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If one is
suffered with the symptoms of altitude sickness and cannot
go to base camp still cam make a worthwhile trek to less
ambitious destinations such as Namche Bazaar the
administrative headquarters of the Khumbu region: Khumjung
or Thami, or which are more typical
Sherpa
Village.
Moving on
from Namche Bazaar the trail follows the valley of the
Imja khola with some spectacular views of the mountains
including Thamserku, Kangtega and Ama dablam and
dominating the Skyline ahead, Everest and Lhotse.
This is the
site of one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries
in Solukhumbu and a visit is well recommended.
There are
several festivals; among those Mani Rimdu is a
great festival in Khumbu region. This festival is
celebrated at the monasteries of Tengpoche, Thami and
Chiwang. The monks wear elaborate masks and costumes and
through a series of ritualistic dances, dramatize the
triumph of Buddhism over Bon, the ancient animistic
religion of Tibet.
The first
day Mani Rimdu involves prayers by Lamas in the monastery
courtyard. The second day is the colorful Lama dancing
when Lamas wear brocade gowns and wonderfully painted
papier-mβchι masks. Hundreds of Sherpas from all over
Khumbu attend the performance. It is an important social
occasion as well as an entertaining spectacle. Along with
the serious and intricate dances the Lamas also dramatize
two absurd comic sequences that make the entire
performance a grand and amusing even. On the Final evening
of Mani Rimdu the villagers join in all-night Sherpa
dance.
The
Tengpoche celebration of Mani Rimdu Usually takes place at
the November-December full moon. We will know you, when it
is.
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