Rongbuk Monastery was founded in 1902 by a Nyingma lama, though hermits had meditated in the valley's caves for centuries. Early British Everest expeditions in the 1920s passed through and received blessings here. Much of it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and later rebuilt on a smaller scale.
Today a handful of monks and nuns live here. The chapels are simple, with statues of Padmasambhava and other Nyingma figures, and butter lamps burning in the cold. Outside, the stupa hung with prayer flags stands in the foreground of the classic photograph, with Everest framed behind it.
Visit early in the morning, when monks may be at prayers and the light is on the mountain. Walk clockwise around the stupa, keep voices low and leave a small donation if you wish. Photography inside the chapels may not be allowed.
Good for
- Photographers
- Pilgrims
- Solo
Questions travellers ask
Is Rongbuk the highest monastery in the world?
Rongbuk, at about 4,980 m, is often described as the highest monastery in the world, though a few small religious sites claim greater heights. It is certainly among the highest permanently occupied monasteries, and its view of Everest is unmatched.
Can I stay at Rongbuk Monastery?
In recent years, a guesthouse beside the monastery has offered basic rooms to tourists, with quilts and shared toilets. Availability depends on local rules each season. Some tours stay at the Everest service area or lower at Old Tingri instead.
What sect is Rongbuk Monastery?
Rongbuk belongs to the Nyingma school, the oldest of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in 1902, though meditation caves in the valley are much older. Statues inside include Padmasambhava, whom the Nyingma regard as their founder.
