Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek - 20 days

Trip Info

Trip Code: DHA/EMRT-20

Destination: : Nepal

Trekking Duration: 15 days

Trek Type : Teahouse basis

Grade:

Maximum Elevation : 5,550M.

Avg. hours of walk / day : 5 - 6 Hours

Best Month of the Year : April, May, October and November

Hotel Accommodation : 4 nights, 3-star hotel, twin sharing BB basis

Introduction to Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek

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 the 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. 2019

2.CHHAM (masked dance) - 7 Nov. 2019

3.JHINSAK (fire offerings) - 8 Nov. 2019

4.LHOKPAR (destruction of the sand mandala) - 9 Nov. 2019

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 Outline

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 quarter/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. Afterwards, 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 trek, itinerary followed by gear check and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 2
Necessary preparation & packing, Drive to Ramechhap, 5 hours (132km)

In the morning you will do the final packing and get ready for the trek, if you need to do any last-minute shopping, you will have time for that, after lunch in KTM, then we start our drive journey to Ramechapp for about 5hrs, 132km. In Ramechhap, we will stay over-night in a Freedom resort or in a similar standard resort near by airport and all meals will be provided.

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

Early in the morning depending on our flight time we will move to airport, do the necessary check in process and fly for 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. Lukla allows 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
Flight Lukla to Ramechhap; 5 hours drive to KTM (132km) and Celebration dinner

We will catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Ramechhap. As soon as we got off from the plane, we will start our drive to KTM, 5hours/132km, we might take a break in the middle for BF/Lunch depending on time. Once you reach KTM, hotel room check in and get ready to enjoy the celebration meal in the evening. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 19
City sight seen tours, free afternoon/evening for shopping etc; Emergency Day for Lukla flight

In the morning after breakfast, get ready for the guided city tours for about 3hours, enjoy the city and heritage sites of KTM valley. Afternoon and evening will be free time on your own, you can go for shopping for your love one, family members, friends etc. 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 Ramehhap/Kathmandu on this day, you will be transferred to the hotel. Spend the day as you like.

Day 20
International departures as per schedule time

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 2025

End Date

19th Nov 2025

Availability

OPENED

Price

USD 2,350

Min

Book

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

HIRING OPTIONS

Down jacket (450 grams down) - USD 2.5 per/day
Sleeping bag (-20 degree rated) - USD 3 per/day

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 (on rental basis)
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 Requirements

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 crucial 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 a strong candidate. You can go to the 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 a 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, you need to be able to hike 4 – 8 hours over hilly terrain up to 5,500m of altitude with a daypack.

Value of Previous Experience

If you have any previous experiences of similar grade trek would be helpful, but if you don’t have is also not a really important matter of issue. This trek will introduce you to 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.

Buddhist monks dance on Mani Rimdu festival in everest region

Monks dance on Mani Rimdu Festival in everest region

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Testimonials

Ondrej Havlak

Milose Havla 7, 15200, Prague, Czech Republic

Excellent communication with Dawa! We had some WhatsApp calls and discussed everything necessary in advance. I appreciate the assistance with the rental in KTM and the prompt solution for transporting luggage. Additionally, I am grateful for arranging the rental of crampons when I realized in BC that my crampons didn’t fit my large boots.

Sushila Rajagopal

Bangalore. INDIA

Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nar-Phu and Tilicho Lake Nov 2024 • Friends We did the Annapurna Circuit Trek with Nar-Phu and Tilicho Lake deviations with Dream Himalaya Adventures in Oct/Nov 2024. The guide Dorje was knowledgeable about the area, and he and our porter Phurba were very attentive to our needs. We had a great time on the trek. I have done several treks with Dream Himalaya and all of them were well organised. I do not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

Enrico and Alessandra

Gallarana 4, 20063 Cernusco s/N, Italy

Excellent private Kanchenjunga circuit trek, with Drohmo Ri ascent, Nupchu Pokhari side trip and more Oct 2024 • Couples While we were looking for a support agency for a customized trekking program for the Kangchenjunga area, we immediately appreciated the fact that Dream Himalaya Adventures already included the possibility of climbing Drohmo Ri, a non-technical but almost 6000m high viewpoint, above the North Base Camp of Kangchenjunga. The Managing Director Dawa Sherpa then answered very accurately and quickly all our additional questions about other possible optional excursions, the possibility of managing the stages in a flexible way, the possible overnight stay in Pangpema, the difficulties of the itinerary, the conditions of the accommodation and the current possibilities of road access to the

Richard Moriarty and Family

United Kingdom

Family trip to EBC Aug 2024 • Family Dream Himilaya provided superb comms and logistics and bespoke service for my family. Dawa and the team are real experts with good contacts. Would definitely recommend.

Eva and Igor

Slovenia

Great experience! Oct 2024 • Couples Great experience with the agency and all of the employees who are extremely professional yet warm, welcoming and always ready to help. Everything from beginning to the end was easily arranged and worked perfectly. I definitely recommend it 200 %

Wilfredo B.

Philippines

Amazing Everest Base Camp Trek Nov 2024, Had an amazing time with Dream Himalayan Adventures. Despite such short notice, they were able to organise an EBC trek and assigned a very capable and competent local guide who happens to be an excellent photographer.

Stan Stevens

New Salem, MA, United State

I highly recommend Dream Himalaya. They have a first-rate operation with personal attention to trek planning, good communication before and during the trek, and excellent trek organization. In spring 2024 I contacted Dream Himalaya to arrange a custom solo private trek. Dream Himalaya came recommended by a Sherpa friend who has used their services a lot. Dream Himalaya’s manager, Dawa Sherpa (Lama), corresponded with me via email to plan the trek and made all arrangements. Dawa Sherpa fine-tuned the trip arrangements exactly as I wished and came through on every detail, including arranging a private jeep to and from trailheads, telephoning lodges to reserve rooms (this is important during busy times of the year on popular routes), and providing an

Patrick Stadie

Germany

The trip was excellent! This was our third trip to Nepal after Annapurnatrek and Kailash and agencywise it was by far the best one! Already the time in Kathmandu was greatly planned. During the trek and climb (14 days) everything worked out perfectly. Our guide (Nigma, a multiple Everest summiter (!)) was more then experienced and summit days was a blast for me and my son (16 y.). On ChoLa Pass (5.300 m) we got in a little trouble, since my wife had problems with the altitude, but this was solved immidiatly by our guide with a bottle of oxygene and she got down safely. As far as I can tell, we always stayed in the nicest guest- and teahoues

Nils Riva

Switzerland

Très bonne organisation de la planification jusqu'au départ. Professionnel. L'équipe au BC est top Merci Dawa. In English translation Very good organization from planning to departure. Professional. The team at BC is great Thanks Dawa.

Denise Doyen

California, USA

From the first morning meeting, when Dawa Sherpa Lama (our trip organizer and guide) carefully advised us on what to pack and what to leave in hotel in Kathmandu while we were on our high altitude trek, to the hike from Lukla to Namche Bazaar to the Sherpa village of Thame, to Everest View Hotel and then up to Tengboche Monastery -- and finally back to the city for tourist sites and shopping, we were in the best of hands. We had fun, we felt adventurous and always safe and well accommodated at nice tea houses and lodges. Such an amazingly stunning country! All the special requests I had made for research for my book were met and then some.

20 days

Price 2025 : USD 2350

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