The Tengboche Development Project

After the inauguration of the newly built monastery in 1994, it was obvious that Tengboche needed more than just the physical reconstruction of the Monastery. Therefore at the request of the Abbot and the government Mr. Michael Schmitz [M.Sc. Economics, M.A. Architecture, Dipl. Development Planning] undertook a survey to assess the needs of Tengboche in the face of ever increasing pressure from huge numbers of tourists. Problems were discussed with the Abbot, monks, local people, lodge keepers, the police, Sagarmatha National Park personnel, trekking agencies, tourists and porters. The Tengboche Development Master Plan has been the basis for subsequent fund raising and work undertaken in the area by Michael Schmitz and Helen Cawley. By the year 2000, many of the improvements recommended have been completed.

The most important, but expensive facility need at Tengboche was a Water system. This system took three years to complete and is now working bring clean drinking water to Tengboche even during the coldest months.

In October 1999, a new Turbine was places down at the micro hydro power station thus ensuring Tengboche has electricity. The provision of an alternative power source to wood is essential to halt the rapid and devastating deforestation in the area. The Sacred land medical high altitude medical herb Plantation was established close to Tengboche.

In order to promote sustainable tourism an Eco-Center has been built and was opened by H.H. Trulshik Rinpoche in November 2000. Improved Toilets and Porters accommodation has now been provided in Tengboche. Different ways of providing an Income for the monastery are being established so that the infrastructure can be maintained.

The future of Tengboche depends on the monks and the Abbot considers education to be very important. A School for the monks has been established and it is hoped teachers' accommodation can also be added. In addition, it is hoped that by improving the facilities at the Monastery the unique Himalayan culture, which is inseparable from Buddhism, can be preserved.