Mani Rimdu Festival Trek
- Tripadvisor 4.95 (from 155+ reviews)
- Competitive Price
- Guaranteed Departure
- Expert Local Guides
Trip Information
Trip Duration
11 Nights 12 Days
Difficulty Level
Medium
Destination
Nepal
Maximum Height
3859 m
Guding Method
Trekking
Best Season
All time
Highlights
- Unspoiled Himalayan splendor boasting some of the world's tallest Himalayas including the Mt. Everest (8848m)
- The unique experience in taking part at the Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery
- Unmatched cultural retreat in the lap of the Himalayas
- Explore the Sagarmatha National Park and its amazing biodiversity
Mani Rimdu Festival Trek explores the final 3 days of the 19-days long festival celebrated in the tranquil monastery of Tengboche is a unique affair describing the victory of Buddhism over the Bon Po religion. All in all the Mani Rimdu Festival is a cultural journey right to the lap of the Himalayas where, even though the stunning mountain vistas including the world's largest Himalayas adorn the skyline, our sights are transfixed on the captivating processions unfolding in front of us.
Our journey begins from the Kathmandu Valley heading towards the thrilling airstrip of Lukla. Beginning the trek with a lovely walk to Phakding, we kick off our journey through the stunning Sagarmatha National Park to reach Namche Bazaar, well known as the gateway to Everest. From Namche, we head towards Tengboche just in time to enjoy the festival kicking off from the next day. The next three days are spent in a frenzy of unique sights, sounds and smells as we immerse ourselves in the festival of Mani Rimdu. The festival is celebrated to celebrate the victory of a Buddhist deity, Dorje Jono, who had to battle his evil father to restore peace in the world. Each day brings something new to the table as the rituals take off in full steam and people wearing odd masks and vibrant clothes continue to depict the true meaning of the festival. The unique dances of victory performed by the Lamas are one of the many enchanting parts of the festival where Buddhists from all over the world gather to celebrate peace and prosperity. With the festival over we head back down towards Lukla crossing Namche en route where our travel comes to a close.
We, here at Nepal Ascent Treks, aim to change all that with our well-constructed itineraries and trained guides who will make sure the journey will be as informative as it is mesmerizing. The Mani Rimdu Festival Trek will certainly change your perspective on the cultural aspect of the Everest region.
Itinerary
After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport our representatives will get in touch with you from where you will be taken directly to the hotel. After freshening up from the days travel you will be introduced to the guides and other members of the staff who will be accompanying you in this journey. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
The beginning of the trek, today, we make our way towards the city of Lukla, well known for its thrilling airstrip and stunning landscapes. The early morning flight takes us through mesmerizing landscapes to the heart of the valley at Lukla where we take a short break before starting our trek. Heading out of Lukla, we begin our trek as the lush green forests envelop the trail leading us to Phakding. Overnight stay at Phakding.
Picking up where we left off, we begin our journey out of Phakding while the stunning Thamserku (6,608m) shines on the horizon. The hamlet of Jorsalle signals our entry into the Sagarmatha National Park adorned with a diverse cast of floras and faunas ranging. Enclosed by Dudh Koshi to the right and Bhotekoshi to our left the journey ends at Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.
Today, we take a day off to acclimatize in accordance with the increasing altitudes. The gateway point of Everest is the perfect place to acclimatize as the town is filled with trekkers and mountaineers telling lovely stories about the places they have been and their experience. For the nature lovers, the town of Khumjung and Khunde is the perfect destinations to acclimatize while also enjoying the stunning Himalayan landscape. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.
Our final day of the trek before the festivities. The journey kicks off with the mesmerizing views of Ama Dablam (6,856m) as we head out from Namche Bazaar towards the lush green forests filled with rhododendron, pine, and fir trees. The trail continues on its pleasant run avoiding steeper sections and crossing several vibrant hamlets on the way. En route, you may also meet several locals heading up to the hamlet of Tengboche for the festivities. Overnight stay at Tengboche.
The beginning of the Mani Rimdu Festival! After 16 days of closing prayers, rites and rituals the festival is finally declared open to all the visitors. Referred to as the day of the Wong the first day of the festival begins with the empowerment ritual where the Mani Rilwu and Tshreel pills are distributed to the local people. The scared pills are said to bless the devotee with a long life and prosperity and is believed to contain blessings of peace and kindness. Overnight stay at Tengboche.
The second day of the festival is devoted to Chham meaning Dances in the common tongue. First up is the Ser-Kyem where six priests dressed up as tantric magicians offer alcohol in small chalices to the Lama, Yidam, Khandro, and Shi-Dak to please the earth deities. Next up is the Chhingpa dance where four people take up the mantle as Ghings who is said to be the protector of Buddhist faith. Continuing on several dances depicting the folk stories are presented which ends the second day of the festival. Overnight stay at Tengboche.
The final day of the festival is devoted to Agni or the fire god. The main courtyard of the monastery is prepared where the gods of the mandala are worshipped. The fire is believed to cleanse all the harm from the world as the harm is represented by grain and butter which is then thrown into the fire. Once the ritual is over, the sand mandala is dismantled and released on the stream as an offering to the snake gods. With the official formalities over the festival comes to a close but the local festivities continue late into the night.
Enjoying the stunning views of the world's tallest Himalayas, we begin our way down heading back to Namche Bazaar. Once again the familiar sights of lush green forests spanning across the entire region come into view as the lonely trail continues heading out of the valley. The final few stretches of the trail take us through the eye-catching landscape of the Himalayas on the horizon as we reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.
The final day of the trek and it might very well be the longest one. Heading out of Namche Bazaar, we begin our long way down once again entering the familiar bends of the forests. Crossing the tranquil Dudh Koshi River, we continue through the ascending and descending trail crossing the vibrant hamlets of Monjo and Phakding. Overnight stay at Lukla.
The final day of the journey, we embark on an early morning flight heading back to Kathmandu. The 45-minutes flight gives us a perfect chance to bid goodbyes to the Himalayas as we make our way back to the valley. Back at Kathmandu, we head directly to the hotel where much-needed rest and refreshments await after which you are free to head down to the local area for hunting souvenirs back home or head back to your room for a short rest before dinner. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Once again our representatives will drop you back at Tribhuvan International Airport just in time to board your next flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and will consider us the next time you head back to the land of the Himalayas.
Tailor Made Holiday
You can customize your holiday. Let us help you tailor-make your precious Vacation.
What's Included
Meal
- Breakfast,Lunch and dinner during the trek.
- Fresh seasonal fruits after the dinner (while on the trek).
Accomodation
- Lodge expenses during the trek.
- Stay in the city at finest hotel (Can upgrade of the accommodations to luxury hotels / lodge is possible at extra cost).
Staffs & Crew
- A porter and his entire expenses.
- Insurance of guide and porter.
- Licensed, experienced and English speaking trekking guide.
Transportation
- Airport pickup and drop facility.
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight tickets
Permits & Paperworks
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
Other
- Down jackets and sleeping bags (provided upon request).
- First aid medical kit
- Nepal Ascent Treks duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.
Complimentary Extras
- 1 hour trekkers massage / Yoga after the trip completion.
- Local sim card
- Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese Restaurant with traditional ethnic music and dance.
What's Not Included
- Cost for additional trips.
- Meals in the city except for breakfast and other mentioned special dinner.
- Nepal arrival visa.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tipping to staffs (as an appreciation).
- Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation.
GROUP TOURS
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