Mani Rimdu Festival Trek

18
Days

Mani Rimdu Festival Trek is an annual trek to the serene and scenic Tengboche Monastery during the auspicious festival of Mani Rimdu. The most important festival in Tengboche is called Mani Rimdu Festival and it celebrated in the 9th Tibetan month which usually falls in late October and November, right after the full moon of autumn. The prayers will be said over many days but for the villager’s most important part is when they receive the blessings from Rinpoche (a highly ranked monk), and when the monks perform the masked Dance see Mani Rimdu. Mani Rimdu Festival Trek provides an unique opportunity to celebrate and to be part of this auspicious event in the Himalayas of Nepal.

Mani Rimdu name comes from “Mani”, a part of the chant of Chenrezig, and “Rilbu” which are the small red pills, which are blessed throughout the ceremony and distributions to everyone at the end. The Mani Rimdu in Tyangboche is performed according to the tradition of Mindroling that came from Rongbuk Monastery north of Tengboche in Tibet. At the beginning the beautiful intricate Mandala or sacred diagram is drawn in fine colored sand. The sand is collected from a special place high in the mountains. It takes four days to complete the Mandala then it is covered and used as a focus for the next ten days meditation. Throughout the dances, symbolic demons are conquered, dispelled or subdued. The symbolism can be interpreted on many levels; the inner “demons” of hatred, greed and ignorance overcome through meditation on compassion and wisdom. At the end of the ceremonies the monks perform the sacred mask dances known as “Cham”. There are sixteen dances with some comic interludes that delight the crowds. These dances are a recreation of the establishment of Buddhism in the Himalayas by the legendary Padma Sambhava, known as Guru Rimpoche. The dances convey Buddhist teachings on many levels from the simplest truth to the most profound realization.

Among the important days, the first day of festival, Lamas of the monastery pray in the courtyard. The second day, you can see the Lamas dancing with brocade gowns and wonderful painted paper-mouth masks. Hundreds of Sherpas from all over Khumbu attend the performance, as it is an important social occasion as well as an entertaining spectacle. Along with the serious and intricate dances the Lamas also dramatize two absurd comic sequences that make the entire performance a grand and amusing event. On the final evening of Mani Rimdu the villagers join in an all-night Sherpa dance.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1335 meters) .
A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks with the company’s display board will greet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you to your Hotel. (Overnight at Hotel)
Day 02: Fly to Lukla (2810 meters) and trek to Phakding (2610 meters) .
An early morning scenic flight to Lukla (35 minutes) is followed by a leisurely breakfast at Lukla. We meet up with our crew and after a brief introduction and a quick sorting of our daypack and the main bags, our adventure starts. The trail gradually drops into the Dudh Koshi Valley and passes through the lovely Sherpa villages of Chauri Kharka, Cheplung, then undulates through villages of Thado Koshi, Ghat, and finally arrives at Phakding. First views of Kusum Kanguru (6367 meters) can be viewed at Thado Koshi just before a small climb at Thado Koshi. During the day and in most of the other days on the trek, we follow the Dudh Koshi river and pass through couple of suspension bridges and several mani walls, mani stone, chorten, stupas and prayer flags with snow capped mountains in the background. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 meters) .
During the day, we follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross the river several times on the suspension bridges. Views of Thamserku (6623 meters) and the holy mountain Khumbila or Khumbu Yül-Lha (5761 meters) shows themselves for the first time as we trek through small villages of Tok Tok, Ghat, Benkar and Monjo. The trail keeps undulating for the whole morning and enters into the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The path drops down to Jorsalle and steadily follows the river for a while until the start of steep climb with a dramatic suspension bridge (situated at more than 50 meters above the river) joining the two different valley. First glimpse of Everest (8848 meters) with the Lohtse face infront of it can be enjoyed on the midway of the climb through the pine forests, on the way to Namche Bazaar. This famous town in the lap of the Himalayas also offers the best views of the Kongde Range. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 04: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar .
A walk to the twin village of Khunde (3840 meters) and Khumjung (3780 meters) through the Syangboche Airport (3720 meters) is considered as one of the interesting days of the trek. With the benefit of gain in altitude, this day trip also offers a chance to visit a hospital and school started by Sir Edmund Hillary himself. Breathtaking views of Mount Everest (8848 meters), Lohtse (8516 meters) and Ama Dablam (6812 meters) are also an added incentive for the day hike. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 05: Trek to Thyangboche (3860 meters) .
The trek continues on a well maintained path in the morning with towering mountains on almost every direction. After passing a couple of teahouses at Kyangjuma, the path starts to drop down to the river passing small teashops at the villages of Sanasa, Lausasa and finally reaches Phunki Tenga at the bottom of the valley. Yet another suspension bridge helps us to cross the river at Phunki Tenga and then an identical climb to Namche waits. The climb through a thin Rhododenron forests finally ends at Thyanboche. Thyangboche is famous for the Thyangboche Monastery, the biggest and the most important monastery of the region. Thyangboche also offers stunning panoramic views of Everest with the Lohtse face, Ama Dablam (6812 meters), Kangtega (6782 meters) and the Kongde Range. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 06: Thyangboche Mani Rimdu Festival 1st Day .
The day is spent in and around the monastery enjoying Mani Rimdu Festival. (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 07: Thyangboche Mani Rimdu Festival 2nd Day .
The day is spent in and around the monastery enjoying Mani Rimdu Festival. (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 08: Thyangboche Mani Rimdu Festival 3rd Day .
The day is spent in and around the monastery enjoying Mani Rimdu Festival. (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 09: Trek to Dingboche (4220 meters) .
The path drops down passing through some teahouses at Deboche and after a brief period on easy terrain, crosses the Dudh Koshi once again. A small ascend leads to Pangboche, the village with the oldest monastery of the region. The trek continues in the valley and passes small villages of Somare and Hortse. After Hortse, the path drops in and out of a valley and then a steady walk finally ends the day at Dingboche. At Dingboche, views of another snowcapped pinnacle adds to the already impressive list of mountains, as view of Island Peak (6189 meters), one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal, appears in the North. (5-6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 10: Trek to Lobuche (4910 meters) .
After a short climb, the tail continues to gradually ascend for the most part of the morning. After crossing a small river, the trail climbs to Thukla, followed by a steep climb that ends at the top of Thukla Pass (4830 meters). The pass is filled with memorials dedicated to the mountaineers perished in the mountains of Khumbu region and also provides serene views of the mountains responsible for those memorials. An easier walk in the afternoon ends the day at Lobuche. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 11: Trek to Gorakshep (5180 meters) .
An early start leads us into the undulating trail and into the Khumbu Glacier for a while. After getting out of the glacier, the path leads to Gorakhshep (5180 meters). After a brief stop and lunch, the trail again enters the Khumbu Glacier and undulates all the way up to Everest Base Camp. At Base Camp, one can enjoy the close up views of Nuptse (7861 meters), Pumori (7161 meters), Lingtren (6713 meters), Khumbutse (6636 meters), Changtse (7543 meters) and Lho La (6026 meters). We return to Gorakhshep through the same route on the glacier. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 12:Climb Kala Patter (5545 meters) and Trek to Lobuche .
A steep climb to Kala Pattar (2 hours) is rewarded with the proper view of the southwest face of Everest. Kala Pattar is also the highest point of the trek. After returning to Gorakhshep, we return to Lobuche via same route. (3 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 13: Trek to Thyangboche (3860 meters) .
The trail consistently keeps losing height with every hour and enters into the different valley of Pheriche in the morning. The valley is left behind after a brief climb and once again, the trail descends and passes the villages of Hortse, Somare and Pangboche. After Hortse, the trek continues on the same path taken during the way up. The days trek ends at Thyangboche. (7-8 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 14: Trek to Monjo (2835 meters) .
The return trek towards Lukla continues on the previously travelled route taken during the way up. On the way down from Namche, we take a last look at the Everest and merrily continue the trek down to river. The exit from the Sagarmatha National Park and a brief drop leads to the village of Monju and ends the days trek. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 15: Trek to Lukla (2810 meters) .
We trek back to Lukla via same route taken before and end the trek at Lukla. We also bid farewell to our support crew and formally end their trek for them as well. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu .
A 35 minute flight to Kathmandu and a whole day to explore the capital. Further adventure activities like rock climbing, hiking, biking around the Kathmandu valley with bungee jumping, rafting near the valleys can be done on this free day. (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)
Day 17: Free day at Kathmandu .
A leisure day in Kathmandu which can used for an early morning mountain flights to Everest or can extended into further more tours to Chitwan, Lumbini etc. (This is also spare day in case of cancellation of flights) (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)
Day 18: Departure .
A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again in the future. (Breakfast included)
NOTE: ITINERARY CAN BE CUSTOMIZED AT YOUR REQUESTS ACCORDING TO YOUR CONVENIENCE .
Bad weather has been a recurring problem at Lukla in the last few years and caused a lot of trouble with flight cancellations. We would like to strongly suggest you to have some spare days at the end of the trek and also a travel insurance that partially or fully covers the sum of emergency evacuation to catch up the international flights. The problems of bad weather at Lukla and people missing their international flights have been well documented in the last few years.

Includes

Arrivals and departure transport by car (We will collect you from the Kathmandu international airport) and transfer to Hotel.
Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu (Boudhanath and Pasupatinath) with city guide and necessary transport.
3 nights accommodation (2 persons per room) in Kathmandu in a 3* standard Hotel with breakfast.
Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu airfare including airport taxes.
Accommodation and all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) while on trek in normal teahouses.
Salary, insurance, food, accommodation for guides and porters.
A porter to carry your luggage on treks (Per person 15 kilogram luggage).
National Park entry fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
First Aid Kit.
Government taxes and service charge.

Excludes

Nepal entry Visa Fee.
Personal Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Entry fee at the sightseeing sites.
Personal expenses like beverages (mineral water, alcohol, soft drinks), telephone bills, laundry, bar bills, personal tips etc.

Gear List

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG.

Hiking boots
Socks
Trekking trousers / pants
Waterproof overtrousers / rainpants
Baselayer shirts
Casual shirt and/or T-shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jumper/sweater
Waterproof jacket
Sunhat
Warm hat
Sunglasses
Thermal gloves
Warm and waterproof over gloves or mittens
Headtorch/Headlamp with spare bulb and batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 L.
Antibacterial handwash
Small towel
Daypack, 25/30Litres
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag 4 or 5 season * (rated down to – 20ºC)
Warm jacket (down)*

Medical
Small, personal first-aid kit. (Simple and light)
Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
1 skin-blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhea pills
Anti-headache pills
Cough and/or cold medicine
Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
Water purification tablets or water filter
1 set of earplugs
Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies.

Note: Walking pole, down jacket, sleeping bag, etc available on hire in Kathmandu or request we will provide it.

Faqs

How do I know that your company is a legit company?

On the home page of our website, under the section, company profile, all the legal documents are present.

What happens if I have to cancel or postpone my booked trip?

On cancellation, depending on time duration before the cancellation of the trip, cancellation charge will be charged. A trip can be postponed up to a year.

How far in advance can I book?

A trip can be booked as far as one year in advance. We do not book more than one year ahead because of possibility of huge fluctuations in the international exchange rate.

Can I customize trips to make them suite me?

We always try to be flexible with our trips for our client’s convenience. We are open to changes on the trips as long as the proposed itinerary does not harm your own chances of acclimatization on the trips.

Before a trek: What do I need to bring for the trek?

On confirmation of a trek, full lists of required gears would be sent to you or please view our Gear List section on website.

What kind of insurances do I need?

Proper travel insurance is necessary before confirming a trek. At times of emergency cases like evacuation, it will cover your expenses. Make sure to consult with your insurance company about the coverage of the insurance that you have bought.

How do I prepare myself for the physical requirement of the trek?

An average physical fitness should be maintained on prior of booking a trek. Any sort of illness or recent medical problems should be mentioned while booking a trip. Most of our itineraries are prepared to give you a maximum time to acclimatize and pace setting on the treks would be done according to your convenience.

How long will be an average day on the trek?

On average, a day on a trek would be 5-6 hours long. The longest day can be up to 10 hours and 3 hours is the shortest day. It all depends on the region that your are trekking.

How safe are the treks?

Our main objective is your safety. Safety is never compromised and all our guides are properly trained and equipped to take care clients’ safety in even the wildest region of the country.

Is there any arrangement made for emergency while on trekking Tour?

In case of severe sickness or accident (which is least expected), you will be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred for the use of such emergency services, please make sure that your travel insurance covers you for both- medical as well as emergency evacuation costs.

On a trek: How are the food and the logistics on the trek?

All the lodges used on the treks are frequently used and trusted by our company. We take our clients review very seriously and never repeat any lodges with complaints on their food on lodge/ tea house trek. On Camping Trek our trekking cook will provide food cooked in our own camp.

I m a Vegetarian, is that a Problem?

It is not a problem at all because in a mountain tea house / lodges serve vegetarian food as well and our guide well take care at the time and on a camping trek our cook will care well for the vegetarian food.

How is the standard of the lodges that we use on treks?

Most of the lodges in the mountains are quite basic. On few major towns or settlements, when possible we provide the best lodges possible. There are luxury lodges but it’s not included on the standard treks.

What is the stander of gears use on camping trek?

We use stander quality of (Camping Gears) like tents, dining tents, mattress, etc on a camping trek, Also we provide proper warm jacket, trouser, shoes for the porters too.

Will I be able to charge my mobile and camera during the trek?

Lately, most of the teahouses on the trekking routes have electricity. So, charging your gadgets is not a problem at all. However, on some teahouses which run on solar power, you would have to pay additional fee (US$ 1 to 3 approx.), in order to get your gadgets charged.

Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

Now a day’s most of the major village cell phone is work however such a remote place cell phone does not work but land line phone is available. You can use land line Local phone to call to your relatives.

Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?

You can’t use credit card on a trekking unless in a certain luxuries hotel.

Can I use foreign currency in the place I visit in trekking?

Well! You may use foreign currency during the trekking but exchange rate may not meet correct rate as city so we recommended you to take enough Nepali currency from Kathmandu where you can exchange.

What opportunities will I have for shower along the trek?

Most of the place they have shower heated by gas and some places headed by solar so you can have shower paying extra cost. However in Camping trek our staffs will provide hot water in bucket for wash and shower.

What safety measures are in place? What safety equipment do your guides carry with them on trek to deal with sickness/accidents?

In every trekking our guide carries first aid kit with basic requirement tools and some medicine for preventing out in an emergency condition.

Is Visit Himalaya's staff insured?

All our staffs are fully covered by Insurance and high altitude evacuation if necessary.

Do I get refund if trek finished earlier then the schedule?

After conformation your trip we manage our field staff giving them a full wages of the trip duration so you won’t get refunds. If any case you drop from the trip by illness or any case there will be not any refundable.

Do you use yaks/porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?

We provide 2 in sharing porter for carry your gears in Tea house trek (Lodge Trek) and such a demanding camping trek we use Yak, Mules, for carry the loads. Our porter carry 20 to 25 kilograms so we suggest each person‘s good weight 10 to 12 Kilograms. You need to carry your own day pack with your valuable items.

Will there be a place to store items/clothing not required for the trek?

Yes either you can store same hotel as you stayed or we can store your goods with us safely in our office free of cost.

Can I obtain the visa for Nepal upon on arrival at the airport?

Yes you can obtain your Nepal Visa upon arrival in Kathmandu Nepal. More details of Nepal visa please follow the link given. Nepal Visa Information.

How much luggage is allowed on treks?

The luggage must not exceed up to 20 kilos. A trekking helper (porter) carries a baggage of less than 15 kilos. This bag can be received at the end of each day’s trek and you should carry the rest of the weight as a day bag with all your money and valuables inside it.

About Tipping and Suggestion:-

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 25 to USD 900 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs.

The best time to Visit Nepal - October to November:-

October to November also referred as the autumn season, this is the time of the year with the clear blue skies and green and lush valleys, easily making it the best time in the year to visit Nepal. Adding to the weather is also the festive season that falls in these months, Tihar, the festival of lights (also known as the festival of the brothers and sisters) being the highlight of the many festivals. The temperature can be hot in the days with clear sky with no rains and can be very pleasant for the views of the mountains.

December to February:-

December to February it is winter in Nepal in these 3 months in Nepal. High altitude trekking can be unbearable because of the freezing cold, with many treks with high passes being close at this time of the year. This could be easily the best time to visit and do some moderate treks like Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp Trek, Langtang Trek etc if a quiet, peaceful and less people on trails is your priority. The weather remains calm, rainfall is rare during these months and trekking is still very much possible and enjoyable as well.

March to May:-

March to May The spring season falls during this time and is easily the busiest time of the year in some parts, Everest Trekking trail in particular being the busiest region. The days can get really hot, at times temperature crossing 30 degrees Celsius mark but the jungles with blossoming colourful Rhododendrons and other flowers with towering snow capped pinnacles at the background are an absolute delight to watch. March to May, along with October to November are the best months to trek in Nepal.

June to September:-

June to September The worst time to trek in Nepal as heavy rains, floods and landslides are common until mid September. However, places like the Upper Dolpo and upper parts of Mustang are the places to be at this time of the year because of the least rainfall in these areas. Apart from these areas, all other areas are a nuisance to trek during these times because of the rains and the problems like leeches, muddy trails, cancelled flights.

Notes

Trip cost will vary depending on numbers of travelers, duration/days of trek, standard of hotel in Kathmandu before & after the trip. Please contact us to GET a Custom Quote.

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