Within the boundaries of the Qomolangma Nature Preserve are seventeen sacred Buddhist sites, including monasteries, temples and shrines. Nearly all are in need of major repair or restoration. The following program areas, while aimed at historic and religious site restoration, carry greater implications for revitalization of the living culture. It is critical to provide apprenticeship training for outstanding craftspeople while aging masters and teachers are still alive to pass on their skills. Revived monasteries will also play a significant role in nature conservation through their tradition of strong leadership in environmental ethics and protection of surrounding fauna and flora.

Nearby residents are eager to contribute their labor, but financial help is needed to purchase construction materials, especially for roofing, and to pay for skilled craftswork and mural restoration. Restoration has already begun on Rongbuk (Dzarong) Monastery, the highest in the world at the foot of Mt. Everest and in several other sites within the Qomolangma Nature Preserve.

Ritual tools, implements, and sacred texts are important facets of the Buddist tradition. Relatively simple projects aimed at conserving these material objects will assist in reinforcing the less tangible aspects of tradition.

For example, the printing of new texts, or re-printing of deteriorated ones, and the expansion of libraries in temples and monasteries, benefit remote communities on many levels:

Once these sacred sites are restored, new programs must be developed to maintain them. Donations from local residents and pilgrims can be supplemented with income from guest houses, restaurants and retreat rooms for visitors. Carefully planned facilities might include proper sanitation, garbage collection and disposal. Skills training for monks will enhance their ability to contribute to the local economy through diverse activites such as management of visitor facilities, operation of water mills, reconstruction efforts, and papermaking.