Meet our representative at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Trek briefing and preparation
Mani Rimdu Festival
Sacred Sherpa Buddhist festival celebrating compassion, culture, and spirituality.
Everest Region
Max Elevation
3800m
Duration
12 days
Group Size
18 Pax
Difficulty
Easy
Trek Starting Point
Lukla
Trek Ending Point
lukla
Departure From
Ramechhap
Transportation
Domestic flight
Style
Hiking and Trekking
Meal
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu, Teahouse during trek
Overview
Mani Rimdu is one of the most significant Buddhist festivals in Nepal's Everest (Khumbu) region, celebrated annually by the Sherpa community in monasteries such as Tengboche, Chiwong, and Thame. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, the festival commemorates the triumph of compassion, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment over negative forces.
The celebration features sacred masked dances (Cham), traditional rituals, prayers, sand mandala ceremonies, and blessings performed by Buddhist monks. These centuries-old traditions offer visitors a rare opportunity to witness the spiritual heritage, vibrant culture, and deep religious devotion of the Sherpa people while surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayan landscape.
Attending the Mani Rimdu Festival provides a unique cultural experience that beautifully combines adventure, history, and spirituality, making it one of the highlights of trekking in the Everest region.
Program Itinerary
Explore Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Swayambhunath. In the afternoon, meet your guide for a final trek briefing, equipment check, permit verification, and preparation for your Himalayan adventure.
Flight: 35–40 minutes | Trek: 3–4 hours
Take an early morning mountain flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. Meet your porters and begin your trek through Sherpa villages, crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Pass mani walls, prayer wheels, and colorful prayer flags before reaching the peaceful village of Phakding.
Accommodation: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 10–12 km | Time: 6–7 hours
Follow the Dudh Koshi River through pine forests, crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge. Enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo before making the challenging ascent to Namche Bazaar. On a clear day, enjoy your first glimpse of Mount Everest along the trail.
Accommodation: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
To help your body adjust to the altitude, take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m), one of the world's highest hotels. Enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Thamserku. Visit Khumjung Village, the Sherpa Museum, or browse local cafés and shops before returning to Namche.
Accommodation: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinne
Today's trail offers spectacular mountain scenery as you traverse ridges overlooking Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Kangtega. Descend to the Dudh Koshi River before climbing through rhododendron forests to reach Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region.
Accommodation: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the day at Tengboche Monastery witnessing the opening rituals of the Mani Rimdu Festival. Monks perform sacred prayers, blessings, and ceremonial dances while creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Learn about Sherpa Buddhist traditions and observe centuries-old religious practices.
Accommodation: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy the highlight of the festival as monks perform the famous Cham masked dances representing the victory of wisdom over ignorance. The monastery comes alive with local Sherpa families, pilgrims, and visitors gathering to celebrate this unique Himalayan festival.
Accommodation: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Attend the concluding ceremonies and receive blessings from the monks before beginning your descent to Namche Bazaar. Retrace the scenic trail through forests and traditional Sherpa settlements while enjoying beautiful Himalayan views.
Distance: 10 km | Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 18–20 km | Time: 6–7 hours
Follow the Dudh Koshi River back through Monjo and Phakding before reaching Lukla. Celebrate the successful completion of your trek with your trekking crew during a farewell evening.
Accommodation: Tea House | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. After checking into your hotel, spend the rest of the day shopping, visiting local markets, or relaxing at one of Thamel's cafés.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Depart Nepal with unforgettable memories of the Everest Himalaya, Sherpa hospitality, and the sacred Mani Rimdu Festival.
Meals: Breakfast
Route Map
Cost Includes
- Airport arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle.
- 3 nights' accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- 8 nights' accommodation in the best available teahouses during the trek.
- Domestic round-trip flight (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu/Ramechhap as per flight schedule).
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary.
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Seasonal fresh fruits after dinner during the trek.
- Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide.
- Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, maximum 20 kg combined luggage).
- Guide and porter wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, and transportation.
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
- Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide.
- Pulse oximeter for daily oxygen saturation monitoring.
- Complimentary Trek Adviser duffel bag and trekking route map as a special souvenir for every trekker.
- Farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.
- All applicable government taxes and company service charges.
Optional Add-ons
- hotel extra night
- trekking insurance
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees.
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory).
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except welcome and farewell dinners).
- Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, laundry, hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and telephone calls.
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (customary but voluntary).
- Personal medical expenses and emergency evacuation costs.
- Additional accommodation or meals due to flight delays, bad weather, natural disasters, or itinerary changes beyond our control.
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled or soft drinks.
- Any services not specifically mentioned under "Cost Includes."
