Arriving At Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery sits atop a hill at the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Imja Khola rivers, with a clear view of Everest. About 350 years ago, Lama Sangwa Dorjee of Khumbu declared Tengboche to be a religious site where there would one day be an important monastery. But it wasn’t until 1923, when the reincarnate of Lama Sangwa Dorjee —a boy from nearby Khumjung—founded the actual monastery. Today it is one of the most important religious centers for Sherpa culture, with 35 monks residing within its walls.

Tengboche is a Shangri La. It is one of the last stops on the way to the high peaks of the Himalayas. But this quiet spot has been the site of a long history of disasters. The monastery was destroyed by an earthquake in 1933, only to be rebuilt and, then, ravaged by fire in 1989. The heat was so intense that none of the old scriptures, carvings, and murals could be salvaged. Most of the old artifacts were completely destroyed. With the aid of local Sherpas skilled in carpentry, the monks have rebuilt the monastery. Patience and mindfulness are central tenets in Tibetan Buddhism, and these are needed here in large doses as the rebuilding process has stretched on from months to years.

Gabriel is Enroute to Tengboche Monastery At 3867m

Tengboche is a midway station on the trail to Everest Base Camp for Everest climbers.  All of this area forms part of the entire Khumbu region and goes to Tibet border. It has an area of 1,148 square kilometres and encompasses the Sagarmatha National park  region of Nepal.   The Tengboche Monastery is strategically placed on the way to Everest Base Camp and thus attracts large number of tourists each trekking season.

Tengboche is located in the hidden Kumbu valley and is surrounded by high Himalayan ranges where the climate varies from temperate to arctic. However, the area is protected from the worst extreme climatic conditions due to a wall of ridges of the Himalayas that encircles the whole valley. It becomes a partially a rain shadow area and as a result the fury of monsoon precipitation and cold winds is reduced.