The mani stones, chortens , kaanis play an integral role in the lifestyle of the Buddhist villagers who inhabit the highland villages in the Himalayas.Chances are you may come across these Buddhist landmarks on your Himalayan journey. These landmarks have a deep spiritual significance and are built to protect the people from evil forces and bring them closer to the creator.
Mani Wall: Mani walls are long walls made of stone carved with mantras.The main purpose of these mani walls is to ask the gods to look after travelers and to protect settlements.
Chorten: A chorten is a Buddhist religious monument also known as a stupa. They are erected to ward off evil spirits from places that are identified as thresholds (confluences, bridges , mountain passes etc) or to commemorate the visit or death of historic figures , lamas or relatives.
Maniloker: A maniloker is a cylindrical shaped prayer wheel made of wood and leather.Sacred mantras are inscribed on them , such as “Om Mani Padme Hum”.Manilokers are generally placed around the circumambulatory paths of mani walls.Individual larger prayer wheels called manitungyar are housed in local gumbas.
Kaanis: Kaanis (also called gateway chortens ) are placed at entry point of villages for travelers to walk through.
Lungta: Lungta(prayer flags and piles of stones) mark the top of the main passes . Together with mani walls, chortens , and kaanis, these structures protect settlements from bad and evil spirits.
(Resource: Great Himalayan Trail, ICIMOD)
Apr 2023 I had an incredible experience trekking to Everest Base Camp with Explore Himalaya. Our guides were absolutely amazing. They provided us with exceptional support and guidance throughout the journey. The porters deserve special recognition too for their hard work and dedication. The entire journey was filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. From the start until the conclusion , every moment was filled with awe and wonder. I highly recommend Explore Himalaya for anyone seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas. Thank you to all the the staff, for making our journey truly exceptional!
13 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Nov 2018 We have just returned to Kathmandu after a wonderful trek around the Manaslu circuit, starting in Soti Khola and finishing in Jaget. The trek and transport out and back to Kathmandu were very well organized. Our guide, Bharet Rana was excellent, arranging our tea-house accomodation and meals each day, without hitch. He was always good humoured and provided an interesting commentary on sights along the way.
Our Everest Base Camp trek was a wonderful and memorable one. Everything was very well organised. Thank you Explore Himalaya and the staffs for such an excellent service. We were taken care of from the moment we landed in Ktm till the day we left. The Guides and the Porters team of Explore Himalaya are very friendly and helpful. They took care of every little things during our trek. Some walked faster, some slowly and few could not but No one was left behind. They walk with your pace and motivates you until you get up. Anuj Pandey, MD of Explore Himalaya was available 24 hours a day when anybody was in need, he even flew to Namche to check if everything was going well and if everybody was doing good. The Guides Bibek Pandey, Bhuwan Tamang and Ram Rajbhandari along with their 5 Porters were the main pillars who made our mission accomplished. I'd highly recommend anybody who wants to travel to Nepal to contact Explore Himalaya and get themselves spoilt and entertained with their excellent service.
Helicopter flight to Everest basecamp Mar 2023 Organized for us a life time experience by helicopter to the base camp. Very well organized and all what has been promised was delivered. Would highly recommend this service.
Apr 2023 I had an incredible experience trekking to Everest Base Camp with Explore Himalaya. Our guides were absolutely amazing. They provided us with exceptional support and guidance throughout the journey. The porters deserve special recognition too for their hard work and dedication. The entire journey was filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. From the start until the conclusion , every moment was filled with awe and wonder. I highly recommend Explore Himalaya for anyone seeking an unforgettable trekking experience in the Himalayas. Thank you to all the the staff, for making our journey truly exceptional!
13 Day Manaslu Circuit Trek Nov 2018 We have just returned to Kathmandu after a wonderful trek around the Manaslu circuit, starting in Soti Khola and finishing in Jaget. The trek and transport out and back to Kathmandu were very well organized. Our guide, Bharet Rana was excellent, arranging our tea-house accomodation and meals each day, without hitch. He was always good humoured and provided an interesting commentary on sights along the way.
Our Everest Base Camp trek was a wonderful and memorable one. Everything was very well organised. Thank you Explore Himalaya and the staffs for such an excellent service. We were taken care of from the moment we landed in Ktm till the day we left. The Guides and the Porters team of Explore Himalaya are very friendly and helpful. They took care of every little things during our trek. Some walked faster, some slowly and few could not but No one was left behind. They walk with your pace and motivates you until you get up. Anuj Pandey, MD of Explore Himalaya was available 24 hours a day when anybody was in need, he even flew to Namche to check if everything was going well and if everybody was doing good. The Guides Bibek Pandey, Bhuwan Tamang and Ram Rajbhandari along with their 5 Porters were the main pillars who made our mission accomplished. I'd highly recommend anybody who wants to travel to Nepal to contact Explore Himalaya and get themselves spoilt and entertained with their excellent service.
Helicopter flight to Everest basecamp Mar 2023 Organized for us a life time experience by helicopter to the base camp. Very well organized and all what has been promised was delivered. Would highly recommend this service.
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