Stunning!

Freo Today. 9 December 2024. Mount Everest, towering tall at 8849 metres above sea level, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepali, is not only the highest mountain in the world but also one of the sacred sites. Many mountaineers and locals worship to seek blessings before embarking on their journey as they believe that the goddess Miyolangsangma resides on the top of Mount Everest.

The base of Mount Everest is dotted with monasteries, stupas, and prayer flags, which hold significance to Buddhists and pilgrims residing all over the world. On the route to Everest Base Camp, Tengboche Monastery is located where the Mani Rimdu festival is celebrated every year. During the festivals monks and pilgrims gather to pray, chant, and perform rituals to appeal the blessings of the deities.

Yesterday, 8 December, was Bodhi Day, the day Buddha attained enlightenment sitting under a Bodhi tree, a day celebrated throughout the Buddhist world, including Nepal. Shipping News fan and digital nomad Ulrike Reinhard, currently in Kathmandu en route to Freo, yesterday sent this pic of the sacred mountain, that she shot, to the Shipping News with the message: ‘We are out to celebrate Buddha’s day in one of the many Stupas in Kathmandu.’

What a photograph. Thanks u*. Stunning!