The Sherpa culture is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, specifically the Nyingmapa School, which emphasizes the importance of nature, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all beings. This spiritual heritage is evident throughout the Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Gokyo Trek, Everest Three High Passes Trek, Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass Trek or any treks in various ways in Everest region. Along the route, trekkers will encounter mani stones, chortens, prayer wheels, and prayer flags, each holding profound religious significance.
Mani Stones and Chortens
One of the most frequent sights along the trekking path is the mani stone, a slab of rock inscribed with the Buddhist mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum." This mantra is a prayer for compassion and is thought to invoke blessings of the divine. Travelers should always walk to the left of these stones as a mark of respect. Similarly, chortens, or stupas, are stone structures that hold religious relics. They serve as spiritual landmarks and are often placed at mountain passes or near villages to ensure safe passage for those traveling through the region.
Prayer Flags and Wheels
Sherpa villages and high passes are also adorned with vibrant prayer flags, strung across the mountainsides, fluttering in the wind. Each color on the flag represents an element — earth, water, fire, air, and space — and the prayers written on them are carried by the wind to bless all sentient beings. Likewise, prayer wheels filled with mantras can be found in monasteries and along trails, spun by devotees or passing trekkers to release prayers into the universe.
As trekkers pass through these sacred symbols, the pervasive presence of Buddhism adds a meditative layer to the trekking experience. The serenity and spirituality of the journey are heightened by the surrounding cultural practices, reminding trekkers that the Himalayas are more than just a physical challenge — they are a sacred space.