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56-617: Tengboche monastery is amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value”), draped with a panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountains, including the well-known peaks of Tawache , Everest , Nuptse , Lhotse , Ama Dablam , and Thamserku . Tengboche is the terminus site of the "Sacred Sites Trail Project" of the Sagarmatha National Park that attracts large number of tourists for trekking and mountaineering. It

112-635: A Military Intelligence officer in the Indian Army, with the local rank of captain , and was seconded to the Indian Police . At this time the Indian independence movement was gaining ground, and Bengal was particularly affected. Hunt even worked undercover , gathering intelligence in Chittagong while dressed in local clothing . He returned to his regiment in 1935, having been awarded

168-618: A certain heaviness of design and concern not to leave any space unfilled Tucci further elaborates on the exaggerated depictions in Tibetan art forms: Even the shape of the Tibetan utensils and furniture is overblown. The bulging teapots, rather short necked with their high domed lids have none of the lightness of the Persian or Chinese ones. Vajrayana Buddhism does not restrict its teachings of Buddhism to male or female. In fact, during

224-509: A knoll at the end of a big spur, which is flung out across the direct axis of the Imja river. Surrounded by satellite dwellings, all quaintly constructed and oddly mediaeval in appearance, it provides a grandstand beyond comparison for the finest mountain scenery that I have ever seen, whether in the Himalaya or elsewhere. The rebuilt monastery was formally consecrated in 1993 and is considered as

280-601: A monastery at Tengboche based on a footprint on a rock left by him while meditating. However, the actual establishment of the monastery happened only during Ngawang Tenzin Norbu's time; Norbu was considered Sangwa Dorje's fifth incarnation. He had established a monastery at Rongbuk in Tibet on the northern face of Mount Everest . He blessed Chatang Chotar, known as Lama Gulu, to found the Tengboche monastery at Tengboche village. As

336-631: A record mark on Everest with a Swiss expedition of 1952). News of the expedition's success reached London on the morning of Queen Elizabeth II 's coronation . Returning to Kathmandu a few days later, they discovered that Hillary had been made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire and Hunt a Knight Bachelor for their efforts. He received his knighthood on his return to London in July 1953. Further honours were showered on Hunt and

392-553: A result, it got established at its present location in 1916. It is the first celibate monastery under the Nyingmapa lineage of the Vajrayana Buddhism . Many older village-level monasteries are close by. Three wealthy inhabitants of the local Sherpa community are credited with funding building of the monastery. Among these three, Karma was the most influential and well known as he was a tax collector, and he also enjoyed

448-607: A route through the Khumbu Icefall , and once opened, teams of Sherpas moved tons of supplies up the mountain. A succession of advanced camps were created, slowly forging higher up the mountain. By 21 May, Wilfrid Noyce and Annullu had reached the psychological milestone of the South Col . Hunt had selected two climbing pairs to attempt the summit. The first pair ( Tom Bourdillon and Charles Evans ) set out on 26 May but were forced to turn back after becoming exhausted high on

504-614: A successful operation. He then attended the Staff College, Camberley in 1946, followed by various staff appointments in the Middle East and Europe. He was granted the substantive rank of major in 1946, becoming substantive colonel in 1952. Hunt was employed on the staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) when he received the surprise invitation to lead the 1953 British Mount Everest expedition. It had been expected that Eric Shipton would lead

560-613: Is a national park in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal that was established in 1976 and encompasses an area of 1,148 km (443 sq mi) in the Solukhumbu District . It ranges in elevation from 2,845 to 8,848 m (9,334 to 29,029 ft) and includes Mount Everest . In the north, it shares the international border with Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet Autonomous Region . In

616-682: Is a circular trail that covers 10 monasteries in a clockwise direction terminating in the Tengboche Monastery. The Khumbu valley, where the monastery is, came under the influence of Buddhism about 350 years back. Ancient scriptures of Tibet refer to this valley along with Rowlang and Khanbalung valleys as sacred places. Lama Sangwa Dorje is referred to as the founder of the oldest monastery in Khumbu at Pangboche as well as many other small hermitages. His divine psychic knowledge and clairvoyant vision had prophesied suitability of establishing

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672-460: Is by a hard three days of trekking from Lukla. However, considering acclimatization needs for the high altitude climbing, a four-day trek is generally preferred. This trail crosses initially the Dudh Kosi (3,250 metres (10,660 ft)) river and a further climb leads to the Tengboche monastery at 3,870 metres (12,700 ft) altitude. A downhill trek leads to Devouche, the nunnery. The backdrop to

728-731: Is located on a hill at the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Imja Khola rivers. It lies in Khumbu district to the north east of Kathmandu on the Nepal – Tibet border. It is inhabited by sherpas ('sherpa' literally means the easterner ) who migrated from Tibet six hundred years ago. The monastery is approached by a mountain trail from Namche , via the nearest airport in Lukla (2,800 metres (9,200 ft)) connecting to Kathmandu . Its approach

784-701: The Alps , learning some of the mountaineering skills he would later hone while taking part in several expeditions in the Himalayas while serving in India. He made a guided ascent of Piz Palu at 14. He was educated at Marlborough College before entering the Royal Military College, Sandhurst , where he was awarded the King's Gold Medal and the Anson Memorial Sword. After Sandhurst, Hunt

840-491: The Gregorian calendar . It falls on the autumn season when large groups of tourists visit the Khumbu region to trek to Everest Base Camp and to witness the festival which lasts for nineteen days. The religious festivities involve ceremonies and meditation ( Drupchen ). The meaning attributed to "Mani Rimdu" is that ‘Mani’ means “part of the chant of Chenrezig ” and ‘Rilbu’ or ‘Rimdu’ means small red pills that are blessed during

896-864: The Indian Police Medal . Throughout this period Hunt continued to climb in the Himalayas . In 1935, with James Waller's group, he attempted Saltoro Kangri , reaching 24,500 feet (7,470 m). This exploit led to his election to the Alpine Club and the Royal Geographical Society . He applied to join the 1936 Everest Expedition , but was turned down when an RAF medical discovered a minor heart problem. He married Joy Mowbray-Green on 3 September 1936, and she also took part (along with Reggie Cooke ), in Hunt's 1937 Himalayan trip which included reconnaissance of Kangchenjunga ,

952-512: The Kangyur , the original teachings of the Buddha translated into Tibetan are part of the sanctum. The rebuilt monastery is a large and impressive structure with a camping area in its front and a number of lodges. Tengboche is surrounded by ancient mani stones (flat stones inscribed with the mantra "Om Mane Padme Hum", prayer flags flying atop the high peaks (flags are flown in colours denoting

1008-470: The River Sangro , in addition to his battalion, he commanded attached troops from other arms, and the recommendation for his DSO states that he was constantly in the forefront of the fighting, organising raids and ambushes to keep the enemy forces on the back foot, and himself leading reconnaissance patrols deep behind enemy lines. In October 1944, his battalion was transferred to Greece , just as

1064-449: The 1934 earthquake. Subsequently, Lama Gulu who had built it died. His successor, Umze Gelden, took up the task of rebuilding, with strong support from Ngawang Tenzin Norbu. The monks and the local community, with support from a skilled carpenter from Lhasa , re-established the monastery. Exclusive murals were painted by Kappa Kalden, a renowned artist. With an influx of tourists to the Khumbu region, particularly for trekking by mountaineers,

1120-700: The 1966 Queen's Birthday Honours he was created a Life Peer for his work with young people, his title being gazetted as Baron Hunt , of Llanvair Waterdine in the County of Salop . He was the first Chairman of the Parole Board , and his advisory work on policing in Northern Ireland led to the Hunt Report with its recommendation for the disbanding of the B-Specials and creation of

1176-601: The Army, being posted as assistant commandant of Sandhurst . Following his retirement from military service in 1956, when he was granted the honorary rank of brigadier , he became the first Director of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme , a post he held for ten years. He left an account of the British Caucasus Expedition in 1958. Hunt was Committee Chairman of Plas y Brenin from 1955 to 1965, and in

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1232-735: The Commando Mountain and Snow Warfare School, Braemar . He returned to regimental duty in 1943 as a war substantive major and acting lieutenant colonel , Commanding Officer (CO) of the 11th Battalion of the KRRC. Forming the motorised infantry element of the 23rd Armoured Brigade , Hunt led the battalion in the Italian Campaign . In 1944, Hunt received an immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his leadership in bitter fighting on

1288-535: The Sagarmatha National park. In the Kumbu region of Nepal, the monastery is strategically placed on the way to Everest base camp and thus attracts large number of tourists from all parts of the world. During the spring season, hill slopes around Tengboche are covered with flowering rhododendrons . The current monastery is constructed with stone masonry. The courtyard and storerooms are large to facilitate

1344-582: The Tengboche, is called Devoche or Debuche Nunnery (Ani). It is at an elevation of 3,800 metres (12,500 ft). It was built amidst rhododendron and juniper forests. At one time, fifteen nuns resided here, but now only nine old nuns live in this place in poverty stricken conditions. Many nuns have even left to pursue studies in Kathmandu and India. In the nearby villages, there are many other chortens, small monasteries and hermitages including those at Pangboche, Thame, Lawdo, Khumjung and Kunde. Even though

1400-483: The east, it is adjacent to Makalu Barun National Park , and in the south it extends to Dudh Kosi river. It is part of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape . Sagarmatha National Park was established on July 19, 1976. In 1979, it became the country's first national park that was inscribed as a Natural World Heritage Site . In January 2002, a Buffer Zone comprising 275 km (106 sq mi)

1456-850: The expedition team: the Hubbard Medal of the National Geographic Society , the first time the medal was awarded on a collective basis, though individual bronze replicas were made for Hunt, Hillary and Norgay; the Founder's Medal of the Royal Geographical Society; the Lawrence medal of the Royal Central Asian Society ; and honorary degrees from Aberdeen , Durham , and London universities. Hunt returned to active duty in

1512-547: The expedition, as he had led the (unsuccessful) British attempt on Cho Oyu the previous year from which the majority of the climbers were drawn. However, the Joint Himalayan Committee of the Alpine Club and Royal Geographical Society that oversaw British attempts on Everest decided that Hunt's military leadership experience and undoubted climbing credentials would provide the best hope for success. It

1568-456: The festival. The red pills are blessed repeatedly and then distributed to all those who attend. The festival is a tradition passed on from its mother monastery, the Rongbuk. It begins with an elaborate depiction of the mandala diagram made with coloured sand. This sand is extracted from a specified location in the hills. The mandala takes four days to draw; it is then covered and is central to

1624-454: The first to reach the summit of Mount Everest on the British 1953 expedition . Thereafter, this monastery has acquired more international interest, as it is on the route to the base camp of Everest for routes made via the Khumbu icefall and west ridge. Everest expeditioners visit the monastery to light candles and seek the blessings of gods for good health and safe mountaineering. John Hunt ,

1680-445: The five Buddhist elements: earth, wind, fire, water and consciousness). Although the original paintings of the monastery were dated to the 14th century, according to Fuerer Haimendorf, the present set of paintings was produced in the 20th century. The mural paintings, Thangka paintings and sculptural collections, according to the art critic Tucci are: motifs of differing origin and baroque exuberance of workmanship are underlined by

1736-767: The gateway to Mount Everest. The religious room of the Guru Rimpoche in the monastery was fully restored in September 2008. The entrance gate has also been rebuilt with funds provided by the Greater Himalayas Foundation based in Washington DC, United States. The monastery is said to be home to 60 monks reflecting its financial prosperity. It is also said that fewer and fewer young boys join as monks as they prefer to work in mountaineering or trekking-related activities. Tengboche Monastery

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1792-458: The initial years of establishing the Tengboche Monastery, nuns studied and practiced Buddhism here. However, over the years, when the nuns wanted an exclusive place of their own to live and pray, the Lama Gulu, head of the monastery granted them land in a small valley known as Devoche. The nunnery was then established at Devoche, a short walk from the Tengboche. This small nunnery, administered by

1848-465: The leader of the 1953 expedition and one of the first mountaineers to visit the monastery (most, but not all, previous expeditions approached the mountain from the northern (Tibetan) side), offered the following description of Thengboche in The Ascent of Everest : Thyangboche must be one of the most beautiful places in the world. The height is well over 12,000 feet. The Monastery buildings stand upon

1904-527: The main tourist trails. Sagarmatha National Park contains the upper catchment areas of the Dudh Kosi and Bhotekoshi rivers and the Gokyo Lakes . It ranges in elevation from 2,845 m (9,334 ft) at Monjo to the top of Mount Everest at 8,848 m (29,029 ft). Other peaks above 6,000 m (20,000 ft) are Lhotse , Cho Oyu , Thamserku , Nuptse , Amadablam and Pumori . Barren land above 5,000 m (16,000 ft) comprises 69% of

1960-478: The monastery blesses the general public after which the 'Mask Dances' are performed by the monks. The monks perform the masked dance to usher some of the protective deities as manifestation of the legendary saint Guru Rinpoche , the founder of Tibetan Buddhism ; the dance numbers also display the defeat of demons and the initiation of Buddhism to Tibet. Thus, Tengboche Monastery and Mani Rimdu are major attractions for tourists in Nepal. The number of tourists visiting

2016-440: The monastery has received wide recognition. However, the monastery's precious old scriptures, statues, murals and wood carvings were destroyed in the devastating fire caused by an electrical short circuit on 19 January 1989. The monumental stone credited with Lama Sangwa Dorje's left footprint had fractured. A few trekkers managed to salvage some books and paintings. It has since been completely rebuilt with money donated from around

2072-587: The monastery is provided, particularly during winter, by the shining snow clad peak of Ama Dablam, the tip of the Everest that glows from the Lotse ridge and several other peaks. Tengboche is the mid-way station of the trail to the base camp for the climbers of Mount Everest and other peaks of over 8,000 metres (26,000 ft); all these areas form part of the entire Kumbhu region up to Tibet border with an area of 1,148 square kilometres (443 sq mi) encompassing

2128-458: The monastery is said to be about 15,000 per year and during peak tourist season the number is said to be 600 per week. The monastery is mentioned in the lyrics to Kate Bush 's song " Wild Man " on her album 50 Words for Snow . Musician Brett Dennen has a song on his album Por Favor called "Tengboche" The monastery is featured in the movie Everest . Samding Dorje Phagmo Sagarmatha National Park Sagarmāthā National Park

2184-513: The monastery was rebuilt after the fire, there was lack of many facilities such as reliable and safe drinking water, electricity and so forth. A 'Master Plan' was prepared by specialists, funds collected and projects launched, which have resulted in developing a water supply system that is providing clean drinking water to Tengboche (even during the coldest months), a micro hydropower station that provides assured electricity, establishment of sacred land for high altitude medicinal herb plantation close to

2240-484: The monastery, an Eco-Centre to promote sustainable tourism , better toilets and accommodation for porters, income generating schemes to sustain the local population and most importantly establishing schools for better education facilities to local people. Mani Rimdu is the most important festival of the Sherpa people. It is held during the tenth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar , corresponding to October–November of

2296-454: The monks' religious rites and activities. The main building has the mandatory Dokhang , the prayer hall, where a large statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is deified. The statue extends to two floors of the monastery and encompasses the Ser sang lha khang , the first floor shrine room. Sakyamuni Buddha is flanked by Manjushri , the deity of wisdom and Maitreya and of the future Buddha. The scriptures of

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2352-609: The mountain. On the same day, Hunt himself climbed to 8,350 metres (27,395 ft) with Da Namgyal Sherpa to leave a cache of equipment on the Southeast Ridge for the second summit party. On 28 May, the expedition made its second assault on the summit with the second climbing pair. The summit was eventually reached at 11:30 am on 29 May 1953 by the New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay from Nepal (Norgay had previously ascended to

2408-562: The national park. Sagarmatha National Park hosts 208 bird species including Impeyan pheasant , bearded vulture , snowcock and alpine chough . It has been designated as an Important Bird Area . Ungulates include Himalayan tahr , Himalayan serow and musk deer . The snow leopard inhabits elevations above 3,500 m (11,500 ft), and the Indian leopard roams forests in lower elevations. John Hunt, Baron Hunt Henry Cecil John Hunt, Baron Hunt , KG , CBE , DSO (22 June 1910 – 7 November 1998)

2464-617: The park while 28% is grazing land and the remaining 3% is forested . Climatic zones span from temperate and subalpine above 3,000 m (9,800 ft) to alpine above 4,000 m (13,000 ft), which is the upper limit of vegetation growth. The nival zone begins at 5,000 m (16,000 ft). The forests in the subalpine belt consist of fir , Himalayan birch and rhododendron . Juniper and rhododendron prevail at elevations of 4,000–5,000 m (13,000–16,000 ft). Mosses and lichens grow above 5,000 m (16,000 ft). More than 1,000 floral species were recorded in

2520-461: The patronage of the Rana rulers of Nepal. It is said that apart from Khumbu Sherpas, Sherung Sherpas have been involved with building this monastery. Some of the village temples, chortens and smaller religious shrines are predated to 1880, particularly all the large chortens. The Mani wall, made of slabs of stone inscribed with prayers and sacred texts is dated to 1915. The monastery was destroyed during

2576-434: The religious festival that lasts for the next 10 days. The program includes 16 dance numbers with interludes for comical effect. Finally, after all the devotees have left, the monks perform a fire rite to dispel all harm to the world. The sand mandala specially created for the festival is then formally removed with prayers for the benefit of all sentient beings. At the end of the festivities the resident Tengboche Rinpoche of

2632-704: The set religious practices, the monastery has been substantially rebuilt. Tibetan painter Tarke-la's wall paintings that display the Bodhisattvas or the Buddha decorate the sanctum. In addition, the monks and Sherpa community with help from the Sir Edmund Hillary and Himalayan Trust, the American Himalayan Heritage Foundation and many international well-wishers have shown their support in several ways. Hillary and Tenzing Norgay , an inhabitant of this village, were

2688-657: The south-western summit of Nepal Peak, and only the third ascent of the Zemu Gap , between Kangchenjunga and Simvo . Here they saw tracks that one of the party's Sherpas told them were those of the Yeti . In 1938 he returned for a further period of secondment in Military Intelligence, being promoted substantive captain . Upon returning to the United Kingdom in 1940, Hunt became chief instructor at

2744-487: The tensions that would lead to the Greek Civil War were becoming evident. In Greece, Hunt was appointed temporary brigadier and given command of the 11th Indian Infantry Brigade , part of the 4th Indian Infantry Division , at Patras . He described attempting to keep the peace between the various factions as "the most tense and difficult period in all my experience, before or since". For his efforts there Hunt

2800-482: The world. Following the destruction of the monastery by fire, its rebuilding was undertaken by the present Nawang Tenzing Jangpo who is considered as the incarnation of the founder Lama Gulu, an important spiritual leader of the Sherpas. He has established an equation with many trekkers and climbers of all denominations who visit the monastery, which has helped him in finding funds for restoration. With due diligence to

2856-667: Was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the King's Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC) on 30 January 1930. Among his fellow graduates were Charles Harington and Alan Brown . In 1931, the regiment was posted to India. He was promoted lieutenant in 1933. Despite his background he seems not to have been entirely comfortable with the prevailing social climate of the Raj. He preferred rugby to polo , and having already gained fluency in German and French he added Urdu and some Bengali . In 1934 he became

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2912-665: Was a British Army officer who is best known as the leader of the successful 1953 British expedition to Mount Everest . Hunt was born in Simla , British India on 22 June 1910, the son of Captain Cecil Edwin Hunt of the Indian Army , and a great-great-nephew of the explorer Sir Richard Burton . His father was killed in action during the First World War . Hunt, from the age of 10, spent much holiday time in

2968-416: Was added. Conservation of forests, wildlife, and cultural resources received top priority under the Buffer Zone Management Guidelines , followed by conservation of other natural resources and development of alternative energy . Tourism in the area began in the early 1960s. In 2003, about 19,000 tourists arrived. As of 2005, about 3,500 Sherpa people lived in villages and seasonal settlements situated along

3024-399: Was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in June 1945. In contrast to Italy, he was ordered not to take the initiative and had to cope with large hostile forces threatening him, and infiltration by armed civilians as well as increasing numbers of insults to his troops. Hunt kept the situation calm, and when finally allowed to act, and reinforced he planned and executed

3080-409: Was felt to be critical that this expedition should be successful as the French had permission to mount an expedition in 1954 and the Swiss in 1955, meaning that the British would not have another opportunity until 1956 at the earliest. Many members of the expedition felt a strong loyalty to Shipton, and were unhappy with his replacement. Edmund Hillary was one of those most opposed to the change, but

3136-425: Was soon won round by Hunt's personality and frank admission that the change had been badly handled. Hunt planned for three assaults of two climbers each including "a third and last attempt" if necessary, although after two consecutive assaults a wait would be necessary to "recover our strength" and to replenish the camps. Base Camp was established on 12 April 1953. The next few days were taken up with establishing

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