✈️ Can I fly with my harmonium?

Yes! You are allowed to fly with your compact or collapsible harmonium as a carry-on item on U.S. airlines—as long as there is space in the overhead bin or under the seat when you board. This is protected by U.S. Department of Transportation Regulation 14 CFR § 251.3, which requires airlines to allow passengers to bring small musical instruments into the cabin under standard carry-on policies.
➡️ View the official regulation »

✅ Tips for Flying Smoothly with Your Harmonium (Carry-On Option)

• Limit yourself to 2 carry-ons:
  Your harmonium counts as one carry-on item. You are allowed one personal item (like a backpack or purse). 

• Board early:
  Overhead bin space fills quickly. We strongly recommend purchasing priority or early boarding (Group 1 or 2) to secure space. 

• Be kind, but confidently assert your rights:
  If someone asks you to check your harmonium, say:

  “This is a musical instrument. According to DOT regulation 14 CFR § 251.3, I’m allowed to carry it onboard if there’s space when I board.”

• If overhead bins are full:
  Politely ask the flight attendant:

  “Would it be possible to store this instrument somewhere safe—perhaps in a coat closet, crew compartment, or against the bulkhead wall? It’s fragile and cannot be gate-checked.”

  These options are not guaranteed, but flight attendants often try to help when you ask respectfully.

🛩️ Small Commuter Flights (e.g., Denver ➝ Alamosa)

These regional jets may not have standard overhead bins. In this case:

• Let the gate agent or flight attendant know your harmonium is fragile

• Mention that it fits under the seat in front of you

• If it doesn't fit under the seat in front of you, ask for help finding safe onboard storage, and say:

  “Is there a place we can safely stow this—under a jump seat, in a closet, or near the bulkhead?”

• Do not allow it to be gate-checked—this often involves rough handling in the cargo hold

💬 Good news!
Previous participants had no issues flying with their Bhava Lite and Raga Mala Peti harmoniums on the Denver ↔ Alamosa route. These models fit either under the seat or in another place safely in the cabin.

🎹 Only Bring Compact Harmonium Models

Only fly with harmoniums that are small and cabin-friendly, such as:

• Bhava Mini Kirtan Harmonium

• Bhava Lite Travel Harmonium

• DMS 4B (compact and collapsible)

• Raga Mala Peti (lightweight and slim)

🧳 Prefer Not to Carry It On? You Can Check It—Carefully.

If you'd rather not carry your harmonium onboard, you can check it in a suitcase if you pack it carefully:

• Use a well-padded, hard-shell suitcase

• Surround it with clothing, foam, or bubble wrap to immobilize it inside

• Mark the bag as fragile, and notify the check-in agent

• Ensure it stays under your airline’s weight limit (usually 50 lbs)

💡 Have a Larger Harmonium or Feel Unsure?

No problem! If you’re feeling uncertain about traveling with your harmonium—or if your instrument is too large—just email us ahead of time. We’ll do our best to arrange a harmonium for you to use during the retreat, so you can travel light and worry-free.

We're here to help make your musical journey to the retreat smooth and joyful. Feel free to reach out with any travel questions—we’re happy to assist! 🎶

Things to Pack:

• yoga mat (if you're flying we'll provide. If you're driving and you have an extra to bring & loan, please let us know) 
• meditation cushion (if you're flying we'll provide) 
• singing straws, if you have them (If not, I'm bringing compostable ones you can try) 
• sun hat
• sunscreen
• insect repellent
• layered comfortable clothing
• a warm shawl or yoga blanket
• one set of modest clothing that can be kept clean for visits to nearby mahā lakṣmī temple (they ask for shoulders/legs covered, we have two optional excursions there) 
• water bottle
• day-pack for optional hiking 
• jacket for cool evenings (lows are in the low 50s, plan accordingly)
• notebook/pen
• flashlight or headlamp
• slippers 
• hiking or walking shoes
• swimsuit for bathing in nearby hot springs (optional)
• rain jacket and/or umbrella in case of rain
• camping gear (if camping)
• bedding/towels (if camping)
• your harmonium if you are going to play (unless prior arrangements with us have been made) 
• manjira/kartals (finger-cymbals), if you have
• small hand drum (like a djembe or a dumbek for percussion workshops), if you are driving to the Center and you have one 
• Music Binder
  • Returning Participants: Please bring your retreat music binder from last year. We will provide additional 3-hole punched pages to add to your binder. If you don't have your binder or cannot bring it, please let us know so we can have one ready for you.
  • First-Time Participants: Don't worry! We will have a music binder ready for you upon arrival. 

Yes, coffee will be available

In the Dome, there are a few back-jacks and chairs that will be available.

If you are driving - please bring your own meditation cushion and yoga mat. 

If you are flying - we will provide. 

If you are not accustomed to high altitude, please remember to drink plenty of water. Altitude physiologists recommend drinking 2-3 liters of water per day before your trip to help your body prepare. Being well rested when you arrive also decreases high altitude illness symptoms.

Regarding adjusting to high altitude... 

We got a wonderful suggestion from a Member who recently trekked in Kashmir, India.

She shared something she did while trekking that really helped with the headaches and fatigue that can come along with adjusting to high altitudes.  

She took Ibuprofen 1 day before arriving and 3x a day (1-3 pills each dose) while there. According to research linked below, this is proven to be more effective than prescription altitude medication. And it appears that it works best preventatively, before you start feeling bad. 

If you're coming from sea level to Crestone (8,400 feet), and it's safe for you to take Ibuprofen, this might help you have a better experience (in addition to staying well-hydrated and getting lots of rest!). 

Click Here for the Study

For dealing with a dry climate, I use a personal nebulizer with a 0.9% Saline solution to hydrate my vocal folds. (this is what I do to help care for my voice, especially in dry conditions). 

Here are products similar to what I have: 

Personal Nebulizer on Amazon

0.9% Saline Solution to fill Nebulizer on Amazon 

This is not medical advice, I am only sharing for informational & educational purposes what I and others do for our health. Use this information at your own risk.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on premises at the CMZC. 

• Returning Participants: Please bring your retreat music binder from last year. We will provide additional 3-hole punched pages to add to your binder. If you don't have your binder or cannot bring it, please let us know so we can have one ready for you.
• First-Time Participants: Don't worry! We will have a music binder ready for you upon arrival.

You have a couple of options: 

1) Rent a car and drive down yourself (see rental car links above under "Ground Transportation"). 

The drive from Denver to Crestone is about 4 hours. Scroll above for address and driving directions. 

2) Catch the next flight from Denver Airport to Alamosa Airport via Denver Air Connection 

Once you get there, Alamosa Airport is about 1 hour from the Retreat Center. 

Click Here to Book a Denver to Alamosa Flight

To get from Alamosa Airport to the CMZC, call Little Stinkers Taxi at (719) 589-2500).  

Please let us know as soon as you can by texting

Sheela at 510-282-2237

Brent at 480-217-4952