The Khumbu region
in eastern Nepal is the home of the Sherpas, the world's
most famous mountaineers. The Tengboche Monastery, center
of Sherpa Buddhist culture, holds pride of place in
Himalayan iconography. There is also the famous village
of Namche Bazaar, a meeting place for Himalayan traders
and Yak caravans. The greatest prize of all is of course
the view of Everest the highest mountain in the world.
Our Everest experience begins at Lukla airport (1850m).
The trail follows the course of the Dudh Koshi River
(the river of Milk) as in charge down the narrow gorges.
On the trail, you feel dwarfed by the mountains all
around. Sacred stones, shortens and prayer flags mark
the route. Yak caravans are frequently encountered and
the precarious suspension bridges make you pause. You
may not meet a Yeti, but barking deer, musk deer and
the Himalayan Thar of mountain goat can be seen grazing
on the steep slopes. The shaggy-coated Yak is the most
famous animal around here.
Namche Bazaar is an enchanting settlement set in horseshoes-shaped
mountain amphitheater. Its Saturday market is a social
event where merchandise of daily use, meat yak tails
and butter are traded. Mountaineering souvenirs left
behind by expeditions to Everest can also be found in
the shops of Namche.
Tengboche Monastery sits at an altitude of 3870m in
a clearing surrounded by first and Rhododendrons. The
view from here is a magnificent close-up of Eeverest
(8848m), Nuptse (7879m), Lhotse (8500m), Ama Dablam,
Kwangde and Thamserku. A day at Khumjung will fill you
with tales of the legendary Yeti and a view of Yeti's
scalp at the local monastery. |