TENGBOCHE - Buddhist Lighthouse

Tengboche has something of a charm about it. The famous Tengboche Gompa has a part to play in this, but the beautiful birch-rhododendron forest and the expansive views offered by this ridge top settlement have got to be the ones that nail it.

Tengboche is also home to one of the most colorful events of the Khumbu region: the Mani Rimdu. This festival which includes masked dances by the monks lends a surreal air to Tengboche and is a crowd puller for good reason. Also interesting but perhaps less famous are the skiing monks of Tengboche. You might be able to see one in winter and early spring when there is snow on the open ground around here.

The forest around Tengboche which is protected by the gompa supports the highest density of Musk Deer and Blood Pheasant in the Khumbu. The Himalayan Monal is also a regular sight around here.