This Instant Everest trek takes you through the Sherpa settlements along the banks of Dudh Kosi Khola, over to the famous Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar and then to the picturesque Tengboche monastery – the culture and religion center for the Sherpa people of Khumbu. The head lama of Tengboche monastery is Nawang Zangpo who is a reincarnated personality of his former self Lama Guru – the founder of the Tengboche maonstery.

The monastery is open for visitor during the evening and morning sessions. A very impressive one storey tall image of Guru Rimpoche – who helped the Buddha Dharma get introduced in Tibet, dominates the prayer hall. More than two dozens lama both young and old sit cross legged facing each other reciting the scared scriptures to bring peace happiness and prosperity for the entire human being. Mani Rimdu dance, performed by the resident monks wearing colorful robes and masks during the full moon days in October attracts a lot of local and foreign visitors.

Before Tengboche, we stop for two nights in Namche. Curio shops, mountaineering stores and merchandise brought by Tibetan traders across the border fills the street scenes of Namche. Although all modern facilities such as electricity, piped water, telephone and internet services have all reached Namche in recent time, Sherpas have been careful not to let go their culture and hospitality for the modern means of life. Strolling around you will see Sherpa youth practicing old Sherpa tunes in their 6 string damyang(a local guitar), ladies busy on looms turning rough yak yarns in to fine warm clothes and village elders enjoying their game of Para Show ( dice game..a bit like black gammon). While in Namche, we climb up to the twin Sherpa village of Khunde and Khumjung and visit the local hospital and school – both set up with help from the first Everest summiteer Sir Edmund Hillary.

Read More