Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek - 20 days

Introduction

Mani Rimdu Festival seems to be celebrated the first time in 1930. Rongbukh Monastery in Tibet is the place from where this festival is originated. It’s one of the most fascinating High Himalayan Buddhist festivals observed every year, usually in November (date fixed by the lunar calendar) in Tengboche monastery.

Mani Rimdu is a 19-day sequence of sacred ceremonies and empowerments, culminating in a 3-day public festival. It's an opportunity for the local Sherpa and Tibetan communities, to gather and celebrate together with the monastic community.

Mani Rimdu is a re-creation of legendary events; the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet by the great saint, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Through the dances, symbolic demons are conquered, dispelled, or converted to Dharma Protectors, as positive forces clash with those of chaos. The dances convey the Buddhist teachings on many levels - from the simplest to the most profound - for those who do not have the opportunity to study and meditate extensively.

The monks who perform the dances, first take vows at an empowerment ceremony with Trulshig Rinpoche. During the dances, they become deities, rather than ordinary people. Because the dances are regarded as sacred, they can only be performed in the context of Mani Rimdu, and not for ordinary entertainment. Trulshig Rinpoche explains, “seeing Mani Rimdu is like receiving a blessing”

Following is the schedule for the Everest Mani Rimdu Festival of this year :

1.WONG (blessings) - 6 Nov. 2014

2.CHHAM (masked dance) - 7 Nov. 2014

3.JHINSAK (fire offerings) - 8 Nov. 2014

4.LHOKPAR (destruction of the sand mandala) - 9 Nov. 2014

This trek offers you trek to Everest Base Camp at the same time, first we trek to Everest Base Camp, enjoy the nature of the high Himalayas, experience the adventure trekking and on the way back, we participate the Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery and we continue our trek to Lukla and fly back to KTM with life’s unforgettable experiences.

The Everest area known locally as Sagarmatha National Park is home to some of the world's highest peaks as well as the famous Sherpas, migrants from eastern Tibet who crossed over the Himalaya and settled here sometime in the late 1400s or early 1500s. This trek is one that goes deep into the heart of the Himalaya. The mountain views are stunning, and the simplicity and hospitality of the Sherpa community are heartwarming. You will get to take in the awe-inspiring views of Mt. Everest, the tallest of them all, Mt Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Lobuche Peak, Mt Amadablam, Kasum Kangru peak, Thamserku peak, and Kwangde peak. You will also be visiting Sherpa villages and monasteries to gain insight into their culture and lifestyle from up close.

Journey

This classic trek into the Solu-Khumbu region begins with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla & continually trekking along the Dudh Kosi ("Milk River"). After crossing the Namche Bazar” Sherpa head quater/Capital” we will continue on to Tengboche with its beautiful Buddhist monastery. This small village is considered the spiritual center of the Khumbu area. We will gradually make our ascent to Dengboche (4,410m), Lobuche (4,910m) and finally along the glacial moraine to GorakShep (5,140m) at the base of Kala Pattar (5,550m). Now you will have the option of a sunset or sunrise climb to the 5,550m' summit of Kala Pattar for a panoramic view of some of the world's highest mountains including Everest at 29,028'. We'll make the 3-hour trek on to Everest Base Camp where, depending on the season, you'll see mountaineering expeditions preparing for their ascent to the highest peak in the world, beginning with the spectacular Khumbu Icefall. Now we take step back to Pheruche and next to Debouche, where we actively participate the great Buddhist festival “Mani Rimdu Festival” at Tengbouche monastery, spending 3 nights at Debuche and after the festival, we continue our

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

Climbing of Nagarjun Peak (5,200m), Kalapathar Peak (5,550m)
Trekking up to Everest Base camp
Participation of life changing Buddhist Festival Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery

DETAILS ITINERARY

Day 1
Arrive in KTM, transfer to hotel & trip briefing

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 2
Tour, necessary preparation & packing

You will be transferred to our office for documentation work. You will also be introduced with your crew members and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. In the afternoon, half day sightseeing tour will be organized during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3
Fly to Lukla (2840m); trek to Phakding (2610m), 3 hours

We will drive to domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport early in the morning and catch a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. We will follow one of the most scenic air routes in the world with panoramic views of glistening mountains to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. Luklaallows access to Everest Khumbu region. We will assemble the crew and take breakfast before start of Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek. Following the stone path through Ghat village, we will reach Phakding village. Visit local monastery. Stay overnight in Phakding.

Day 4
Trek Namche Bazar (3,440m), 5 hours

Leaving Phakding, we will walk alongDudhkoshi River and enter the dense pine forest. We will cross suspension bridges and walk through dispersed houses of Zapute, Benkar and Chumoa to reach Monjo. Monjo allows an entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. We need to go through required national park formalities before we can enter the park. The park is rich in Himalayan herbs, plants, mammals and birds. We will descend to Hillary Bridge existing at the base of hill. After crossing the bridge, we will follow the escalating path towards Namche Bazaar. The path rewards us with views of Thamserku Mountain, Everest, Lhotse and other mountains and peaks. Stay overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5
Day hikes - Khumjung, Khunde (3840m)

Namche Bazaar acts as the major trade centre to conduct trade in between locals and neighbouring Tibetans. Namche is also popular as the capital of Sherpa land. It is wise to take rest at Namche on this day. For proper acclimatization with the changing altitude, we can arrange day hike to small Khumjung and Khundevillages. Visit the local monastery and observe the local lifestyle. Head office of National Park, Museum and monasteries are interesting places near Namche. We can get most of the modern facilities including hospital and post office at Namche. Stay overnight in Namche.

Day 6
Trek to Tengboche (3,860m), 5 hours; visit monastery

The trail continues along glaciated DudhKoshi River from Namche. We will follow the scenic route with views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and other peaks and mountains and enter the forest area. Walking through the colourful rhododendron forest, we can get opportunity to view musk deer and colourful Himalayn birds like Danphe and Munal. We will move further toSanasa village. The trail branches at Sanasa. We will follow the main trail towards Everest Base Camp. Following the escalating path from Sanasa, we will reach Tengboche. Gate of Tengboche Monastery is open after 3pm. We will visit Tengboche Monastery which is the largest monastery in the region.

Day 7
Trek to Dengboche (4,410m), 5 hours in the Chhukung Valley, beautiful views throughout.

Leaving Tengboche, we will enter the birch and rhododendron forest. In couple of hours, we will reach Debuche from where we will lower down to beautiful Chhukung Valley. We will descend to Imja River and follow the raised path to Pangboche. Monastery is Pangboche is believed to be the oldest Monastery in the region. Walking along the Mani walls, we will climb to Pheriche. Walking along Lobuche River, we will reach Dengboche village. Stay overnight in Dengboche.

Day 8
Day hikes to Nagarjuna Peak (52,00m), 4 hours

Taking rest from Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek at Dengboche helps to break the stress. It also helps in proper acclimatization. We will take short walk to Nagarjuna View Point located at Nagarjuna Peak. Enjoy the 360 degree mountain views of Makalu, Lhotse, Amadablam, Island Peak and other mountains. We will return to Dengboche for staying overnight.

Day 9
Trek to Lobuche (4910m), 5 hours

From Dengboche, we will return to Pheriche. The trail continues throughDugla to the steep moraine of Khumbu glacier. We will head towardsChupkiLhara which is the memorial site for renowned climber BabuChhiri Sherpa. ChupkiLhara is decorated with prayer flags. Walking through the Khumbu glacier moraine, we will reachLobuche. Enjoy the panoramic views of Pumori Peak, KhumbutsePeak and other peaks and mountains. Stay overnight in Lobuche.

Day 10
Trek to GorakShep (5140m), 4 hours

Leaving Lobuche, we will head towards Gorak Shep Lake. Once a big lake, the size of lake has shrunk lately. From Gorakshep Lake, we will advance towards Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The trail continues through rocky dunes and moraine. The views of Nuptse Mountain, Khumbuste Mountain and Pumori Mountain. Stay overnight in Gorakshep.

Day 11
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m) & GorakShep (5140m), 5 hours

Leaving Gorekshep, we will head towards foot of the Mt. Everest, the size of lake has shrunk lately. From Gorakshep Lake, we will advance towards Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The trail continues through rocky dunes and moraine to the Base Camp of Everest. The Base Camp rewards us with views of Nuptse Mountain, Khumbuste Mountain and Pumori Mountain. Retrace the route to Gorakshep. Stay overnight in Gorakshep.

Day 12
Climb to Kala Pattar (5,550m), Trek to Pheriche (4210m), 4+4 hours

You might experience difficulty in breathing at Kalapattar due to increased altitude and thin air. Leaving our camp in Gorakshep, we will take the long walk to Kala Pattar for sunrise view. Kalapattar offers close-up view of mighty Everest. We will enjoy the panoramic views of Lingtren peak, Khumbutse peak and Changtse peak. Spending some time in Kalapattar, we do long day walk to Pheriche, all most 900m descents for better sleep and better food. Stay overnight in Pheriche.

Day 13
Trek to Debuche (3820m), 3 hours – attend the Festival

From Pheriche, we will follow the same route back to Debuche to witness the first day of Mani Rimdu Festival. Mani Rimdu festival is observed for three days in the monastery at Debuche. The first day is called Wong which is the blessing ceremony. In this day, locals visit Monastery to receive blessings from the Lama of Monastery.

Day 14
Attend the Festival, O/N at Debuche

The second day of Mani Rimdu festival is known as Chham. Mask dance is performed on this day by monks. We will visit the monastery and witness the colourful and exquisite mask dance. Stay overnight in Debuche.

Day 15
Attend the Festival, O/N at Debuche

We will observe Jhinsak on this day. Jhinsak is the fire offering ceremony. During this ceremony, fire offering is given to the sand mandala. The mandala is prepared out of sand that is carried to the monastery from the distant land. Stay overnight at Debuche.

Day 16
Trek to Namche (3440m), 4 hours

This is the last day of Mani Rimdu Festival. Lhokpar is celebrated on this day during which sand Mandala which was prepared on the third day is destroyed on this day. We will return from Debuche and retrace our route to Namche via small villages of Phuki Thengna and Sansa. Stay overnight in Namche.

Day 17
Trek Lukla & Evening free time

From Namche, we will lower down to rhododen forest and walk along Dudhkoshi River to Phakding. Walking past the walled road of Ghat, we will reach Lukla. Stay overnight in Lukla.

Day 18
Early morning flight to Kathmandu; free day; evening celebration meal

We will catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. This is rest day. Spend the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. We can also arrange for guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, you can arrange your photo albums and jot down memories in your journal. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 19 & 20
Free day in Kathmandu; Emergency day for Lukla – KTM flight and next day transfer to international airport on your schedule flight time

Due to the climate condition, delay of flight in Lukla is a common experience. Also, we might lag behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances. Under such condition, we will catch flight from Lukla to Kathmandu on this day. Returning to Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. Spend the day as you like. Farewell dinner will be served in the evening.

You will be transferred to the Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.

Start Date

End Date

Availability

Price

Min.

Start Date

31st Oct 2019

End Date

19th Nov 2019

Availability

OPENED

Price

USD 2,200

Min

Book

REMARKS : If you have private team (+2 persons team), contact our sales person for customized date and special group based discounted cost

COST INCLUDES

Conservation/National park fees and all Govt. Taxes
All required trekking permits
4 (four) nights 3 star hotel accommodation on twin sharing BB basis
Round trip (KTM – Lukla –KTM) domestic airfares with domestic airport taxes
All airport/hotel/airport transfers by private vehicles
An Experience Sherpa Trek Guide
Support Sherpa staffs
Required number of porters
Trek sleeping bag and Down Jacket (to be returned after the trek)
Trek duffle bag to each trek member
All meals of high quality and hygienic (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
All hot drinks and beverages (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, treated drinking water etc.)
Trek First Aid Kit
Insurance of all local team members
Equipment for porters
Half-day world heritage sites tour with guide & private transport
Farewell celebration dinner

COST EXCLUDES

Medical/personal high risk insurance, (must cover emergency evacuation cost)
International departure taxes
Personal trek gears
Major meals in Kathmandu
Cost of personal expenses i.e. telephone calls, laundry, Toiletry items etc
Bottle water, boiled water, soft drinks, beers
Tips to the local staff

Fitness
This kind of trek is challenging but doesn’t really require previous trekking and mountaineering experiences and also doesn’t require any technical experience. But if you have any previous experiences would be really helpful. Your fitness is really important for this trek; therefore we strongly suggest preparing yourself in good physical condition. You need to be trained at least for about 3 to 5 months to prepare yourself as strong candidate. You can go to fitness center every morning for about 1.5 hours, do hiking every weekend with increasing weights on your pack, manage some time for cycling for couple of hours for 2 or 3 times a week. However at the high altitude, there might be little symptoms of altitude illness like mild headache, fatigue etc. but take it as normal and just drink enough water (4 – 5 liters) every day.On this trek, youneed to be able to hike 4 – 8 hours over hilly terrain up to 5,500m of altitude with daypack.

Experience
If you have any previous experiences of similar grade trek would be helpful, but if you don’t have is also not really important matter of issue. This trek will introduce you about high altitude trekking in the Himalayas and also about the local cultures, traditions and local people.
Even if you are around the age of 65 years, you can be a candidate for this trek.