The Sacred land Eco Information centre at Tengboche monastery consist of a charity shop with two permanent exhibitions with accompanying specialized documentary films which are shown to about 3000 visitors a year. 

The building has been designed and constructed in a way that fits in with the local style, but uses much less wood. In particular the steel truss roof, aluminum windows and stone floor substantially reduced the amount of wood used.

The high number of tourists visiting Tengboche without doubt had an adverse effect on the environment there. For this reason one of the most important activities of the Eco-Center to increase awareness of the Sherpa community, trekking agencies and tourists about ways to reduce the negative impact of tourism while still encouraging the increase of social economic development. Thus, the Eco-Center aims to heighten awareness of the individual responsibility as well as to give an example to other areas facing similar problems.

The exhibition and film provide information on the culture and environment. Well informed trekkers help support sustainable tourism and they can encourage good practices in local businesses. Income from the Eco – Center and the shop helps support the traditional monastic education by providing money for food, accommodation, teachers, books and sponsorship for students.

In addition, it helps maintain the following facilities – which are specifically aimed at reducing the impact of tourism on the fragile ecosystem of Tengboche:

• Water: previously, there was no water in Tengboche in the winter. The new system pumps water up from Devoche during peak trekking times.

• Electricity: a small hydro power station below Tengboche provides analternative energy source.

• Toilets: public toilets have been built and for health reasons, please do not use toilet tents.

• Porters’ Shelter: a shelter has been provided for the poorest people. This means that less wood need be used by the porters for fires for warmth during the icy winter nights.

• Telephone: this provides vital communication services for arranging rescues and linking Tengboche to the outside world.

• Traditional Herbal Medicine: the promotion of the traditional herbal source of healthcare in the Himalayas known as Sowa Rigpa. 

• Plantation: for the cultivation of medicinal plants as well as trees suitable for northern slopes and higher altitudes. The aim is to increase forest bio-diversityand protect native plant populations in the wild.

for more information please link to www.tengboche.org

All these activities rely on your generous support. Thank you