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Title image - BAI takes you to: Everest Basecamp
Why climb with Berg Adventures

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.

Wally Berg with the head Lamas

Wally Berg with the head Lamas

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.

Our first stop of the day was on a ridge high above the Khumbu where there are memorials for sir Edmonton Hillary, his wife Louise and his daughter Belinda.

Our first stop of the day was on a ridge high above the Khumbu where there are memorials for sir Edmonton Hillary, his wife Louise and his daughter Belinda.

Team Vancouver at Hillary memorial

Team Vancouver at Hillary memorial

We then descended into the beautiful green Sherpa village of Khunde

We then descended into the beautiful green Sherpa village of Khunde

As soon as we walked toward the monastery in Khunde we saw the familiar smile of Nim Phuti.

As soon as we walked toward the monastery in Khunde we saw the familiar smile of Nim Phuti.

All of the women of Khunde had gathered to meet us. This was to be a special day.

All of the women of Khunde had gathered to meet us. This was to be a special day.

First we were served a wonderful lunch at the monastery.

First we were served a wonderful lunch at the monastery.

It seemed like the whole town turned out to celebrate and enjoy a good lunch.

It seemed like the whole town turned out to celebrate and enjoy a good lunch.

Ang Temba and his father joined us.

Ang Temba and his father joined us.

Berg Adventures guides, Nima and Min

Berg Adventures guides, Nima and Min

After lunch it was time to go inside the monastery newly completed after earthquake damage. The contributions from Berg Adventures community made this possible.

After lunch it was time to go inside the monastery newly completed after earthquake damage. The contributions from Berg Adventures community made this possible.

Berg Adventures team enjoying the ceremony

Berg Adventures team enjoying the ceremony

Gord listening to the deep resonate sounds of the monks chanting, the horns, drums and cymbals.

Gord listening to the deep resonate sounds of the monks chanting, the horns, drums and cymbals.

After the blessing Wally Berg spoke to the community.

After the blessing Wally Berg spoke to the community.

Chang and Khata were offered to Wally Berg as thanks for all that Berg Adventures has done for the reconstruction of the Khunde Monastery after the earthquake.

Chang and Khata were offered to Wally Berg as thanks for all that Berg Adventures has done for the reconstruction of the Khunde Monastery after the earthquake.

Wally Berg and Ang Temba’s brother, Ang Tsering

Wally Berg and Ang Temba’s brother, Ang Tsering

Berg Adventures team was the first foreigners to enter the Gompa after the reconstruction for a blessing. ; we are a blessed team.

Berg Adventures team was the first foreigners to enter the Gompa after the reconstruction for a blessing. ; we are a blessed team.

Wonderful group shot at the Khunde monastery

Wonderful group shot at the Khunde monastery

The Khunde monastery rebuilt after the earthquake

The Khunde monastery rebuilt after the earthquake