Khumbila 5761m

Khumbila is the most sacred mountain of the Sherpas and is represented anthropomorphically as a white horse rider. Even though the mountain is just 5,761 meter which is a dwarf by Himalayan standards, it nevertheless dominates the landscape around the heart of Sherpa settlements. It is said that Guru Padmasambhava himself meditated in a hermitage on its southern slopes for three days. An interesting fact comes to light if you climb the slopes to the north of the twin settlements of Khunde and Khumjung. As you look down at the valley, it is roughly shaped like a horse!! If you don't get to see it for yourself, check it out in Google Earth. The head is towards the east end and the forelegs are where Khumjung School is. Perhaps that is the reason why Khumbila is depicted riding a horse!! Because of the reverence people have to this mountain, climbing is forbidden and there are many stories of disasters befalling those that have tried to do so illegally. You have been warned!!