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Mt.
Everest, also known as Mt. Qomolangma, meaning Goddess Third in Tibetan,
is the highest peak in the world. The 8848 meters (29028 feet) high peak,
snow capped throughout the year, lies at the border between China and
Nepal. The North Col of Everest is located in Tinggri (Shegar). Massive
glaciers and seracs feature a thrilling splendor. The peak has been a
holy climbing attraction for world's mountaineers. In recent years, more
and more mountaineers start from the Everest Base Camp trying to conquer
the world's highest peak while tourists trek to the foot of the peak to
enjoy its beauty.
Starting 30 kilometers (20 miles) south from
New Tinggri, one will reach a checkpoint. 11 kilometers (7miles) west
of the checkpoint, a new road and an old one turn off south to Everest
Base Camp. A 78-kilometer (48-mile) trek leads to Rongbuk Monastery, which
is the highest monastery on the earth. Its altitude is 5,100 meters (16728
feet). The monastery was founded in 1899, as a Nyingmapa monastery since
it was said that once Padmasambhava, founder of Nyingmapa, proceeded his
religious cultivation here. The monastery, having 8 sub-monasteries including
a nunnery, was destroyed in the Cultural Revolution, is gradually restored.
It houses Lamas and nuns in the same monastery. Sakyamuni and Padmasambhava
are enshrined in the small temple. Pilgrims treks a long way to pay votive
offerings or see lamas playing operas during big Buddhist days.
Rongbuk has a hostel having 100 beds, with
a dinning room and a store, where tourists and mountaineers may have cooked
food and instant food, even beer. 300 meters (980 feet) south of the monastery
is the famous Rongbuk Glacier. A distance of 10 kilometers (6 miles) lies
between the monastery and Everest Base Camp.
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