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Reincarnate Lama Returns to Thame!

Wednesday, August 12th, 2015
“Thame Tulku” 6-year-old Sonam is the reincarnate lama

“Thame Tulku” 6-year-old Sonam is the reincarnate lama

On July 30, 2015, the village of Thame took part in a historic religious event: the new Rinpoche, or reincarnate lama, made his first trip in this life to Thame. Being recognized as the reincarnation of the High Lama, Nawang Tsering Dodub, 6-year-old Sonam will carry on the traditions and practices of a Tulku.

The young Rinpoche will carry on the traditions of Tulku

The young Rinpoche will carry on the traditions of Tulku

“Thame Tulku”, as he is now referred to, was formally taken to the Thame Monastery on July 30. He made his farewell from his home in Jorsalle, Solukhumbu into the Thame monastery, passing through Namche and other villages while being blessed and celebrated for his reappearance in this lifetime.

Making the journey from Jorsalle to Thame

Making the journey from Jorsalle to Thame

The people of the Khumbu waiting to welcome the Rinpoche

The people of the Khumbu waiting to welcome the Rinpoche

Ready to welcome Thame Tulku back to Thame in a new life

Ready to welcome Thame Tulku back to Thame in a new life

In his previous life, he was born in 1955, as Nwang Shedrup Sherpa. In those times Nwang had no opportunity for formal education in Tibet as a Rinpoche should have had, due to the Chinese Invasion of Tibet. Thame Rinpoche was a great friend to many groups of Berg Adventures trekkers prior to his death in 2009, however, and we all have fond memories of his smile and his kindness. With great resources being integrated into the Khumbu region and in Kathmandu there is hope for a bright future for the Thame Tulku in this life.

BAI trekkers with Lama Nawang Tsering Dodub

BAI trekkers with Lama Nawang Tsering Dodub

Young Thame Tulku already seems familiar with an iPad!

Young Thame Tulku already seems familiar with an iPad!

In February 2015, another Lama known well to many Berg Adventures trekkers, the Tengboche Rinpoche, who has been abbot of the Tangboche Monastery since his birth in 1933, performed the hair-cutting ceremony for the young Thame Tulku in the sacred Maratika Cave southwest of Kathmandu.

While much of the destruction that happened in the Khumbu during the earthquakes took place in Thame, the celebration of an important leader returning once again points towards a great new beginning for the valley. What a beautiful thing to take place for Sherpa people of the Khumbu!

The people of the Khumbu ready to welcome and celebrate the reappearance of the High Lama

The people of the Khumbu ready to welcome and celebrate the reappearance of the High Lama

More Photos on the Reconstruction of the Khunde Monastery

Thursday, August 6th, 2015

We have been in constant contact with Ang Temba who has been sending us updates of the Khunde Chamkang Restoration Project.

The main Gompa stone wall is now complete. They are now working on the inside of the Gompa. They have started to work on rebuilding the monk’s house and the kitchen.

The village of Khunde is working extra hard in this monsoon season. Thanks for the continued support with this great project!

Refilling the holes

Refilling the holes

Working on the monks house

Working on the monks house

Rebuilding the kitchen

Rebuilding the kitchen

Rebuilding outside in monsoon season is not an easy task .

Rebuilding outside in monsoon season is not an easy task .

But the people of the Khunde are in good spirits and very determined.

But the people of the Khunde are in good spirits and very determined.

Thank you for your support!

Thank you for your support!

First Update from the Khunde Chamkang Restoration Project

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015

We received our first update from Temba since the initial stages of the rebuilding to the Khunde Monastery has begun.

Since Friday June 19th they have had 6 carpenters in and more are coming as the days go on.

Here are some photos from the reconstruction:

Assessing the damage done to the monastery and stupas

Assessing the damage done to the monastery and stupas

The beginning stages of reconstruction

The beginning stages of reconstruction

A community comes together to rebuild their monastery

A community comes together to rebuild their monastery

Khunde Chamkang Restoration Project 2015 – For the physical, social and cultural restoration of Khunde

Thursday, June 18th, 2015
Damage to prayer wheel

Damage to prayer wheel

The earthquakes and aftershocks that recently shook Nepal caused considerable damage to many parts of the Khumbu, home of the Sherpas. The village of Khunde is Ang Temba and Yangzing’s home village. The sister villages of Khunde and Khumjung are places remembered fondly by BAI trekkers and climbers. Khunde suffered terrible damage to its monastery and to the beautiful stupas that welcome us to the village. The BAI community has already responded generously to help some of our Sherpa friends rebuild their homes. Now it is time to remember the community as a whole.

Damage to monastery and stupa

Damage to monastery and stupa

Normally, the local people would maintain these cultural monuments themselves, but due to their own dire situation, they are not able to do so. These cultural monuments are the foundations upon which the Sherpa community is built. The Sherpa people draw their sense of cultural and spiritual identity from these religious and communal hubs. So any further support towards the repair and reconstruction of these structures would be very much appreciated.

Damage in the village of Khunde

Damage in the village of Khunde

A message from the people of Khunde

Khunde Chamkang Monastery is located in the beautiful landscape of Khunde. Gyen Lama known as Tenzing Tsrultim initially founded the hermitage when he migrated to Khumbu from Sakya Monastery in Tibet.

Monastery in Khunde

Monastery in Khunde

Khunde Chamkang was established in hopes of preserving and fostering the ancient religious and cultural heritage of this location. Gyen Lama passed away in September 1993 leaving behind the Chamkang in incomplete condition. Over its lifespan, the Chamkang was extended several times.

Restoration committee in Khunde

Restoration committee in Khunde

Thus far, the restoration committee, which was formed after the earthquakes, has been successful in raising funds from the Sherpa communities worldwide including some organizations like Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation (SEHF), Himalayan Trust Nepal and we were able to do well in-terms of restoration of the Chamkang. The funds have been invested primarily in the first phase, which is the physical construction of the Chamkang.

There is much work to be done to the monastery

There is much work to be done to the monastery

However, because of the high cost for the labor and the materials that need to be imported from Kathmandu, the committee is still seeking more support from national and international institutions in order to complete the proposed plan.

KKERG’s Future Plan

The beginning stages of the building has begun

The beginning stages of the building has begun

Khumjung & Khunde Earthquake Rebuild Group (KKERG) is now seeking further support for the community buildings in these two villages. So far we have not seen any interest or resources allocated in the repair and reconstruction of cultural sites such as monasteries, Chorten, Manilhang and Mani walls from the government or aid organizations.

Berg Adventures Support for KKERG Cultural Site Fund

The generous donations from several BAI clients went directly to helping Khunde rebuild the structures. It has been a good start to the restoration process. Though it will be a long process, the immediate support from our trekkers and climbers is important in helping the village rebuild.

After receiving news about the support that the Berg Adventures community was sending to the village of Khunde, the people of the village were overwhelmed and extremely grateful. They would like to say THUCHEYE, thank you very much!

The village of Khunde says thank you!

The village of Khunde says thank you!

By sending our support to the village of Khunde we are giving the Sherpas hope for the future of their village, their people and their cultural and religious identities.

For the next few weeks, as the rebuilding begins, we will be receiving updates from Ang Temba and the people of the Khunde so we can follow their progress.

Once again the village of Khunde thanks all of you for the amazing support and they hope to see you soon!

The 26th Annual International White Nights Marathon in St. Petersburg, Russia

Tuesday, March 17th, 2015

It is time to lace up those running shoes and begin training for an epic experience; running through the historic streets of St. Petersburg for the 26th annual Ergo White Nights Marathon.

Past BAI Mount Elbrus climbers will tell you there is nothing like racing through the streets of St. Petersburg with runners from all over the world. Running either the 10 K or full marathon is also the perfect way to have one last work-out before attempting to reach 18,510ft/5,642m on Mount Elbrus.

Arriving a few days early in St. Petersburg will give you a chance to prepare for the race and fit in some extra sight-seeing. If you are wondering what you should do on your extra days read the article Things to Do in St. Petersburg, or sign up for the Elbrus expedition to experience Russia with Berg Adventures!

White Nights Marathon race map

White Nights Marathon race map

Starting in downtown St. Petersburg

Starting in downtown St. Petersburg

What a great way to experience St. Petersburg

What a great way to experience St. Petersburg

Success!

Success!

Join us in Russia this June!

Join us in Russia this June!

Things to Do in St. Petersburg

Monday, March 11th, 2013
The stunning onion domes of the Church of Spilled Blood

The stunning onion domes of the Church of Spilled Blood

Our Mount Elbrus climbing expedition begins in the colorful city of St. Petersburg, Russia, and it is hands down, one of our favorite cities to visit! Click here to read the full article about the exciting things you can do in this city, or sign up to experience Russia like no other with Berg Adventures!

Things to Do in Mendoza, Argentina

Sunday, December 4th, 2011

Mendoza has a long history with explorers and adventure-seekers. In 1561, the founder of the city, Pedro del Castillo, traveled from Chile over a 13,120ft/4,000m pass to create a new settlement for the Spanish – no easy feat! Today, 450 years later, the city is thriving with about 110,000 inhabitants and strong wine and tourism industries.

Many mountaineers who travel to Argentina to attempt the summit of South America’s highest mountain, Aconcagua, only visit the national park office to obtain their climbing permits before heading to the mountains; they don’t know what they’re missing. The beautiful tree-lined streets and shady plazas of the city are rich with history, culture and class. Read the full “Things To Do in Mendoza” article.

Join us this year or next on our Aconcagua expedition and reward yourself with a wine tour afterwards. For more information about our Aconacagua expedition click here.

Mendoza vineyards

Left: Grapes on the vine; Right: A picturesque bodega

To learn more about our wine tours, contact our office at info@bergadventures.com.

Upcoming Aconcagua Trip Dates:

January 14-February 3, 2012

January 12-February 1, 2013

If you like this article, you may want to visit our Expedition Preparation Page for more interesting information to help you get ready for your trip.

Things to Do in Kathmandu

Friday, September 30th, 2011

I will never forget the car ride from the Tribhuvan Airport to my hotel after arriving for the first time in Kathmandu. I found myself staring out the window wide-eyed and amazed, wondering if the colors, sights, sounds and smells were actually that vivid or if I was just experiencing symptoms of complete exhaustion. I woke up early the next morning rested and clear-headed thinking that the city would not put me into sensory overload as it had the day before, but it did; Kathmandu is colorful and lively, and there is more going on in every 10 square meters than there is in 10 square blocks of the typical North American city. There is so much to observe and so much to do that I happily could have spent weeks exploring the city without becoming bored.

That said, if you are planning a trip to Nepal, you should definitely consider spending an extra couple of days in Kathmandu. There is quite literally something for everyone whether you prefer to explore the city’s many historic and cultural sites or you just want to shop, eat and relax.

Read the full article in our resources section here.

Stupa in Kathmandu