Mount Everest, Mahālangūr Himāl, Himalayas, Sagarmatha, Nepal

Near the base of the north side of Mt. Everest lies Rongbuk Monastery, which is the "sacred threshold to Mount Everest", with the most dramatic views of the world. For Sherpas living on the slopes of Everest in the Khumbu region of Nepal, Rongbuk Monastery was an important pilgrimage site, accessed in a few days of travel across the Himalaya through Nangpa La.
Miyolangsangma, a Tibetan Buddhist "Goddess of Inexhaustible Giving", is believed to have lived at the top of Mt. Everest. According to Sherpa Buddhist monks, Mt. Everest is Miyolangsangma's palace and playground, and all climbers are only partially welcome guests, having arrived without invitation.
The Sherpa people also believe that Mt. Everest and its flanks are blessed with spiritual energy, and one should show reverence when passing through this sacred landscape. There, the karmic effects of one's actions are magnified, and impure thoughts are best avoided.