Religious beliefs and rituals are an important part of daily life for the Sherpa people and although the official religion of Nepal is Hinduism, most of the mountain people are Buddists.

As we ascend to base camp passing Sherpa villages and monasteries, Buddhist symbols and practice can be seen all around. The Manni Stones lining the route are skilfully carved with inscriptions of Buddhist chants while overhead, the colourful prayer flags offer up a sacred mantra, which is ‘said’ every time the wind flutters.

The most prominent symbols along the trail are the rows of Buddhist prayer wheels. The small hollow like cylinder ‘wheels’ on metal spindles are carved with prayers, Mantras and symbols and a scroll with an inscribed prayer are placed inside.
According to Buddhist tradition, a spin of the wheel will ‘send the prayer to the heavens’ with the same effect as reciting prayers.

Onwards and upwards we make our way to the region’s famous Tengboche Monastery, where it’s tradition for Everest expeditions to stop for a blessing by Buddhist monks, before reaching base camp and facing the challenge that lies ahead.

by Marie Curie Cancer Care