Tengboche Monastery: Visiting the Heart of the Khumbu
Tengboche Monastery is the largest monastery in the Khumbu, at about 3,867m on the Everest Base Camp trail. It sits on a ridge with views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam on a clear day. Most EBC trekkers reach it the day after Namche, and many spend the night. Visitors are generally welcome, and you can often watch the afternoon prayers when the monks allow it.
- Altitude: about 3,867m
- Founded: 1916, by Lama Gulu
- Tradition: Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism
- On the EBC trek: usually the day after Namche Bazaar
- Prayers: usually in the afternoon, often around 3pm. Times vary.
- Big festival: Mani Rimdu, usually in October or November
- Last updated: October 2026
After the long climb up from the river at Phunki Tenga, the trail comes out of the forest onto a wide ridge. In front of you is Tengboche Monastery, with the high peaks of the Khumbu behind it.
For many trekkers it’s one of the most peaceful places on the whole trail. Here’s what to know before you visit on the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Where Is Tengboche?
Tengboche is on the main Everest Base Camp trail, between Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. From Namche, the trail first descends to the Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga, then climbs steeply through rhododendron forest to the ridge. The walk usually takes 5 to 6 hours.
Tengboche itself is small, with the monastery, a few lodges and a bakery. Deboche, a short walk further on, has more places to stay.
A Short History
Tengboche was founded in 1916 by Lama Gulu. It belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the most important Buddhist centres in the Khumbu.
The monastery has been rebuilt twice. An earthquake destroyed it in 1934. In 1989 a fire burned the main building along with many old scriptures and paintings. It was rebuilt with help from the local community and supporters abroad, and reconsecrated in 1993.
Visiting the Monastery
Visitors are generally welcome in the courtyard. You can usually enter the main prayer hall when the monks permit it, but access depends on ceremonies and what’s happening that day.
The monks hold prayers in the afternoon, often around 3pm, and some sources mention morning prayers too. Times vary, so ask your guide or at the monastery when you arrive. If visitors are allowed in, you can sit quietly at the side and watch.
Etiquette
- Take off your shoes and hat before entering the prayer hall.
- Dress modestly and keep your voice down.
- Follow any instructions from the monks, and don’t interrupt prayers.
- It’s customary to walk clockwise around the monastery, stupas and prayer wheels.
- Don’t touch statues, scriptures or ritual objects.
- Ask before taking photos. Photography inside the prayer hall is often not allowed, and never use flash during prayers.
- A small donation is welcome and helps support the monastery.
Mani Rimdu Festival
Mani Rimdu is the biggest festival in the Khumbu. It follows the Tibetan lunar calendar and usually falls in October or November.
The full festival runs over many days, and much of it is ritual work inside the monastery. The parts open to the public usually include a blessing ceremony, masked dances in the courtyard and a closing fire ceremony.
The dates change each year, so confirm them for your travel year before you book. Lodges in Tengboche can fill quickly during the festival, so plan ahead. If you’d like to time your trek for Mani Rimdu, ask us and we’ll check the dates for you.
The Views from Tengboche
On a clear day, you can see Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse at the head of the valley, with Ama Dablam to the east and Kangtega and Thamserku behind you. Early morning is usually the clearest time. Cloud often builds later in the day, so the peaks aren’t always visible.
Staying Overnight in Tengboche
There are only a few lodges in Tengboche, so capacity is limited compared with Namche. Rooms are basic, and nights are cold at this altitude. In peak season some trekkers stay in Deboche instead. On our trek, our team arranges your room. See our EBC teahouse guide for what the lodges are like.
At around 3,860m, take it easy. Walk slowly and tell your guide straight away if you feel unwell. See our altitude sickness guide.
Tengboche on Our EBC Trek
On our Everest Base Camp Trek:
- Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche, about 5 to 6 hours. You stay the night.
- Day 6: On to Pangboche and Dingboche.
- Day 11: On the way down, you pass through Tengboche again on the way to Namche.
For the altitude of every stop, see our Everest Base Camp elevation guide. For the best view of Everest on the trek, see our Kala Patthar guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Tengboche Monastery?
About 3,867m, on the trail between Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
Can tourists visit Tengboche Monastery?
Yes, visitors are generally welcome. You can usually enter the prayer hall when the monks permit it, depending on ceremonies that day.
What time are prayers at Tengboche?
Usually in the afternoon, often around 3pm. Times vary, so ask your guide or at the monastery when you arrive.
Can you take photos inside Tengboche Monastery?
Often not inside the prayer hall. Always ask first, and never use flash during prayers.
When is Mani Rimdu?
It follows the Tibetan lunar calendar and usually falls in October or November. Confirm the dates for your travel year before booking.
Can you see Everest from Tengboche?
Yes, on a clear day, along with Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Cloud can hide the peaks, especially later in the day.
How long is the walk from Namche to Tengboche?
Usually 5 to 6 hours. The trail descends to Phunki Tenga, then climbs steeply through forest to Tengboche.
