Everest Base Camp Trek Dispatch
October 13, 2015 – A Very Special Day in Khunde
We began our day with a rigorous walk climbing from Namche on the forest and rock trails. The path led us up through the clouds to a high ridge with views in both directions down upon the villages of the Khumbu, the home of the Sherpas.
We reached the site where memorials were built for Louise and Belinda Hillary, the wife and daughter of Sir Edmond Hillary. Louise and Belinda died upon takeoff from the airport in Kathmandu in 1975. After his death a few years ago a memorial to Hillary himself was erected at this site. The Hillary family was always most close the Sherpas of the village of Khunde. This special relationship has endured for decades and continues to this day.
After we visited the memorials we descended down to the green, well ordered village of Khunde. Many structures here were severely damaged by the earthquakes earlier this year. In fact, one of Berg Adventures most beloved staff, Nim Phuti Sherpa had her house destroyed by the earthquake.
We had also learned right after the damage was assessed that much of the work on the rebuilding of Khunde's beloved monastery had been destroyed. This was a terrible blow to the community and the Berg Adventures community responded promptly and generously. Within days after the earthquake we had commitment for funding that was sufficient and the complete rebuild would be possible and work commenced immediately.
It was only in our wildest dreams that we thought that we might walk into Khunde this October and see what we saw today. Work on the Gompa is almost completely finished and it is operating. The monk's kitchen has been rebuilt and once again this thriving religious center is working for the people of Khunde.
Our group was the first foreign visitors to enter the Gompa for a blessing. It was a beautiful and joyous occasion.