• Duration:13 Nights 14 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Max. Altitude: 3860m
  • Group Size: 1-12
  • Activity: Hiking & Trekking
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Mani Rimdu Festival Trekking

Mani Rimdu Festival Trekking will add an amazing cultural dimension to a trek that is already a favorite for Himalayan scenery. At the time of the full moon in late October the Sherpas of the Khumbu Region celebrate the most exciting festival of the year. Since it falls at the end of harvest season, the Sherpas bring freshly harvested corn and grain from their fields to offer to the Monk community.

The exact date of the Mani Rimdu Festival is fixed annually, according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. This is a beautiful time to visit the Everest Region as the skies are clear and the views of the majestic mountains are at their best. We can inform you of this year's date after the Tibetan New Year, which falls in mid-February.

Mani Rimdu Festival is celebrated at Tengoche Monastery, a beautiful vantage point to look at Everest and Ama Dablam. Sherpa people from the far reaches of the Khumbu gather at Tengboche to celebrate and to get blessings from the Rinpoche. The naturally serene setting comes alive with color and noise for three days.

During the Mani Rimdu Festival the monks of Tengboche monastery celebrate the century's old conquest of Buddhism over the ancient animistic 'Bon' religion. The monks dress up in elaborately painted masks to perform lively dances known as "Cham", which re-enact the Buddhist victory over all the pagan gods that lived in the Himalaya. Through the dances, symbolic demons are subdued and conquered. Sherpas and travelers watching the dances are both entertained and reminded of the principles of Buddhism; the inner "demons" of hatred, greed and ignorance are overcome through meditation on compassion and wisdom.

In the ten days leading up to the celebration, the Tengboche monks chant prayers and perform many religious rituals. A beautiful and intricate sand mandala or sacred drawing is drawn on the floor with colored sand collected from high in the mountains. This mandala is used as a focus for the ten days meditation.

Ready to challenge yourself with an interesting climb of a 6000m peak? We organize exciting adventure climbs of Island Peak 6189m and Lobuche East Peak 6119m as an add on climb to any of the Everest region treks. We recommend our guests to do the Everest Base Camp Trek or Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp Trek or Khumbu Three High Passes Trek before attempting for either Island Peak or Lobuche East Peak.

Highlights of Mani Rimdu Festival Trekking

  • celebrate a Buddhist festival in exotic setting with Might Mount Everest
  • insight into Sherpa culture
  • beautiful time of year in Everest Region
  • easy to add a hike up to EBC from here

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. You will be taken to your hotel in our vehicle, where you will be staying before commencing the trip.

  • Hotel

The Managing Director of our company will meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. Afterward, you are free to relax or explore around the city. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla

We head to the domestic airport for our early morning flight to Lukla. From the twin otter plane, we will enjoy some amazing views of several of the world’s highest mountains including Cho Oyu, 8153m, Lhotse, 8516m, Gauri Shankar, 7145m, Menlungtse, 7181m, and Mount Everest. Because of Air Traffic Congestion (ATC), direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is only operated in off seasons (December - February, June - August. Usually, it takes around 40 minutes to reach Lukla.

Flying from Manthali to Lukla

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the busiest time in Everest region because of which Lukla airport gets congested. So, during these months, all the flights to Lukla are re-routed from Manthali. Drive to Manthali from Kathmandu is somewhat 5-6 hours. Accordingly, leave for Manthali at 1:45 a.m. (approx.) on tourist vehicle. By doing so, will reach Manthali on time to catch our flight to Lukla. From Manthali, it takes around 15- 20 minutes (depending upon weather condition) to reach Lukla.

 Helicopter Option

Flying in helicopter is a unique experience that adds a touch of luxury to your journey, allowing you to enjoy the pristine beauty of Khumbu Himalaya in style. You can book your spot for a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla for an additional USD 300 Dollar per Person. Do note that the price is quoted on a sharing basis of 5 people.

At Lukla, our support crew will be waiting to welcome us. After distributing our luggage among the strong Sherpa porters who will so cheerfully carry our burdens for the trip, we set out downhill into the Dudh Koshi (milk river) Valley. The trails in these parts reflect the large roll Tibetan Buddhism plays in the lives of the Sherpa people. There are many mani stones, which are large stones withTibetan prayers chiseled into them, all along the trails. You will soon become familiar with the customary way of passing chortens, mani stones, and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. We reach Phakdingma a small village beside the Dudh Kosi River. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today will be one of the hardest days of the trek. So, we take it slowly, giving our bodies a chance to acclimatize and our senses a chance to take in the sights and smells on this trail into the heart of the Khumbu. From Phakding, the trail follows the Dudh Kosi valley north for 2-3 hours to Monjo, the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. There is a good view of Thamserku, 6608m. We follow the river to the Hilary Bridge, a fantastic suspension bridge that spans the deep chasm over the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and the Bhote Koshi. From here, it is a tough climb to Namche. The trail continues to climb through forests of pine. About half way up there, is a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt. Everest rising majestically from behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse.

Namche is a beautiful village in itself with colourful houses and lodges and prayer flags, and the setting is majestic as it is spread on the steep sides of a horse-shoe shaped valley facing the beautiful Kongde Ri Peak. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

If we are acclimatizing well, we will want to walk up a hill for spectacular viewpoint where we can see all the way up the Imja Khola Valley to where the glacial moraine begins below the towering Mt Everest, 8848m. Other spectacular peaks. We can see Taweche, 6542m, Thamserku, 6808m, Kantega, 6685 m, Ama Dablam, 6856m, Nuptse, 7896m and Lhotse, 8511m. Besides, the great bazaar with a wonderful variety of shops to visit, today gives us a chance to visit the Sherpa Cultural Centre which has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. There is also the option of a day walk to the pretty village of Khumjung where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse in the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital. We can see the “scalp of a yeti” at the Khumjung monastery. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we follow the Classic Everest Base Camp trail and enjoy one of the most scenic days of the trek. We start with a short, steep climb out of Namche up to a ridge which meanders above the Imja Khola. As we hike along, we get spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and also the beautiful Ama Dablam. We descend through rhododendron forest to Phunki Tenga near the Dudh Kosi where we will have our lunch. A suspension bridge takes us across the river and we start an ascent of about 1 hr through pine and rhododendron forest. We will likely spot some wildlife such as Himalayan Thar, Musked Deer and pheasants while passing through the forests. The trail becomes less steep after leaving the forest. We climb for another 1.5 hours through grassy meadow to reach the Tengbuchhe monastery on the crest of a long ridge which stretches to the summit of Kantega. Sir Edmund Hillary helped to re-build this famous monastery after it was destroyed by fire in 1989. From Tengbuche, the views of the Everest massif as well as all the other major peaks of the area will be totally astounding.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Giving the blessing to the general public (Wang)

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Famous Mask Dances preformed by the monks in a special day long ceremony. Afterwards the Sherpa community sing and dance the whole night long.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today, we return halfway back to Namche Bazaar before starting our hike up to the largest Khumbu settlement of the valley, Khumjung village. From Khumjung village a great view from Mt. Everest can be seen.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Today we descent first to Namche Bazaar and then continue our way back down the valley and descent steeply back to the Dudh Kosi river and continue our way past the national park checkpoint at Monjo. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Boosted by all our new red blood cells, we rush down the footpath toward Sagarmatha National Park gate, in Jorsale. Later, Lukla footpath leads us back to the first villages we visited two weeks ago: Gumila, Phakdingma, and Choplung. The high peaks disappear behind the hills. In Lukla, this last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with your sherpa guides and porters and a good chance to sample some chhyang, try Nepali and Sherpa dance and look back on the memorable trekking experiences. The staff will be hoping for some precious and well deserved tips.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House

Flying from Lukla to Kathmandu

During off season in Nepal which refers to months like December - February, June – August so travelers can enjoy direct flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. It approximately takes 40 minutes to reach Kathmandu from Lukla on a flight. From domestic airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel on a private tourist vehicle.

Flying from Lukla to Manthali

The flight from Lukla to Manthali is takes approximately 20 minutes. Afterwards, we drive back to Kathmandu from Manthali which usually takes 5-6 hours (hours may differ depending on traffic condition). Expect to fly from Lukla to Manthali on peak seasons: Spring (March –May) & autumn (September – November). Upon reaching Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel on a shared tourist vehicle.

 Helicopter Option

Flying in helicopter is a unique experience that adds a touch of luxury to your journey, allowing you to enjoy the pristine beauty of Khumbu Himalaya in style. You can book your spot for a direct helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu for an additional USD 300 Dollar per Person. Do note that the price is quoted on a sharing basis of 5 people.

 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

After breakfast, there will be free time for souvenir shopping and other independent activities.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight.

  • Breakfast

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, four nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 9 nights (With twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for 2 Trekkers basis.
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Tshirt.
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc. 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Sagarmatha National Park Fee and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
  • Excess baggage charge(s) (Domestic Flights).
  • Round-Trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla (Airport Tax Included)
  • All government and local taxes.

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Useful Info

The Mani Rimdu Festival Season:

The Mani Rimdu Festival is determined by the Tibetan Calendar and falls on the Full moon in late October, at the end of harvest. The date is only known when the Tibetan new year calendar is published mid February. Please contact us for the exact date.

Mani Rimdu Festival is a Tea Houses/Lodge Trek:

Accommodation is included in the cost of your package. Annapurna Foothills Treks takes great care to arrange the most comfortable accommodation possible throughout your stay.

During the trek, the nights will be spent in clean and comfortable tea houses with plenty of character and good food. The simple rooms usually have two narrow beds. The family run lodges are a great place to get to know the Nepalese people. In Nepalese culture, a guest is equal to god, and surely this has become even more of a reality since the tourism industry has improved their meager opportunities to earn. You will be made very welcome!

Meals:

Three meals a day are included during your Mani Rimdu Festival Trek. The menu will be fairly simple, but freshly cooked and hygienic. You can enjoy typical Nepali, Tibetan and Sherpa food, as well as all types of international cuisine. Dinners and breakfasts will be provided in the teahouse/lodge where you spend the night. Lunches will be eaten in a teashop on the way to the destination of the day.

Drinking Water on Mani Rimdu Trekking:

We suggest that you drink boiled water or bring chlorine tablets to purify the normal water available in the guest houses along the way. There is a small fee charged for the boiled water. Although mineral water is available in most places, there is no provision to dispose of the plastic bottles, so we encourage the guests to do what they can to protect the environment.

Fitness/Health:

If you have a reasonable level of fitness, this trek should be more than manageable. The altitude becomes more noticeable the higher we go, so we walk at a slow pace and take plenty of breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Local Customs You Should Know About of Mani Rimdu Festival Trekking:

Ethnic groups of the hilly and mountain regions are predominantly Buddhist, and you will see many mani stones, stupas, gumbas and prayer wheels. It is respectful to pass these objects with your right side nearest to the object, in a clockwise direction. Avoid sitting or standing on mani stones, stupas, tables used for worship or anything that is a religious symbol, as that is considered disrespectful.

Travel Insurance for Mani Rimdu Festival Trekking:

It is strongly recommended to be sufficiently protected when you go into remote areas. You need specialized travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability and medical treatment. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.

Flight Delay/Cancellation:

Domestic flights to mountain regions can be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. Be aware that you may have long waits in the airports. From our side, if a flight is cancelled we make sure you get on the next possible flight.

If flight cancellations at the start of your trek delay your trek to the point of disturbing your onward travel schedule, you will be free to choose an alternative trip; there are many excellent options in the Annapurna, Langtang and other regions. If you do not wish to take an alternative trek, and wait in Kathmandu for the flight to Lukla, your original trek may be shortened due to the days lost in waiting. In such case, the client will be responsible to bear all additional expenses including food and accommodation.

If the client wishes to make an alternative arrangement such as a helicopter flight, Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions will assist in making the booking, but will not cover the cost of the alternative arrangement. The refunded money of the unused flight ticket would be credited to the concerned client, however.

There will be no refund for the days of the trek that are missed. You will not be entitled to any refund for services in the package (ie hotel, transport, flight) that you did not use due to the cancellation.

It is advisable to allow one or two extra days at the end of your trip to allow for flight delay/cancellation.

In an emergency, or upon request by our clients, a heli-rescue can be organized. The helicopter costs around USD 3500, and can lift 4-5 persons per flight.

If flight cancellations at the end of your trek delay your return to Kathmandu, you will be responsible for all your expenses during the wait in Lukla.