Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of Nepal, probably because of the unrivalled backdrop of Mt. Ama Dablam. The monastery is a leading Buddhist center in the Khumbu region with a residing Rinpoche who blesses the pilgrims, mountaineers and travelers. 

Every October, Tengboche Monastery hosts the colorful Mani Rimdu festival, which is a culmination of Buddhist celebrations with a religious gathering, songs, ritual dances, and enactments of the lives of legendary figures. Visitors are welcome to partake in the festivities and many trekkers book their trek to coincide with the festival. Tours of the monastery are conducted every afternoon. Tengboche lies on the very popular trek route to the Everest region.

Atop a hill across Imja Khola, Tengboche is the most common night halt after Namche. The monastery is perched on a high ridge across the canyon from Khunde. The original Tengboche Monastery was burnt down in 1989 and replaced with a more solid structure. 

Pines, azaleas and colorful rhododendrons surround the attractive gompa (monastery), with a stunning panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.  Tengboche has many rest houses and lodges as well as spacious camping sites.

From Tengboche you can continue to Pheriche, Kala Pattar and the hamlet of Gorakshep.  From here, the Everest Base Camp is easily reached, as is the summit of Kala Pattar (5,545 m), known for outstanding views of Mt. Everest. However, it is advisable to take time to acclimatize and avoid rapid gain in altitude to avoid altitude sickness.