On Monday, the monk’s body was draped in yellow cloth and carried by Buddhist lamas, devotees and relatives along the trail to Tengboche, where as per Sherpa tradition, his body will lie for six more weeks.
“We are very saddened by his demise, the entire Khumbu valley is in mourning now,” said Tashi Lhamu Sherpa, the deputy chair of the Pasang Lhamu rural municipality. “It is a big loss for our Sherpa community and the entire region.”
She added, “Let’s hope that his reincarnation will be found soon.”
After six weeks, the lamas of Tengboche will decide whether the body should be cremated, or buried with a small stupa to be built over it.
Final last rites will be performed on the 49th day when thousands of Sherpas from Khumbu, and beyond are expected to climb up to Tengboche monastery for the funeral.