To join the Mani Rimdu festival at Tengboche monastery is a rare chance to submerge in the Buddhist Sherpa culture. In practice, the public days festival is a three-day festival that is being held at Tengboche monastery and Chiwong monastery. The date of the festival varies each year as it depends on the Buddhist lunar calendar.
Mani Rimdu begins on the first day of the tenth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, often in autumn. In total, it lasts until the nineteenth day of the month. During this time, monks perform constant 24-hour Puja rituals throughout the entire festival. These rites consecrate the Mandala, Mani Rilwu, Tshereel, and Torma offerings. For trekkers witnessing these ceremonies, it’s a rare glimpse into living Buddhist traditions that have continued unchanged for centuries.
The Mani Rimdu at Tengboche monastery trek starts from Lukla airport, the gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, you walk to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar at 3440 meters. Here, you’ll take a rest day for proper acclimatization. Also, it is possible to take an optional walk up to the Everest View Hotel for a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Plus, this walk will also help with adjusting to the altitude.
Next, you head higher to the scenic spot at the Tengboche Monastery. At this elevation, rhododendron, pine, and oak forests surround the trail. Above the tree line, Everest looms above the Khumbu valley skyline. At the monastery, you’ll enjoy three days of the Mani Rimdu festival. After the gompa visit and the vast mountain views, you begin your scenic descent through the valley. Finally, this beautiful trek in the Khumbu valley ends at Lukla for the flight back to Kathmandu.
Our itineraries are designed to be flexible. If you would like to modify this plan, let us know, and we will work with you to create a personalized trip.
Day 1: Arrival Nepal; pick up at the international airport and drop off at a hotel in Thamel Kathmandu
Day 2: Flight Kathmandu/ Ramechap to Lukla (0,5 hrs.) and trek to Phakding (2640m – 3 hrs.)
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m – 5 hrs.)
Day 4: Resting day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. Optional day hike to the Everest View hotel
Day 5: Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3867m – 5 hrs.)
Day 6: Starting day Mani Rimdu – The Empowerment (Wong) The Wong is the opening day of public ceremony. It's performed on the full moon day, of the tenth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar. The sacred Mani Rilwu (sacred pills) and Tshereel (pills for long life), are given to everyone attending.
Day 7: Second day Mani Rimdu – The dances take place on the 2nd public day of Mani Rimdu. Symbolic demons are conquered, chase away, or transformed to Protectors of Dharma. As the theme of the dance positive forces fight with those of disorder through the dances. The dances convey Buddhist teaching on many levels from the simplest to the most philosophical. During the dance the monks are believed to become divine being. The dances are only performed during Mani Rimdu because they are considered to be very Sacred, and not for ordinary entertainment.
Day 8: Third day Mani Rimdu – The Fire Puja (Jinsak) The Fire Puja is performed in the yard. The Fire Puja is an offering to Agni (the god of fire), and to the Gods of the mandala - to allay all harm in the world. The harm is visualized as dissolving into the grain and butter is burned. Afterwards, the sand mandala in the temple is pulled to pieces, and the sand is given as an offering to the serpent gods (Nagas).
Day 9: Trek to Monjo (2860m – 6 hrs.)
Day 10: Trek to Lukla (2830m – 4 hrs.)
Day 11: Flight Lukla to Kathmandu / Ramechap (flight 0,5 hr.)
Day 12: Free day at leisure in Kathmandu
Day 13: Departure; pick up from the hotel and drop off at the international airport
During the trekking season prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and the cost of local transfers.
Cost includes:
– Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to the hotel
– 3 nights hotel room in Kathmandu; breakfast included
– Teahouse room during trek
– Return flight from Kathmandu/ Ramechap to Lukla, and transfer to and from the domestic airport
– Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
– Porter service for carrying luggage; 10 kg per person
– Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for the mountain guide and porters
– 3 meals per day; breakfast/ lunch/ dinner
– Free use of waterproof bag for your luggage
– Sagarmatha National Park entrance fee, TREK card and local taxes
– Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost excludes:
– International flight to Kathmandu
– Nepal entrance visa
– Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
– All beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry, and battery charge during trek
– Personal travel insurance
– Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
– Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
– Gratitude and tips for mountain guide and porters
