Tengboche Monastery
In Nepali: तेङबोचे गुम्बा · Also known as: Thyangboche · तेङबोचे
Tengboche was founded in 1916 by Lama Gulu and rebuilt after an earthquake in 1934 and a fire in 1989. It belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, and its monks bless many of the climbers and Sherpas who go on to Everest.
Every autumn (usually October or November) the monks perform Mani Rimdu, several days of masked dances and prayers in the courtyard. Visitors are welcome at the afternoon prayers; sit quietly at the back.
What to see and do
The main prayer hall holds a large statue of the Buddha and colourful murals; monks gather for chanting in the afternoon, and visitors may sit quietly at the back. Outside, the grassy ridge is one of the finest viewpoints in the Khumbu, with Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Kangtega all around.
A short walk down through forest leads to Deboche and its nunnery, and the trail onward to Pangboche passes the oldest monastery in the Khumbu.
Good to know
There is a small donation or entry fee to the prayer hall. Photography inside may not be allowed during prayers. Mani Rimdu dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar — check the year's dates if you want to see the masked dances; lodges fill up quickly then.
Quick answers
- Where is Tengboche Monastery?
- Tengboche Monastery is in Solukhumbu district, Koshi Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Tengboche Monastery?
- About 3,867 m (12,688 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Tengboche Monastery?
- For a 7-day trip from Kathmandu, about NPR 92,000 (≈ US$680) per person on a budget, or NPR 101,500 (≈ US$750) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 38,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Tengboche Monastery?
- Plan 5 nights there for the trek; with travel from Kathmandu and back, about 7 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Tengboche Monastery?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 5,000 / US$37 to enter Sagarmatha National Park plus the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality fee (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Tengboche Monastery?
- Yes, for foreign trekkers: since 2023 a licensed guide is required in Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas. Nepali trekkers may go on their own.
- When is the best time to visit Tengboche Monastery?
- Mani Rimdu in October/November
- How do I get to Tengboche Monastery?
- One day's walk beyond Namche on the Everest trail. It is about 142 km (straight line) from Kathmandu, and usually reached by flight.
- What is Tengboche Monastery called in Nepali?
- तेङबोचे गुम्बा
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