Mani Rimdu Festival Trek – Witness Sherpa Culture in Everest

Experience the once-a-year Mani Rimdu Festival Trek with Mountain King Treks, where sacred Himalayan rituals, Sherpa traditions, and the awe-inspiring peaks of Everest create a journey you’ll never forget.

This direct Kathmandu–Kathmandu trek is designed for travelers who want to experience the world-renowned Mani Rimdu Festival in the heart of the Khumbu without requiring a long expedition. Centered at Tengboche Monastery, the festival brings Tibetan Buddhist traditions to life with masked dances, colorful rituals, and ceremonial blessings performed by the resident monks. Visiting during this once-a-year event offers a rare opportunity to witness Himalayan spirituality in full celebration.

The adventure begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, landing at the legendary Tenzing–Hillary Airport. From there, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River through highland Sherpa villages such as Phakding and Namche Bazaar, where stone-and-timber houses, fluttering prayer flags, and friendly locals introduce travelers to authentic Himalayan life. Crossing suspension bridges beneath towering peaks, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, with sunrise and sunset lighting creating unforgettable photo opportunities.

Arriving a day before the main public ceremony ensures you can witness monastery preparations and experience the sacred atmosphere as the festival begins. Four nights at Tengboche allow full immersion in the masked dances, chants, and ceremonial blessings, providing an intimate and culturally rich Himalayan experience.

This trek is moderate in difficulty and suitable for fit travelers, requiring no technical climbing. Comfortable lodge accommodations along the route make the journey manageable while allowing you to focus on the festival, the mountains, and the spiritual environment.

Organized by Mountain King Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd., this trek is part of our curated Everest Region Trekking portfolio. Travelers can also refer to the Everest Region Complete Guide for preparation tips, trekking insights, and scenic highlights. For those seeking more details about the festival itself, our Mani Rimdu Festival Trek page provides full guidance and itinerary information.

Standing in the courtyard of Tengboche Monastery, watching the sacred rituals unfold against the backdrop of the Himalayas, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Mani Rimdu Festival takes place only each November, so early booking is highly recommended to secure your place for this extraordinary Himalayan celebration.

Mani Rimdu Festival – Public Ceremony & Fixed Departure Dates

The Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery is a sacred annual celebration attracting visitors from around the world. The festival is observed every November, and the main public ceremony typically lasts a few days (15th–17th November), with minor variations each year according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. Our fixed departures are scheduled 3 days before the festival to allow comfortable arrival and acclimatization.

2026 Mani Rimdu Festival

• Public Visitor Ceremony Days: November 15–17, 2026
• Fixed Trek Departure from Kathmandu: November 12, 2026
• Trip Ending Date: November 20, 2026

2027 Mani Rimdu Festival

• Public Visitor Ceremony Days: November 14–16, 2027
• Fixed Trek Departure from Kathmandu: November 11, 2027
• Trip Ending Date: November 19, 2027

2028 Mani Rimdu Festival

• Public Visitor Ceremony Days: November 13–15, 2028
• Fixed Trek Departure from Kathmandu: November 10, 2028
• Trip Ending Date: November 18, 2028

These fixed departures ensure you arrive in Tengboche in time to witness the sacred rituals, masked dances, and ceremonial blessings from the very first day. Early booking is highly recommended, as accommodation at the monastery is limited during festival days.

Short Itinerary – Mani Rimdu Festival Trek

Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla flight and trek to Phakding – 8 km, 2–3 h trekking, 2,610 m.

Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar – 10 km, 5–6 h trekking, 3,440 m.

Day 3: Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche – 8 km, 4–5 h trekking, 3,867 m.

Day 4: Tyangboche to Tengboche – 6 km, Festival Day 1, 3,867 m.

Day 5: Tengboche – Mani Rimdu Festival Day 2, 3,867 m.

Day 6: Tengboche – Mani Rimdu Festival Day 3, Public Ceremony, 3,867 m.

Day 7: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar – 8 km, 4–5 h trekking, 3,440 m.

Day 8: Namche Bazaar to Lukla – 15 km, 6–7 h trekking, 2,860 m.

Day 9: Lukla to Kathmandu flight – 1,400 m.

Trip Facts – Mani Rimdu Festival Trek (9 Days)

• Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights – perfectly timed to experience the full Mani Rimdu Festival.
• Arrival/Departure: Kathmandu, Nepal
• Accommodation in Kathmandu: 3 nights in 3-star hotel, bed & breakfast
• Trekking Accommodation: Guesthouses / lodges, full board (3 meals daily – breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Support: Fully supported trek with professional guide, experienced cook, kitchen staff, and porters
• Transportation: Private transport throughout the trip
• Flights: Round-trip domestic flights Kathmandu ↔ Lukla included
• Meals: Kathmandu – breakfast; Trek – full board 3 times a day (BLD) prepared by private kitchen staff
• Highest Elevation: Tengboche Monastery – approx. 3,867 m (12,687 ft)
• Best Season: November – the festival is celebrated annually during this month, ensuring you witness the main ceremonies
• Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for moderately fit travelers comfortable with daily trekking 4–6 hours
• Group Size: Small, personalized group for cultural immersion
• Highlights: Trek through Sherpa villages – Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Thame, Khumjung, Khunde, Phortse, Pangboche; witness the Mani Rimdu Festival, monasteries, Himalayan scenery, and Sherpa culture
• Cultural Experience: Full-day Kathmandu sightseeing included (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple)

Special Notes: This trek is specifically designed to immerse travelers in Sherpa culture, festival rituals, and Himalayan spirituality, providing a rare and unforgettable cultural experience.

Why Choose This Trek?

Step into a rare Himalayan cultural and spiritual experience with the Everest Sherpa Culture & Mani Rimdu Festival Trek, crafted for travelers who want to explore the authentic Sherpa way of life while witnessing one of the region’s most sacred festivals. This trek takes you through remote Sherpa villages such as Thame, Khumjung, Khunde, Phortse, and Pangboche, offering an intimate look at their daily traditions, local monasteries, and vibrant community life.

At the heart of the journey, the Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery showcases mesmerizing masked dances, ceremonial chants, and sacred rituals that happen once a year every November. Spending multiple nights near the monastery allows you to fully experience the festival and its spiritual significance, while panoramic views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and surrounding Himalayan peaks make this trek a feast for the senses.

Key Highlights:

• Witness the sacred Mani Rimdu Festival in its full glory, with immersive festival days at Tengboche Monastery.
• Explore remote Sherpa villages, their monasteries, stone houses, prayer walls, and daily Himalayan lifestyle.
• Enjoy breathtaking vistas of iconic peaks along the trek, combining cultural richness with natural grandeur.
• Participate in spiritual and cultural activities, connecting deeply with the traditions of the Sherpa people.
• Trek moderate daily distances with proper acclimatization, ensuring a safe and rewarding journey.
• Includes Kathmandu sightseeing, visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, preparing you for the Himalayan adventure.

Why Choose Mountain King Treks?

With decades of experience in adventure travel across Nepal, Mountain King Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd., led by Govinda Prasad Sapkota, offers unmatched expertise in high-altitude trekking, Himalayan culture, and festival journeys. On this trek, everything is fully supported, from lodging and meals to guides and porters, allowing you to focus entirely on experiencing the Mani Rimdu Festival and the Sherpa villages.

What Makes Us Stand Out:

• Extensive experience organizing cultural, spiritual, and festival treks throughout Nepal, including the Everest region.
• In-depth knowledge of Sherpa villages, monasteries, and Mani Rimdu Festival logistics to ensure smooth, immersive experiences.
• Fully supported trekking team providing hassle-free travel, letting you enjoy culture, spirituality, and breathtaking Himalayas.
• Commitment to safety, cultural respect, and responsible tourism practices.
• Personalized, small-group experiences designed for maximum cultural and spiritual immersion.
• Trusted by international travelers seeking authentic, once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan adventures.

Trip Preparation & Essentials – Mani Rimdu Festival Trek

Preparation

The Mani Rimdu Festival Trek is ideal for travelers with moderate fitness, ready for a cultural, spiritual, and Himalayan festival adventure. No technical climbing is required, but participants should be comfortable walking 4–6 hours daily on trails that pass through remote Sherpa villages, alpine forests, and scenic highland paths. Preparing in advance with light cardio, hill walks, or local trekking practice will help you enjoy the festival trek comfortably.

This journey takes you through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Thame, Khumjung, Khunde, Phortse, Pangboche, and Tyangboche, culminating in the Mani Rimdu Festival. Along the way, trekkers will explore monasteries, prayer walls, and sacred cultural sites, immersing themselves fully in the Sherpa way of life and Himalayan spirituality.

Accommodation & Meals

During the trek, accommodation is provided in local lodges and guesthouses, offering clean, comfortable, and authentic Himalayan hospitality. Meals are full board, designed to meet the energy needs of daily trekking while giving a taste of local and Sherpa cuisine.

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served on all trekking days
• Seasonal fruits available each morning and after dinner
• Energy snacks such as chocolate, nuts, or local sweets before trekking starts each day
• Full trekking support from guides and porters, so trekkers can focus entirely on the festival, culture, and mountains without carrying heavy loads

Essentials to Pack

Pack light, practical clothing suitable for November Himalayan conditions:

• Durable trekking boots or shoes with good grip
• Layered clothing for changing temperatures, including a warm jacket for mornings and evenings
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle, energy snacks, and personal items in a daypack
• Personal medications, first-aid kit, and insect repellent
• Optional: trekking poles, binoculars for village exploration, and festival observation

Permits & Logistics

Mountain King Treks manages all permits, local fees, flights, and transfers, ensuring a smooth and worry-free trek. Services include:

• Domestic flight: Kathmandu ↔ Lukla
• Road transfers in Kathmandu for airport and city sightseeing
• All trekking permits and local fees in the Everest region
• Professional English-speaking guides and licensed porters (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
• First-aid kits, emergency support, and fully equipped trekking staff

With all logistics taken care of, trekkers can fully immerse themselves in the Mani Rimdu Festival, exploring Tyangboche, Thame, Khumjung, Khunde, Phortse, and Pangboche, witnessing sacred rituals, and enjoying the Sherpa culture, Himalayan spirituality, and awe-inspiring mountain scenery.

FAQs – Mani Rimdu Festival Trek

1. When is the Mani Rimdu Festival celebrated?

The festival takes place every year in November, following the Tibetan lunar calendar, with the main public ceremony usually lasting 3 days. Exact dates may vary slightly each year.

2. How long is the Mani Rimdu Festival Trek?

This trek is 9 days / 8 nights, including arrival and departure from Kathmandu, trekking through Sherpa villages, and 3 days at the festival in Tengboche Monastery.

3. What is the difficulty level of this trek?

The trek is moderate, suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. You should be comfortable walking 4–6 hours daily at high altitude. No technical climbing experience is required.

4. What is the highest point on the trek?

The highest point is Tengboche Monastery at 3,867 m (12,687 ft), providing stunning views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse.

5. What kind of accommodation is provided?

Accommodation includes guesthouses and lodges along the trail, offering clean and comfortable stays. In Kathmandu, 3-star hotels with bed & breakfast are included.

6. Are meals included during the trek?

Yes, the trek is full board, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by your private trekking team. Seasonal fruits and energy snacks are also provided.

7. What is included in the trek support?

The trek is fully supported with professional guides, porters, and a cook team, so trekkers can focus on the festival and cultural experience without carrying heavy loads.

8. How do I get to the Everest region for the trek?

A round-trip domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is included. Private road transfers are also provided for airport pickups and sightseeing in Kathmandu.

9. Is this trek suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome. Small, personalized groups are arranged to ensure a safe, culturally immersive experience.

10. Why should I book this trek with Mountain King Treks?

Mountain King Treks offers decades of experience in Everest region treks, Sherpa culture, and festival logistics, with fully supported trips, cultural immersion, and a focus on safety, responsible tourism, and personalized experiences.

11. Can I book for a specific year’s festival?

Yes! We offer fixed departures 3 days before the main festival day each year, allowing you to arrive on time for the Mani Rimdu Festival public ceremony. Dates are available for 2026, 2027, 2028, and updated yearly.

Join the Mani Rimdu Festival – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Himalayan Celebration

Step into the spiritual heart of the Khumbu and witness the sacred Mani Rimdu Festival at Tyangboche Monastery, a rare celebration of Tibetan Buddhist traditions with mesmerizing masked dances, ancient rituals, and ceremonial blessings. This trek is designed as a direct Kathmandu to Kathmandu journey, allowing you to fully immerse in the festival without additional trekking distractions.

Travel briefly through the iconic Himalayan gateways of Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar before arriving at Tengboche, where the festival begins. Feel the vibrant energy of centuries-old traditions as the majestic peaks of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam rise above. This is more than a trek — it is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual and cultural experience you will treasure forever.

Upcoming Fixed Departures – Quick Reference

• 2026: Departure Nov 12 → Festival Nov 15–17 → Trip Ending Nov 20
• 2027: Departure Nov 11 → Festival Nov 14–16 → Trip Ending Nov 19
• 2028: Departure Nov 10 → Festival Nov 13–15 → Trip Ending Nov 18

All departures start 3 days before the festival to ensure comfortable arrival and acclimatization. Spaces are limited — early booking is highly recommended.

Reserve Your Spot Today

• Book Now → Secure your place for this unique Mani Rimdu Festival Trek.
• Customize → Plan your private or small group experience with our expert team.

Contact Us:

• Email: info@mountainkingtrek.com
• WhatsApp/Viber: +977-9841566449

Experience the Mani Rimdu Festival like never before, with full support, guidance, and convenience — with Mountain King Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.