As His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa says repeatedly, "Pilgrimages should be a great purifier and should involve some physical hardships." And spiritual gatherings like Annual Drukpa Council to be attended by so many great masters will definitely be a marvelous way to make connection for spiritual progress and activities performed during these gatherings will definitely have tremendous effects that support one's spiritual practice and fulfill the mundane wishes.

For more information about Ladakh and Altitude Sickness, please refer to the following links:

• About Ladakh
• Altitude Sickness

Limited Resources and Facilities

Ladakh in North India, although blessed with many sacred sites and the presence of great masters of the past and present, often suffers from shortage of electricity and water. Should there be any shortcoming with any part of the arrangement, please do not hesitate to reflect to the organizing members, and also give them the opportunity to resolve and improve the situation.

Weather

The temperatures in Ladakh are extreme, because of the high altitude. Even at the height of summer, temperatures in some valleys can be extremely cold, especially at night. Therefore, a sleeping bag and warm clothes are vital in all areas.

Average summer (June to September) temperatures for Leh and its surrounding areas are between -9 and +30 degree Celsius (°C).

Cooperation

In every pilgrimage or spiritual gathering, there could be tested times where our tolerance and patience are challenged, often when we least expect these to happen. However please remember that in all pilgrimages and holy occasions, we all need to be understanding and supportive towards one another so that the entire event will be beneficial for ourselves and those around us, especially for the longevity of our precious masters and for the sake of their lineage.

Each registrant will be given an identity tag. Please wear it at all the times, permission to enter into most of the main Temples and into the cafeteria for having meals will require a show of the tag.

Practice Texts

1	Your personal practice texts
2	The Rosary of Jewels (blue cover, if you have) or the French equivalent one (orange cover) - as follows:
3	Green Tara
4	Sengey Tsewa
5	Vajra Yogini

Things to Bring

** Items marked are important to note. Please refer to Kyabje the Ninth Khamtrul Rinpoche's appeal for more information.