Today was our second hardest hike after the Namche leg, but the day started with a ceremony offered by the mother-son owners of the Panorama Lodge, Migu and Doma. Climbers were blessed first and then we trekkers.
We traversed in leisurely fashion from 3440m up the Imja Kohla river on our right well below where we had hiked yesterday to a temple after which we descended all the way back down to the river where we had a quick lunch. Then we crossed the Imja Kohla and had a very long and very steep climb to Tengboche. “Teng” is heel. “Boche” is respect. There are a number of “boche” villages along the Khumbu valley. It is said that in the 16th century, a huge Dalai Lama tromped through the Himalayas, and everywhere he stomped, it flattened the ground for a village to be established.
The monastery at Tengboche is spectacular, and while photography isn’t permitted in the central part, got some good shots. At 3860m, 12,000ft, it is the second highest monastery in the world.
After leaving Tengboche we descended gently to Deboche, just under 12,000ft and the Rivendell Lodge where we’re spending the night. Ordinarily from here, Everest and Ama Dablam are visible, but clouds and persistent smoke render them invisible.
Stewart Travels 