Ghat lies about 30–45 minutes before Phakding, on a flat terrace above the Dudh Koshi. The trail passes long walls built of flat stones, each carved and often painted with the six-syllable mantra om mani padme hum, the prayer associated with Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion. Some stones carry images of deities or entire scriptures. Families commission them to earn merit or remember relatives, and many are decades old and covered in lichen.
Beside the walls stand chortens, small white stupas with painted eyes or symbols, and prayer wheels housed in little buildings over streams. The running water turns the wheel day and night, and each turn is believed to send the prayers inside out into the world. Sherpas always pass mani walls, chortens and prayer wheels with them on their right, walking clockwise, and spin hand prayer wheels clockwise too.
Your guide will explain the basics as you go. Take photos freely of the stones and chortens, but do not sit or climb on them, and never take a stone as a souvenir. From Ghat the trail continues along the river to Phakding, mostly level, with one more suspension bridge. This is a relaxed section of the walk, so slow down here and enjoy it; the bigger climbs start tomorrow.
Good for
- Families
- Pilgrims
- Seniors
- First-timers
Questions travellers ask
Why do you walk to the left of mani walls?
Sherpa and Tibetan Buddhists keep sacred objects on their right, walking clockwise around them. On the trail that means passing to the left of a mani wall or chorten. It is a sign of respect, and trekkers are encouraged to follow the custom.
What is written on mani stones?
Most carry the mantra om mani padme hum in Tibetan script, associated with compassion. Others show deities, prayers or short scriptures. Families pay carvers to make them as an act of merit or in memory of someone who has died.
Can I spin the prayer wheels on the Everest trail?
Yes. Spin them clockwise with your right hand as you pass. Water-driven wheels in stream houses turn by themselves. Avoid spinning them backwards or treating them as toys, as they are religious objects.
