The Sagarmatha National Park extends over 1148 sq. Most visitors walk to Tengboche by way of Namche Bazaar. The trek takes 14 days from Jiri or 3 days from the airstrip at Lukla. The ice walls of these mountains dominate the landscape and avalanches can frequently be heard rumbling high up the glaciers. It is against Buddhist belief to kill anything and because of this tradition of peace and compassion, Tengboche is a refuge for wildlife.
Huge vultures dominate the skies above.
Yellow billed choughs and black ravens play on the winds. These wild high places are also inhabited by the tahr and goral, both rare species of wild goat-antelope, as well as the endangered musk deer. In addition there are many rare kinds of medicinal plants and sweet smelling incense scrubs. Tall rhododendron forest of many different species and colors adorn the landscape in spring. Rocks are carved with prayers and bright flags hung in high places carry prayers of compassion skywards.