Snow Mountain Retreat 2026 – Kailash International Retreat Centre

Q: Click here for retreat schedule

Snow Mountain Retreat programme 2026 PART 1 | 4 Jan (evening) - Fri 23 Jan (breakfast): The Practice of the Preliminaries: The four great preliminary guides Part 2: 24 Jan (evening) – 13 Feb (breakfast): The Actual Practice on the five stages of Mahamudra . PART 3 | Option to continue in solitary retreat: Week 1: 13 Feb (evening) – 20 Feb (breakfast) Week 2: 20 Feb (evening) – 27 Feb (breakfast)

snow mountain retreat 2026

6 – 8 Week Silent Retreat

Blissful Union

Silent retreat on the uncommon practice of Tantric Mahamudra of the Ganden Oral Lineage
guided by Gen Kelsang Devi

6 weeks guided group retreat with an opportunity to engage 1 or 2 weeks solitary retreat afterwards to deepen the experience of these powerful practices.

PART 1 | Sun 4 Jan – Fri 23 Jan:

The Practice of the Preliminaries: The four great preliminary guides

Based on the unsurpassed teachings from the book ‘The Oral Instructions of Mahamudra’ by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, engage in each of the four great preliminary guides within the first 3 weeks of retreat.

A special opportunity to train in Kadampa Buddhist meditation in qualified retreat conditions. Perfect preparation for effective Tantric Mahamudra practice.

PART 2 | Sun 24 Jan – Fri 13 Feb:

The Actual Practice of Mahamudra

For the final 3 weeks, absorb into the five stages of the actual practice of Mahamudra that enable us to attain full enlightenment in this life time.

PART 3 | Option to continue in solitary retreat:

Week 1: 13 – 20 February | Week 2: 20 – 27 February:

Once you gain confidence and familiarity with these profound practices in the context of guided group retreat, why not continue the training and experience in an other week or two of deep solitary retreat?

Amounting to a potential of 2 months of retreat, specifically on these sublime practices.

* Part 2 is only suitable for those who have Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments of Heruka and Vajrayogini.

Silence

One of the most conducive conditions of this retreat centre is the practice of observing silence. Maintaining full silence during such a guided retreat enables the mind to become very peaceful and concentrated in a relatively short period of time and enhances the meditative experience.

During retreat it is always quiet and our meditation sessions are as silent as possible beyond the usual chanted prayers and guidance. Outside of sessions people have the freedom to choose to be silent if they wish or to talk quietly and meaningfully with each other if they prefer in designated areas, within agreed group boundaries.

In the meditation session breaks throughout the retreat there is time to relax and walk in the beautiful surroundings. Also, each person on a group retreat will help out in the breaks with a small job to ensure the retreat runs smoothly.

Although this retreat is guided as a whole, not every session is guided. Some sessions will be self-guided to enable practitioners to deepen their own experience and confidence in meditation.

Since accomodation is limited, priority will be given to those attending the full retreat.

Booking opens on 10 June 14h00 for those who wish to join the full 6 week retreat.
Booking opens on 29 August 14h00 for those who wish to participate only in Part 1 or Part 2.

Date: Fri 4 Jan - Fri 13 Feb, 2026
Cost: Includes accommodation, retreat sessions and three meals a day. Please see below for accommodation prices.
Venue: Kailash International Retreat Centre
Language: The retreat will be guided in English.
Mobile phones: During retreats everyone is encouraged to limit distracting activities, especially the use of mobile phones and digital devices to enhance their meditative experience and discover the profound benefits of meditation.

Click here for retreat schedule

Snow Mountain Retreat programme 2026

PART 1 | 4 Jan (evening) – Fri 23 Jan (breakfast):

The Practice of the Preliminaries: The four great preliminary guides

Part 2: 24 Jan (evening) – 13 Feb (breakfast):

The Actual Practice on the five stages of Mahamudra.

PART 3 | Option to continue in solitary retreat:

Week 1: 13 Feb (evening) – 20 Feb (breakfast)

Week 2: 20 Feb (evening)– 27 Feb (breakfast)

DETAILS >>

Venue >>

" It is said in the 'Condensed Root Tantra of Heruka' that the benefits to be gained from engaging in the practice of Vajrayogini are limitless and that a thousand voices could never fully enumerate them "

— ‘The New Guide to Dakini Land’
by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

Enjoy the natural surroundings

In the meditation session breaks throughout the retreat there is time to relax and walk in the beautiful surroundings. Also, each person on a group retreat will help out in the breaks with a small job to ensure the retreat runs smoothly.

This retreat takes place in the surroundings of the beautiful Swiss Alps of Törbel, Switzerland.

the teacher:

Gen Kelsang Devi is the Resident Teacher of Kailash International Retreat Centre and Kadampa Meditation Centre Switzerland. She is a Buddhist nun and senior teacher of the New Kadampa Tradition, having studied and practiced Kadampa Buddhism for over 25 years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. During this time Gen Devi has engaged in extensive silent meditation retreat and has also taught and skilfully guided numerous group retreats around the world. Gen Devi’s experience makes her teachings and guidance in retreats very powerful, clear and practical and her joyful warmth and humour make them accessible to everyone.

booking + fees

Choose your accommodation preference

and click below for prices:

Retreat Only
(no room)

Retreat only (no accommodation, no meal):

Whole Retreat: CHF 1326.-

Part 1: CHF 722.-

Part 2: CHF 760.-

Retreat only (no accommodation, with meal):

Whole Retreat: CHF 2106.-

Part 1: CHF 1102.-

Part 2: CHF 1160.-

Main House:
Quad Room

Cost for bed in a Quadruple Room in the Main House with Shared Bathroom:

Whole Retreat: CHF 1755.-

Part 1: CHF 1007.-

Part 2: CHF 1060.-

Main House:
Twin Room

Cost for bed in a Twin Room in the Main House with Shared Bathroom:

Whole Retreat: CHF 2106.-

Part 1: CHF 1159.-

Part 2: CHF 1220.-

Main House:
Single Room

Cost for bed in a Single Room in the Main House with Shared Bathroom:

Whole Retreat: CHF 2574.-

Part 1: CHF 1406.-

Part 2: CHF 1480.-

Temple:
Single Room

Single Room in the Kadampa Temple with bathroom nearby.

Whole Retreat: CHF 2886.-

Part 1: CHF 1577.-

Part 2: CHF 1660.-

Temple:
Single Ensuite

Single Room in the Kadampa Temple with ensuite bathroom.

Whole Retreat: CHF 3198.-

Part 1: CHF 1748.-

Part 2: CHF 1840.-

Temple:
Large Ensuite

Large Single Room in the Kadampa Temple with ensuite bathroom.

Whole retreat: CHF 3315.-

Part 1: CHF 1805.-

Part 2: CHF 1900.-

Temple:
Ensuite Studio

Luxury Studio Room with ensuite bathroom (includes bath/shower):

Whole Retreat:

2 persons: CHF

Part 1: CHF

Part 2: CHF

Since accomodation is limited, priority will be given to those attending the full retreat.
Booking opens on 10 June 14h00 for those who wish to join the full 6 week retreat.
Booking opens on 29 August 14h00 for those who wish to participate only in Part 1 or Part 2.

FAQs

Can I attend part of the retreat?

Yes, it is possible to participate in only part 1 or only part 2.

Why attend a retreat?

In retreat we take the time to step away from the busyness and distractions of daily life, creating the space in which we can take the teachings to heart and cultivate a deep experience of inner peace and further our spiritual practice.

If I'm a complete beginner, can I attend?

This retreat is suitable for everyone with a Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment and although the practices and meditations are advanced and in-depth they will all be guided and explained. Background reading and experience of Buddha’s Sutra teachings is advised.

What do I need to bring?

You may find it useful to bring comfortable clothes, indoor shoes/slippers, toiletries, notepad and pen, books relevant to the course or retreat, swiss francs (or they accept cards in most shops/public transport), water bottle, plug adapter.

Is the Centre easy to get to?

Despite its remote location, Kailash IRC is very easy to get to by public transport, as well as driving. Please visit the Directions >> page for further details.

Do you cater for special diets?

All meals we offer are vegetarian or vegan and use fresh and organic local produce wherever possible. We can not cater for individual specific dietary requirments.

Give us a call

Our Address

Ask us a question

Give us a call

Our Address

Ask us a question

Give us a call

Email

Address