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Day 24: Tengboche Monastery (Rest Day)
Originally established in the early 20th century and rebuilt after a fire in 1989 the Tengboche Monastery is situated in spectacular surroundings under Kangtaiga mountain. You can visit the Monastery during the day and with permission are allowed to sit and witness the monks morning prayers. The prayer room is ornately decorated & listening to the monks prayers is a peaceful experience for even the most restless souls. Donations are an important part of keeping the monastery alive and thriving. We found the monks quite friendly and curious about our backgrounds and reasons for visiting their Gompa and country. Many young boys are sent to Tengboche from Buddhist families in the Khumbu and around eastern Nepal. The Monastery has an old and revered collection of ancient Buddhist texts. From the Gompa you can take a side trip hiking above Tengboche following a line of prayer flags strung up on poles. The further you climb the more incredible the views including a Chorten very high up on the ridge. The views are really incredible above Tengboche including Ama Dablam & Mt. Everest hiding behind the Lhotse Wall & the Thamserku-Kangtaiga glacier. You can also view the EBC trail across the river valley leading to Pangboche. For snacks, coffee, & tea check out the Tengboche Cafe in Tengboche. You can make a donation to the Monastery in the prayer hall or at the Tengboche Visitors Center where you can learn about the history of the Monastery & purchase local crafts and jewelry made by the monks. |