Mani Rimdu Festival Trekking

Your trip day starts today when you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, you will be received by our representative at the airport. He will be carrying a signboard with our company’s name on it. Then you will be transferred to the tour hotel and checked in. A trip briefing will follow later today, and the time will be notified to you by the representative who picks you up from the airport. We will come to meet and brief you about the trip at the fixed time. Until then, relax or explore a bit of the surroundings.

Take an early morning flight from Kathmandu airport to Lukla. The flight is a scenic Himalayan panoramic flight to the gorgeous mountain town of Lukla, the gateway to the Everest trek. After landing at the Lukla airport, take some time to prepare for the day's walk. Start the trek for the day today to Phakding, a beautiful town on the bank of the Dudhkoshi River. Approximately four hours of gentle walking on the Everest trail takes you to Phakding to spend the night at a tea house.

After breakfast today, we begin our trek uphill towards Namche. Along the way, we traverse a picturesque landscape, passing by Sherpa settlements with yaks, prayer flags, a mani wall, a mani stone, a monastery, and glimpses of the Dudhkoshi River. We crossed suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi to reach Taktoor and Banker villages and then continued to Manjo. After entering the National Park at Jorshale and checking permits, we followed the Dudh Koshi River again. Ascending through zigzag trails and pine forests, we crossed two suspension bridges, including the Hillary Bridge, before reaching Tup Dhara for our first view of Mt. Everest. Finally, we arrived near Namche Bazaar, where we checked for permits, and after half an hour, we went to our guesthouse in Namche, the Sherpa Capital. We explored the town, visited the 80-year-old monastery, and ended the day with some bar hopping and a heartfelt moment lighting a butter lamp in memory of our loved ones.

Today is our rest and easy day, with much to see and do in Namche. We are already 3,440 meters above sea level, so it's important to acclimate to the high-altitude atmosphere. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, then take a 20-minute uphill walk to the Sherpa Museum and Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters office. Here, you can learn about the park's activities, local people and culture, landscape and scenery, the alpine zone, mountains, glaciers, and much more.

Namche is a central hub for many trekking routes in the Everest region, including Gokyo, EBC, Thame, and Chhukung. It's essential to spend time here to acclimate, which you can do by taking uphill hikes to Shyangboche. The Syangboche Airport is the highest in the world. A bit further up is a beautiful Sherpa lodge where you can practice yoga, although it's unavailable year-round. You can enjoy stunning mountain views at the Hotel Everest View while sipping tea or coffee.

Afterwards, hike down to the green valley and the villages of Khumjung and Khunde. Here, you can visit the famous monastery that houses a Yeti's head, a unique and intriguing artefact. The Khunde Hospital, founded by Sir Edmund Hillary, is a testament to the Sherpa people's resilience and their commitment to healthcare. The Hillary School, named after the legendary mountaineer, is a beacon of education in this remote region. After the hike, return to Namche and spend some time exploring this charming town. Although it is a restful and relaxing day, we have plenty to keep us busy today.

After breakfast in Namche Bazaar, the trek begins with a short 10–15 minute uphill walk followed by a well-paved trail that contours the hillside. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The route leads to Kyangjuma and Sanasa, then steadily descends through Laushasa before reaching Phunki Tenga, a riverside village with teahouses, ideal for Lunch or a short break.

Crossing a suspension bridge, we continue with a steady ascent through lush rhododendron and pine forests, often home to Himalayan wildlife and colourful birds. The climb rewards you with the arrival at Tengboche, a serene monastic village on the Everest Base Camp trail. Here, you can visit the iconic Tengboche Monastery, immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhist culture, and take in the peaceful mountain setting. Overnight at Tangboche.

Mani Rimdu Festival is scheduled to be celebrated on November 5,6, and 7, 2025, at Tengboche Monastery. Attend the Mani Rimdu Festival (The Empowerment/Wong) – Overnight in Tengboche

Today marks the opening day of the public celebration of the Mani Rimdu Festival, known as The Empowerment (Wong). Held on the full moon of the tenth Tibetan lunar month, this sacred ceremony takes place at Tengboche Monastery. The monks distribute Mani Rilwu (sacred pills) and Tshereel (long-life pills) to all attendees, offering blessings for health, peace, and prosperity. You’ll experience the spiritual atmosphere as masked dances, chanting, and symbolic rituals unfold, representing the victory of Buddhism over opposing forces. This unique cultural event offers a deep connection to Sherpa traditions amidst the breathtaking scenery of Everest, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding peaks. After an inspiring day, enjoy a peaceful evening and stay overnight at a lodge in Tengboche.

On the second public day of the Mani Rimdu Festival, the sacred Chham dances take centre stage at Tengboche Monastery. These elaborate masked performances symbolise the triumph of positive forces over chaos and ignorance. Through the dances, symbolic demons are either conquered, driven away, or transformed into protectors of the Dharma. Rich in meaning, the Chham conveys Buddhist teachings on multiple levels—ranging from simple moral lessons to profound philosophical truths. During the performance, monks are believed to embody divine beings, channelling blessings to the audience and the land. Deeply sacred and performed only during Mani Rimdu, these dances are far more than entertainment—they are an act of spiritual devotion and cultural preservation in the heart of the Himalayas.

On the second public day of the Mani Rimdu Festival, the sacred Chham dances take centre stage at Tengboche Monastery. These elaborate masked performances symbolise the triumph of positive forces over chaos and ignorance. Through the dances, symbolic demons are either conquered, driven away, or transformed into protectors of the Dharma. Rich in meaning, the Chham conveys Buddhist teachings on multiple levels—ranging from simple moral lessons to profound philosophical truths. During the performance, monks are believed to embody divine beings, channelling blessings to the audience and the land. Deeply sacred and performed only during Mani Rimdu, these dances are far more than entertainment—they are an act of spiritual devotion and cultural preservation in the heart of the Himalayas.

On the final public day of the Mani Rimdu Festival, the sacred Fire Puja (Jinsak) is performed in the monastery courtyard. This powerful ritual is an offering to Agni, the god of fire, and the deities of the mandala, seeking to dispel negativity, obstacles, and harm from the world. Monks visualise all misfortunes dissolving into grains, which are then offered into the fire with butter, symbolising purification and renewal. After the puja, the intricate sand mandala, painstakingly created during the festival, is ceremonially dismantled. The sand is then offered to the serpent gods (Nagas) in nearby water sources, symbolising the impermanence of life and the return of blessings to nature. This marks the spiritual closing of Mani Rimdu.

Start your day by enjoying the breathtaking morning views in Tengboche before having breakfast. Begin your trek continuously through the rhododendron and pine forests, reaching Phunki Tenga. From there, take a steep uphill climb through Chhorkung and Sanasa before reaching Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the vibrant Sherpa capital and a beautiful mountain village in the Everest region.

Stop for lunch in Namche while enjoying stunning views of Kongde Peak. After lunch, continue your trek steadily through a scenic pine forest. Cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge, one of the highest and longest bridges in the region over Imjakhola, and continue trekking toward Jorsalle (2,740m). You must show your Sagarmatha National Park Permit and TIMS card upon arrival at Jorsalle. The steep trail from Tangboche to Phugitanga and from Namche to Manjo (2,835 m) can be challenging on the knees. Enjoy a well-earned rest and overnight stay in Manjoo.

After breakfast in Monjo, we begin our final trekking day, following the Dudh Koshi River downstream. The trail passes through picturesque Sherpa villages, suspension bridges adorned with colourful prayer flags, and tranquil pine forests. We walk past Banker, where sacred Buddhist mantras “Om Mani Padme Hum” are carved into stones, and admire a beautiful twin waterfall before continuing through Toktok and crossing another bridge to Phakding.

From here, the path leads through Ghat, Thadokoshi, and Chheplung, surrounded by lush greenery. We then reach the Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate, marking our arrival back in Lukla. In the evening, we bid farewell to our porters, enjoy a hearty celebration dinner, and cherish memories of our Ama Dablam Base Camp adventure.

After a hot breakfast in Lukla, take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, though flight schedules in the Himalayas depend heavily on weather conditions. During peak trekking season, flights often operate between Lukla and Ramechhap. In this case, our driver will meet you at Ramechhap Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu, which takes around a four-hour scenic drive. 

In the off-season, you can usually fly directly from Lukla to Kathmandu, where our guide will escort you to your hotel.

It’s wise to keep one buffer day in your itinerary in case of weather delays.

After arrival, you’ll have the afternoon free to relax at your hotel or explore the city. In the evening, we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner with a cultural dance to celebrate the successful completion of the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek.  

Here, we bid farewell to our porters, share a celebratory dinner, and reflect on the success of our Ama Dablam Base Camp adventure. Overnight stay in Lukla.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have the morning free to enjoy a relaxed breakfast or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs. When it’s time to leave, our representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.

As you board your flight and say goodbye to Nepal, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of the majestic Himalayas, the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people, and your incredible trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp. This journey will remain a cherished experience, inspiring you long after you return home.