Tengboche Monastery
- Places
- By Suyog Rajbhandari
“No temple could have a more glorious setting. Ageless, it is wrapped in an aura of peace and spirituality.” – Sir Edmund Hillary
Tengboche Monastery or Thyangboche Monastery, sometimes also known as Dawa Choling Gompa, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery nestled in the heart of the Khumbu region. Tengboche Monastery’s elevation stands at an altitude of 3,867 meters/12,687 feet and is one of the most iconic places to visit en route to the Everest Base Camp Trek and other destinations in the Everest region of Nepal.
Built in 1916 by Lama Gulu, Tengboche Monastery plays a central role in the lives of the local Sherpa community, serving as a place of worship, learning, and celebration. The Largest Monastery in the Khumbu region, Tengboche Monastery, has stood the test of time with tragedies such as an earthquake and a fire destroying the sacred site, only for it to rise back stronger each time. Surrounded by famous towering peaks such as Mount Everest and Ama Dablam, the monastery offers some of the best views of the surrounding mountains.
Listening to the rhythmic chants of monks and the fluttering prayer flags creates a tranquil atmosphere that captivates every visitor passing by the trails in the Everest region. Tengboche Monastery also acts as a spiritual beacon among the towering peaks of the Himalayas, where trekkers stop by to wish and pray for the safety of themselves and their loved ones.
Whether you’re a spiritual believer, a trekker, or a curious traveler, Tengboche Monastery offers a meaningful pause on the demanding trail to Everest. This sacred site invites trekkers to reflect, recharge, and experience the unique spirituality of the Himalayas. In this blog, we will cover all the details and information regarding the largest and most significant monastery in the Khumbu region.
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Scenery Around Tengboche Monastery
As much as Tengboche Monastery serves as a place of spiritual significance, it equally acts as an amazing viewpoint for trekkers to stop by and appreciate the beauty surrounding them. The monastery sits on a ridge and is surrounded by towering peaks such as Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Thamserku.
Dense rhododendron and pine forests surround Tengboche, adding to its beauty. In Spring, these forests burst into colorful blooms, creating a contrast between the vibrant green lower slopes and the snowy mountain peaks.
The Tengboche Monastery altitude at 3,867 meters, is perfectly surrounded by beauty in every possible direction that matches the sacred site’s spiritual purpose. The sound of prayer flags fluttering in the wind and the distant chanting of monks often echoes through the valley, enhancing the meditative atmosphere. Trekkers can also witness wildlife such as Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, and colorful pheasants occasionally, adding to the raw beauty of the region.
Below Tengboche Monastery, the Dudh Koshi River flows through the valley with its clear and turquoise water, adding to the serene nature of the environment. The scenery around Tengboche Monastery doesn’t just appeal to the eyes but also touches the soul of every visitor passing by the monastery.
History of the Sacred Site
Tengboche Monastery, or the Dawa Choling Gompa, was originally founded in 1916 by Lama Gulu, a respected monk from the Khumjung area. The monastery was established under the influence of the Nyingma tradition, which is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The site, today located in the Khumbu Valley, came under the influence of Buddhism about 350 years ago.
In the early decades, Tengboche Monastery turned out to be the spiritual center of the Sherpa people and started attracting monks from surrounding villages, serving as a place of religious education, meditation, and community ceremonies.
Over the years of its establishment, Tengboche Monastery has faced many challenges. In 1934, a powerful earthquake destroyed the original structure, but with the help of the local Sherpa people and international donors, it was rebuilt. However, the tragedy struck again, later in 1989, a fire sparked by a kitchen stove reduced the monastery to ashes. Despite these back-to-back tragedies, the collective spirit of the local community and help from abroad led to its restoration in the early 90s.
Today, Tengboche Monastery stands as a significant stop for trekkers and climbers on their way to Everest and other trekking destinations on the Everest trail. The monastery continues to host major festivals like Mani Rimdu, a colorful and sacred celebration of Buddhist teachings, with masked dances and various cultural performances. The monastery has become a must-visit establishment along the Everest trail.
Architecture of Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery follows the Tibetan monastic architectural style. The monastery is built on a stone platform, strategically located on a hill at the junction of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola Rivers. It is characterized by simplicity, symbolism, and spiritual harmony. The sacred site’s walls are made in a sloping manner with flat roofs and large windows, designed to withstand the harsh Himalayan climate.
The main prayer hall (central building), Dukhang, houses a large statue of Buddha Shakyamuni and images of other deities. Dukhang is decorated with murals depicting the life of Buddha. The walls of the prayer hall are decorated with colorful Thangka paintings. Another important feature of the hall is the scriptures of Kangyur, where the original teachings of the Buddha are translated into Tibetan.
Tengboche Monastery was built using local materials, with the use of stones, mud, and timber sourced from the surrounding region. The wood carvings around the doorways and windows showcase the detailed Newari and Tibetan craftsmanship.
The Monastery also includes a large open courtyard used for religious ceremonies, mask dances during major festivals like Mani Rimdu, and daily monastic activities. The courtyard is surrounded by the monks’ residential quarters, classrooms, and administrative buildings.
The religious site also includes chortens (stupas) and stone walls inscribed with Buddhist prayers (mani walls), which enhance the spiritual atmosphere and are used in performing kora (circumambulation) by monks and pilgrims.
After the tragedies, when the original structure was destroyed in 1934 by an earthquake and later by a fire in 1989, the current building was rebuilt with International support and efforts from the local people, maintaining the original architecture and theme.
Legacy and Significance
Tengboche Monastery Nepal stands as a significant site for travelers around the world. The monastery was established in 1916 by Lama Gulu under the influence of the Nyingmapa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Tengboche Monastery’s multiple reconstructions after the two major disasters in 1934 and 1989, supported by local communities and various international donors, showcase the resilience and spiritual dedication of the Sherpa people.
The monastery serves as the spiritual heart of the Khumbu region, guiding religious activities, festivals, and monastic education with it being a key place for blessings and rituals, as well as a place for meditation for locals and trekkers.
Tengboche Monastery, as the largest monastery in the region, plays a vital role in preserving Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The monastery houses sacred scriptures, statues, and religious art, and is home to a community of monks who practice and teach Buddhism.
Tengboche Monastery
Considered a heritage within a heritage, Tengboche Monastery falls within the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery is located on the Everest Base Camp trail and is a spiritual resting point for thousands of trekkers. Many climbers and trekkers seek blessings here at the Tengboche Monastery before attempting climbs in the Everest region.
The monastery’s significance in the Khumbu region is unmatched. Its long and dramatic history, along with serving as the beacon of Buddhist faith, Sherpa heritage, and Himalayan culture, makes this sacred site culturally and historically an important site for a must-visit stop on your way to the Everest trail.
Things to do around Tengboche
Tengboche is a serene village located at an altitude of 3,867 meters (12,687 feet) and is a key stop on the way to the Everest Base Camp. Apart from the famous Tengboche Monastery, there are several other fascinating things to do in Tengboche to spend your time in the best way possible.
One of the most basic but satisfying things to do in Tengboche is to wake up early for sunrise views over Everest and Ama Dablam. The village of Tengboche hosts as an incredible viewpoint for mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets over the snow-capped mountains.
Another activity you can engage yourself when in Tengboche is to take short hikes from the village. Trekkers can take a short hike to Pangboche in about 1.5 to 2 hours. The hike is a scenic walk with chances to visit the Pangboche Monastery, which is the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region. Another hike trekkers can take is a nice and peaceful walk to Debuche. The walk takes you through a quiet forest, leading to a nunnery in Debuche village.
Tengboche is an excellent stop for nature and wildlife lovers, as it is an ideal place to capture Himalayan landscapes. There are also high chances of spotting musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and pheasants in the surrounding forests near Tengboche.
Trekkers can engage with the local Sherpa community and share stories and experiences. Engaging with the local community, trekkers get to learn about their customs, traditions, and daily life, making for a meaningful stop at Tengboche.
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Accommodation in Tengboche
During your stay in Tengboche, you will stay at the Tengboche lodge for basic accommodation services during your standard package. At the lodge, you can expect rooms with private bathrooms, hot shower facilities, free Wi-Fi, and in-room charging with basic meal options. This accommodation is ideal for most trekkers. However, these services can be further upgraded and customized to meet trekkers’ personal needs and preferences.
For an additional cost, you can improve the accommodation services even further to make your stay in Tengboche more comfortable. There is also the budget-friendly option of Tengboche guesthouse, which offers very basic rooms with shared bathrooms (often outside), simple meals, and services like a hot shower and phone charging are available for a certain fee. This accommodation is ideal for a budget-conscious traveler and is okay with minimal comfort.
Overall, Tengboche serves as a key stop during the treks in the Everest region. From its famous Tengboche Monastery to short hikes to beautiful viewpoints, trekkers often spend at least one night in Tengboche to experience the beauty of the village. For every traveler with different needs, Tengboche has all the accommodation services suited to you and your budget for accommodation.
Weather and Temperature around Tengboche
The climate at Tengboche is not too stable due to the high altitude. Summers are cool and wet, whereas Winters are cold and dry. During the peak season, from March to May and from September to November, the skies are quite clear and offer a scenic view. The temperatures during the day can range from -2°C to -14°C, depending on the trekking season.
In general, the temperature around Tengboche varies according to the seasons, but it’s cold year-round due to the high altitude. The nights at Tengboche are usually always cold, often below freezing temperatures, even in Spring and Fall.
During the Spring (March to May), daytime temperatures can rise up to 10°C, and the temperature drops to a range of -5°C to -10°C during the night. In Summer, daytime temperatures can range from 10 to 14°C and fall to 2 to 6°C at night. Autumn season temperatures start to get challenging as daytime temperatures can reach 4 to 9°C and drop below -6°C at night. During the Winter, Tengboche gets quite cold. Daytime temperatures lie in the range of 0 to 5°C, and the temperature during the night can reach up to -15°C.
Can You See Everest from Tengboche?
Yes, one can see the mesmerizing views of the mighty Everest from Tengboche on clear days. Although the Everest peak itself appears partially behind Mount Lhotse, you get a clear view of Everest from the monastery’s grounds.
The view of Everest from Tengboche is especially pleasing in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light hits the snow-covered mountains and the clouds clear up. Many trekkers and climbers stop at Tengboche specifically to enjoy the combination of spiritual calmness and the stunning scenery of Everest and other surrounding peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
What is the Highest Monastery in the World?
The title for the “Highest Monastery in the World” generally goes to Rongbuk Monastery. The monastery is located in Tibet, near the northern base of Mount Everest. The Rongbuk Monastery is located at an altitude of approximately 5,009 meters (16,434 ft) above sea level, at the end of the Rongbuk Valley.
Rongbuk Monastery was founded in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama and is a key spiritual stop for climbers traveling to the North Base Camp of Mount Everest. The monastery offers arguably one of the most stunning views of Everest.
What is the Oldest Monastery in Nepal?
The oldest monastery in Nepal is considered to be the Lo Gekhar Monastery (Ghar Gompa), located in the Upper Mustang, near Dhakmar Village. The historic monastery is located on the trail between Ghemi and the legendary city of Lo Manthang.
Lo Gekhar Monastery is believed to have been founded in the 8th century, traditionally credited to Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). The name “Ghar Gompa” translates to “House Monastery” and is a historically significant site.
According to legend, Lo Gekhar Monastery was built even before Samye Monastery in Tibet, which is Tibet’s first monastery. Despite the monastery’s remote location, Lo Gekhar is still active today and revered by pilgrims, serving as the oldest monastery in Nepal.
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How do I get to Tengboche Monastery?
Getting to Tengboche Monastery is a rewarding adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the Everest region. The Tengbocche Monastery Trek involves a mix of flight and a bit of trekking to reach the magical site.
Tengboche Monastery lies on the trail to the Everest Base Camp. To reach the monastery, you must first take a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and upon reaching the famous town of Lukla, you begin your Tengboche Monastery Trek.
First, you trek to Phakding from Lukla, taking around 3-4 hours, where you will spend your first night. The next day, you continue your trek to Namche Bazaar and spend an extra day here to acclimate accordingly and get used to the high altitude. Following Namche Bazaar, you then reach the famous Tengboche Monastery after a final ascent through rhododendron forests to the monastery.
Some of the alternative options to reach Tengboche Monastery include a direct helicopter flight for an additional cost.
How many meters high is Tengboche Monastery?
Tengboche Monastery elevation stands at an approximate 3,867 meters (12,687 feet) above sea level. The Tengboche Monastery’s altitude places the sacred site among the higher monasteries in the Himalayas, giving one of the best views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other iconic peaks.
The monastery sits on a ridge at the intersection of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola Valleys. Tengboche Monastery’s elevated position provides a 360-degree view of the beautiful Himalayas. This natural setting of Tengboche Monastery gives the sacred site a spiritually charged atmosphere, perfect for meditation and self-reflection.
At 3,867 meters, Tengboche Monastery is high enough to require proper acclimatization, but also low enough to avoid the extreme risks of high-altitude trekking. The monastery serves as an iconic stop for trekkers and climbers passing by the Everest trail. Trekkers and climbers stop by this famous monastery to pray for a safe journey before heading to their destinations.
Major Festival Celebrated at Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery serves as a crucial site for celebrating major festivals in the Khumbu region of Nepal. One of the major festivals celebrated at Tengboche Monastery is the Mani Rimdu.
Mani Rimdu is a vibrant Buddhist festival that draws Monks, Sherpas, and trekkers from all over the Khumbu region, heading on their trail to the Everest Base Camp and beyond. The Mani Rimdu is a sacred festival of Tibetan Buddhism in the Nyingma tradition. The festival is held in October or November, during the full moon of the ninth Tibetan lunar month. However, the exact date of the celebration varies every year.
Mani Rimdu is a vibrant Buddhist festival that draws Monks, Sherpas.
The Mani Rimdu festival is celebrated for the victory of Buddhism over negative forces and honors Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who introduced Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. The festival lasts for a total duration of 19 days, but the main public ceremonies are performed over a course of 3 days, which is when most visitors visit to witness the celebration of the festival.
Some of the key features of the Mani Rimdu festival include:
- Masked Dances (Cham): Monks at the Tengboche Monastery perform ritual dances in elaborate costumes and various masks. Each of the dances performed by the masked monks tells a unique story of good overcoming evil.
- Mandala Creation: During the celebration of the festival, a sand mandala is created over several days as a spiritual offering. The beautiful mandala is then dismantled at the end of the festival o symbolize impermanence.
- Blessing Ceremony: During the celebration of the Mani Rimdu festival, the head lama gives blessings called (Wong) to the public. This is a major attraction for the visitors and locals to join in the celebrations at Tengboche Monastery as they come together to receive these spiritual empowerments.
- Fires and Offerings: Various rituals are performed during the festival to dispel negative forces and invite positive energy. The festival ends with a ritual fire offering to burn away obstacles and hardships.
Conclusion
The famous Tengboche Monastery is far more than just a normal stop on the Everest Base Camp trail. The monastery’s rich history and significance continue to influence the lives of Sherpa people and the trekkers who pass through the peaceful grounds of the monastery. The sound of the chanting monks and the fluttering of the prayer flags combine to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
What truly elevates the monastery is the location. Tengboche Monastery not only serves as a spiritual stop on the Everest trail but also as a beautiful spot for the views of Everest and other towering peaks. The sacred site is a place for reflection and connection with nature, serving as a spot for prayers and meditation in a peaceful environment. With major festivals to witness at the legendary site, such as the Mani Rimdu, travelers and trekkers all get to witness its uniqueness in terms of culture and Buddhist traditions.
In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected from nature, Tengboche Monastery offers a rare and enlightening experience. The monastery serves as a reminder that amidst the towering peaks and physical challenges of the Himalayas, there is also immense beauty and calmness to be found along the way. The monastery is a gentle reminder of the beauties of the Evrest region and its traditions.
Tengboche Monastery also gives the true meaning of coming back from all the adversities in life. With the monastery itself being rebuilt and reconstructed over 2 times with huge disasters, along with the help of the collective community and international donors, it has stood the test of time. Tengboche Monastery is a must-visit place among the Himalayas of Nepal, along the trail towards Everest.
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