Everest Base Camp Trek Dispatch

Ama Dablam was breath taking this morning.

Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world stood before us up the valley

Lama Geshe

Geshe explained to us that the texts he reads from are printed in Sanskrit on one side and Tibetan on the other.

Lama Geshe and Liz share a laugh.

Temba skillful translated and assisted Geshe with the materials he was using to offer blessing to us.

Liz being blessed by Lama Geshe

Fred receiving his blessing

Tina with Lama Geshe

Alix blessed

Lauren blessed

Wally and Geshe are old friends and they have a tradition of doing resounding “head bumps” when Wally receives his Khata.

Outside Geshe’s room the mountains seemed more brilliant. They stood peacefully, with power, and an eternal indifference that left us with a sense of wonder.

In the bright sunlight we ran into the new caretaker of the centuries old Pangboche Monastery. He is a Tilku, from nearby Tengboche whose job it is to care for the village holy spot.

We were touched to see local children helping the caretaker clean the butter lamps.

Left: Pangboche Monastery has a new set of interpretative displays to help trekkers appreciate the local natural world, culture and mythology. The Snow Leopard is still here and though rarely seen is a fascinating presence in these mountains.

Right: Festivals of Sherpa People include the Dumji Festival in the summer.

Left: The Yeti; Right: The “Dablam”, the hanging glacier on Ama Dablam, has broken away on the lower left side in recent years (photo right). The sight of this graceful and imposing mountain still defines our day as we walk around Pangboche.