What To Bring

The following are items all visitors should bring to make their experience at Gomde California as comfortable as possible. There are also items that will be helpful but aren’t required, and others that aren’t allowed on the land for the sake of the community’s safety.


Make Sure to Bring

  • Clothing you can layer depending on variable temperatures: t-shirts, vests, sweaters, long pants to protect legs, and socks.
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals that can easily be put on and taken off, as shoes are not permitted in the Buddha Hall. Remember that you will be walking to the teachings, campground, and meals on trails that can be dusty and uneven.
  • Shawl or blanket for the cool evenings and to wear in our Buddha Hall, which may be nice when the air conditioning is on.
  • Personal toiletries, best are unscented and biodegradable products, including insect repellent, poison oak block, wipes, tissues and soaps.
  • Towel(s).
  • Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • Personal water bottle.
  • Flashlight or headlamp.
  • If camping, bring a sleeping bag, ground pad, and tent.
  • In the winter, bring a raincoat and/or umbrella, and waterproof shoes.

Optional, But Recommended

  • Ground mat for possible outdoor meditation sessions.
  • Rangjung Yeshe Chantbook, if you have one.
  • Swimsuit, beach towel, river shoes or sandals.
  • Kata, a ceremonial scarf for the final day’s offering.
  • Daypack for hikes or river use.
  • In the summer, consider bringing a raincoat and/or umbrella (just in case!).

Any food that is brought on to Gomde land must be stored in a secure place. Remember, we share the property with bears and other wildlife. Please see Gomde staff if you have food that needs to be securely stored.


Please Do Not Bring

  • Your pets; we have a no-pet policy.
  • Any fire hazards, such as camp stoves, candles, incense or matches.
  • Firearms or other weapons.
  • Any illegal drugs, marijuana, or alcohol.