Mani Rimdu Festival Trek

Duration: 14 Days
At a Glance
  • Duration 14 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Start/End KTM/KTM
  • Group Size 1-12
  • Max. Altitude 3800

Highlights

  • An incredible way to experience the cultural and religious traditions of the Sherpa people
  • Participate in one of the auspicious festivals of the Khumbu community, including Sherpas, Mani Rimdu festival
  • Opportunity to witness the colorful Chham dance, as well as the other rituals and ceremonies that take place over the three days of the festival
  • Follow an adventurous trail to Tengboche village through the heart of the Himalayas
  • Trek through beautiful rhododendron forests, crossing rushing rivers and fine villages
  • Visit traditional Sherpa villages, where you can learn about their unique culture and traditions
  • Panoramic views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks, along with diverse landscapes

Mani Rimdu Festival Trek: 14 Days

The Mani Rimdu festival is a significant Buddhist festival that is celebrated in the Himalayan region, particularly in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal. This festival is celebrated by the Sherpa community, who are the indigenous people of the region.

The festival usually falls in October or November and lasts for about three days. The festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Buddhism over the Bon religion, which was the predominant religion in the region before Buddhism arrived.

The Mani Rimdu festival trek is a popular trekking route that offers a unique opportunity to witness this spectacular festival. The trek starts in Lukla, which is a small town in the Solu-Khumbu region and the gateway to the Everest region.

From Lukla (2,860 m), the trek heads towards the Tengboche monastery (3,860 m), which is one of the most significant monasteries in the region. The trek is challenging but rewarding, as it offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest (8,849 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), etc.

The highlight of the Mani Rimdu festival trek is, of course, the festival itself. The festival is celebrated in the Tengboche monastery and is attended by hundreds of Sherpas and other local communities from the surrounding villages.

The festival is a vibrant and colorful affair, with the monastery decorated with colorful prayer flags and intricate Buddhist artwork. The festival features traditional dances, including the 'cham' dance, which is performed by the monks in colorful masks and costumes.

The festival also includes the 'empowerment' ceremony, where the head lama bestows blessings and empowerment to the attendees. The Mani Rimdu festival trek is not just about the festival, though. The trek is also an excellent opportunity to experience the Sherpa culture and lifestyle.

The trek passes through several traditional Sherpa villages, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. You can also visit local monasteries and see traditional Sherpa architecture, which is unique to this region.

In conclusion, the Mani Rimdu festival trek is a fantastic opportunity to witness a unique and vibrant cultural festival, experience the Sherpa way of life, and see some of the most breathtaking mountain views in the world.

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding trekking experience, then the Mani Rimdu festival trek should definitely be on your bucket list.

The major highlight of the Mani Rimdu festival trek

The Mani Rimdu Festival is a traditional Sherpa festival celebrated in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Here are some history, story, and significance of this festival:

Mani Rimdu festival History

  • The Mani Rimdu festival has its origins in Tibetan Buddhism, which was introduced to the Sherpa people in the 16th century by Guru Rinpoche.
  • The festival is held in the Tengboche Monastery, located in the SoluKhumbu district of Nepal, which was founded in the 17th century by Lama Sangwa Dorje.

The story behind the Mani Rimdu festival

  • The Mani Rimdu festival celebrates the victory of Buddhism over the ancient Bon religion in Tibet.
  • It also commemorates the birthday of Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have brought Buddhism to Tibet.
  • The Mani Rimdu festival is a three-day event, and each day has its own significance and rituals.
  • On the first day, monks perform the "Wong" ceremony, which involves the offering of grains and prayers to the gods.
  • The second day is the most important day of the festival and is marked by the "Chham" dance, a masked dance that tells the story of the triumph of Buddhism over Bon.
  • The third day is marked by the "Ser-Kyem" ceremony, in which the monks offer prayers and libations to the deities.

Mani Rimdu festival Significance

  • The Mani Rimdu festival is an important cultural and religious event for the Sherpa people and attracts visitors from around the world.
  • The festival is an opportunity for Sherpa people to come together and celebrate their shared cultural heritage.
  • The Chham dance, which is performed on the second day, is considered to be a powerful blessing and is believed to protect the community from harm.
  • The festival is also an opportunity for the monks of Tengboche Monastery to reaffirm their commitment to the Buddhist faith and to continue the work of their predecessors in spreading the teachings of the Buddha.

Itinerary

The Mani Rimdu Festival is the biggest in the Everest region and it is celebrated in the Tengboche Monastery. We found that many people from around the world are interested to observe the festival. The festival is typical of local Sherpas of the region and unique festivals of Tibetan/Himalayan Buddhism in the region.

We have designed a 14-day itinerary to trek and observe the festival in the Tengboche Monastery. The program is including your arrival and departure days to and from Nepal, a day tour in Kathmandu, and an extra day at the end of the trek. The program includes 4 nights stay in Tengboche during the festival to observe the festival. The itinerary is a guideline itinerary that we would like to propose to you. However, we also make an itinerary and offer you as per your need such as our tour and accommodation in Kathmandu or less stay in Tengboche Or continue trek to Everest Base Camp after the festival, etc… please feel free to contact us with your requirements.

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Arrive at the Kathmandu airport and meet our team. They will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel in a private car. If you have a question, feel free to ask them.

You are free to enjoy the bustle of Thamel and a good night's sleep.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

We'll spend a full day touring different UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. One of our tour guides will assist you and introduce you to the monuments. You will learn about Nepali culture, heritage, art, and architecture.

The tour takes you to places like Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. During the tour, we will also explore local markets.

In the late afternoon, meet us in our office for a trek briefing and introduction with the mountain guide. We then proceed to pack our duffel bags and do last-minute shopping.

  • MealsB
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

We have a very exciting morning ahead of us. As per our flight departure time, we'll leave the hotel and drive to either Kathmandu airport or Manthali airport. The flight to Lukla is short and scenic. You will be thrilled by the views and the landing. At Lukla airport, our other team members will join us.

We then slowly begin walking out of Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi river through the forested path to Phakding. The trail goes past Ghat village and crosses numerous suspension bridges on the way. The view of Kantega and Kongde Ri is the highlight of this day.

Note: Lukla Flight Updates!

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude2610

We will be following the Dudh Koshi river and trekking through small settlement areas via rhododendron forests. The trail crosses multiple suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river throughout the day.

We'll reach Monjo and enter the Sagarmatha National Park from here onwards. The trail goes uphill to Jorsale and continues through dense forests to Namche Bazaar. The final uphill walk is a bit steep so be careful.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3440

We have an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar before we head to Tengboche village. In the morning, follow your guide to Hotel Everest View, enjoying views of Thamserku, Kangtega, and Konde Ri. At Hotel Everest View, you will get to see the first view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

If you want to continue the hike, we will take you to Khumjung monastery and then return to Namche Bazaar. For the remaining day in Namche Bazaar, explore the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery. Relax and walk around the busy market.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3440

From Namche Bazaar, the trail follows an uneven ridge and gradually descends to Phunki Tenga. It is located on the Dudh Koshi river. From here, we'll cross a bridge and ascend following the steep uphill path to Tengboche village.

The Tengboche monastery is situated in this village. We will be spending the next three days in this village, participating in the Mani Rimdu festival. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and rhododendron trees, Tengboche is a great place.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3860

Today is the first day of the Mani Rimdu festival. On this day, Sand Mandala and Wong are made by the monks. They use colored sand to build the complex and decorate it with distinct designs. Surrounding the mandala, they put sharp defensive weapons. It refers to deities.

They then place the Mani Rilwu pill in the center of the mandala. It is regarded as spiritual medicine. The mandala signifies the palace of Chenpo, the lord of the dance. And they put the statue of Buddha, the deity of kindness.

After that, the monks chant mantras and meditate. As they chant and meditate, they believe the kindness flows in the form of the mantra into the Mandala and Mani Rilwu pills. Later, they relieve the kindness from the mandala and bless the attendees.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3860

On the second day of the Mani Rimdu festival, the traditional dances are shown. The dance shows triumph over the demons. This signifies positive energies fighting with the demons. Likewise, the dances carry the teaching of Buddha on many levels, from the simplest to the most metaphysical state.

During the dance, the monks are believed to enter a state of trance and become godlike beings. This traditional dance is believed to be very powerful and sacred, so only performed during the Mani Rimdu festival.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3860

The third day is the last day of the Mani Rimdu festival. Today, monks do the fire puja. This puja is done in the yard after the traditional dances. The fire puja is a gift to the god of fire, Agni, and to the gods of the mandala. The monks ask to dispel all harm in the world.

As the grain and butter get burned, harm is envisioned dissolving. After the puja, the monks dismantle the sand mandala in the temple to pieces. The sand is offered to the snake god, Nagas. This marks the end of the Mani Rimdu festival.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3860

Today, we will be trekking back to Namche village. The route is the same as before. From Tengboche village, we will descend on a steep track for an hour to reach a bridge at Phunki Tenga. Crossing the bridge, we will begin the uphill walk to Namche Bazaar.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude3440

After a warm breakfast, we will begin retracing the trail to Lukla. First, we steeply descend from Namche Bazaar and walk through pine trees. The trail takes us to the confluence of the Bhote Koshi river.

From here, we walk through rhododendron and magnolia forests, crossing various hanging suspension bridges. From Monjo, the trail gradually gets uphill and ascends to Phakding. From Phakding, we trek for another three hours to reach Lukla.

  • MealsB, L, D
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Max. Altitude2840

As the Mani Rimdu festival trek has ended, we will fly back to Kathmandu. We will take the early flight. The landscapes during the flight are excellent. Our team will transfer you to the hotel upon landing at Kathmandu airport. We have kept the rest of the day leisurely. Relax and enjoy the day. Visit nearby tourist sites like the Garden of Dreams and Narayanhiti Palace.

  • MealsB
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

Today is your last full day in Kathmandu and this is a buffer day in case we need any extra day in the trek or to fly to Lukla and return. The Lukla flight may cancel or delay cause of bad weather sometimes.

We will organize a guided tour of Bhaktapur and Patan if you want. The architecture, wood carvings, statues, and shrines in these two historical sites will leave you mesmerized. Later, spend the day shopping and join us in the late evening for farewell dinner.

  • MealsB
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Max. Altitude1345

We will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your flight departure time. We hope you had a good time with us. We look forward to traveling with you again soon.

  • MealsB

Is the offered itinerary not suitable for you?

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Map & Altitude Graph

Mani Rimdu Festival Trek map

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers
  • Four nights’ Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
  • Meals during the trek with hot tea/coffee in breakfast
  • Sagarmatha national park entry permits and TIMS permit
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees
  • Flight fare (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu) with domestic airport tax
  • Tea house/Lodge Accommodation during the trek on twin sharing
  • A guide and porters (1 porter for every two trekkers)
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (which will be paid by travel insurance company)
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets, and duffel bag, if necessary and returned after the trek

Exclusions

  • Nepal Entry visa fee
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals (Lunch and Dinner) while you are in Kathmandu
  • Your personnel expenses/shopping
  • Entrance fees on Kathmandu tour
  • All the alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
  • Sweet things like chocolate bars and bar bills
  • Hot shower, internet, telephone and laundry
  • International airfare
  • Tips for the guide and staffs
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section

Essential Info

Mani Rimdu festival trek difficulty

In terms of difficulty, the Mani Rimdu festival trek is considered a moderate Trek. The trek involves long days of hiking at high altitudes, and you need to be in good physical condition to undertake it. However, with the right preparation and training, the trek is achievable for most people.

Each day, you will trek for 5 to 6 hours on average, following uneven alpine woodlands and verdant foothills. There are a handful of steep uphill and downhill walks involved too. You will be crossing thrilling suspension bridges and trekking through beautiful mountain villages.

As we mentioned earlier, the Mani Rimdu festival trek is not difficult, but it is also not easy. If you are in good health and can walk, we guarantee you this venture is possible with the support of our crew.

Altitude sickness

The highest point during the Mani Rimdu festival trek is 3,860 meters. Unlike the Everest base camp trek or Annapurna base camp trek, the elevation gain during the Mani Rimdu festival trek is minimal, which makes this trek very approachable in regard to altitude sickness.

From Kathmandu to Lukla, the rise in altitude is huge and quick, which can make you vulnerable to altitude sickness. So, we’ll descend to the lower elevation, Phakding village, to spend the night.

We also have an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) that will allow you to rest before ascending to Tengboche village (3,860 m). You will go on a side hike to Hotel Everest View (3,962 m) and descend to Namche Bazaar to spend the night.

In short, the risk of altitude sickness during the Mani Rimdu festival trekking is low. Our guide will also make sure to keep your health in check and offer you the necessary first aid if you see any symptoms.

Trek preparation

To prepare for the Mani Rimdu festival trekking, the best thing you can do is do regular walking or short hikes. These two activities are enough to prepare your body for the venture. You can also go to the gym and involve cardio in your training. Build your stamina, endurance, and walking hours.

Optional trekking packages

We also have other festival treks and tours in Nepal, like the Tiji festival trek, the Dashain Tihar festival tour, the Holy festival tour, etc.

Apart from those, we have many cultural tours in Nepal that are perfect for people of all ages. Also, check out four helicopter tours if you are bound by time and want to do a quick short trip to Nepal.

Talking about short trips in Nepal, here are some of our best short trekking and hiking packages- Langtang Valley trek, Mardi Himal trek, Poon Hill trek, Sarangkot Dhampus trek, Everest Panorama trek, Ghorepani Ghandruk trek, Nagarkot sunrise trek, and Ama Dablam base camp trek.

Price fromUS$1300(All-inclusive price)
Book Your Own Date
Number of PeoplePrice Per Person
1 pax
US$1600
2 - 5 pax
US$1400
6 - 12 pax
US$1300

Consult us about festival date before book

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