Mani Rimdu Festival Trek

Mani Rimdu Festival in Tengbuche
Key Information
  • Destination:Nepal
  • Duration:11 Days
  • Trip Grade: Easy
  • Max. Altitude:3,860 m/12,660 ft (Tengboche)
  • Starts/Ends:Kathmandu / Kathmandu
  • Trip Style:Private and Group Join
  • Group Size:2 pax to 12
  • Best Time:Fixed date on 15th, 16th & 17th November, 2024

Join us on one of the biggest celebrations of the Everest region in 2024 by doing the Mani Rimdu festival trek. The festival is going to take place from the 15th to the 17th of November. You will leave Kathmandu four days before the festival starts, which gives you ample time to reach Tengboche village, where it is going to take place.

The Mani Rimdu festival trek 12 days is guided by an expert mountain guide. He will be the local of the Everest region, so you will gain a lot of insight about the festival. Likewise, a local porter will also join you during the trek and make the journey hassle-free for you by carrying your heavy duffel bags. You will have a reliable and friendly crew during the trek.

You can extend the Mani Rimdu festival trek to Everest Base Camp or Gokyo Lakes. Likewise, if you have 2 to 3 days extra, you can further trek to Pangboche village and hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp.

What to expect during the Mani Rimdu festival trek?

The Everest Mani Rimdu festival trek route goes via rhododendron forests and Sherpa villages from Lukla. The trail crosses many suspension bridges and enters the Sagarmatha National Park from Monjo onwards. Following a bit of a steep trail, ascend to Namche Bazaar. Here, you will spend two nights before continuing to Tengboche village.

For an acclimatization hike in Namche Bazaar, walk to the Hotel Everest View. This is a luxury hotel known for the Mt. Everest view from all of its room windows. While in Namche Bazaar, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest Photo Gallery. Namche Bazaar is the largest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu region and has a big market with many modern facilities.

The trail descends Phungi Thanga, and crossing a suspension bridge, follows a forested route to Tengboche village. As the trail unfolds from Lukla to Tengboche village, you will see breathtaking views of Mt. Thamserku (6,608 m/21,680 ft), Mt. Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), and Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft).

What is the Mani Rimdu festival, and how is it celebrated?

The Mani Rimdu festival is a vibrant and important celebration in the Everest region. It is primarily celebrated by the Sherpa community. Mani Rimdu festival is an integral part of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival is celebrated in the Tengboche monastery, which is the biggest monastery in the Everest region.

Mani Rimdu festival is celebrated for three days and involves intricate rituals, ceremonies, masked dances, prayers, and blessings. This festival commemorates the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet, honors the triumph of good over evil, and summons blessings for the well-being of all sentient beings.

The preparation for the Mani Rimdu festival begins weeks in advance. The monks prepare all the details of the festival. They make intricate sand mandalas, craft colorful masks and costumes, and arrange all the offerings. All the corners of the Tengboche monastery are cleaned thoroughly and decorated to welcome both local and foreign visitors.

Below, we have mentioned how the Mani Rimdu festival is celebrated in the three days:

  • First day of the festival: The first day of the Mani Rimdu festival empowerment ceremony is conducted by the head lama of the monastery. The ceremony bestows blessings and empowerment upon the devotees who are believed to grant spiritual merit and protection. Throughout these three days of the festival, offerings of butter lamps, fruits, grains, and other symbolic items are made to the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and other deities. Monks recite prayers and perform pujas.
  • Second day of the festival: On the second of the festival, the masked dance takes place. This sacred dance is performed by the monks dressed in various forms of deities, demons, and mythical beings. Also known as Cham dance, it is a form of motion meditation that aims to purify the environment by dispelling negative energies and invoking blessings for the community.
  • Third day of the festival: On the last day of the festival, the sand mandalas are dismantled. It symbolizes impermanence and the transient nature of existence. The parts of the mandalas are distributed to the attendees as blessings. The remains are dispersed into a nearby river or stream, symbolizing the spreading of blessings throughout the world.

Why do the Mani Rimdu festival trek with us?

We, Halesi Treks, will make the Mani Rimdu festival trek an unforgettable journey for you. Our knowledgeable guide will help you participate in the ceremonies and provide you with profound insights. Likewise, we have the best Mani Rimdu festival trek cost. You can do this trek without making a hole in your pocket.

Our Mani Rimdu festival trek itinerary is 12 days long, but you can customize the itinerary as per your requirements. Extend the trek or add a helicopter flight. Our Mani Rimdu festival trek 2024 bookings are open. Get your seat now and start preparing for this adventurous trip in the Himalayas.

Itinerary

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Our team will be at the Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome you. We use a private vehicle to transfer you to the hotel. There is no activity planned on this day, so as per your arrival time, you'll have a couple of hours free to rest and unwind. Later, we'll discuss the trek and pack our duffel bags. The day ends with a lovely welcome dinner with our team.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,400 m/4,600 ft
  • Meals: Welcome dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

On this day, you will fly to Lukla airport from Kathmandu. The flight could take off either from Kathmandu airport or Ramechhap airport. During the peak trekking seasons, the Lukla flights are usually shifted to Ramechhap airport because of high air traffic. It takes 5 hours to drive to reach Ramechhap airport from Kathmandu, so you will leave your hotel around 2:00 AM.

The flight will be short and scenic. You will get to have a glimpse of the Himalayas from the air. Upon landing at Lukla, get ready for a couple of hours' walk to Phakding. The trail gradually descends through lush forests, crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river.

  • Max. Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 35 minutes flight & 3-4 hours trek
  • Distance: 6.2 km/3.8 miles

From Phakding, you will trek to Namche Bazaar, following a rugged forested route. On the way, cross the long Tengzing Hillary Suspension bridge. At Monjo, you will register the permits, and from here, continue trekking via lush rhododendron forests to Namche Bazaar. Towards the end of the trail, you will walk on a steep uphill track.

  • Max. Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 7.4 km/4.6 miles

You will spend one more day in Namche Bazaar, acclimatizing and resting. In the morning, hike to the Hotel Everest View to enjoy a distant but tempting view of Mt. Everest. Likewise, during the hike, you will also witness striking views of Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, etc.

Hotel Everest View is one of the highest luxury hotels in the world. After the hike, return to Namche Bazaar. Visit the Everest Photo Gallery and Sherpa Culture Museum. Likewise, rest and later explore the bustling souvenir shops, cafes, gear shops, etc.

  • Max. Altitude: 3,962 m/13,000 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 4-5 hours

The trail continues to Tengboche village on this day. Leaving Namche Bazaar, you will ascend to Kyangjuma and trek on a downhill trail from here to Phungi Thanga. Cross a suspension bridge and further ascend to Tengboche, where you will experience the Mani Rimdu festival. The view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Ama Dablam is fantastic here.

  • Max. Altitude: 3,860 m/12,660 ft
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 9.2 km/5.7 miles

From the 6th to the 8th, you will be part of the Mani Rimdu festival. It is a three-day festival celebrated by the Sherpas and other native communities of the Khumbu region.

On the first day of the festival, monks perform rituals and ceremonies to prepare the sacred sand mandala. These preparations symbolize the spiritual purification of the environment.

On the second day of the festival, there will be empowerment rituals. The Lamas bestow blessings upon the attendees. You will see chanting of prayers, blowing of traditional horns, and offering holy water.

The third is the main highlight of the Mani Rimdu festival, as it involves a series of masked dances performed by the monks. The dance depicts various demons, deities, and mythical creatures from Buddhist mythology.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge

Today, you will trek back to Namche Bazaar from Tengboche. Follow the same trail and descend to Phungi Thanga, crossing a bridge. From here, ascend to Namche Bazaar via Kyangjuma. You will have a lot of free time in Namche Bazaar today. Take plenty of rest and enjoy your time in this beautiful town.

  • Max. Altitude: 3,440 m/11,290 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 9.2 km/5.7 miles

The trail descends steeply and goes through dense forests of rhododendrons. Crossing numerous hanging bridges over the Dudh Koshi river, you will gradually walk to Monjo. From here, trek to Phakding village. Further, you will follow an uphill route via rhododendrons and magnolia forests. The trail goes via small settlements, crossing many suspension bridges.

  • Max. Altitude: 2,846 m/9,337 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 13.6 km/8.4 miles

On this day, you will fly back to Kathmandu. The flight will be early in the morning, so you will have almost a full day in the city. The day is leisure. Unpack and rest. Explore the local markets and bustling streets of Thamel. Buy souvenirs and go food hunting. In the late evening, we will meet for a complimentary farewell dinner.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,400 m/4,600 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 35 minutes flight

You will fly to your home on this day. As per your flight time, our representatives will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in a private four-wheeler.

  • Meals: Breakfast only

Trip Cost Details

What's Included
  • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Accommodation during the trek
  • Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
  • Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during trekking
  • Experienced government license holder trek guide 
  • Accommodation, food, drinks, salary, insurance, transportation of trek guide and porter
  • All necessary paper works and national park entry permits
  • TIMS Card (Trekker's Information Management System card)
  • Local Entry Fee
  • all additional government tax
What's not Included
  • Nepal entry visa fee 
  • International airfare 
  • Personal Travelers Insurance
  • All kinds of drinks (Alcohol, hot and cold drinks)
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Internet, hot shower, and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
  • Personal Trekking gear and equipment
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • City Tour in Kathmandu
  • All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strike, etc.
Dates & Availability

The Above given cost is per person and the Above-given Mani Rimdu FestivalTrek fixed departure dates are available for you. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

Useful Information

Mani Rimdu festival trek difficulty

The Mani Rimdu festival trek difficulty is moderate. It is a beginner-friendly trek with comparatively less altitude gain. This trek's highest point is Tengboche village, situated at 3,860 meters (12,660 ft). From Lukla, you will follow rugged, forested trails.

There are many long ascents and descents along the way, so the trekkers have to be physically fit. Likewise, the trail involves many river crossings and a few steep and rocky sections. Previous experience is not needed to join the Mani Rimdu festival trek 12 days, but good health is a must.

Total distance covered during the Mani Rimdu festival trek:

From the starting point of the Mani Rimdu festival trail, Lukla, to Tengboche village, where the festival takes place, you will walk approximately 23 kilometers. Likewise, while returning, you will follow the same route and distance.

So, the total distance covered during the Mani Rimdu festival trek is 46 kilometers. Every day, you will trek for 6 hours on a minimum. During your acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar, you will also go on a side hike to the Hotel Everest View.

Altitude sickness during the Mani Rimdu festival trek:

In three days of trekking from Lukla at 2,846 meters (9,337 ft), you will reach Tengboche village, located at 3,860 meters (12,660 ft). The overall altitude gain during the Mani Rimdu festival trek is not that much, so the altitude sickness risk is quite low. However, you cannot neglect it, and proper preventive measures are required.

As the Mani Rimdu festival trail ascends gradually, the oxygen level decreases, which results in the chances of altitude sickness. So, if your body fails to acclimatize, you may suffer from altitude sickness. Therefore, we have an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar.

These are some of the early symptoms of altitude sickness that trekkers see- headache, insomnia, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, nausea, loss of appetite, etc. To avoid altitude sickness during the trek, you have to keep yourself hydrated, maintain your pace, do not drink alcohol, have nutritious food, and get ample sleep.

Is travel insurance needed for the Mani Rimdu festival trek?

Yes, travel insurance is needed for the Mani Rimdu festival trek. The Mani Rimdu festival trek takes you to the Everest region that lacks adequate health infrastructure and roadways. In case of emergency helicopter evacuation without travel insurance, you have to pay it upfront, which may not be possible in all situations.

The most important thing your travel insurance should cover is an emergency helicopter evacuation. Apart from that, you can also include personal liability, loss/theft of baggage, flight cancellation, medical expenses, etc. Well-covered travel insurance will not only give you financial protection in unseen circumstances but also let you travel freely.

The best time to do the Mani Rimdu festival trek

In 2024, the Mani Rimdu festival is going to happen from the 15th of November to the 17th of November. Therefore, you have to start the trek according to this date to be at Tengboche to join the festival. This festival is celebrated once a year according to the lunar calendar, so if you miss the date, you have to wait for another year.

As the Mani Rimdu festival occurs in the autumn season (September to November), one of the best times to trek in the Everest region, you will get stable weather, a mild climate, and bustling trails. Likewise, the mountain views are fantastic in November, with less precipitation possibility.

Accommodation and meals during this trek

During the Mani Rimdu festival trekking, your accommodation will be lodges along the trail. Our Mani Rimdu festival trek package includes basic lodges, but you can also upgrade the accommodation to luxury lodges by paying extra. The basic lodges offer both single and twin shared rooms with common/private washrooms.

The rooms are going to be small but clean and comfortable. Services like hot showers, charging, and WiFi cost a few extra bucks every time you use them in the basic lodges. These are your personal expenses and are not covered in our Mani Rimdu festival trek cost. So, carry some Nepali cash with you.

The meals during the trek are all catered by the lodges. Our package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day in the mountain. You are free to buy additional snacks and beverages on your own. Famous foods are dal bhat, momo, thukpa, Tibetan bread, rice and curries, chapati, porridge, noodles, soups, and pancakes. You will also get pizza, burgers, sandwiches, steak, pasta, etc.

Price Per PersonUS$1050US$1300
Group Discount Price
Number of PeoplePrice Per Person
6 - 12 pax
US$1050
3 - 6 pax
US$1100
2 - 5 pax
US$1200
2 adults x US$1200Total US$2400
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