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.”
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.
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
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.
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