In Phungi Thenga we had lunch: amazing Sherpa noodles and fried potatoes with cheese. Yum! The final 2.5 km of the trek was straight uphill. A steep 500-meter climb to be more precise.

After crossing another suspension bridge, we had to show our TIMS card again. On the right side of the trail were a few hydro power fortune wheels. Free blessing for everybody passing by. Happy hikers! 🙂 Thank you fortune (wheel makers)!

The winding path was steep, and we stopped at every turn. I still don’t know how the porters are able to do this every day. Their calves must be superhuman.

Tengboche

2 hours and a few silent swear words later, we finally reached Tengboche. Officially, you are not allowed to swear or fight in the National Park (there is a sign at the entrance) but this climb was unreal, so we made a soft excuse.

We took a room at the Hotel Himalaya, right at the beginning of Tengboche. After a small nap, we visited the Tengboche monastery – the highest monastery in the world. We had to take our shoes off, which did not scent so good after 3 days of hiking. The monastery was built in 1916 and rebuilt twice after being destroyed by an earthquake and a fire. The wood carvings in the main courtyard and prayer room are impressive. The walls of the prayer room are covered with detailed paintings of Buddha.