The highest monastery in the world

At the foothills of Mt.Everest, is located the highest monastery in the world - Rongbuk Monastery. It was founded by a Nyingmapa Lama in 1902 and had been in used by monks and hermits for over 400 years. The ancient monastery is only 200 metres (660 ft) lower than the north side Everest Base Camp of Mount Everest, and in the background of Rongbuk Monastery is the top of the world - Qomolangma.

Monks and nuns live in the same monastery and celebrate the Buddhist festivals together. From 15th April of the Tibetan Calendar a Buddhist dancing ceremony is held here, which will last for three days. This is held to celebrate the birth of Sakyamuni, which is known as Saka Dawa Festival. During the play, many monks disguise themselves as Rabbis and dance many scenes one after another, and most scenes portray different characters and clothing. The noisy and special activity often attracts many local residents and visitors to the temple. Another Tibetan festival is held on 29th December of Tibetan Calendar to placate wandering ghosts, and monks wearing masks also perform this grand ceremony.

Walking forward from Rongbuk Monastery, you will see the famous Rongbuk Glacier Zone, which is the largest among all the hundreds of glaciers formed around the Mt. Everest. The three glaciers north of the Mt. Everest flow south and congregate at a river traversing the foot of the monastery. This is called 'Rongbuk River', and the water there is extremely cold.