Mani Rimdu Festival Trekking, 12 Days | November 2024
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Mani Rimdu Festival Trekking, 12 Days | November 2024

Days: 12 / Difficulty: 2 of 5 (Moderate)
Min Group Size: 1 / Max Group Size: 14

Mani Rimdu Festival is a three-day affair on October's or November's full moon which is carried out in the high elevation in the monastery of Tengboche in the Everest region. Every year, a Buddhist Dance Drama is performed by the monks of Tengboche Monastery, the most sacred monastery of Everest region. Sherpas and cultural enthusiasts from all over the world flock into the monastery during Mani Rimdu Festival to celebrate Buddhism and also to understand the culture. Enjoying the masked dances with a panoramic view of Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7855m), Ama Dablam (6812m), Kongde Himal (6200m), and Thamserku (6430m) makes Mani Rimdu Festival Trek a satiating journey. 

Mani Rimdu Festival Trek in Nepal starts from the capital city after you arrive in the international airport and fly to Lukla. Lukla features one of the most thrilling airports to land on. Trekking through Phakding, the trail reaches Namche Bazaar, the commercial hub for locals and trekkers. As an acclimatization hike, you visit Khumjung village and get to have a look at the Skull of Yeti inside the Monastery. Khumjung is also one of the larger Sherpa villages in the Everest region. You then trek towards your destination, that is, Tengboche village. In Tengboche, you will enjoy three days of Mani Rimdu Festival, each day equally important and equally vivid. The preparations of the festival include The Sand Mandala, The Empowerment, The Fire Puja, and Mask Dance. It is an out of this world experience to watch the monks of Tengboche Monastery perform the masked dance to the deities of Buddhism. Originated from Tibet's Rongbuk Monastery, on the northern side of Mount Everest, Mani Rimdu portrays the victory of Buddhism over the earlier Bon religion. After such wonderful experience, we retrace our way back to Namche Bazaar and then to Lukla.

Swiss Family Treks and Expedition understands your hunger to grasp the beauties in the Himalayan country hence offering you Mani Rimdu Festival Trekking. For this specific trek, we provide you with English speaking guide who is a local of the Everest region and has ample knowledge about the festival to make sure none of your queries go unanswered. We also provide you with the best accommodation services available during the trek. Kindly, note that you should check-in for all the domestic flights at least one hour prior to the flight schedule, and also understand that the flights are subject to delay.

Important Notice for domestic flight to and from Lukla
Due to avoid air traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport and for smooth flights operation, the Lukla flights shall be operated from Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport effective from Spring (April 1, to May 31, 2024) and Autumn (October 1, to November 30, 2024)

In this matter, you need 1 buffer day to manage all transfer to and from Manthali Airport. We would like to suggest you for driving to Mulkot which is 3 hours driving away from Kathmandu and spend a night there at a hotel, then next morning an hour of driving brings you at Manthali Airport to catch the flights to Lukla. On return, you can fly to Manthali Airport and same day drive back to Kathmandu.

Booking open now: Join with us on a Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery in 2024.

Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery
Dates: 15th, 16th, 17th November 2024

Mani Rimdu Festival at Chiwong Monastery
Dates: 15th, 16th, 17th November 2024

Mani Rimdu Festival at Thame Monastery 
Dates: 18th, 19th, 20th May 2024


Fact of the Trek

Trek Region
Everest Region
Type of Trek
Private and Group Trip
Duration
12 Days
Highest Elevation
3,880 m (12,730 ft)
Grade
Moderate
Meals
Full board during the trek
Accomodations
4* Hotel in Kathmandu & Lodge during the trek
Best Season
Autumn (Oct-Nov))
Transportation by
Domestic flight and private vehicle

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Explore Details

Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1338m

Welcome to Nepal. Our representatives will be waiting for you at the arrival section of Tribhuvan International Airport. You will be greeted and taken to the hotel. Enjoy your evening resting or strolling around the nearest markets. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla 2840m/35 minutes and trek to Phakding 2610m/3-4 hours
After breakfast, we drive to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport for our flight to Lukla. The flight is of 40 minutes from which magnificent lush hills and snowcapped peaks can be seen. We arrive at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. This is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. In Lukla, we will meet the rest of our staff members and start the amazing trek to Phakding. Just to acclimatize, we do a short walk today. Overnight at a lodge in Phakding.

Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3440m/5-6 hours
We start walking through the thick forest of pine and oak alongside Dudh Koshi River. After moving further, we start to get the glimpses of Mt Thamserku (6623m) on our right side. Continue through the pine, fir and juniper forests, cross suspension bridges, and finally reach Namche Bazaar, a commercial center of the Everest region. Also known as the Gateway to Everest, Namche Bazaar hosts a stunning panorama of Mt Everest (8848m). Overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Day 04: Acclimatization Day - hike to Hotel Everest View
Today, we ascend to Everest View Hotel for an amazing 360-degree view of the snowy peaks. Then, we descend to Khumjung village to visit the monastery and Khumjung (Hillary) School. Inside Khumjung Monastery, you can have a look at the Skull of the Yeti. Khumjung is also one of the larger Sherpa villages in this region. We continue to walk to Khunde village and visit the old monastery and Khunde Hospital there. We return to our lodge in Namche via Syangboche village. Overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Day 05: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 3860m/4-5 hours
The trail ascends till Kyangjuma village and then it descends to the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River. We can see a chain of attractive water driven prayer wheels. Then, we will stop to have lunch in Phunke Tenga. The ascending trail alongside Imja Khola leads us to Tengboche village. We can visit the ancient monastery of Tengboche in the evening. Witness the amazing views of the snowy peaks, sunrise/sunset in the morning and evening is a surreal view. Overnight at a lodge in Tengboche.

Day 06: In Tengboche - Mani Rimdu Festival: first day
The first day of Mani Rimdu Festival is marked by the construction of Sand Mandala and Wong. Colored sand is used to build complex and representative design. The sharp defensive weapons referring to the divinities are kept surrounding the Mandala. The container of Mani Rilwu pills which is regarded as spiritual medicine is placed in the center. The Mandala symbolizes the palace of the lord of dance, Chenpo. The statue of the Buddha of Kindness is the most important for Mani Rimdu. The mantras are chanted, and during meditation, they believe kindness flows in the form of the mantra, into the Mandala and the Mani Rilwu pills. Kindness is released out from the Mandala, blessing those who attend the Mani Rimdu festival. Overnight at a lodge in Tengboche.

Day 07: In Tengboche - Mani Rimdu Festival: second day
The dances are shown on the 2nd day of Mani Rimdu. Triumph over the symbolic demons is shown in the dance. As the theme of the dance, positive energies fight with the demons through the dances. The dances carry Buddhist teaching on many levels from the simplest to the most metaphysical state. During the dance, the monks are believed to enter a state of trance and become a godlike being. The dances are only performed during Mani Rimdu because they are considered to be very sacred hence cannot be performed for ordinary entertainment purposes. Overnight at a lodge in Tengboche.

Day 08: In Tengboche - Mani Rimdu Festival: third day
The last day of the festival is the Fire Puja. The Fire Puja is done in the yard the day after the dances. The Fire Puja is a gift to Agni (the god of fire), and to the Gods of the Mandala to dispel all harm in the world. The harm is envisioned as dissolving into the grain and butter being burned. Afterward, the sand Mandala in the temple is dismantled to pieces, and the sand is given as an offering to the Snake Gods (Nagas). With this, the exciting festival of Mani Rimdu comes to an end. Overnight at a lodge in Tengboche.

Day 09: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar 3440m/4-5 hours
The trail from Tengboche is downward with a few sharp climbs uphill for an hour from the bridge at Phunke Tenga, near to Sanasha. The walk to Namche is very charming on a long windy track. Passing through the traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde, an attractive and pleasant walk leads us to Namche. Overnight at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Day 10: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2840m/6-7 hours
Leave Namche Bazaar and descend through pine trees. We arrive at the confluence of Bhote Koshi River and Imja River at Larja Dobhan. Then, following Bhote Koshi River downstream we reach Jorsalle to exit Sagarmatha National Park. Still walking by Bhote Koshi River past several Sherpa villages and through rhododendron and magnolia forest, we arrive in Lukla. Overnight at a lodge in Lukla.

Day 11: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu 35 minutes
On the picturesque 40 minutes flight back to Kathmandu, you’ll relive a last sight of the snowy peaks. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred back to the hotel. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 12: Final Departure from Kathmandu
We shall drop you at the airport before the scheduled time of your departure. Farewell, and we hope to see you again!

Important Notice for domestic flight to and from Lukla
Due to avoid air traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport and for smooth flights operation, the Lukla flights shall be operated from Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport effective from Spring (April 1, to May 31, 2024) and Autumn (October 1, to November 30, 2024)

In this matter, you need 1 buffer day to manage all transfer to and from Manthali Airport. We would like to suggest you for driving to Mulkot which is 3 hours driving away from Kathmandu and spend a night there at a hotel, then next morning an hour of driving brings you at Manthali Airport to catch the flights to Lukla. On return, you can fly to Manthali Airport and same day drive back to Kathmandu.

Pricing for Group Size Basis: (Private and Group Trip)
All inclusive Trek Price for single/individual trekker; USD 1825
All inclusive Trek Price for 2 trekkers basis; USD 1660 per person
All inclusive Trek Price for 3 trekkers basis; USD 1550 per person
All inclusive Trek Price for 4 trekkers basis; USD 1465 per person

Booking open now: Join with us on a Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery in 2024/2025.

Customize Your Trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de

Important: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Price starts from/Adult Status *
USD 1,465
EUR 1.366
SFr 1.355
GBP 1.143
AUD 2.183
CAD 1.948
Trip is available
* Dates can be flexible, please contact us for individual dates.

Our Trek Package Cost includes:
* Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van.
* 2 nights deluxe accommodation in single/double/twin bed sharing basis with breakfast at 4* Hotel Kathmandu Guest House in Kathmandu.
* Round Trip flight ticket from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu and airport tax.
* Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot/cold filter water during the trek.
* Lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
* 1 experienced, helpful and friendly English speaking guide, porters (1 porter for 2 peoples), their food & accommodation, salary, equipment & insurance.
* Down Sleeping Bag (Minus 20-30 Degree Celsius), Duffel Bag, LifeStraw Water Filter for drinking water, trekking map.
* All the ground transportation by private vehicle.
* Sagarmatha National Park Permit.
* All necessary permits.
* First Aid Medical Kit box.
* Office Service charge.
* All Government Tax.



Our Trek Package Cost doesn't include:
* Any meals (Lunch and Dinner) in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance.
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, Internet, Battery Charging, Hot Shower.
* Personal Trekking Equipment like jackets (can all be hired in KTM).
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters due to natural calamities during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...
                                                     Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.


Mani Rimdu Festival Trekking, 12 Days | November 2024


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Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH, Switzerland
Swiss Himalayan Family Treks & Expedition P. Ltd

Address
Ganeshtan-6, Pharping Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone +977 4710390
Cell +977 9803200543 Stephan
Cell +977 9849193453 Ashta
Email snftnepal@yahoo.de

  • Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Lodge Trek 13 Days, 24 Oct to 05 Nov 2012

Sehr geehrter Herr Kocher,
Ausser dass die Wanderschuhe meiner Frau schon am ersten Tag kaputt gingen, hat alles - auch Dank des Guides und Trägers - wunderbar geklappt. Obwohl wir oft die doppelte Zeit für die Tagesetappen benötigt haben, waren wir am Ende stolz unser Ziel erreicht zu haben. Die Tage beim Mani Rimdu Festival in Tengboche waren sehr schön. In Tengboche haben wir auch Adler am Himmel gesehen und auf dem Weg von Tengboche zurück nach Namche haben wir einen Himalayan Glanzfasan beobachtet. Hatten wunderbare Tage in Nepal. Möchten uns bei Ihnen bedanken, dass Sie trotz der Kürze der Zeit alles so gut organisieren konnten. Habe ca. 350 Fotos beim Trekking gemacht. Wenn Sie welche in Ihrer Bildergalerie veröffentlichen möchten, könnte ich für Sie die besten aussuchen und Ihnen zukommen lassen. Mit der Veröffentlichung unserer positiven Rückmeldung sind wir ohne unsere E-Mailadresse und mit abgekürztem Nachnamen einverstanden. Bitte um Miteilung, wenn Sie daran interessiert sind.
Mit freundlichen Grüssen und alles Gute für die Zukunft
Helmut und Gabriele E.
2 Adults
Germany

  • Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Lodge Trek 12 Days, 1 November to 12 November 2014

Dear Stephan,
In November 2014, my partner and I (who are Canadian) enjoyed an amazing trek up to Tengboche, Nepal for the annual Mani Rimdu festival. Swiss Family Treks made all the difference in our experience while traveling Nepal. From the moment I first emailed them to inquire about the trek, they were quick to respond and extremely helpful. I am so happy I stumbled across the company website while researching for our trip!
When we finally landed in Nepal, a company representative was right there to greet us (bottled water in hand...exactly what we needed after such a long flight!). They picked us up from the airport and off we went to start our adventure! Lee and I had planned for a day of bungee jumping and also the 11 day Mani Rimdu trek.  Swiss Family had everything prepared for us including tickets, schedules, and an overview of tips and customs of the Nepali people (they thought of just about everything!).
The hotel they booked in Thamel was clean, staffs were friendly and it was in the perfect location. A company representative was also always on hand when they said they would be (like our 6am wake up call to head out for our bungee jumps, or when we needed to head back to the airport for a short domestic flight to Lukla).
We couldn't have been any happier with our porter and guide on our trek. Sonam (our guide) was an amazing gentleman; he was very knowledgeable about the mountains, the country and the sherpa people, a great person to talk to during our long trekking days. He was very punctual (as was our porter), and cared very much about our health and safety during our time with him (especially when I came down with abit of AMS).  He also worked very hard at finding us tea houses with the best views of Mt Everest, and scooped up extra blankets for us as soon as we arrived, very thoughtful of him!
During our last few days in Kathmandu, we decided to do a last minute tour of some popular sites in the city. Swiss Family quickly organized (with in an hour) a driver just for us for an entire afternoon (for an amazing price too!). The driver was great, a young energetic man excited to tell us all about the sites and Buddhist and Hindu culture (even though he was just suppose to drive us, what a bonus!)
Thank you Swiss Family Treks (Stephan, and all the staff, guides and porters) for being so fantastic! We truly enjoyed our time spent in Nepal and would highly recommend your company to anyone who plans on visiting!
Many greetings from Canada,
Nicole & Lee

Please have a look what our clients saying about their trip with us in our Testimonials in website and Tripadvisor Reviews.