A bespoke trekking in nepal adventure.
The Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek is a unique Trekking in Nepal adventure specially designed to experience the world-famous Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery while exploring authentic Sherpa villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and the spectacular Himalayan landscapes of the Everest Region Trekking destination. This carefully planned 10-day fixed-departure itinerary takes place only once each year, offering a rare opportunity to witness one of the Himalayas' most important Buddhist festivals while enjoying breathtaking mountain scenery and authentic Sherpa culture. Learn more about the celebration, history, and travel tips in our Mani Rimdu Festival Guide.
Beginning with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla, the trek follows the classic Everest trail to Namche Bazaar, allowing time for gradual acclimatization and visits to the traditional Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde. The route continues through the peaceful village of Phortse before visiting the historic Pangboche Monastery and arriving at Tengboche Monastery in time for the Mani Rimdu Festival celebrations. Along the journey, trekkers enjoy magnificent views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kongde Ri, and many other Himalayan peaks while trekking through the breathtaking landscapes of Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Unlike standard festival tours that travel directly to Tengboche, the Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek combines rewarding Himalayan trekking with meaningful cultural experiences. Arriving before the main celebrations allows you to fully appreciate the spiritual atmosphere, sacred masked dances, colorful ceremonies, traditional rituals, and centuries-old Buddhist practices that make the Mani Rimdu Festival one of Nepal's most remarkable cultural events. Throughout the journey, you'll also experience the warm hospitality, traditions, and mountain lifestyle of the Sherpa people.
With more than 35 years of Himalayan experience, Mountain King Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. professionally organizes the Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek Nepal with experienced local guides, reliable logistics, comfortable mountain lodge accommodation, and personalized service. Continue below to explore the upcoming fixed departure dates, detailed itinerary, trip facts, accommodation, permits, best trekking season, and everything you need to prepare for this unforgettable Himalayan cultural adventure.
Upcoming Fixed Departure Schedule
2026 Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek Nepal
- Departure from Kathmandu: Sunday, 18 October 2026
- Mani Rimdu Festival: Monday–Wednesday, 26–28 October 2026
- Return to Kathmandu: Thursday, 29 October 2026
- Status: Open for Booking
2027 Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek Nepal
- Departure from Kathmandu: To Be Announced
- Mani Rimdu Festival: Official dates to be announced
- Return to Kathmandu: To Be Announced
- Status: Early Booking Open
Trip Facts
- Trip Name: Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek
- Duration: 10 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
- Trip Type: Cultural & Lodge Trekking Holiday
- Destination: Everest (Khumbu) Region, Nepal
- Maximum Altitude: 3,985m / 13,074ft (Pangboche)
- Mani Rimdu Festival Venue: Tengboche Monastery (3,860m / 12,664ft)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Accommodation: Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu (optional) & Mountain Teahouses
- Meals: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) During the Trek
- Transportation: Domestic Flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
- Guide: Experienced English-Speaking Trekking Guide
- Porter: 1 Porter for Every 2 Trekkers
- Group Size: 2–20 Participants
- Best Season: October–November (Festival Departure)
- Start / End Point: Kathmandu
- Festival Type: Fixed Annual Departure
- Customization: Private departures and customized itineraries available upon request.
Short Itinerary – Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek
Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m) and trek to Phakding (2,610m) – 3 hours
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 6–7 hours
Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar with an optional hike to Everest View Hotel, Khumjung, and Khunde villages
Day 4: Trek to Phortse (3,810m) – 5–6 hours
Day 5: Trek to Pangboche (3,985m), visit the historic Pangboche Monastery, then continue to Tengboche (3,860m) – 5– 6 Hours
Day 6: Experience the first day of the Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery
Day 7: Experience the second day of the Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery
Day 8: Experience the final day of the Mani Rimdu Festival, then trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 3 Hours
Day 9: Trek to Lukla (2,860m) – 6–7 hours
Day 10: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu and enjoy a farewell dinner with a traditional Nepali cultural program
Why Choose the Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek?
The Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek offers a rare opportunity to combine one of Nepal's most spectacular Himalayan trekking experiences with the world-famous Mani Rimdu Festival, a sacred Buddhist celebration held only once each year at Tengboche Monastery. Unlike standard Everest trekking itineraries, this carefully designed route follows a gradual trail through traditional Sherpa villages, allowing time for comfortable acclimatization and meaningful cultural experiences before the festival begins.
This journey is perfect for travelers seeking more than mountain scenery. Along the way, you'll experience authentic Sherpa hospitality, visit centuries-old monasteries, explore peaceful Himalayan villages, and witness colorful masked dances, ancient Buddhist ceremonies, and spiritual traditions surrounded by breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and the spectacular peaks of the Khumbu region.
Accommodation & Food
The Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek combines comfortable mountain teahouse accommodation with authentic Himalayan hospitality throughout the journey. Lodges provide clean twin-sharing rooms, welcoming dining halls, and a warm atmosphere where trekkers can relax after each day's walk while experiencing the traditional lifestyle of the Everest region.
Meals are freshly prepared by local teahouses and include a variety of Nepali, Sherpa, Tibetan, and international dishes such as dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, soups, potatoes, eggs, pasta, bread, pancakes, tea, and coffee. For more information about accommodation, daily trekking life, and food in the Himalayas, explore our Nepal Tea House Trekking Guide and Nepal Trekking Accommodation & Food Guide
Difficulty & Altitude
The Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek is a moderate Himalayan trekking adventure suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Although the trek does not reach Everest Base Camp, it still involves several days of mountain walking at elevations above 3,000 meters, with the highest overnight stay at Pangboche (3,985m) before continuing to Tengboche for the festival.
A gradual itinerary, two nights in Namche Bazaar, and steady daily walking help ensure comfortable acclimatization. Before your trek, we recommend reading our Nepal Trekking Difficulty Guide, Altitude Sickness in Nepal Guide, and Nepal Trekking Safety Guide for practical advice on preparing for a safe and enjoyable Himalayan adventure.
Permits & Entry Fees
The Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek requires the same permits as other lodge treks in the Khumbu region. Your package includes the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, both arranged by Mountain King Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. before the trek begins.
These permits provide access to the Everest region while supporting conservation, trail maintenance, and local community development. For more information about trekking permits, national park fees, and restricted area regulations throughout Nepal, explore our Nepal Trekking Permit Guide.
Best Time to Trek
The Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek is operated as a fixed annual departure to coincide with the world-famous Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery. The festival takes place during Nepal's autumn trekking season, when stable weather, comfortable daytime temperatures, clear mountain views, and excellent trail conditions create ideal conditions for trekking in the Everest region.
If you'd like to learn more about autumn weather and trekking conditions in Nepal, explore our Nepal Weather Guide.
Transportation to the Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek
The Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek begins with a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the main gateway to the Everest region. During busy trekking seasons, flights may operate from Ramechhap Airport to improve flight reliability and manage air traffic. Our team arranges all required transportation according to your itinerary, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to your Himalayan adventure.
For more information about domestic flights, road transportation, and travel logistics in Nepal, explore our Nepal Transportation Guide.
Responsible Trekking in the Everest Region
Responsible trekking helps protect the fragile Himalayan environment while preserving the unique Sherpa culture, traditions, and Buddhist heritage of the Everest region. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, monasteries, religious ceremonies, and sacred sites, reduce plastic waste, stay on designated trails, and support locally owned teahouses, guides, and businesses throughout the journey.
To learn more about sustainable travel practices, visit our Responsible Tourism in Nepal Guide. If you'd like to discover more about Sherpa history, traditions, monasteries, and everyday life in the Khumbu region, explore our Everest Sherpa Culture Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need previous trekking experience for the Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek?
Previous trekking experience is not essential, but a good level of physical fitness and regular walking before your trip will help you enjoy the journey. This is a moderate lodge trek with gradual acclimatization, making it suitable for most active travelers.
2. Can I join the trek as a private trip?
Yes. In addition to our annual fixed departure, the Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek can also be arranged as a private trek for individuals, couples, families, or small groups. We can customize the itinerary before or after the festival according to your travel plans.
3. What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?
You'll stay in comfortable locally operated mountain teahouses with twin-sharing rooms throughout the trek. The lodges offer warm hospitality, freshly prepared meals, and a genuine Sherpa mountain experience.
4. When is the best time to join the Mani Rimdu Festival Trek?
This trek operates during the annual Mani Rimdu Festival, which is celebrated each autumn at Tengboche Monastery. Our fixed departure dates are carefully planned to allow you to experience all three days of the public festival while enjoying a gradual and comfortable trekking itinerary.
5. Where can I learn more about planning and preparing for the Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek?
For more detailed information about the Everest Mani Rimdu Festival, including the route, accommodation, permits, equipment, weather, and travel preparation, explore our Mani Rimdu Festival Guide. You can also find practical travel advice in our Nepal Travel Planning Guide, Nepal Travel Information Guide, and Nepal Trip Preparation Guide. If you have additional questions about traveling in Nepal, visit our Nepal Travel FAQs.
Book Your Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek Nepal
Join one of Nepal's most extraordinary Himalayan cultural journeys and experience the world-famous Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery. Whether you're joining our annual fixed departure or arranging a private festival trek, our experienced local team is here to help you prepare for a memorable adventure in the Everest region.
From domestic flights and trekking permits to experienced guides, comfortable teahouse accommodation, and complete trekking logistics, we'll ensure every detail is professionally arranged so you can enjoy this unique Himalayan festival with confidence.
Contact Us
Have questions about the itinerary, fixed departure dates, permits, accommodation, transportation, or trekking preparation? Contact our experienced local team for expert advice and personalized assistance.
WhatsApp / Call: +977-9841566449
Email: info@mountainkingtrek.com
Plan Your Trip
Need a private departure, additional hotel nights, airport transfers, or a customized Everest itinerary before or after the festival? We'll help you tailor your trip to match your travel plans while providing professional local support throughout your journey.
What makes this special.
- Experience the world-famous Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery, one of the Himalayas' most important Buddhist celebrations.
- Witness sacred masked dances, Buddhist ceremonies, traditional music, and ancient monastic rituals during the three-day public festival.
- Follow a carefully designed itinerary that arrives at Tengboche before the main festival celebrations.
- Enjoy a gradual trek through authentic Sherpa villages, including Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Phortse, Pangboche, and Tengboche.
- Spend two nights in Namche Bazaar for comfortable acclimatization and cultural exploration.
- Visit the historic Pangboche Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Everest region.
- Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kongde Ri, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Experience traditional Sherpa hospitality while staying in comfortable mountain teahouses.
- Scenic mountain flights between Kathmandu and Lukla with unforgettable Himalayan views.
- Full-board lodge trek with experienced local trekking guides, porter support, and professional logistics throughout the journey.
- Fixed annual departure designed to provide the complete Mani Rimdu Festival experience in the heart of the Everest region.
Your itinerary.
Your Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek begins with an early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. During the spectacular flight, enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan range before landing at one of the world's most famous mountain airstrips. After meeting your trekking crew and organizing your luggage, begin a gentle trek through traditional Sherpa villages, crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River before reaching the peaceful village of Phakding.
The relatively easy first day allows your body to gradually adjust to the mountain environment while introducing you to the beautiful scenery, Buddhist culture, and warm Sherpa hospitality of the Khumbu region.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (LD)
Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Phakding
After breakfast, continue trekking alongside the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several impressive suspension bridges decorated with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. The trail passes through small Sherpa settlements before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where your trekking permits are checked. The final climb to Namche Bazaar is rewarding, and on a clear day you'll enjoy your first magnificent views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Namche Bazaar is the commercial and cultural center of the Everest region, offering traditional markets, cafés, mountain lodges, and stunning mountain scenery. After arriving, relax and enjoy your first evening in this vibrant Sherpa town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (BLD)
Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Today is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust comfortably to the increasing altitude. After breakfast, enjoy a rewarding hike to the famous Everest View Hotel, one of the world's highest luxury hotels, where spectacular panoramic views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and many other Himalayan peaks await.
The walk continues to the traditional Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde, where you can visit the historic Khumjung Monastery, Hillary School, and experience authentic Sherpa culture before returning to Namche Bazaar for another comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (BLD)
Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Leaving the busy Everest Base Camp trail behind, today's journey follows a quieter and more scenic route toward the beautiful Sherpa village of Phortse. The trail offers magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, and the surrounding Himalayan landscape while passing through peaceful forests, yak pastures, and traditional mountain settlements.
Phortse is one of the most authentic villages in the Khumbu region, renowned for its mountaineering heritage and traditional Sherpa lifestyle. The peaceful atmosphere provides an excellent opportunity to experience everyday life in the Himalayas away from the main trekking crowds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (BLD)
Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Phortse
After breakfast, follow a scenic trail to Pangboche, one of the oldest Sherpa villages in the Everest region. After lunch, visit the historic Pangboche Monastery, renowned for its centuries-old Buddhist traditions and spiritual importance. Later, continue for approximately one hour to Tengboche, home to the region's most famous monastery and the venue of the annual Mani Rimdu Festival.
Arriving before the festival begins gives you time to settle into the peaceful monastery surroundings, observe preparations for the upcoming celebrations, and enjoy breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (BLD)
Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Tengboche
Today is dedicated to experiencing the opening day of the world-famous Mani Rimdu Festival, one of the most important Buddhist celebrations in the Everest region. Held at the historic Tengboche Monastery, the festival brings together monks, Sherpa communities, and visitors to witness sacred prayers, colorful rituals, and traditional religious ceremonies in a truly unforgettable Himalayan setting.
Spend the day exploring the monastery grounds, observing the spiritual atmosphere, and enjoying magnificent views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and surrounding Himalayan peaks. This unique cultural experience offers a rare opportunity to witness centuries-old Buddhist traditions that continue to thrive in the Khumbu region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (BLD)
Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Tengboche
Today you will continue enjoying the vibrant celebrations of the Mani Rimdu Festival. The monastery comes alive with spectacular masked dances, traditional music, sacred rituals, and Buddhist ceremonies performed by resident monks wearing beautifully decorated ceremonial costumes. These symbolic performances represent the victory of wisdom and compassion over negative forces according to Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Take time to interact with local Sherpa families, photographers, and pilgrims who gather from across the Everest region to celebrate this special annual event, creating one of Nepal's most remarkable cultural experiences.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (BLD)
Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Tengboche
Enjoy the final morning of the Mani Rimdu Festival before bidding farewell to Tengboche Monastery. After witnessing the closing ceremonies and soaking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere, begin the descent through beautiful rhododendron forests toward Namche Bazaar.
The trail offers excellent views of Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, and the Dudh Koshi Valley while providing a relaxing downhill walk after several memorable festival days. Upon arrival, enjoy your final evening in the vibrant Sherpa capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (BLD)
After breakfast, begin your final trekking day by descending through Monjo, Jorsalle, and Phakding before making the gentle climb back to Lukla. Along the way, enjoy your last views of the Everest region, cross the familiar suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, and reflect on the unforgettable cultural and spiritual experiences of the Mani Rimdu Festival.
After arriving in Lukla, celebrate the successful completion of your Himalayan adventure with your trekking crew before preparing for tomorrow's return flight to Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (BLD)
Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Lukla
This morning, take an early scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, enjoying one final aerial view of the magnificent Himalayas. Upon arrival, the trek concludes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Everest region, authentic Sherpa culture, and the sacred Mani Rimdu Festival.
In the evening, join us for a special farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine accompanied by a colorful cultural dance performance. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of your journey and share your experiences before continuing your travels or departing Nepal.
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Trip Ends in Kathmandu
Trip includes
- Private ground transportation required during the trek program in Kathmandu
- Scenic domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla (both ways)
- Experienced, licensed, and professional English-speaking trekking guide
- Required number of porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) with meals, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment
- All necessary trekking permits, including the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- Full-board meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner at mountain teahouses
- One main course with a cup of tea or coffee served with each meal during the trek
- Comfortable teahouse and lodge accommodation throughout the trekking period
- Seasonal fresh fruits served every morning and evening during the trek
- Energy support before starting each trekking day with power bars (such as Mars, Snickers, or similar energy bars)
- First aid medical kit carried by the trekking guide for emergency support
- Professional trekking planning, logistics, and necessary support throughout the journey
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with a traditional Nepali cultural program
- Government taxes and official service charges
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu (available upon request)
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu before or after the trek (available upon request)
- Meals in Kathmandu before and after the trek unless otherwise stated
- Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation, medical expenses, and trip cancellation
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing, including trekking boots, jackets, sleeping bags, and backpacks
- Personal expenses such as drinks, bottled water, hot showers, charging, internet/Wi-Fi, and laundry during the trek
- Additional accommodation, meals, or transportation due to flight delays, weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances
- Helicopter rescue or emergency evacuation costs (covered by travel insurance)
- Tips and gratuities for the trekking guide, porter, and other staff
- Personal expenses and any services not specifically mentioned under the Cost Includes section
