[2] Tengboche monastery is amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value”), draped with a panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountains, including the well-known peaks of Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

Lama Sangwa Dorje is referred to as the founder of the oldest monastery in Khumbu at Pangboche as well as many other small hermitages.

His divine psychic knowledge and clairvoyant vision had prophesied suitability of establishing a monastery at Tengboche based on a footprint on a rock left by him while meditating.

[3] However, the monastery's precious old scriptures, statues, murals and wood carvings were destroyed in the devastating fire caused by an electrical short circuit on 19 January 1989.

Following the destruction of the monastery by fire, its rebuilding was undertaken by the present Nawang Tenzing Jangpo who is considered as the incarnation of the founder Lama Gulu, an important spiritual leader of the Sherpas.

He has established an equation with many trekkers and climbers of all denominations who visit the monastery, which has helped him in finding funds for restoration.

[citation needed] Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, an inhabitant of this village, were the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest on the British 1953 expedition.

Everest expeditioners visit the monastery to light candles and seek the blessings of gods for good health and safe mountaineering.

The Monastery buildings stand upon a knoll at the end of a big spur, which is flung out across the direct axis of the Imja river.

Surrounded by satellite dwellings, all quaintly constructed and oddly mediaeval in appearance, it provides a grandstand beyond comparison for the finest mountain scenery that I have ever seen, whether in the Himalaya or elsewhere.The rebuilt monastery was formally consecrated in 1993 and is considered as the gateway to Mount Everest.

The entrance gate has also been rebuilt with funds provided by the Greater Himalayas Foundation based in Washington DC, United States.

The monastery is approached by a mountain trail from Namche, via the nearest airport in Lukla (2,800 metres (9,200 ft)) connecting to Kathmandu.

Tengboche is the mid-way station of the trail to the base camp for the climbers of Mount Everest and other peaks of over 8,000 metres (26,000 ft); all these areas form part of the entire Kumbhu region up to Tibet border with an area of 1,148 square kilometres (443 sq mi) encompassing the Sagarmatha National park.

[12][13][14][15] In the Kumbu region of Nepal, the monastery is strategically placed on the way to Everest base camp and thus attracts large number of tourists from all parts of the world.

[15] Tengboche is surrounded by ancient mani stones (flat stones inscribed with the mantra "Om Mane Padme Hum", prayer flags flying atop the high peaks (flags are flown in colours denoting the five Buddhist elements: earth, wind, fire, water and consciousness).

However, over the years, when the nuns wanted an exclusive place of their own to live and pray, the Lama Gulu, head of the monastery granted them land in a small valley known as Devoche.

[3][18] In the nearby villages, there are many other chortens, small monasteries and hermitages including those at Pangboche, Thame, Lawdo, Khumjung and Kunde.

A 'Master Plan' was prepared by specialists, funds collected and projects launched, which have resulted in developing a water supply system that is providing clean drinking water to Tengboche (even during the coldest months), a micro hydropower station that provides assured electricity, establishment of sacred land for high altitude medicinal herb plantation close to the monastery, an Eco-Centre to promote sustainable tourism, better toilets and accommodation for porters, income generating schemes to sustain the local population and most importantly establishing schools for better education facilities to local people.

It falls on the autumn season when large groups of tourists visit the Khumbu region to trek to Everest Base Camp and to witness the festival which lasts for nineteen days.

At the end of the festivities the resident Tengboche Rinpoche of the monastery blesses the general public after which the 'Mask Dances' are performed by the monks.

Musician Brett Dennen has a song on his album Por Favor called "Tengboche" The monastery is featured in the movie Everest.