Sherpa Traditions Before Reaching the Everest Summit
No Mount Everest expedition begins without a Puja. This Buddhist ceremony is performed at Everest Base Camp to ask the mountain deity, Miyolangsangma, for safe passage to the Mount Everest summit.
Sherpas build a stone altar at the center of camp. It is decorated with prayer flags and offerings of food and drink. It is the spiritual heart of any Everest trekking and climbing adventure.
Climbers place their crampons, ice axes, and helmets against the altar. The lama recites mantras and throws rice to bless the equipment. It is a moment of profound focus for the Mount Everest expedition team.
The scent of burning juniper fills the air during the Puja. It is believed to purify the camp and the climbers. For many, this ceremony is the emotional start of the journey toward the Mount Everest summit.
Even for non-believers, the Puja is a beautiful and unifying ritual. It reminds everyone on the Mount Everest expedition that we are guests on this sacred peak.
