Mani Rimdu is the greatest festival of the Sherpas of the Khumbu in the Everest region where its possibilities to see panoramic view of the Mount Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablem. The celebrations take place at Thyangboche Monastery and last for three days. The ceremonies start with the blowing of horns by Buddhist monks. Then the chief Lama and other monks arrive in a procession. Prayers are chanted and gratitude is extended to all those who have contributed to the function. The crowd then rises up to its feet to receive blessing, holy water and auspicious pellets from the Lama. Cymbals, horns, flute and a conch shell announces the start of the second day’s events. Then follow the sacred dances in which monks wearing masks perform routines symbolizing the destruction of evil forces.

This trek has got the lot. We warm up by visiting the turquoise lakes of the Gokyo valley for spectacular views of the huge massifs of Cho Oyu (8153m) and Gyachung Kang (7922m), before crossing the Cho La pass which links Gokyo to the main Everest trek at Loboje. Then we climb to the summit of Kala Pattar for close up views of Everest’s South-West Face, before racing down the Khumbu valley to the famous Buddhist monastery at Tengboche for the annual festival of Mani Rimdu.

Please note that the narrow Gokyo valley rises quickly in altitude and therefore some of our trekking days are very short. This is vital if everyone is to be properly acclimatised before tackling Gokyo Ri and the Cho La.

For those who wish to extend their stay in Nepal we can arrange a raft trip with our sister company Himalayan River Exploration or a visit to the renowned Tiger Tops properties in the Royal Chitwan and Royal Bardia National Park

Day to day itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport, meet our staff then transfers to Hotel.

Day 02: Sight seeing in Kathmandu Valley.

Day 03: Kathmandu - Lukla by early flight then start to walk and over night at Phakding 2652m.

Day 04: Phakding - Namche Bazaar 3440m.

Day 05: Namche Bazaar rest or Hiking to Khumjung village 3790m. & Everest View Hotel.

Day 06: Namche - Thyangboche 3867m.

Day 07: Thyangboche rest for Mani Rimdu festival.

Day 08: Day attempt in Mani Rimdu.

Day 09: Thyangboche - Namche Bazaar.

Day 10: Namche Bazaar - Lukla 2750m. and transfer to Hotel.

Day 11: Lukla - Kathmandu by early flight then transfers to Hotel.

Day 12: Kathmandu Free.

Day 13: Transfers to Airport for onward journey.