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This retreat is an opportunity to be out in the fresh wide expanses of the Kosciuszko high country, do some hiking, have a couple of retreat days, be part of a dharma community for a week and explore how dharma teachings might not just be nourishing for us but guide us in
addressing the challenges of our times. Mountains can be a place for renewal and be far enough away from our everyday lives to give fresh perspective on how we live and what we do with our lives. We'll have walks on four days and two fully silent days of meditation in the lodge. On each day there'll be a group meditation period in the morning and evening, a dharma talk each evening and possibly a group yoga or stretching / exercise / balance session each morning. On the four walking days, breakfast and all the walking will be in silence but other periods, before we leave the lodge, when we break for lunch, and after we come back, will not be silent. There'll also be silence period from the evening sit, after dinner to the end of breakfast the next morning. We'll be going out on the walks as a group, or at times two groups. Both groups will be going at a medium pace for fit walkers. One group will go on longer walks (up to 22k), and the other group will go on shorter walks (up to 10k). There is around 20% less oxygen at Charlotte Pass. There may be some short sections with snow, although the timing of the 2026 retreat will make that unlikely. Photos from the 2022 High Country Walking Retreat are here and from the 2023 retreat here. The retreat is for both experienced meditators and people new to meditation. 
About the Venue
We'll be staying in Pygmy Possum Lodge, in the Charlotte Pass village. Everyone will get a small room to themselves unless you want to share a room with your partner or a friend. This is a Ski Club lodge and it's set up for families and individuals. You will need to bring your own sheets, pillowslips and towels. The lodge is very original late 1970s style and is air-conditioned. About the Teachers Victor von der Heyde - Click here for information Suzie Brown - Click here for information Additional Cost - Dana The retreat fee covers accommodation and meals only. In keeping with a 2,500 year old tradition no amount has been charged for the teachings. At the end of the retreat you are invited to give a donation to express your appreciation and to support the teachers to continue their work. |
When: 18 to 25 March 2026
Times: Arrival between 3 and 5 pm; departure by 12 noon Where: Pygmy Possum Lodge, in the Charlotte Pass village Cost: For accommodation and all meals is $1280 per person for a single room with ensuite. Couples or friends can opt to share a room and the cost person person for this is $1050 - if you are interested please email us to enquire about that option as there are only a small number of shared places available. Getting there: By car, or by public transport. There is a train from Sydney to Canberra and a connecting bus from Canberra to Jindabyne on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We will arrange transport from Jindabyne to Charlotte Pass and return. The retreat will end in time on the last day for people who wish to catch the morning bus out from Jindabyne. We are looking for five people who can drive to the retreat and can offer a lift to others for both: 1) the last 45 minute section from Jindabyne to Charlotte Pass and back again, and 2) for the short trip to the start of one of our walks. If you are willing to do this and your car can take 3 people or more, we will reimburse you the cost of the Kosciusko National Park pass. 
Applications and bookings UPDATE: We have stopped taking applications for next year's retreat as the retreat is now fully booked. You can add yourself to the waitlist for the retreat by visiting this link Waitlist for High Country Walking Retreat 2026 If you'd like to apply, fill out an application form for the retreat by clicking this link. Soon after the form is submitted - within a couple of weeks at most - we'll let you know if your application is ready to proceed to the booking stage. If so you'll be sent a booking link. Please note that a place on the retreat is only assured once a ticket has been booked and paid for. Please also be aware of the cancellations terms & conditions listed at the bottom of the page. Scholarships There is a limited amount of financial assistance available for retreatants that are in need with up to three places being made available at half the usual retreat cost ($640). If you would like to apply for a scholarship please send us a written application outlining your situation and why you think it would be good for you to be able to attend the retreat, as well as details of your existing meditation practice and previous retreat experience. You will also need to attach a completed standard retreat application form. Once you are ready please send your application to the email address listed under 'For more information'. Scholarship applications close on the 18th Dec 2025. Click here for more information regarding scholarships. For more information Email: highcountry[at]dharma.org.au (replace [at] with @) 
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Cancellation Terms and Conditions
Due to our contract with the lodge these are the conditions regarding cancellation.:
Due to our contract with the lodge these are the conditions regarding cancellation.:
- Cancellation on or before 18th January 2026 - a full refund less $100 cancellation fee.
- Cancellation between 18th January 2026 and 18th March 2026 - no refund unless SIM is successful in filling your place. In such case the same $100 cancellation fee applies.