The Mani Rimdu Festival Trek in the high Khumbu region of Nepal is a unique combination of culture, spirituality, and mountain adventure. Each fall the Sherpa people convene at Tengboche Monastery to celebrate Mani Rimdu, a three-day festival which emphasizes…
Overview
The Mani Rimdu Festival Trek in the high Khumbu region of Nepal is a unique combination of culture, spirituality, and mountain adventure. Each fall the Sherpa people convene at Tengboche Monastery to celebrate Mani Rimdu, a three-day festival which emphasizes…
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival in Kathmandu
A representative will greet you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and will take you to your hotel located in Thamel. After you check in, you will meet our guide who will prepare you for the upcoming Mani Rimdu Festival Trek. In the afternoon, you are free to navigate the streets of Kathmandu. Please head to the Asan and Thamel markets. Have a seat in one of the relaxed-atmosphere cafés. For the first dinner of the trip, you will be presented with a variety of traditional Nepali foods while a show is performed for you. In the evening, you will be staying in Kathmandu. Activity: Arrival, hotel transfer, trek briefing Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft. Kathmandu Meal: Dinner Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 :
Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation
As part of your guided trek, we will go to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupa. Wonderful valley landscape will be seen at Swayambhunath Stupa, and then go to Boudhanath Stupa to see one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist stupas. We will also visit and spend a little time at Pashupatinath Temple where Hindu cremation ceremonies are performed along the Bagmati River. We will then go to Thamel after lunch and you will be given some time to make your final purchases on trekking gear. Your guide will have some time later in the day to go over the day and check equipment, as well as to outline the day trekking program. Activity: 4–6 hrs sightseeing Max. Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. Kathmandu Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 :
Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
A direct flight will take us from Kathmandu to the mountain airstrip at Lukla. Take note that the flight will last for approximately 35 minutes. In the course of the flight, we will have the chance to see Himalayan peaks and the Everest region from the air. Once the flight is done, the porters will provide you with some guidance that will help you on your trek along the Dudh Koshi River. Whenever we trek through villages or farmlands, we will see the colorful prayer flags strung above mani walls, which are inscribed with prayers. As we continue our trek, we will notice that certain tracks have been made through the thick clusters of pine and the large clusters of rhododendrons. This portion of the trek will take us to Phakding, the location of the village by the river, where we will have the opportunity to visit the tea houses. In the evening, we will have the chance to wander the village or relax beside the river. Our lodgings will be in Phakding. Activity: 3–4 hrs trek / 35‑min flight Max. Altitude: 2,840m/9,318ft. Lukla Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Lodge
Day 4 :
Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar
As Phakding becomes a distant memory, one follows the trail along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, passing through a number of forests, as well as some suspension bridges. Beyond that, the trail extends towards the small town of Monjo, the official border of Sagarmatha National Park. From here, Monjo serves as the first checkpoint, where permits are checked. The trail then ascends through a line of pine, along with rhododendron, all the way to Tope Danda’s viewpoint. These are among the first vantage points from which Mount Everest is visible. Further on, the trail, upon reaching Namche Bazaar, offers a picturesque scene of the largest Sherpa settlement along with a major trading center of the Khumbu region. Many vibrant pubs, bakeries, outdoor equipment shops, and a lively marketplace fill the town. We spend the night in teahouses around Namche Bazaar. Activity: 6–7 hrs trek Max. Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. Namche Bazaar Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 5 :
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Acclimatization is an important aspect of the Mani Rimdu Festival Trek. Today we will go on a short walk which goes to the Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) or culminates in Khumjung village so that our body may start adjusting to more altitude. The walk passes through snow-covered slopes from where one can have stunning views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. While in Khumjung, we can visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Hillary School established by Sir Edmund Hillary. While the others enjoy the day to have coffee at one of the coffee shops, we will return to Namche to relax. We will spend the night in Namche. Activity: 3–4 hrs Max. Altitude: 3,880m/12,730ft. Hotel Everest View Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 6 :
Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
From Namche, you’ll see views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the Ama Dablam spire along the path. As we gently descend and cross the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola, the trail climbing through the magnificent juniper and rhododendron forests is a dream come true. The trail winds through pretty mani walls and chortens, followed by the steep ascent of stunning Tengboche Monastery. We then can admire the richly decorated monastery which is the focus of the area and observe the monks going about their day in peace. The teahouse in Tengboche is a perfectly nice place to stay overnight. Activity: 5–6 hrs trek Max. Altitude: 3,860m/12,664ft. Tengboche Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 7 :
Tengboche: First day of Mani Rimdu Festival
This morning we are accompanying the villagers along with the monks to the courtyard of the monastery to observe the initiation of Mani Rimdu. Preparation of the sand mandala, in the middle of the mandala the monks place a vase filled with spiritual medicine pills and a Mani Rilbu. The leading lama carries out the Wong empowerment by singing mantras and offering the devotees blessed holy water and sacred pills. All day we watch devotees pray over the mandala, which monks create each year, as they whisper prayers for a harmonious world. We will stay in Tengboche at night. Activity: Sand Mandala, empowerment ceremony Max. Altitude: 3,860m/12,664ft. Tengboche Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 8 :
Tengboche: Second day of Mani Rimdu Festival
During the festival’s second day known as Chham, the trekkers have the opportunity to observe a variety of traditional mask dances. Also quite stunning is the colorful attire of the monks who are portraying the triumph of good over evil. What is particularly interesting is the trance-like beating of the drums, horns, and cymbals, which seem to accompany the dancers as they float. Once they have completed the dance, the performers who were once dancers are now lamas who grant the devotees the privilege of receiving blessings inside the monastery. The interval from dance completion and the blessings is also quite enjoyable and is spent by festival attendees enjoying cups of rhododendron tea. While staying overnight in a tent is also an option, we feel more at home in the teahouse. Activity: Mask dance ritual, blessings Max. Altitude: 3,860m/12,664ft. Tengboche Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 9 :
Tengboche: Third day of Mani Rimdu Festival
The last day of Mani Rimdu involves participating in the Fire Puja together with other concluding activities. At the monastery, a huge fire is kindled. Monks in a trance repeat mantras and offer butter, grains, and spices to the fire deity. Upon completion of the mandala, the monks deconstruct the artwork, offering the colored sands to the river while bestowing their blessings to all sentient beings. The closing ritual which is performed with much gravity but at the same time gentle joy, heralds the conclusion of the festival. Activity: Fire Puja, dismantling mandala Max. Altitude: 3,860m/12,664ft. Tengboche Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 10 :
Trek Tengboche to Monjo
After bidding farewell to Tengboche, we will go down through rhododendron forest and juniper forest to the Imja Khola and then go uphill to Sanasa. Starting there we move back to Namche Bazaar. There we have lunch. Starting the descent at Namche, we go through the forest, across the Dudh Koshi River and the village of Jorsale. Keep a watch on musk deer and Himalayan tahr grazing on the hills. Towards the end of the afternoon we come to Monjo. There we can spend the night in a nice teahouse where we can relax with a warm cup of butter tea and wonder at the scenery of Ama Dablam and Kongde peaks. Activity: River valley walk, wildlife spotting Max. Altitude: 2,835m/9,301ft. Monjo Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 11 :
Trek Monjo to Lukla
The last day of trekking will take us along the river valley back to Lukla, and the trail takes us through terraced fields and delightful villages such as Benkar, Ghat and Phakding. We will travel along suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags and through birch and juniper woodlands. We will have lunch in Phakding or Chheplung (Cheplung) around midday before the last climb to Lukla. After we arrive, we can spend some time walking along the busy streets or have a drink to celebrate with our trekking team. We will spend the night in Lukla. Activity: Final trekking day Max. Altitude: 2,840m/9,318ft. Lukla Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 12 :
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu and departure
We take a very early morning flight back to Kathmandu after our breakfast at Lukla. The flight takes about 35 minutes, take a last look at the Himalayas as you say goodbye to the Everest region. On arrival in Kathmandu you get transferred to your hotel. Unless you are in a hurry, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square or go shopping in Thamel. This is the end of your Mani Rimdu Festival Trek, as later in the day our representative takes you to the airport to board your flight. Activity: 35‑min flight Max. Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. Kathmandu Meal: Breakfast
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Accommodation Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 2 nights in Kathmandu including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost) Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation during the treks. Meals & Drinking Water All your standard meals during the trek 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) in a guest houses. A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal Purified drinking water during the trek using Water Filter or water purification tablets. Transportation All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla Kathmandu – Manthali – Kathmandu transportation by shared tourist vehicle Guide and Staff Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, and locally recruited Nomad Adventure’s trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people) Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients) Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance and medications for all staff Medical Assistance Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by your own travel insurance) Medical kits, including an oximeter to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels in high altitudes Permits Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park Permit Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card Benefits and Takeaways Sleeping bags and down jackets, duffle bag (one for every two trekkers) if you do not have your own to be returned after trip completed company’s T-shirt & Cap Trip completion certificate Administrative & Taxes All administrative expenses and government taxes
The Cost Excludes
- Price Excludes Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner). International flight fare and airport departure tax Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa) Guided tour in Kathmandu (Private car + tour Guide), Monument entrance fees while sightseeing in Kathmandu Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek or other itinerary changes Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage Medical check-ups, vaccinations, or medications required for the trek are not included. Any beverages including bottled and boiled water Tips to trekking staff and driver Personal trekking gear and equipment Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boiled bottle water, hot (Tea/ Coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc Personal clothing and gear Any Additional cost due to Nature calamity and Unforeseen Circumstances etc. Any expenses other than the Price Include section
FAQs
What does the word “Mani Rimdu” mean?
The words “Mani” and “Rimdu” have their origin in the Tibetan language. Tibetan people use the word “Mani” to refer to a sacred chant and “Rimdu” to a sacred pill and/or a form of blessing. The purpose of Mani Rimdu festival is to pray and offer blessed pill to the devotees.
How is the Mani Rimdu festival celebrated?
Mani Rimdu festival moves according to the Tibetan lunar calendar so, it takes place from late October to early November. Every year the date of the festival is set and communicated to people by the head monk at the Tengboche Monastery.
How hard is the Mani Rimdu festival trek?
The trek is considered moderate in its difficulty level. It feels demanding because you walk for 3 to 7 hours each day and have to ascend and descend steep gradients. The Namche acclimatization is helpful for your acclimatization and it is a journey that anyone with fitness and the right attitude can enjoy.
Will I need to have done any trekking before?
Having some trekking experience will help you with this one but it is certainly not a requirement. Training and taking appropriate guidance will help a lot to people with no experience. The trekking is less than 4,000m so the chances of extreme altitude sickness are lower but not eliminated.
What type of permits do I require?
You will need an entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park (cost – NPR 3,000) along with a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit (cost – NPR 2,000). These permits are purchasable in Lukla or Monjo, or in Kathmandu. For this trek, TIMS cards are not a necessity.
Is there comfort in accommodations?
Accommodation is in simple tea houses with twin beds, basic bedding and a commons area for meals. Some villages do offer a hot shower, the ability to charge electronics, and Wi-Fi for a charge, however those services are often inaccessible in places like Tengboche.
Is it possible to view Mt. Everest during the trek?
Yes. There are spots on the trail, especially around Namche and Tengboche, where Everest along with Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and other mountains can be viewed very well.
What items do I need to pack with me?
You need to pack layered clothing (base layer, fleece, down jacket, and a waterproof shell), trekkers’ boots, a warm hat and gloves, water purification tablets, a first-aid kit, sunglasses, and a power bank. For much colder nights a sleeping bag is required which can be rated to -10°C.
Is there internet access on the trek?
In Lukla and Namche Bazaar, there is some Wi-Fi for a fee. Beyond these areas, there is little to no internet. You may want to buy an Everest Link card for internet access or simply enjoy a digital detox on the trek.
How do I respect local culture during the festival?
You should dress modestly, do not talk too loudly, and take off your hat and shoes before entering the prayer halls. You may photograph monks and ceremonies, but you should always ask permission. Donations to the monastery help pay for its maintenance.
