Sacred Etiquette on the Road to Everest Base Camp
Mani walls are one of the most iconic sights of an Everest trekking adventure. These long walls of stone, carved with Buddhist prayers, are built to bring merit to those who create them and those who pass them.
You must always pass a Mani wall to your right. This follows the Buddhist tradition of circumambulation. Breaking this rule is considered bad luck for your Mount Everest expedition.
Almost every stone is carved with this six-syllable mantra. It is the sound of compassion, echoing through the Khumbu as you walk toward the Mount Everest summit region.
Many of these walls are centuries old. Avoid sitting on the stones or leaning your pack against them. Respecting these monuments is vital for the cultural integrity of the Everest trekking region.
The Mani walls turn the trail into a temple. Treat the path toward the Mount Everest summit with the reverence it deserves.
