Tibetan Buddhism

Among the special things a trek to Everest Base Camp provides is the opportunity to experience a culture grounded in the beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism.  Symbols and reminders of the Buddhist message are everywhere.  For example, a sign on the gate to Sagarmatha National Park informs visitors they are entering a sacred valley and should refrain from taking life, from anger, from jealousy, from offending others, and from taking excessive intoxicants.  Monasteries devoted to the teachings of Gautama Buddha (circa 563-483 BCE) abound.  And the valley of Mount Everest is lined with Buddhist symbols such as Prayer Flags, Prayer Wheels and Mani Stones.  Below are a few photos.

Entrance sign to Sagarmatha National Park – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Monument to Guru Rinpoche (Precious Teacher), Pangboche Monastery – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Protective Snow Lions, base of monument to Guru Rinpoche, Pangboche Monastery – Khumbu Region, Nepal

The Buddha depicted in a scroll painting, Tengboche Monastery – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Monks washing, Tengboche Monastery – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Monk, Pangboche Monastery – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Monk, Pangboche Monastery – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Mani stone, Pangboche Monastery – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Mani stones, Everest Base Camp Trail – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Mani stones and Prayer flags, Everest Base Camp Trail – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Prayer flags, Everest Base Camp Trail – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Prayer wheel, Everest Base Camp Trail – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Prayer wheel, Everest Base Camp Trail – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Prayer wheels, Everest Base Camp Trail – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Buddha stupa (Buddah Wisdom Eyes), Namche Bazaa – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Buddha stupa, Everest Base Camp Trail – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Buddha stupa, Everest Base Camp Trail – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Tengboche Monastery – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Tengboche Monastery – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Tengboche Monastery – Khumbu Region, Nepal

Monk, Pangboche Monastery – Khumbu Region, Nepal