Destination : Mani Rimdu Festival Trek (Everest Region)
Trek type: Camping/ Tea house
Trek Grade: Moderate with some challenging sections
Duration: 19 Days (14 Days trekking)
Group Size : Min. 2 / Max.12 + Above
Activities: Trekking, camping, sightseeing, rock-climbing (option)
Best time to go: November-October, March-April

Religion:
The Sherpas belong to the Nying-Mapa sect of Tibetan Buddhist which is self an outgrowth of the Manayana tradition Guru Rimpoche (Padma-Sambhawa an Indian yogi) is regarded as the founder of this old sect and spirtual leader. Legendarily born of a lotus in the middle of a lake, it is to Guru Rimpoche that the Prayers and maniwall inscriptions are address as ""OM MANI PADME HUM'', Hail to the jewel of the lotus. Religious book recount that Guru Rimpoche was a powerful Magician and sorcerer.

Festivals:
Sherpas celebrate many ceremonies in the region, including marriage ceremonies, Funerals, manning of a child, driving out evilspirits, obtaining Sonam (Merit) and other offerings to be made in the name of the local gods.

Mani-Rimdu:
The first celebration of Mani-Rimdu at Monastery of Tyangboche (Everest region) seems to have taken place some time in 1930. It originates from Rongbukh Monastery in Tibet Mani-Rimdu is a prayer ceremony where the Monks put on masks representing divine personages and perform ritual dances.The spectators of devotion come from many village to gain Sonam (merit) from the head Lama's blessing and making corn and grain contributions to the Monk's community. Mani-Rimdu normally takes place every year in the month of November (full moon, it can be changed depending upon Tibetan Calender) and at-least for three days.This period coincides with the cessation of work in the village at the end of harvesting. Mani-Rimdu is the only big social event that draws together large crowds from all villagers in the Khumbu region.

ITINERARY: Mani-Rimdu Festival (Evereast Region) - 19 Days

Day 01: Trip commences in Kathmandu, introductions and formalities (1336m.)
Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2800m.) then trek to Phakding 2640m
Day 04: Namche Bazeaar (3440m.)
Day 05: Rest day in Namche for acclimatisation - short morning hike
Day 06: Thyangboche (3870m.)
Day 07: Rest day at Tyangboche (Mani-Rimdu festival)
Day 08: Rest day at Tyanbouche( Mani-Rimdu festival)
Day 09: Dingbuche (4360m.)
Day 10: Rest day
Day 11: Loubuche (4930m.)
Day 12: Kala Patter (5545m) then to Lobuche
Day 13: Pangboche (3867m.)
Day 14: Khumjung (3780m.)
Day 15: Phakding (2640m.)
Day 16: Lukla 2800m
Day 17: Kathmandu by air (1336m.)
Day 18: Day in Kathmandu - sightseeing/shopping/optional rock-climbing at Balliju Cliff - additional cost
Day 19: Trip concludes in Kathmandu:

Cost: Ask for Quotation
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Itinerary Details:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1336m). You will be met by your group leader and transferred to the hotel where the pre-trek briefing will be given. Arrangements are made today for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down jacket. Remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 02: Day at leisure in Kathmandu. You have time to explore Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and the lessor known towns that dot the valley. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, novelty shops and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance. Kathmandu has more World heritage sites than any other city in the world. A sightseeing tour is organised for your benefit.

Days 03 to 16: Trekking programme as per itinerary above.

Day 18: Day at leisure in Kathmandu. There are a million things to see in Kathmandu and we recommend you spend this day wandering around the town and exploring the valley on bicycle or by taxi. The old Royal Palace, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (a major Hindu shrine) and the giant Buddhist Stupa at Bodnath are absolute musts. Our staff can help you with arrangements or provide a guide and/or transport should you wish, or you can head off armed with a map and let the day unfold. An optional Rock-climbing activity can be organised for those who are interested - an additional cost will be incurred for this option.

Day 19: Trip concludes in Kathmandu. After breakfast, arrangements cease unless further arrangements have been made. Those people travelling by aircraft to further destinations will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures. Don't forget to have NRp1100 departure tax available for payment at the airport.

The above itinerary and times are a guide only. The itinerary may change at any time due to weather and/or trail conditions or for any other reason deemed necessary by the trek leader. Your Leader will always make the final decision after assessing the situation and consulting with our Nepali crew and the group members. Trekking times are estimated only but have been calculated to give the trekker a comfortable pace throughout the trek.

Everest Region Programs:
Everest Base Camp Trekking Classic Everest Trekking Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trekking	Gokyo Lake Trekking Everest Panorama Trekking Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek
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