In-Depth Guide to Tengboche Monastery

March 5th 2020

Table of Content

  1. Easiest Getaway to Tengboche Monastery with Its Cost
  2. Entry Charge for Tengboche Monastery
  3. Expectations at Tengboche Monastery
  4. Duration of the Tengboche Monastery Tour
  5. Best Time to Visit
  6. Visitor Advice for Tengboche Monastery

 

Easiest Getaway to Tengboche Monastery with Its Cost

Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla and then walking from there is the quickest and most straightforward route to reach Tengboche Monastery. Depending on the time of year and the airline's availability, a round-trip journey from Kathmandu to Lukla can cost anywhere between $200 and $400. Tengboche Monastery is a 2–3 day journey from Lukla.

Depending on the time of year, the duration of the trip, and your preferred level of luxury, the price of a journey to Tengboche Monastery might change. A low-cost journey may cost between $500 to $700, which covers the cost of lodging, food, and transportation. But, the price might increase to $1,000 up to a maximum if you desire a more luxurious excursion with nicer lodging and food.

 

Entry Charge for Tengboche Monastery

The Tengboche Monastery itself does not charge admission. You must, however, go through the Sagarmatha National Park to get to the monastery, and you must get a permit for this. A foreigner's admission permit into Sagarmatha National Park costs $30, whereas a SAARC national's entry fee is NPR 1,500, or around $13.

A Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is furthermore necessary for all trekkers in addition to the admission permission. A TIMS card costs $20 if you're traveling in a group, and it costs $10 if you're a solo trekker.

It's crucial to keep in mind that the prices for permits and TIMS cards are subject to change, so it's better to confirm the most recent details with the authorities before beginning your journey.

 

The expected expenditures for a Tengboche Monastery hike on a tight budget are broken down as follows:

  1. Hiking admission fee: $30 for Sagarmatha National Park
  2. TIMS card: $10 for a TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System).
  3. A simple guesthouse will cost you between $5 and $15 per night.
  4. $20 to $30 each day for food and beverages.
  5. Transportation costs $30 to $40 for a shared vehicle from Kathmandu to the trek's beginning.
  6. Porter/Guide: $15-$20 per day for a porter and $20-$25 per day for a guide.

 

Expectations at Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche Monastery is a key location for Tibetan Buddhism and provides tourists with a distinctive experience. When you go to Tengboche Monastery, you may anticipate the following:

  1. Religious ceremonies: Tengboche Monastery is an active place of worship, and you can expect to witness daily prayer ceremonies conducted by the monks. These ceremonies include chanting, drumming, and blowing horns, creating a spiritual and peaceful atmosphere.
  2. Cultural significance:Tengboche Monastery is an important cultural site and has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The monastery is also known for its intricate artwork, including murals, paintings, and sculptures, which offer insight into the local culture and beliefs.
  3. Stunning views: The monastery is situated in a beautiful location, surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, including Mount Everest. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape from the monastery and its surroundings.
  4. Trekking: Tengboche Monastery is a popular destination for trekkers, and you can expect to see many fellow trekkers during your visit. The trek to Tengboche Monastery is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views of the landscape and an opportunity to experience the local culture.
  5. Hospitality:The local Sherpa people are known for their warm hospitality, and you can expect to receive a friendly welcome at Tengboche Monastery and the surrounding areas.

 

Duration of the Tengboche Monastery Tour

Depending on where you start, how quickly you walk, and how long you choose to remain at the monastery, the length of a tour of Tengboche might change. An approximate time frame for a typical visit to Tengboche Monastery is shown below:

  1. A 30-minute flight connects Kathmandu with Lukla.
  2. 2-3 days are required for the hike from Lukla to Tengboche Monastery (depending on trekking speed and itinerary)
  3. One to two days in Tengboche Monastery (depending on how much time you want to spend exploring and attending prayer ceremonies)
  4. 2-3 days to accomplish the trek from Tengboche Monastery to Lukla.
  5. Lukla to Kathmandu flying time is one hour.

Thus, the overall length of a Tengboche Monastery visit ranges from 6 to 10 days, based on your schedule and rate of hiking. It's vital to manage yourself and acclimated appropriately because the journey can be physically taxing owing to the high elevation and rugged terrain.

 

Best Time to Visit Tengboche Monastery

The fall (September to November) and springtime (March to May) seasons are ideal for visiting Tengboche Monastery. These months are good for hiking and sightseeing since the weather is often consistent, with a clear sky and pleasant temperatures.

  1. Trekking is ideal in the fall because of the beautiful skies and comfortable temperatures. The mountains in the area are visible, and the weather is dry.
  2. The surrounding mountains are stunning, and the weather is clear and pleasant in the springtime when rhododendron woods are in flower. As part of the Mani Rimdu feast, which is often celebrated at Tengboche Monastery in October or November, you may also take part in Sherpa culture.
  3. Trekking in the area might be difficult because of the low temperatures and high likelihood of snowfall that occur from December to February. Nonetheless, you can still go to Tengboche Monastery during this period if you're prepared for the task.
  4. The monsoon season, which lasts from June through August, is characterized by hot, humid weather with a high likelihood of precipitation and landslides. Hiking during this time of year can be difficult because of the slick terrain and poor visibility.

 

Visitor Advice for Tengboche Monastery

  1. A reasonable degree of fitness and preparedness is required for the trek to Tengboche Monastery. You should exercise before your vacation to increase your endurance, such as by walking or trekking. Also, you should spend money on high-quality trekking accessories including durable hiking boots, warm clothes, and a bag.
  2. Since Tengboche Monastery is located at an elevation of 3,867 meters (12,687 feet), visitors frequently worry about experiencing altitude sickness. Maintaining appropriate hydration, abstaining from alcohol, and rising gradually can help you acclimatize. If you have any medical issues, it's also advised that you speak with your doctor before your travel.
  3. Tengboche Monastery can only be reached by foot, as previously indicated, and requires a TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park admission permission. Get these permissions and be sure you have them with you on your walk.
  4. It's crucial for visitors to act responsibly and to be aware of their environmental effects. Use approved garbage disposal facilities instead of leaving trash around. Bring a water bottle that is reusable instead of using single-use plastics to further reduce waste.
  5. Hiring a native guide will improve your experience and assure your safety while on the walk. Local tour guides are familiar with the area, may share unique experiences, and can help in an emergency.

 

Conclusion – In-Depth Guide to Tengboche Monastery

Finally, Tengboche Monastery, which is situated in Nepal's Everest area, is a major cultural and religious monument. Trekkers and tourists looking for a distinctive cultural experience and spectacular mountain vistas frequently travel there. A typical Tengboche Monastery visit includes a hike from Lukla that lasts around 2-3 days, followed by 1-2 days at the monastery to explore and take part in devotional rituals.

Visitors should get physically ready for trekking, fully acclimate to the altitude, secure the required permissions, and show respect for local culture and customs before starting a Tengboche Monastery trip. For a secure and enriching experience, tourists should also practice environmental responsibility and employ a local guide.