Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek

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Trip Overview
  • Duration: 18 Days
  • Trip Grade: Strenuous
  • Trip Start and End: Kathmandu
  • Trip Area: Khumbu, Everest
  • Trip Style: Active/ Adventure
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Trip Type: Private and group
  • Trip Method: Fully Guided
  • Booking Type: Instant Booking
  • Max. Altitude: 5364m
  • Best Season: November
  • Foot Print:Carbon Neutralleaf

The Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek is a balanced trekking trip in the Khumbu region with adventurous trekking and cultural exploration. It introduces you to Sherpa ceremonies, a euphoric atmosphere, and traditional rituals while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Himalayas.

  • Partake in the monastic-inspired dance. Discover the century-old Tengboche monastery along with other religious shrines like Thame and Chiwong.
  • Combine cultural exploration with scenic sights as you venture the Everest Base Camp. Look out for the surrounding mountains like Nuptse, Cho Oyu, and Pumori.
  • Explore Sagarmatha National Park and its scenic landforms, home to exotic wildlife and native vegetation.

With the picturesque mountains at the backdrop and serene atmosphere, the trek provides a sense of joy to trekkers. It adds a spiritual dimension to the trek and gives the visitors a chance to sneak peek into Nepalese culture and tradition.

Celebrated in the Fall, Mani Rimdu is one of the major festivals of Buddhists. It’s observed every year to mark Buddhism's founding and beckon peace in the Sherpa community. Ritual acts are performed at three of the monasteries in the region including Tengboche, where Lamas and Sherpas gathered around in fascinating masks and costumes.

Orchestrated shows are put up with grand feasts, symbolizing the culture and creating a festive mood. It also puts up a beautiful display of Buddhist culture, all while you’re cherishing the surrounding mountain view with diverse landscapes.

Starting with a scenic flight to Lukla, the trek unrolls with a steep but quick walk to Phakding. Meantime, the trek to Namche takes up to 6 hours through Sagarmatha National Park. During the trek, you’ll encounter several Buddhist monasteries and mani walls.

The next day, you’ll embark on a journey to Tengboche and stay there for another three days, attending the festival. The event's highlight is Cham and Jinsak, where visitors observe mask dance and fire puja.

On the next stop to Dingbioche, you’ll encounter a 16th-century Pangboche Monastery, a major learning hub for Buddhists. Don’t miss the iconic stone walls surrounding potato, buckwheat, and barley fields.

Notice the Khumbu glacier while heading to Lobuche as it provides a stunning view. The scenic journey is filled with views of Pumori, Lingtren, and Khumbutse. The following day, you’ll trek Everest Base Camp, passing Gorak Shep and admiring the incredible view.

So if you’re also willing to join us on this adventure and experience the unique culture, pack your bags and head to Everest Base Camp.

When will the Mani Rimdu Festival be celebrated in 2024?

As stated earlier, the Mani Rimdu Festival is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Tengboche. The 19-day festival is observed from the first day of the tenth month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, falling in Autumn.

The 2024 Mani Rimdu Festival will be celebrated on the 15th, 16th, and 17th of November.

And much like every other year, this year too the Sherpas will perform puja to enshrine the Mandala. There will be celebrations in the village, fires will be lit up, and rituals will be performed.

The dates of this festival are often not guaranteed as they vary from year to year. For instance, the Mani Rimdu Festival 2023 was celebrated in late October whereas this year the main event is to be held in mid-November.

Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to a Hotel
  • Day 2:Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek PreparationAltitude: 1345 m
  • Day 3:Flight to Lukla and Trek to PhakdingAltitude: 2610 m
  • Day 4:Phakding to Namche BazaarAltitude: 3440 m
  • Day 5:Acclimatization DayAltitude: 3440 m
  • Day 6:Namche Bazaar to TengbocheAltitude: 3860 m
  • Day 7:Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche MonasteryAltitude: 3860 m
  • Day 8:Second Day at Festival (Cham Dance)Altitude: 3860 m
  • Day 9:Third Day at Festival (Jinsak – closing ceremony)Altitude: 3860 m
  • Day 10:Tengboche to DingbocheAltitude: 4410 m
  • Day 11:Rest Day at DingbocheAltitude: 4410 m
  • Day 12:Trek to LobucheAltitude: 4910 m
  • Day 13:Trek to Gorak Shep and Hike to Everest Base CampAltitude: 5140 m
  • Day 14:Hike to Kala Patthar (5550 m) and trek down to PhericheAltitude: 4210 m
  • Day 15:Trek to NamcheAltitude: 3440 m
  • Day 16:Trek to LuklaAltitude: 2860 m
  • Day 17:Fly to Kathmandu and Farewell DinnerAltitude: 1345 m
  • Day 18:Departure

Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to a Hotel

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • Meals1345 m

When you arrive in Kathmandu, our representative will receive and escort you to your hotel. After helping you with the check-in and providing a short briefing on the trek, they’ll let you have some rest. Welcome dinner will be held in the evening to meet and greet your trekking guide.

Day 2:Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

  • Max Altitude1345 m
  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

After breakfast, we’ll take a tour of Kathmandu, visiting popular tourist destinations and world heritage sites. To visit one of the best attractions, we’ll drive to Pashupatinath Temple along with Boudhanath, both known for their spirited vibe and magnificent architecture.

During the day, we’ll explore Kathmandu Durbar Square and its historic monasteries and temples. You can see the colossal work of Newari art and architecture along your way to the street. Once it’s done, we’ll drive you to your hotel so you can rest and prepare for the next day's trip. Enjoy dinner in the evening.

Day 3:Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

  • Max Altitude2610 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Our Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek begins with a pictorial flight to Lukla. Only 30 minutes long, this ride from Kathmandu will provide you with exquisite glimpses of frosty mountains and lush greeneries.

The initial trek from Lukla begins through Chaurikharka village followed by a descent to Dudhkoshi Ghat. After crossing the river on a suspension bridge, the trail runs uphill to Phakding.

Day 4:Phakding to Namche Bazaar

  • Max Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Kick off the trek with a surreal view of the Himalayas and a downhill walk to Phakding. Soon you’ll cross the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River before joining the trail. After winding up and down and back to the river, we’ll arrive at the village of Monjo.

On its short distance is Sagarmatha National Park, where we’ll register our permit. Once it’s done, we’ll continue trekking uphill for as long as two hours and finally make it to Namche.

Day 5:Acclimatization Day

  • Max Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

The trek from Namche has a high risk of altitude sickness, so we’ll spend this day acclimatizing. You can hike to Hillary School or visit Sagarmatha National Park Museum and even embark on a journey to Syangboche among many others.

Day 6:Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

  • Max Altitude3860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

On this day, we’ll trek Tengboche, following a rocky trail with a series of ascents and descents. Paving our way through pine forests and crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we’ll descend to Phungi Thenga. After lunch, we’ll ascend uphill along the river valley that leads us to Tengboche.

Day 7:Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery

  • Max Altitude3860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Today’s the opening day of the Mani Rimdu Festival. Celebrated on the full moon day of the tenth month in the Tibetan Lunar calendar, Wong is popular among Buddhists. It may startle first-time visitors but even you can sense the joy in the cards. In the event, you’ll receive two pills; one sacred called Mani Rilwu and another Tshereel for long life.

Day 8:Second Day at Festival (Cham Dance)

  • Max Altitude3860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Cham is the old tradition celebrated on the second day of Rimdu. It figuratively depicts the victory of good over evil with Sherpas turning into protectors of dharma and driving away demons.

It is observed by wearing colorful masks and customs, where monks turn into deities and fight against evil. Locals perform a special dance during the festival, which is considered sacred and inappropriate for regular amusement.

Day 9:Third Day at Festival (Jinsak – closing ceremony)

  • Max Altitude3860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Jinsak gives the final glimpses of the Manu Rimdu Festival. On this day, the Sherpas will perform a fire puja, which epitomizes the destruction of evil force. They pull the Sand Mandala into bits and offer it to the Serpent god Naga.

Day 10:Tengboche to Dingboche

  • Max Altitude4410 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

After breakfast, we’ll head north across the Dudh Koshi River and into the rhododendron forests that escort us to Deboche. Along the way, you’ll see a stunning view of Mt Ama Dablam along with beautiful mani walls and chortens.

En route, we’ll cross the suspension bridge over Imja Khola and hike through the quiet village of Pangboche. Gradually, the trail gets steep and as we gain altitude, you can spot the Dingboche village.

Day 11:Rest Day at Dingboche

  • Max Altitude4410 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Since the trek from Dingboche is gruesome, we’ll spend the entire day at the village for acclimatization. We advise you to trek Nangkartshang Gompa or enjoy a free walk to Chhukhung, which offers a jaw-dropping view of Lhotse.

Day 12:Trek to Lobuche

  • Max Altitude4910 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

The five-hour trek to Lobuche begins with a gentle ascend near the ridge above Pheriche. The trail climbs along the moraines of Khumbu Glacier before gaining and losing altitude to arrive at Thugla. Today’s highlight of the trek is the stunning view of Pumori and Khumbu Icefall along with other snow-clad mountains seen against the background.

Day 13:Trek to Gorak Shep and Hike to Everest Base Camp

  • Max Altitude5140 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

The trek to Gorak Shep is as demanding as it’s exciting with unrelenting steep hills and rocky terrains. We set off the journey with a sharp ascent over a rocky moraine edging towards the seasonal settlement of tea houses. You’ll briefly stop here for lunch before forcing towards the final destination.

As the trek to base camp is so close to Gorak Shep, you can see the colorful tents miles away. Look around closer and you can see the giant icefalls, Khumbu glacier, and mountain peaks. In the meantime, trek back to Gorak Shep.

Day 14:Hike to Kala Patthar (5550 m) and trek down to Pheriche

  • Max Altitude4210 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Be up early today as we have to hike Kala Patthar to watch the sunrise of the day. Kala Patthar is also the best viewpoint to watch Everest and Nuptse. It’s the closest you can get to Everest and the highest without a permit.

Capture the panoramic view and return to Pheriche by a different route. Recollect the memories with a nice dinner in the teahouse.

Day 15:Trek to Namche

  • Max Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Don’t sleep on the mesmeric view of Khumbu before it’s gone for good. You’ll be fortunate to encounter some animals as well before the trail takes you to the forest of Sagarmatha National Park. Tonight you’ll stay in Namche.

Day 16:Trek to Lukla

  • Max Altitude2860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Enjoy the breakfast and prepare to set off to Lukla. Descend the trail while enjoying the scenic view. Upon reaching the town, bid goodbye to your crew and look forward to the flight back to Kathmandu.

Day 17:Fly to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

  • Max Altitude1345 m
  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast

As the flight was early, you can spend the rest of the day exploring Kathmandu. You can go shopping if you want or buy souvenirs to take home. Feel free to ask us about the best eateries or the popular landmarks or musical shows.

In the evening, join us at the farewell dinner organized for your successful trek.

Day 18:Departure

  • MealsBreakfast

Early in the morning, our representative will drop you at the airport for your flight from Nepal.

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Cost Details

Included

  • Meals: 
    17 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 14 Dinner
  • Accommodation: 
    3-Star accommodation in Kathmandu for 3 Nights
    Tea house accommodation along the way for 14 Nights
  • Transportation:   
    All land transportation with pickups and drops
    Domestic Flight to Lukla and back
  • Guides and Porters:
    One guide and assistant guide between 6 people 
    1 porter for two people (A porter can carry up to 30 kg)
  • Entry Fees and Permits:
    Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Fee
    TIMS Card
    Monument Entrance Fee
  • Miscellaneous: 
    Down jacket, a Sleeping bag which should be refunded to the company after the trip
    Necessary paperwork with the government of Nepal and Tax department
    All the necessary insurance for the guides and porters
    First Aid service in case of minor injuries
    Salary, food, and accommodation for guides and porters
  • One Day Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu

Excluded

  • Any meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects (We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to any reason
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including mineral water
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Tipping for the Sublime crew

Dates, Prices & Booking

Select Month and Year
Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
Start DateStart: SaturdayNov 09, 2024End DateEnd: TuesdayNov 26, 2024PricePriceUS$1700StatusStatusGuaranteed
Start DateStart: SundayNov 10, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayNov 27, 2024PricePriceUS$1700StatusStatusGuaranteed

Trip Essential Information

Food and Accommodation for Mani Rimdu Festival Trek

Accommodation for the Mani Rimdu Festival Trek is in teahouses run by locals with warm hospitality and modest services. You can find well-equipped hotels at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche.

Meanwhile, teahouses in the upper regions offer comfortable accommodations with basic amenities. They provide services like hot showers and internet for an additional fee. En suites are also available in Namche and above.

Since fall is the peak time for trekking in Nepal, the hotels and lodges are super busy at this time. It’s hard to find the accommodation unless you pre-booked or you’re on a streak of luck. Planning the trek with a travel agency like Sublime Trails will also put you at ease.

Sublime Trails will make all necessary arrangements, including the accommodations and food.

You’ll have your meals at the teahouses along the trek. Usually, the breakfast will be at the teahouses where you stay overnight.

The items on the menu include toast, egg, bread, butter, sausages, and soup. You also get plenty of options for drinks like green tea, lemon tea, and ginger tea. So, make sure you increase your fluid intake while trekking.

Your options for lunch vary from heavy meals like Dal-Bhat to easy food like pizza, Thukpa, dumplings, and bread. Other dishes that make it into the list include macaroni, pasta, vegetable salad, Tenduk noodles, and potato items.

The menu for dinner is also pretty much the same, so we encourage you to eat healthy and stay energized until the next stop. This means we don’t advise you to consume meat or dairy products due to health concerns. You must also avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and caffeinated items to enjoy a comfortable trek.

Essential Travel Tips

Pack light

Since you’ll be walking a lot on Everest trekking, carrying a heavy backpack will never go right even when your porter helps you with the luggage. You might want to keep your backpack as light as possible so that hiking can be easier and comfortable. Note that the weather in fall is mostly warm so no need to bring too many winter clothes.

Be prepared for the weather

Fall is usually warm at Phakding, Lukla, and Namche, but it can’t be said the same for other places. Weather in Everest is usually cold with a mix of winds and storms, so dress accordingly. Bring a waterproof jacket or hood in case it rains. You might as well carry water with you to stay hydrated and avoid any heat stroke.

Carry cash 

You’ll need extra cash to buy food or any extra service not offered by our travel agency. It’s wise to assume that you’ll have to pay cash for these services.

Respect the culture

Mani Rimdu Festival is a very old tradition in Everest and Sherpas take great pride in it. They are very particular with their customs and traditions. So while you’re there, follow the basic etiquette. Be respectful of their culture and mindful of their way of life.

Bring comfortable footwear

Your shoes can make or break your trek. So we advise you to carry shoes that are well-fit and comfortable to wear. Bring at least a pair of flip-flops so you can easily take them off or slip in when visiting religious sights.

FAQs

  • If you just want to celebrate the festival and return to Kathmandu from Tengboche, of course, it is possible. You can return to Lukla in 2 days, reaching Kathmandu in 3 days from Tengboche. This route is similar to Everest Panorama Trek with the Mani Rimdu festival.

Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek Reviews

5.0based on 4 reviews
  • Xuefen Tay
    Xuefen TayNovember 23, 2019
    TripAdvisor

    3rd Trek with Sublime Trails

    It was great meeting old friends in Kathmandu- Ram and Suman- and new friends on the trek -Ajit, Bibek, Laxman. Ajit is clearly a very experienced guide, and I felt our group of 7 was safe in his hands. We had members as young as 25 and mature as 65, with varying levels of fitness. 2 of us, yours truly included, being more susceptible to AMS symptoms than the rest, and needed a lot more time to ascend on some of the trek days. Ajit managed it all so well, and we are so grateful to him. Bibek impressed me as our youthful and motivated assistant guide. You could chat with him about mountains, politics, philosophy. Or maybe get him to do a Nepali rap. Just make sure Laxman is nearby, so you can see him dance to it ;) Miss you guys!!

  • Minn Xuan
    Minn XuanNovember 20, 2019
    TripAdvisor

    One Team One Dream

    Had the most enjoyable time with Agit and Bibek from Sublime trails :D They took good care of us and were very aware of our conditions as we were making our way up. They also made sure we walked together as a team, allowing all 7 of us to successfully make it to EBC and back. They were very knowledgeable about the mountains, taught us a bit of Nepali (malai bhoka lagyo :) ) and how to play Dumbal - which kept us entertained while we weren't trekking! I had the best time singing and dancing along the way, it made the trek more memorable than it already was. The service provided was excellent from the airport pick up to drop off. Dhari ramro!

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