Tengboche Monastery with Ama Dablam behind
Tengboche stands on a forested ridge at 3,867 m, above the meeting of the Dudh Kosi and Imja Khola. The monastery was founded in the early 20th century and rebuilt after an earthquake in 1934 and a fire in 1989. It is the largest gompa in the Khumbu and home to a community of monks of the Nyingma school. Behind it the view of Everest, Lhotse and the sharp ridge of Ama Dablam is one of the best known in the Himalaya.
We set out early from Khumjung or Namche along the balcony trail high above the Dudh Kosi, with Ama Dablam ahead most of the way. The path drops to the river at Phunki Tenga, around 3,250 m, then climbs about 600 m through rhododendron and pine forest to Tengboche. Allow 7 to 9 hours of walking for the round trip. At the top there is time for lunch at a simple lodge or bakery, and a visit to the prayer hall, with its large Buddha image and painted walls.
When the timing works, we join the afternoon puja, sitting quietly at the back as monks chant with drums and horns; please remove shoes and do not photograph inside. In October or November, the monastery hosts Mani Rimdu, a festival of masked dances and blessings, whose dates follow the Tibetan calendar; check current status before you travel. The walk back takes 3 to 4 hours, or guests who prefer a shorter day can use a helicopter one way, weather permitting.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Can we visit Tengboche without sleeping there?
Yes. Many of our guests reach Tengboche on a long day walk from Khumjung or Namche, about 7 to 9 hours round trip, and return to sleep below 3,800 m. Those who prefer can sleep at Tengboche in a simple lodge, which allows sunset and sunrise views, but it means a basic room and a slightly higher night, at 3,867 m.
When is the Mani Rimdu festival at Tengboche?
Mani Rimdu is usually held in October or November, following the Tibetan lunar calendar, and lasts several days. The main public days include masked dances in the monastery courtyard and blessings for the local community. Lodges at Tengboche and nearby fill quickly. Dates change each year, so check current status before you travel and book early.
Is the walk to Tengboche difficult?
It is a long, demanding day at altitude, with a descent of about 300 m to the river and then a climb of about 600 m to the monastery, followed by the reverse on the way back. Fit walkers manage it at an easy pace after acclimatising in Namche. Guests with less stamina can shorten the day with a helicopter, weather permitting.
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