Everest

The last bit of sunlight illuminates the highest peak in the world from Kala Patthar...Everest. A fleeting moment that brought me to tears. Such beauty. Presence in its truest form. Such gratitude for this life.

Ancient Wisdom

A buddhist monk at Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Enjoying The Show

We were fortunate to catch a really special event at Tengboche Monastery on our journey in the Khumbu. Mani Rimdu is a ceremony that celebrates empowerment. It lasts 19 days and concludes in a 3 day public festival. Sherpa people gather to celebrate alongside the monastic community. A high lama is flown in from tibet to preside over the festivities. The celebration diminishes the demons and rewards the virtuous. Monks wear ornate costumes and masks through a series of ritualistic dances that commemorate the victory of Buddha over Bon. The last days that we were able to catch are more humorous in tone and also include chanting prayers. An absolutely beautiful event to witness.

Memorial

Prayer flags carry the memories of myriad stories of tragedy from the lives taken in the Khumbu and on Mount Everest at a memorial that could not be in a more beautiful spot.

Mani Rimdu

Mani Rimdu lasts 19 days and concludes in a 3 day public festival Sherpa people gather at Tengboche Monastery to celebrate alongside the monastic community. A high lama is flown in from tibet to preside over the festivities. The celebration diminishes the demons and rewards the virtuous. Monks wear ornate costumes and masks through a series of ritualistic dances that commemorate the victory of Buddha over Bon. The last days that we were able to catch are more humorous in tone and also include chanting prayers; however, I believe these monks were getting a bit tired as the day and festivities wore on.

Tihar Marigolds

Woman preparing marigold flowers for the festival of Tihar in Kathmandu. Tihar is a 5 day festival of lights and 2nd biggest festival of the year. The first day celebrates the crow. Religious belief in Nepal regard crow as messenger of Yamraja, the god of death. People worship it to bring good luck in their houses. The 2nd day celebrates the dog. People offer garlands, tika and delicious food to dogs and acknowledge the cherished relationship between humans and dogs. The 3rd day worships the cow. Cows represent prosperity and wealth. On this day people show their gratefulness to the cow by garlanding and feeding them with the best grass. The 4th day celebrates the ox. It is worshiped by being given a variety of yummy foods. The 5th and final day is called Bhai Tika. It is observed by sisters applying "tilaka" or "tika" to the foreheads of their brothers to ensure long life and thank them for the protection they provide.

Mighty Himalaya

The mighty Himalaya. The grandest range on earth.

Gold on Gold

A rare quiet moment at Boudanath Stupa in Kathmandu as a young girl walks by in her matching golden dress.

High Suspense(ion)

Mules carrying gas towards Namche Bazar over a high suspension bridge over the Imja Khola river. There are no roads in the Khumbu, therefore these mules are the semi trucks and this bridge is the interstate.

Mother's Necklace

The Imja Khola's turqouise waters flow beneath one of the most beautiful mountains on earth. Ama Dablam. The name translates to Mother's Necklace.

Smoke Break

A man in Bhaktapur takes a smoke break and gives me a sly smile.

Running With The Pigeons

A girl playfully runs with the pigeons at Boudanath Stupa in Kathmandu. A poignant reminder to stay young at heart.

Aerial Terraces

Views from the helicopter window from Kathmandu to Lukla. Amazing to see how the hillsides have been shaped by man over the centuries.

Curtains Close

The curtains begin to close. It's nearing the end of the show. Dramatically rising above, Pumori comes up for one last breath. Clouds enshroud. One last bow. Basking in the final moments of cozy warmth and lust before the sun's golden speckles turns to dusk.

Namche Mornings

Nothing like waking up before sunrise and meandering around the Sherpa capital Namche Bazar taking in the quiet splendor and feeling the energy of the Himalaya charge your soul.

Prayer Flags

Prayer Flags silhouette the Himalaya mountains in the backdrop. In Buddhism, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Tibetans believe the prayers are carried silently by the wind, never to be still and spread compassion. White symbolizes air, red is fire. Green is water, yellow is earth, and blue is wind.

Into The Wind

A woman in Pottery Square in Bhaktapur prepares the rice by setting up a small house fan on a chair and dropping the rice down letting it blow and separate the grains from the dirt and debris.

Himalaya Majesty

Prayer Flags frame the majestic Ama Dablam high in the Khumbu. In Buddhism, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Tibetans believe the prayers are carried silently by the wind, never to be still and spread compassion. White symbolizes air, red is fire. Green is water, yellow is earth, and blue is wind.

Lush

The lower reaches of the SoluKhumbu near Phadking are lush with all of the snowmelt creating a beautifully verdant ecosystem.

Cotton Candy

Adding a pop of color to the streets of Kathmandu as vendors sell cotton candy on the streets.

Pheriche Last Light

Street Pose

A fellow in Bhaktapur taking in the daily street scenes.

Nuptse Fire

Fiery afternoon light brings Nuptse to life. Dramatic as can be.