment of retreat fees is due at the time of registration. Please see the retreat cancellation policy below.

Registration for international and privately sponsored retreats (that are not Pundarika U.S.) can be accomplished by contacting the designated registrar for that retreat to get registration and payment details. These contacts are listed in the Programs section on our website.

What is the Cost for a Retreat?

Costs for retreats may vary slightly depending upon the venue. Please check the specific retreat on our programs page for the exact fees.

How does the Pundarika Membership Program Work for Retreats?

In addition to the other benefits, your Pundarika Membership comes with a discount on retreats. Have your discount code ready when you register and enter it at checkout for the percentage discount (rate varies based upon membership).

Retreat Cancellation Policy

Purpose

The purpose of our cancellation policy is to acknowledge that retreatants’ future plans can change unexpectedly and at the same time protect Pundarika Foundation from costs it incurs due to commitments to various vendors and payment for support staff time.

Policy

• Full payment of all retreat fees is due at the time of registration.
• For Crestone retreats, if you cancel before August 1st, 2025, you will receive a full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee.
• For Crestone retreats, if you cancel on August 1st, 2025 or afterwards, refunds will only be given based upon individual circumstances.
• For cancellations of retreats held at the Garrison Institute, you are beholden to their cancellation and refund policy – CLICK HERE

Procedure

Cancellations must be requested by contacting the Registrar by email – registrar@pundarika.org

Refunds through PayPal will be credited to the same credit card with which your retreat fees were paid. Once the cancellation period is over, refunds are not possible and forfeited funds are considered “fee-for-service” payments (according to IRS) and are not considered eligible for tax-exempt status. In other words, they cannot be considered donations.

Does Pundarika Foundation Offer Scholarships for Retreats?

Yes. Scholarship assistance is available for individuals with serious financial limitations who would otherwise not be able to attend a retreat. Please see the Scholarship Information Page.

What kinds of Food and Lodging Options can I expect?

Food and Lodging options are different depending on where the retreat is taking place. 

For lodging in Crestone, please see this page. For food in Crestone, there are two small grocery stores, The Crestone Mercantile and the Elephant Cloud. You may also choose to stock up on food in Denver, Salida, or Alamosa on your way to Crestone for more affordable prices and a larger selection of choices. There are also three small cafe/restaurants and a brewery.

Food and Lodging at retreats hosted by the Garrison Institute in New York is included in the retreat price. Please visit the Garrison Institute’s website for more information.

Can I Bring my Children to Retreats?

Given the intensive nature of these retreats (silence for six or seven days, extensive daily sitting meditation practice requirements and attending all teaching sessions, which can be 3 to 4 hours or more each day), children are not allowed at these retreats. If a young person is 16 or over and can fully commit to the requirements as noted above, they can attend as a registered retreatant.

Crestone Retreats

Please visit Getting to and From Crestone for more information on directions and transportation.  Participants in Crestone retreats will need to find their own housing. Visit this page for a list of housing choices. Please do not book housing until your registration is confirmed.

The parking lot for the Yeshe Rangsal retreat land is at the Stupa of Enlightenment located off Camino Baca Grande, between Rendezvous Way and Hilltop Way.

For a Crestone retreat map showing the location of the stupa and the tent site, please click here. To locate Crestone via Google maps, please click here.

What Happens if a Retreat is Full?

When the retreat registration list is full, you will be placed on a waiting list which is prioritized on a first come, first served basis. If a place in the retreat becomes available, you will be contacted by the Registrar.

Does Pundarika Coordinate Ridesharing?

You can easily find or offer a ride to or from Tsoknyi Rinpoche’s Pundarika retreats and programs through our website. We invite you to share resources, get to know other dharma students traveling to our retreats and help the environment. 

View the Ride Share Page now to make a connection. 

And if Crestone, Colorado is your retreat destination, please check out the Getting To and From Crestone Page for more information on directions and transportation. 

Please note:  Crestone does not have local public transportation.