Gesar Drala Retreat 2024

Registration for the fall Gesar Drala retreat in Nepal is now open. His Eminence Namkha Drimed Rabjam Rinpoche and Dungsey Lhuntrul Dechen Gyurme Rinpoche will teach and guide students in the Drupcho practices of Gesar Drala Practice.

The retreat will take place in the Rigon Tashi Choeling Monastery in the Dollu Valley in Pharping, Nepal. The Drupcho will consist of daily teachings and practice. The details on the session timings will be announced at the event. The text is a medium length practice of Gesar Drala.

Retreat Details

Drupcho: October 22-28

The retreat will begin with an empowerment on October 22nd. It is a requirement that all participants who wish to attend receive the empowerment and the reading transmission on the first day, October 22nd.

There are also planned teachings in the evenings by Khenpo Tenzin Wangdu. Further details about the retreat and a FAQ will be sent in late September to those who have completed their registration.

Registration Costs for the Retreat

• Member: $500
• Benefactor: $550
• Sponsor: $750
• Texts: $40

Please indicate on the registration form if you wish to reserve retreat accommodations and your room preference.

How to Register

To attend the Great Drala Retreat in Nepal, please complete your registration form at the link provided below. If you have any specific requests or issues that we need to be aware of, please indicate this in the field provided.

Note: If you wish to pay by cash, you may do so at the on-site event registration desk. If you plan to do this, please indicate this in the comments on your registration form.

Here is the registration form link:

Click Here to Register

Payment

Once you have submitted the registration form, your payment for the retreat can be made at the Ripa Ladrang donation page. Please select the ‘Gesar Drala Drupcho Retreat – Nepal 2024’ in the drop-down menu (you have four options: Member, Benefactor, Sponsor or Participate from Afar).

Here is the payment link:

Click Here to Donate

Accommodations

We have reserved rooms with local guest houses within walking distance of the monastery and will assign rooms based upon your preferences. Your payment for accommodations are to be made directly to your guest house upon checkout. All prices include three (3) meals per day.

• Economy Standard based on Double Occupancy (Estimate: $15 per day, per person)
• Economy Standard based on Single Occupancy (Estimate: $30 per day, per person)
• Higher Standard based on Double Occupancy (Estimate: $30 per day, per person)
• Higher Standard based on Single Occupancy (Estimate: $60 per day, per person)

Please note that we will try our best to accommodate your room preference, however, given the number of people attending and the availability of rooms, we may not have many single occupancy rooms available. Please indicate a partner or a friend that you would like to share a room with (if any) so that we can try to accommodate your requests. We also recommend that you arrive 1-2 days prior to the start of the retreat to settle in after your travel.

Airport Transfers

A pre-paid taxi to your guest house can be booked at the pre-paid taxi desk on the way out of the Kathmandu Airport. If you require additional assistance, please let us know in the special request section of the registration form. Return transportation from the retreat to Kathmandu or the airport can be arranged at the registration desk when you check in.

Visas

A Nepal Tourist Visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. You can find all the details using the link below:

Nepal Visa Information

Alternatively, you may also obtain a visa through your local Nepal Consulate prior to your departure to Nepal.

COVID Rules

Please check for any Covid travel rules for the airlines you are taking. Nepal currently does not require vaccination certificates or negative PCR tests for entry. Please check a few days before your travel as these rules may change. Information about Covid precautions for the retreat will be sent out in an FAQ to registered participants.

We strongly urge that you purchase travel insurance with trip interruption and medical coverage prior to your travel to Nepal in case of medical or other emergencies.

More communications will follow soon. Please feel free to email us with any questions at gesardrala@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you all at the retreat!