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22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Rongbuk Kora

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mt. Everest, Rongbuk is regarded as the northern gateway to the world's tallest peak. Perched at an astonishing 5,000 meters above sea level, this remote village is among the highest inhabited places on Earth. One of the most profound spiritual practices here is the kora, a sacred pilgrimage of devotion. Day and night, devotees circle around revered sites, turning prayer wheels and bowing in deep reverence. For the women of Rongbuk, the kora is not just a ritual—it's woven into the very fabric of their daily lives, a continuous prayer that flows through every step they take around the monastery, echoing their faith across a lifetime.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2024
Date Uploaded: 09.2024
Photo Location: Rongbuk, China
Camera: Canon EOS R
Copyright: © Philip Tomlinson