Mani Rimdu Festival is the famous festival of Sherpa people who belong to Nying-Mapa sect of Tibetan Buddhist which is performed in the monastery. This festival falls in the month of October/November every year. In this festival Monks meditate for nine days which is followed by public blessing and the world renowned mask dance at Tengboche monastery. it is also celebrated in the Chiwang monastery of the Everest region. In this festival the monks of Everest region perform various rituals with singing and dancing. It is believed that this festival was first celebrated in 1930 Tengboche monastery of Everest region. It is originated in Rongbukh Monastery in Tibet. Mani Rimdu festival trek provides the opportunity to the visitors to get insight into the Sherpa culture as well as enjoy the colorful Mani Rimdu festival. In this trek you also get opportunity to observe and enjoy the excellent view of the towering mountains like Mt. Everest (8848m)-the highest mountain of the world, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam etc.
Mani Rimdu Festival Trek offers the excellent combination of beautiful natural scenery, trekking experience in the Himalayan region and coming into contact with the Sherpa people and their unique culture. This cultural trekking commences with the scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This trek takes you through the most popular villages of the Everest region where you can enjoy friendliness behavior of the local Sherpa people. They have a rich culture and interesting traditions that must be experienced. On the way you can enjoy the blooming rhododendron forest and explore varieties of flora and fauna. In the world heritage site Sagarmatha national park you can encounter rare wild animals and birds like red panda, snow leopard, wild boar, etc. The most attraction of this trekking is the Tengboche monastery where you can explore and enjoy the Mani Rimdu festival.
Good to Know
When Will Mani Rimdu Start in 2024?
Mani Rimdu is observed on the first day of the tenth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, which falls between October and November each year. The festival spans nineteen days, but its main celebrations occur over three days.
The date of Mani Rimdu is determined by the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, announced by the head Lama at Tyangboche Monastery. In Tengboche, the festival takes place in the 9th Tibetan month, which corresponds to October or November in the English calendar, and Kartik or Mangsir in the Nepalese calendar.
Additionally, Mani Rimdu is celebrated during the full moon of Autumn, coinciding with the Kojrapat Purnima, the 15th day of Vijaya Dashami, which is the Full moon day in Dashain.
In 2024, Mani Rimdu is scheduled to commence on October 29th. Throughout the festival’s nineteen days, monks perform continuous poojas to bless the Mandala, Mani Rilwu (sacred pills), Tshereel (long life pills), and Torma. Torma are figures made primarily of flour and butter, used in tantric rituals or as offerings in Tibetan Buddhism.
Mani Rimdu holds legendary significance, as it marks the founding of Buddhism in Tibet by Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava. It is believed that Buddhism is renewed during Mani Rimdu.
Mani Rimdu Origin
Mani Rimdu originated in Rongpuk Monastery in Tibet during the early 1900s, initiated by Ngawang Tenzin Norbu, who had studied at the renowned Mindroling Monastery in Central Tibet. Many of the rituals comprising Mani Rimdu trace their roots to Mindroling Monastery, the prominent Nyingma monastery in Central Tibet.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative, who will then transfer you to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Max Altitude: 1320 m
- Time: 30 minutes drive to the hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Embark on a day of exploration in the Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, visit Buddhist and Hindu temples, including Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Swayambhunath, reflecting the rich local culture and traditions. In the afternoon, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. Return to the hotel in the evening.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Max Altitude: 1320 m
- Time: 4-5 hours city tour
Day 03: Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Take a scenic 30-35 minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m). During the flight, enjoy views of snow-capped mountains and lush green fields. Begin the trek from Lukla to Phakding, passing through forests and following the Dudh Koshi River. In Phakding, climb to the Gompa for the first view of high peaks. Overnight stay in Phakding.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Altitude: 2610 m
- Time: 30 min flight and 2-3 hours walk
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m.)
Continue the trek from Phakding, following the Dudh Koshi River to Zamphuti. Enjoy excellent views of Thamserku peak before climbing to Chomoa and entering Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. The trail leads to Jorsale and, after a long climb with glimpses of Mt. Everest, reaches Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Altitude: 3440 m
- Time: 5-6 hours walk
Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche (3440m.)
Take a day for proper acclimatization with some excursions. Hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Lhotse. Explore Khumjung valley, Hillery School, and Khunde Hospital. Return to Namche Bazaar and interact with Sherpa and Rai people.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Altitude: 3880 m
- Time: 2 hours hike to Everest View Hotel
Day 06: Namche to Tengboche Monastery (3860m.)
Leave Namche Bazaar, walk along the ridge, and descend to Dudh Koshi River at Phunkithanka. Cross the bridge and ascend to Tengboche, where the local monastery is located. Tengboche boasts the largest monastery in the Khumbu region.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Altitude: 3860 m
- Time: 4-5 hours
Day 07: Observe Mani Rimdu Festival in Tengboche Monastery
Participate in the Mani Rimdu festival at Tengboche Monastery. Explore the monastery, interact with monks, and witness the famous mask dance. The festival includes nine days of monk meditation, public blessings, and the renowned mask dance. Enjoy the dance and observe the beauty of Mt. Everest and neighboring peaks.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Altitude: 3860 m
- Time: Whole day observation at Tengboche Monastery
Day 08: Tengboche to Namche (3440m.)
Retrace the route back to Namche Bazaar, descending to Dudh Kosi and climbing back to Namche. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Altitude: 3440 m
- Time: 3-4 hours walk
Day 09: Namche to Lukla (2840m.)
Return to Lukla, where the trek began. Reflect on the trek’s achievements and explore the town. Overnight stay in Lukla.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Altitude: 2840 m
- Time: 5-6 hours walk
Day 10: Flight to Kathmandu
Take a flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Free time to explore or rest.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Max Altitude: 1320 m
- Time: 30 min flight and 30 min drive to the hotel
Day 11: Leisure Day in Kathmandu
A spare day for potential bad weather in Lukla or for exploring different places and shopping in Kathmandu.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
- Max Altitude: 1320 m
- Time: Free day
Day 12: Departure
The trip concludes, and our Airport Representative will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport for your departure from Nepal.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Time: 30 min drive to the airport
Cost Includes
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus.
- Standard twin sharing accommodation in three/four star hotel in Kathmandu breakfast included. (4 nights)
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car / van / bus.
- All your standard Meals during the trek
- Twin sharing Lodges, Guesthouses accommodation during the trek .
- Local Ace the Himalaya licensed English speaking Guides.
- The required number of local staff and Porters to carry your luggage during the trek.
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment’s, medicine for all trekking staff.
- Everest National Park permits.
- Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airport.
- Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.
- Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
- All our government taxes.
- Official expense.
Cost Excludes
- Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
- Your travel insurance (compulsory).
- International airfare and airport departure tax.
- Nepal entry visa, you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (US$ 25 or equivalent foreign currency is required to obtain Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 15 days. Likewise, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. You will also require 2 passport size photos.)
- Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
- Personal trekking Equipment.
- Tips for trekking staff (Tipping is expected.)
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
