Mount Everest is more than a mountain, and a trek to its base camp is more than trekking and hiking, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and Tibetan tradition. The monasteries, Mani wall, and Tibetan mantra engraved wall make the area enriching. The Khumbu region of Nepal is culturally rich and spiritually significant. Here is the list of the monasteries in the Everest region.
Monastery in Lukla
A Sculptor Engraved Tibetan Mantra
Lukla is the gateway to the Everest Region Trek, and the monastery is the first cultural landmark that visitors stumble upon arrival. The Lukla Monastery is called Lukla Kemgun Gompa. The Gompa holds the importance of the local community and visitors seeking to understand the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Sagarmatha region. This monastery is known for the traditional Thangka paintings.
Phakding Monastery/Rimishung Monastery
Rimishung Monastery where you can witness Murals Paintings
Phakding is a beautiful Sherpa village situated on the banks of the Dudh Koshi River in the Khumbu region. From Phakding, you can see lush forests, farming terraces, the beautiful snow-capped peak Thamserku, and Kushumkangaru. Phakding is marked with Buddhist monuments, including stupas, a mani wall, a Tibetan Mantra engraved on a boulder, a chorten, and Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the air, reflecting a strong Sherpa Culture. Rimishung Monastery, strategically located in Phakding, provides the best option for an acclimatization day during the Everest Base Camp Trek. It’s one of the first monasteries and encounters on the Everest region trek. The Monastery is enriched with prayer flags, detailed murals, mani wall, and wheels inscribed with Buddhist Mantras. There is a daily Pooja and meditation of resident monks and nuns. The Rimishung Monastery is a part of the Nyingma Sect, but there is no explicit mention of the established date. It is believed the monastery was built early 16th century. There are other small monasteries and religious sites in the surrounding area, such as Gumela Rimishung monastery, which is a bit off the Everest trekking route.
Namche Bazar Monastery
Namche Bazar- the cultural vibrant Sherpa town, where every climbers and trekker meet
Namche Bazar is a trekker's paradise and an ideal place for acclimatization. Namche Bazar keeps busy visiting the Monastery, local market, Sherpa museum, scenic viewpoint, bakery and bars. Namche Monastery is located in the heart of bustling Sherpa town in the Everest region trek. Namche Monastery serves as a spiritual center and a cultural landmark, attracting both locals and tourists with its wooden architecture, ornate murals, and statues of deities. The Namche Monastery is the most prominent, and there are other monasteries in the area. Thame Monastery is another spiritual site in a unique location. It is a great idea to stop at Thame monastery while going to Renjo-la Pass to the Gokyo Lake trails.
Khumjung Monastery
Phortse Monastery view from Khumjung, Namche
Khumjung Monastery, known as Khumjung Gompa located in the picturesque Khumjung village at 3,790 m in the Khumbu region. Established in the 16th century, it offers a glimpse of Tibetan Buddhism’s heritage. This is the second oldest monastery in the area, popularly known for its spiritual significance and cultural richness, and renowned for housing a remnant of a Yeti scalp. Local and foreign tourists can explore the monastery and witness the religious ceremony and Buddhist practices. Tarki Choling Gompa is situated in the upper part of Phortse village and offers a breathtaking landscape. Khumjung to Phortse and Pangboche is a less crowded trail to the EBC trek. A Nyingma Sect Monastery was established in 1997 in Phortse with the support of British volunteers and local trekkers. You can visit this monastery while trekking to Gokyo Valley and the less-traveled route to the EBC trek.
Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery at a Tranquil Environment in EBC Trek Route
Tengboche Monastery is the largest monastery situated on the hilltop of Tengboche in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The views from Tengboche are fabulous of Ama Dablam and Everest. The monastery was built in the 20th century with the support of merchants and locals. Tengboche monastery is also called Dawa Choling Gompa. It is a major landmark for trekkers on the Everest Base Camp Trek, offering a view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse Shar, Ama Dablam, and many more. It serves as a place of worship, meditation, and spiritual guidance for the Sherpa community. The Gompa hosts the Mani Rimdu festival to foster community unity.
Pangboche Monastery
One of the Oldest Monastery in Everest Region Nepal
It is another beautiful Buddhist gompa located in the Khumbu region of Nepal along the Everest Base Camp Trail, standing at an altitude of 3,980 m in Pangboche village. Pangboche Gompa was founded by Lama Sangwa Dorje in the 16th century. It is believed that this monastery is famous for its Yeti scalp relics, which relate to the legend of Lama Sangwa being helped by a Yeti while meditating in a nearby cave. About 20 monks lived in the monastery to maintain the daily worship rituals and practice, keeping the tradition alive. A small fee is charged to visit the monastery, which is used to maintain the site.
Best Time to Visit Monasteries in the EBC Trail
Spring and Autumn remain the best trekking seasons throughout the country. However, the upper part of the Everest Trek receives little to no rain during the monsoon season. In fact, monsoon is an excellent time for the Dolpo region, Upper Mustang trek, and Manaslu Circuit Trek. You will often find trekking above the clouds, enjoying crystal clear views, and vibrant alpine landscapes. The weather generally remains warm and dry, with lush forest and fewer crowds along the trails.
The winter season temperature is extremely cold, and the local settlement shifts down to a lower altitude to escape from heavy snowfall and harsh conditions. Regardless of the season, be prepared for changing mountain weather by packing appropriately. Always practice responsible trekking: leave no trace and respect local communities and nature.
Regardless of the season, be prepared for changing mountain weather by packing appropriately. Always practice responsible trekking: leave no trace and respect local communities and nature
The Everest region is full of cultural heritage and spiritual significance. Hiking to EBC through Phakding monastery, exploring Namche Bazar, following the beaten path to Pangboche, and spending a night at Tengboche is surely an enriching experience, offering the monastery life, breathtaking landscape, challenging ascent, and awe-inspiring views. Global Eco Trails is very grateful to our guides and porters for their expertise and unwavering support to our clients, which allows you to reach Everest Base Camp and experience the nature, culture, and adventure of the Himalaya. As you will fly back to home, you will carry only the memories and the pictures that you had taken. Daring to experience the cultural hub and personal triumph over the physical challenges. Global Eco Trails awaits to make your trip a memorable one.
