Tengboche Monastery is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Nepal. Founded in 1916 by Lama Gulu, the building itself has been destroyed and rebuilt twice. Today it is home to 50 monks and hosts about 22,000 visitors each year
There are two ways to get to Tengboche. The first requires a trip to Katmandu, a quick flight to Lukla, and then a brisk three-day hike up the trekkers' highway toward Everest Base Camp.
I recommend this route. The monastery is located at 3,867 meters; from the ridge on which it's situated there is an incredible view of rhododendron forests framed by Ama Dablam (a stunning 6,812-meter snow-covered peak that dominates the skyline), Lotse (the world's fourth-highest mountain), Nuptse (No. 19) and Mount Everest itself. The panorama is well worth the dull throb of an altitude headache.