Tengboche Porter

A female porter carries a heavy load near Tengboche Monastery in the Everest Region of the Nepalese Himalaya. Often trekking in husband and wife teams, they carry up to 93 percent and 66 percent of their body weights respectively, for weeks at a time over steep inclines at high altitude. Studies have shown them to be the most efficient in the world consuming less energy per kilogram than a standard backpacker would need to shoulder about half the same weight. They carry their load in a Doko, which is an oversized basket that rests against the back. Most of the weight is taken on the crown of the head via a strap that runs from the head underneath the Doko. Shot on Fuji Velvia slide film.

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Robert Downie
Love Life, Love Photography

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