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- Tengboche
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- View of Ama Dablam from Tengboche
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- SPOT Location of IMG Ama Dablam Team
October 18, 2010
IMG guide Mark Allen reports: “Today the group trekked for several hours up the Dudh Koshi River and crossed into the Imja Khola Valley gaining elevation to Tengboche.
The forecast today was for rain all day so we were pleasantly surprised with overcast skies and cool temps. The mountains continue to be elusive and flirt with us, only allowing a view of the upper part of Ama Dablam for about half an hour. We have only seen glimpses of the high peaks. Behind the veil of clouds they have received several inches of new snow. It will be a marvelous view, the clouds are lifting tonight and we can see their shapes in the moonlight. Everyone is excited for morning.
Tengboche is the largest and most important Buddhist Monastery in the region. This Monastery was built in 1910 but has been destroyed by fires and earthquakes and rebuilt twice. It is home to about 50 monks. The group was certainly feeling the altitude today as we climbed 1800 ft out of the river valley up to the pass where the Tengboche Monastery is located.
After arriving at the Monastery a few members went to the nearby Sherpa Bakery that specializes in feeding western travelers large pieces of chocolate cake and coffee. It’s a strange paradox but is one of the nicest treats after a week of fried rice and veggie momos (Nepal dumplings). Following the group’s chocolate cake bender we visited the main sanctuary and observed around 20 monks in a daily evening service and mantra mediation and musical choirs.
We have descended into the village of Deboche and will spend two nights here in a tea house. Tomorrow we have a full rest day planned to acclimatize to the new elevation. Everyone is in good health and is very anxious to see the rest of the valley and the high peaks. Our sirdar, Phu Tashi, wants to take us to the nearby nunnery and better view of the peaks near our tea house lodge. We are having a great time and are all looking forward to moving up Valley to Pheriche. Wish us safe travel and we will keep you posted when we have more to tell.â€
Mark Allen
Check out the Ama Dablam Team’s progress by following the SPOT GPS Messenger trail!