In Nepal, Mount Everest is called Sagarmatha (Goddess of the Sky) and in Tibet, it is known as Chomolungma (Goddess Mother of the Universe). The religious significance of the mountain and of the region, combined with the Buddhist culture of Nepal, is threaded throughout every aspect of life for the people of this region. The prayer flags, the stupas (or chorten), the prayer wheels and the monasteries are just some of the more visible signs of an ancient devotion still alive and well in Nepal.

No where is this more evident than along the ancient yak routes leading towards Everest Case Camp. People stop by monasteries,such as the magnificent one at Tengboche, to receive a blessing from the divinity and to seek counsel regarding their quest. Puja ceremonies are performed at Base Camp to anoint climbers before they set out towards higher elevations. During this ceremony, butter lamps are lit as a means of getting the blessing of the gods before embarking on a climb up Mount Everest.

The ancient cultural practices and traditions by which the people of the Khumbu region of Nepal live are curiously juxtaposed with modern amenities. The work of international agencies and foundations, such as the one originally founded by Edmund Hillary (the first person to ascend Mount Everest) and his family, have done much to improve the living conditions of people in this region. Schools, hospitals and community centres have sprung up to support not only the adventurers who trek through the Khumbu but also their Sherpas -- local guides who are instrumental to the success of any Everest climb.

Are the Sherpas and the Navajo of the Southwest USA the sample people? 
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Learning and Teaching Services, Algonquin College, 2005