On the way to Tengboche--looking at Ama Dablam.
Leaving Namche, we contour around the side of the mountain and are confronted with spectacular views once again. We spot wild Himalayan mountain goats in the golden brush and even a rare danphe–the national bird of Nepal–with iridescent plumage reminiscent of a peacock but in copper tones.
Rhododendrons in Bloom above Phunky Tenga
Dropping down to the river and across the new bridge at Phunky Tenga, we have a picnic lunch and then climb in the heat of afternoon to Tengboche, site of the area’s largest monastery. Just in time for afternoon prayers: the deep tones of monks chanting in Tibetan before an altar of butter lamps and a giant statue of the Buddha.
Video: Tengboche Monks Chanting
(filmed with permission of the monastery)
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