Tengboche Monastery

What is inside the Everest Region? Many of us might be wandering here and there to know about what actually, is there inside the Everest region of Nepal. Legendary among treks in Nepal, the Everest base camp trek has thousands of stories to tell. And today we are here to share something hidden inside the Everest region of Nepal. It is the massive and oldest Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region. The Tengboche Monastery is situated on the world’s most popular trekking trail of Everest Base Camp.

Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery is often known by the local name Dawa Choling Gompa.  Its tale starts from the very beginning. It is one of the biggest monasteries in the Khumbu region and is located at 3867m (12,687ft) above sea level. This monastery is surrounded by stunning views of the highest peak Mt.Everest, Ama Dablam, Khangtengha, Lhotse, and marvelous Himalayas ranges.

What makes this Monastery (Gompa) more fascinating and exceptional?  It has charming elements about that monastery and the place Tengboche highly offers beautiful vistas of mountains and the gate of the monastery is brilliant. Really it is the finest view that could be witnessed in the mountain region ever.

Here let’s start with its history, structure, festivals, activities, and teachings. The 12 days Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to discover the Tengboche monastery, stunning mountains, various landscapes, local Sherpa culture, and a thrilling hike around the high mountains.

History of the Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche monastery is the first Buddhist celibate monastery that is built within the Nyingma lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism. Tengboche Monastery build was in 1916 by lama Gulu under the support of its mother monastery Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet. Moreover, the earthquake of 1934 destroyed the original Monastery. Soon after that like a nightmare, there occurred a great disaster through a short circuit in 1989. It nearly burns down the old scriptures, statues, murals, and wood carvings of the monastery.

Thus, finally, with the help of volunteers and funds from all over the world, Tengboche was rebuilt in 1989. Fortunately, the 2015 earthquake didn’t a huge effect and it is the prime fascination of the Everest Region Treks. Don’t miss to visit the Tengboche monastery when you’re traveling around the Khumbu valley.

Structure of Tengboche Monastery

The rebuilt monastery has an impressive construction by local people. It has stone masonry in the Tibetan style of building. It has large courtyards and storerooms to conduct various religious programs as well as dharma activities. The monastery looks very graceful and was renovated by local materials. Inside the monastery many beautiful arts and symbols of Buddism.

Nunnery and Teachings

Vajrayana Buddhism does not restrict teaching Buddha’s dharma to females. Thus, the Tengboche monastery in the past days pursued teachings to the nun. Besides, the head of the monastery granted small land to make a residence. Especially for a nun in Debuche, Khumjung, Khunde, Thame, and around the valley. Still, many monks are to learn Buddhist literature and Dharma.

Festival and culture

Since Sherpa’s ancestors helped a lot to build this Monastery. The practices and traditions performed in the gompa are quite matching with that of the sherpa tradition. The Dumji and Mani Rimdu is the most popular workshop festival in Khumbu. Besides, the Tengboche monastery holds a colorful festival called “ Mani Rimbdu” every October. During this festival monks and local people conduct enactments of legendary figures with pleasing music and dances.

The local Sherpa community welcomes visitors to take part in this festive mood. As a result, many trekkers and travelers book their trips to coincide with this festival. The Gyalbo Lhosar is the national festival of the Sherpa people and it’s celebrated in February.

Activities to do inside the Tengboche Monastery

Meditation: One can do meditation related to Buddhism in Tengboche Monastery. On the other hand, Lamas or monks give a blessing to the trekkers and mountaineers for their safe journey too. Learn meditation and improve your concentration. Meditation is very powerful to control your soul and buddy. It always keeps you positive and healthy too.

Donation (Daan): Buddhists believe giving donations means building up a way to bring prosperity to one’s life. One can donate a small amount according to their wishes. Or offers incense to impress the god. Donation is not forcibly and it should be automatically created by your heart. If your heart is very then you can donate to the monastery. The donation funds go to monks, education, meals, and other sectors of the monastery.

Worship (Puja): Puja means praying to god and goddess for the good life. People offer flowers and bows in front of the statue for puja. We believe monks are the reincarnation of the Buddhists. So it’s better to show respect for them. When you do puja or worship you will feel peace and create positive vibes too.

Best Place To Spend A Good Time

Tengboche is the best destination to hang out for Buddhist devotees. Not only the Buddhists but also the trekkers of the Everest region Trek could hike to this beautiful place. It’s highly preferred a place to spend a good time and explore the legendary peaks around the Tengboche Valley.

Undoubtedly, the Tengboche Buddhist monastery of the Everest region holds its visitor’s hearts. Also, it is able to strike one’s mind to make them visit again. If you are willing to see the Tengboche Monastery and fascination valley less than a week is required to complete the whole trip. If you are a high adventure enthusiast lover we would highly recommend the Gokyo Lake or Three High Pass Trek. Besides these treks, you will find the trekking popular peaks like Island Peak and Lobuche Peak too. Let’s adventure together and discover the hidden Sherpa culture and marvelous scenarios of Khumbu Valley.