Tengboche Gompa Information | Photos | Location

Tengboche Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Sherpa community which is located in the Tengboche village in Khumjung in the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal. Also known as Dawa Choling Gompa, the monastery is situated on top of a hill at the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Imja Khola rivers with a spectacular view of the Everest.

Imagine a life far away from the hullabaloo of your city life. Some place in the far away land with absolute lull giving calmness to your body and soul. The monastery has a rather interesting history. It was first built in 1916 by Lama Gulu. In the year 1934 it was destroyed by an earthquake and thus rebuilt. It was again destroyed in 1989 due to a fire and was again rebuilt. It is one of the most prominent centres for Sherpa culture and resides 35 monks within its walls. It is also popularly known as the site of “sacred sites trail project” of the Sangarmatha National Park and attracts large number of tourists throughout out the year. The trail covers 10 monasteries.

It is a proud hometown of Tenzing Norgay, one of the first people to step foot on Mount Everest. Many mountaineers visited this place as it is based on the base camp of the Everest. While being in the monastery one can see the breath taking view of the Everest.

The high peaks of the monastery have five prayer flags fluttering in the air which denotes the 5 Buddhist elements of earth, wind, fire, water and consciousness. (Awesome, right?). The monastery is basically built of stone masonry and is surrounded by ancient mani stones. The special thing about the stones is it has “Om Mane Padme Hum” inscribed on them.

You can visit the gompa at any time of the year but the best time is during the Mani Rimdu festival which falls in October - November. It lasts 19 days and is a must watch. The monastery has some beautiful carvings and paintings that can be witnessed with the pleasure of watching the monks going about with their daily routines. It always brings a sense of calmness to one when here.

Remember, 12,687 ft, Base camp of Everest, beautiful monastery with alluring view is equal to having the time of your life. You can often spot the monks in colourful costumes which add to the vibrant atmosphere of the place. The Tengboche Monastery has become a symbol for tourism in Nepal and you don’t want to miss out on it!