Attendee Guide

What to bring

Our event is located in the high desert mountains of Northern New Mexico. In June, daytime temperatures typically range from 85°F to 100°F (29°C to 38°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C). The setting is breathtaking, and the air is dry. It can be very chilly in the morning, so please bring layers!

Please Note: At Summer Solstice, it is often quite hot and dry during the day. It often rains hard at least once. It can get cold at night.

🧾 Identification & Essentials

• Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.) – required for check-in
• Registration confirmation email (best to show on your phone)
• Printed copy of travel/health insurance (optional)

👕 Clothing for the Desert Climate & Activities

• Layered clothing for yoga, karma yoga, and relaxing (hot days, cool nights)
• Hooded windbreaker
• White cotton clothing and white head covering for White Tantric Yoga® (if attending)
• Head covering for Gurdwara
• Warm jacket or coat for mornings and evenings
• Hat for sun and cold, and gloves
• Rain gear
• Closed-toe shoes for daily use (required)
• Flip-flops or shower sandals
• Blanket or shawl for morning Sadhana

🛏️ Sleeping & Camping

• Sleeping bag or warm bedding
• Additional bedding (Adobe Cabins have thin mattresses; Morgan Cabins have cots — a twin-size air mattress helps)
• Waterproof tent with rain fly (if camping — rain is rare but can be intense)
• Sheepskin or yoga mat

🧼 Personal Hygiene & Care

• Towel
• Toiletries (sunscreen, lip balm, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Almond oil (optional) for ishnan, dry nostrils and skin
• Feminine hygiene products
• Earplugs

🥤 Eating & Drinking

• Reusable water bottle
• Travel mug or cup (for hot/cold beverages)
• Plate, cutlery and all you need for eating

🧴 Health & First Aid

• Basic first aid supplies (band-aids, tweezers, ibuprofen/aspirin/acetaminophen, etc.)

🎒 Daily Use & Practical Items

• Daypack (to carry your essentials throughout the day)
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries

❗Often Forgotten – Consider Bringing:

• Sunglasses
• Notebook and pen for journaling or note-taking

What not to bring ❌

• Drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products (including vapes and e-cigarettes)
• Meat or meat products (this is a vegetarian event)
• Aerosol sprays (due to environmental impact)
• Candles, matches, incense, or any flammable materials (unless pre-approved by 3HO)
• Firearms or weapons (including concealed carry handguns; kirpans are permitted)

🐶 Pets & Animals

• Pets or animals of any kind (no accommodations are available)

Transportation

Please consult the Travel/Stay page on the Summer Solstice website for specific driving directions to Ram Das Puri.

Flying

Most people traveling to the Ram Das Puri campsite for Summer Solstice fly to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and take a shuttle from the airport to the campsite. If you are taking a shuttle, please make your reservation ahead of time and arrive at least thirty minutes before your shuttle departs. The largest airport in the vicinity is the Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This major airport is a 1½-hour drive to the town of Española, and another 1/2 hour drive to the campsite.There is also a smaller municipal airport located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which is about a 45 minute drive from Española and another 1/2 hour drive from the campsite.

Airport Hotel

If you arrive to Albuquerque (Airport Code: ABQ) late at night and there are no shuttle options available, you can stay at a hotel near the airport and arrange ground transportation for the following day.

Driving

Please consult the Travel/Stay page on the Summer Solstice website for specific driving directions to Ram Das Puri.

Accommodations

Please view the Travel/Stay page of the Solstice website for information regarding various Solstice accommodations, including tenting, tent rentals, cabins, and RV spaces. You can also find information regarding other local accommodations, away from the Solstice site. 

Arrival to Solstice

Please refer to the Travel/Stay page Arrival to Solstice section here for more information

What to Expect to When You Arrive

Driving In

Please print out your Solstice Confirmation Email that was automatically sent out after you registered. Alternately, you can have this saved as a screenshot on your phone. THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE AT THE FRONT GATE. You will then be waved through the front gate to find a parking spot. **Cars are not allowed to drive into the event past the parking lot.**
Everyone is required to check-in at Registration Check-In prior to doing anything—this includes setting up camp or unpacking.

Check-In & Registration

All camp participants must proceed to the registration area after parking their vehicles. Please bring the following information with you to the Registration Check-In building:

• All Registrants: A photo I.D. such as a driver’s license or passport to verify your information.
• International Travelers: Round trip airline ticket confirmation

Cabin and RV Spaces

If you have reserved a bunk or cot in a cabin you will have with your badge a tag that you will put on in your bunk or cot. There will also be a list posted at the cabins. Please do not put your belonging on a bed if you have not put your tag there. Your tag will say whether you have a top or bottom bunk space or in some cabins there are some bottom bunks not set aside, check the cabin list to make sure that if there is a senior with a bottom bunk that there is a space left.

For RVs you will also receive a tag to put in the window of your RV..

Karma Yoga

In the Registration Check-In Building, find more information about your  Karma Yoga and where/when the team meeting is every morning.

Set Up Camp

Now you are free to unpack and settle in. Please walk to the Luggage Shuttle drop point closest to where you’ll be camping. Collect your things and proceed to your chosen campsite. Wheelbarrows are provided for campers to reach their campsite.

Late Arrivals 

If you are unable to arrive at Ram Das Puri by 8:00 pm, you will need to spend the night offsite and make arrangements to arrive onsite in the morning. Registration closes at 8 p.m.; the Front Gate is closed 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. (except June 20/21 for all-night Rainsabhai).

Departure from Solstice

Please refer to the Departure section on The Travel/stay page here.

The Solstice Diet: Food of the Yogis

The Purpose of the Solstice Diet

It is no coincidence that Yogi Bhajan carefully selected the foods included in the Solstice Diet. Although the simplicity of the menu may not be immediately apparent, it is intentionally designed to support the deep sadhana practiced throughout the Solstice experience.

Most importantly, this diet gives your body the best opportunity to benefit fully from long hours of yoga, meditation, and group practice.

Mung Beans and Rice: A Yogic Foundation

Mung beans and rice are among the most respected food combinations in Ayurvedic and Yogic traditions. This simple meal is valued for its unique ability to cleanse the body while still providing strength and nourishment.

Together, mung beans and rice:

• Support gentle detoxification
• Stimulate digestion
• Nourish the tissues

This rare balance allows the body to cleanse without feeling depleted.

Benefits of a Simple Diet

Within just a few days of eating mung beans and rice, many people notice significant changes. The chemistry of the blood begins to shift, and the organs and tissues are given time to recover from long-term dietary stress.

As a result, the body feels energized, digestion becomes more balanced, the stomach feels satisfied, and the mind often becomes clearer and more focused.

Turmeric for Recovery and Balance

Each morning at Solstice, a nourishing soup is served, and on White Tantric Yoga days, Golden Milk is offered afterward. Both are excellent sources of turmeric.

Turmeric helps:

• Reduce inflammation and muscle soreness
• Soothe the nervous and respiratory systems
• Support liver and blood purification

In addition, it kindles agni, the digestive fire, and supports overall vitality during long days of practice.

Daily Meal Schedule

There are three meals served each day to support energy and balance:

• Breakfast: 7:30 – 8:30 am
• Lunch: 12:30 – 1:30 pm
• Dinner: 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Solstice Menu Overview

Breakfast

A warm soup made with potatoes, celery, and onions is served each morning. Fresh bananas and oranges are offered on the side.

Lunch

Lunch varies from day to day. A typical meal may include:

• Quinoa
• Tabouleh
• Stuffed grape leaves
• Hummus

A children’s menu is also available.

On White Tantric Yoga days, a special Tantric Burger is served to support the practice. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

Dinner

Dinner features mung beans and rice, served with lettuce, steamed beets and carrots, and hot sauce on the side.

A special meal is offered on the final evening before camp concludes.

Yogi Tea

Yogi Tea is served twice daily and is both soothing and energizing. This traditional blend was shared by Yogi Bhajan to support the nervous system, digestion, and circulation.

The tea includes:

• Cloves for the nervous system
• Cardamom for digestion
• Black pepper for blood purification
• Cinnamon for strength
• Ginger for overall vitality

A vegan option is always available. Hot water and alternative tea options are provided throughout the day.

The Experience of Seva

Seva is an energy practice, like any kriya or meditation, with the power to transform the practitioner and the world. There are so many ways to practice — through random acts of kindness, volunteering your time, giving of your gifts in the ways that are right for you. It could be a smile, it could be an endowment. We respond to the world with an open heart and willingness to serve a greater good, to do what is needed.
Summer Solstice is an opportunity to experience the joy of service or Seva at the event by participating on a daily basis in helping with some of the basic needs of the event.

Code of Conduct

Camp Environment and Lifestyle Guidelines

Summer Solstice is designed to support clarity, healing, and elevated awareness. For this reason, we ask all participants to honor the guidelines below.

A Drug-, Alcohol-, and Smoke-Free Camp

Summer Solstice is a drug-free, alcohol-free, and smoke-free environment.
Keeping the body and mind clear supports both personal transformation and the collective experience. In addition, this approach allows the body to naturally cleanse and restore balance.

Vegetarian and Meat-Free Environment

This is a vegetarian, meat-free camp.
The food served and the environment itself are intentionally aligned with yogic principles of compassion, simplicity, and conscious living.

Pets and Animals

While we deeply respect and love animals, pets are not permitted at the site.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate them at Ram Das Puri.

Environmental Care and Cleanliness

We kindly ask all participants to care for the land by leaving it cleaner than they found it.
Please remember to “pack it in and pack it out.”

To support this effort, compost, recycling, and landfill containers are available throughout the camp.

Use of Phones and Personal Electronics

To protect the sacred and meditative space, please turn off cell phones and personal electronics during:

• Morning Sadhana
• Workshops
• White Tantric Yoga®

This helps maintain focus, presence, and respect for the collective experience.

Community Guidelines and Code of Conduct

Our intention is to create a peaceful, safe, and supportive environment for everyone. Therefore, we kindly ask all participants to follow the guidelines below. These policies help protect the meditative space and support a positive experience for the entire community.

Photography and Filming

Photography and filming are not permitted during White Tantric Yoga®.
Most importantly, flash photography is not allowed during Morning Sadhana, as it may disturb deep meditation.

Fire Safety and Combustible Materials

For safety reasons, candles, matches, incense, and other combustible materials are not allowed at Solstice.

However, certain items may be used if they receive prior approval from 3HO for official all-camp activities.

Lawful and Respectful Conduct

Criminal activity is not permitted at this event.
If a situation arises, it may be reviewed by 3HO staff and local law enforcement.

If someone is found responsible for criminal behavior, legal consequences may apply, and future attendance at 3HO events may be restricted.

Quiet Hours and Evening Schedule

All-camp quiet hours are from 9:45 pm to 3:15 am, except in approved areas.

Because group Sadhana during Amrit Vela (3:00–7:00 am) is central to the experience, late-night activities are limited.

As a result:

• Music, evening activities, and the bazaar end at 9:30 pm
• Camp lights are out by 10:00 pm

These guidelines support rest, reflection, and meaningful participation in morning practice.

Weapons Policy

For the safety of all participants, firearms and weapons are not allowed on the premises.
This includes concealed carry firearms.

Kirpans are permitted in respect of religious observance.

Clothing and Personal Presentation

Participants are encouraged to wear clothing that supports a meditative and respectful environment.

Revealing or transparent clothing is discouraged, as it may be distracting for others during meditation and healing practices.

Respect, Consent, and Personal Boundaries

Respect for personal space and boundaries is essential.
Many participants attend for healing, and individual needs may vary.

Therefore:

• Please ask for clear consent before physical contact
• Honor each person’s boundaries at all times

Any violation of personal boundaries is not acceptable.

Adherence to the Code of Conduct

3HO reserves the right to kindly but firmly ask any participant to leave if these guidelines are not followed.
In addition, behavior deemed inappropriate by 3HO administration may result in further action.

A Shared Responsibility

By following these guidelines, you help create a calm, welcoming, and healing environment for everyone. Besides that, your mindfulness and care help keep this gathering a safe and sacred space for all.

Security

Every year we hire the Rio Arriba County Sheriff Department to provide onsite security at our event. In the case of an emergency, a reported theft or any other criminal activity we will report to the onsite deputy on duty. We also staff a volunteer check-in / screening service exchange team that monitors the flow of traffic in and out of camp and roams the camp area and the bazaar. 3HO International is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please secure valuables in your vehicle or keep them on your person in a small back pack during the day. We will do our utmost to help you recover lost or stolen property, but you are solely responsible for your own possessions, please keep this in mind when you are packing for the event.

Communications

We understand that computers and cell phones are part of the Aquarian Age. During the event we ask that you consider the sacred atmosphere we are creating at Summer Solstice so please choose to be discreet about usage.

Phones

If you must use a cell phone, please use discretion. Reception at the Solstice site is reasonable but not excellent. We require that you please turn off your phones during workshops, classes, meditations.

Internet

We do not provide internet connection; it is recommended that you leave your computers at home. 3HO International is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Environment

Please leave your environment cleaner than when you arrived. We ask that you “pack it in and pack it out” (if you brought it in, please take it with you when you leave). However, compost, recycle, and landfill containers are provided to serve you. Summer Solstice takes place on the sacred land of Ram Das Puri.

Filming and Photography

3HO International encourages you to record your experiences at Solstice through filming and photography. We are happy for you to share your reflections of Solstice. We consider this to be a valuable way of communicating the joy and vibrancy of our community. Please be sensitive to the privacy of others, use your intuition to decide whether you are being intrusive or not. We also need your consent to share the words and images that our Photography Team records during the event. Please review the guidelines for Filming and Photography so that issues of privacy and copyright are well understood. You will be required to sign this consent and release/liability form at on-site registration.

Fire Safety

Each year at the start of Solstice, the management team is educated by the Española Fire Department on protocol in the event of a fire. We take this training annually to remind ourselves of the potential for fire and how to respond and take care of the Solstice Community. The Española Fire Department is aware and alert to our event each year. As a participant, you contribute to fire safety by remembering that all personal fires and cook fires including candles, matches, cigarettes, incense, and other combustible materials are prohibited at Ram Das Puri.

Leaving the Site During Solstice

To maintain your meditative experience, please avoid going off-site. If you do need to go off-site, you must bring your Solstice badge which you will need to show to the Parking and/or Security Team when coming and going. Participants under the age of 18 cannot leave unless chaperoned by their parent or legal guardian. Note: This policy has been created for your safety and so that the Solstice team can be aware of who is on-site or off-site in the case of an emergency.

Medical Facilities

We offer basic first-aid services at the Ram Das Puri campsite. For more serious needs, the nearest emergency hospital is located in Española, approximately 25 minutes away.

If you take any medications, please bring an adequate supply and continue taking them exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Medical doctors and other qualified health professionals are available on site to provide first aid for acute medical conditions.

If you have special health needs or are taking medications, please complete the Adult Medical Form before arriving.

Please remember to bring proof of medical insurance or sufficient funds in case of a major medical emergency.

If you have concerns about how this program may affect your health, we strongly encourage you to consult your physician before your program begins.

If you have any questions, our Customer Service team is happy to assist you.

Please note: Kundalini Yoga is a powerful and ancient practice. However, it is not a substitute for medical care or prescribed medications.

Quiet Time

One of our top priorities is providing the opportunity for everyone to experience group Sadhana every morning in the Amrit Vela (the ambrosial hours between 3–7 am) so late night activities are limited. All music, evening activities, and the bazaar end by 9:50 pm, and lights out in the camp is at 10 pm.

Lost and Found

If you see any items left behind, please pick them up and place them in the nearest landfill, recycling, or compost bin, or take them to the lost and found at Hospitality, as appropriate. Valuable items are taken to Admin.

Water Conservation

Recently, LYF installed water meters at Ram Das Puri to better monitor water usage. In New Mexico, properties are allocated a specific amount of underground water each quarter.

At this time, Summer Solstice is using slightly less than the allowed amount for the second quarter. However, as attendance continues to grow, careful water use becomes increasingly important.

To support conservation, LYF and 3HO International have introduced several water-saving measures. These include automatic shut-off faucets and showerhead flow restrictors. The restrictors reduce water use from the standard low-flow 2.5 gallons per minute to 1.6 gallons per minute.

In addition, the site uses Kohler energy-smart toilets, which use only 1.2 gallons per flush.

We kindly ask all participants to be mindful of their water use. Please ensure that faucets and showerheads are fully turned off and not left dripping.

Ram Das Puri is located in the high desert, where water is a limited and precious resource. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping care for this fragile environment.

Energy Use

The long-term vision for Ram Das Puri includes transitioning from diesel-generated electricity to solar and wind electric solutions. Of course, this all depends upon funding for Ram Das Puri development. If you would like to support the Ram Puri Development Fund, click here to donate or add a donation to your Solstice online registration. Currently, we use liquid propane for cooking because we have a commercial-grade kitchen, which is designed to run efficiently using petroleum-based fuels. As we add commercial appliances to the kitchen, energy efficiency is always considered prior to making purchases.

Leave No Trace

Our firm policy is to leave all campsites cleaner than when we arrived. Summer Solstice is a pack-it-in and pack-it-out event.