Thyangboche Monastery

Perched on a tree-lined hilltop above the Imja Khola river and encompassed by the magnificent chasm between Thamserku and Kangtega is the Tyangboche monastery. Historically it was a favored site. Lama Sangwa Dorje, a Buddhist priest, sanctified it as a holy site over 350 years ago, and wished to build a monastery there. In 1923 a boy from neighboring Khumjung stepped forward as the reincarnation of the Lama Sangwa Dorje and founded the monastery. The monastery repeatedly suffered misfortune, as it was toppled by an earthquake in 1933 and arduously rebuilt, then destroyed again by fire in 1989. All the historical and spiritual treasure were lost to the fire. Once again the Sherpa people came together to give their labor and craftsmanship, and over years it was rebuilt again.

The monastery complex houses about 35 monks who have devoted their lives to spiritual and practice of the Tibetan Buddhist religion and perform ceremonies and blessings for villagers. The main chapel holds a revered collection of Tibetan prayer books and treasures of history from the legendary past of the region. The monastery, now painted in beautiful, bold colors, and decorated ornately with flags and stone sculptures, draws many visitors from the nearby villages and hikers passing along the trails. Access to the adjoining village of Tengboche and the monastery is at the cost of a vigorous climb up 800 feet from the river below, but the path is shaded and cool. The plateau at the top of the hill is a wide plain for many uses. It is a popular place to camp, there are areas to play games, and there are a few small cafes to warm up with pastries and tea.