The Sherpas belong to the Nying-Mapa sect of Tibetan Buddhist which in itself is an outgrowth of the Manayana tradition. Guru Rimpoche (Padma-Sambhawa an Indian yogi) is regarded as the founder and spirtual leader of this old sect. Legend has it that he was born of a lotus in the middle of a lake. It is to Guru Rimpoche that the Prayers and maniwall inscriptions addressed as “OM MANI PADME HUM”, Hail to the jewel of the lotus. Religious books recount that Guru Rimpoche was a powerful Magician and sorcerer. Sherpas celebrate many ceremonies in this 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 Festival, a very important festival to the Sherpas, falls on the full moon day of Tibetan ninety month (October/November/December). The three-day celebrations of Mani Rimdu follow the ten-day non-stop prayer sessions addressed to the patron deities – seeking “blessing for the good of all mainkind”. The protagonist of all is Guru Rimpoche, the founder of Vajrayan Buddism in Tibet. Masked Lamas of Khumbu region perform various religious rituals amidst dancing and singing.
The first celebration of Mani-Rimdu at Monastery of Tyangboche(Everest region) seems to have taken place sometime in 1930. It originated 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 villages 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 lasts for at-least for three days.This period coincides with the cessation of work in the village at the end of harvesting season. Mani-Rimdu is the only big social event that draws together large crowds from all villages in the Khumbu region.
This festival is celebrated at the monasteries of Tengpoche Thami and Chiwang right after the full moon of autumn. The monks, with elaborate masks and costumes on perform a series of ritualistic dances of the triumph of Buddhism over Bon, the ancient animistic religion of Tibet. On the first day of the festival, Lamas of the monastery pray in the courtyard. The second day, you can see the Lamsa dancing with brocade gowns and wonderfiully painted paper-mouth masks. Hundreds of Sherpas from all over Khumbu attend the performance, as it is an important social occasion as well as an entertaining spectacle. Along with the serious and intricate dances the Lamas also dramatize two absurd comic sequences that make the entire performance a grand and amusing event.
On the final evening of Mani Rimdu the villagers join in an all-night Sherpa dance.
Glimpse of outline itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (TIA) transfer to hotel
Day 02: Half day sightseeing Kathmandu & preparation for trek
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar Trek
Day 05: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche Trek
Day 07-09: Tyangboche Mane Rimdu festival Trek (Wong,Chham,Fire offering)
Day 10: Return back Tyangboche to Khumjung Village Trek
Day 11: Khumjung village to Phakding Trek.
Day 12: Phakding to Lukla Trek
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 14: Final Departure
Note: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. The trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. If you want to make any changes please.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1350m). You will be met by our representative and transfer to hotel and a short brief about the trekking after refreshment.
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhanath Stupa.
Today early in the morning, you will transfer domestic airport. It takes about 30 minutes fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi. Nupla (5885m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367m.). The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.Overnight at hotel.
It takes about five hours. The trail starts through a level path along the right bank. Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank. You cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive at Benkar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. You continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. Now you descend the path of stone steps and return to the right bank. After a short climb you come to Jorsale’s teahouse and hotel, also stop at the National Park entrance counter where National Park fee is collected. After your departure from Jorsale you enter a forested mountainside. You follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks – the right is the Dudh Koshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that leads to Nampa La. After short distance along the Bhote Kosi you begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, you will emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516m), The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by pines. Pass the plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and enter the village. Namche Bazar (3440m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.Overnight at hotel.
Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk upto Khhumjung where you can visit monastery. Khhumjung is densely populated by Sherpa community. You can also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche and kongde. Or you can have an hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. .There is also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. This museum exhibits Sherpa culture. Overnight at hotel.
It takes about five hours. You leave the village for a climb to the top of a ridge and level mountain path that offers an excellent panorama of Thamserku, Kantega, and Kusum Kanguru. To the right there is a steep cliff that drops down to the Dudh Kosi, faintly visible on the valley floor below. As you make your way around a branch ridge, Ama Dablam (6812m) Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse (7855m) and Tawoche (6501m) suddenly appear. After a gentle descent the mountain path ends; you will come to the fork leading to Gokyo. Now you descend past two tea houses and through the village of Trashinga. Though you cannot see it, you can hear the Dudh Kosi and soon you descend to the river and arrive at Phunki Tenga. It is a long climb to Tyangboche; the first half is especially steep. As you climb through the forested zone, the incline eases and a splendid view appears. Continue climbing the mountainside diagonally until you come to the stone gate built by lamas which marks your entry into Tyangboche (3867m). You may use the large plateau in front of the splendid monastery as your campsite. There are a lodge and hotel managed by the National Park Service. Tyangboche is an important lookout point on this course, and the sunset on Everest and Ama Dablam is especially beautiful. overnght at hotel.
Mani-Rimdu Festival, a very important festival to the Sherpas, falls on the full moon day of Tibetan ninety month (October/November/December). The three-day celebrations of Mani Rimdu follow the ten-day non-stop prayer sessions addressed to the patron deities – seeking “blessing for the good of all mainkind”. The protagonist of all is Guru Rimpoche, the founder of Vajrayan Buddism in Tibet. Masked Lamas of Khumbu region perform various religious rituals amidst dancing and singing. Overnight at hotel.
You walk down to the river then start hiking up to Khumjung village. Many trekkers enjoy like this Khumjung village as there is a very beautiful community of Sherpas. overnight at hotel.
Today, you Trek down to Namche, a color full center of Sherpa community, after that continue trek down to Phakding. Overnight at hotel
Last day of the trek in a bustling town enjoy dinner with Your Trekking crew. Overnight at hotel.
You take an early in the morning flight back to Kathmandu. Rest day at kathmandu, shopping, preparation for your departure or other activities in Nepal. Overnight at hotel.
Today our programmes are ends Nepal, it say goodbye. Transfer to international airport for your final flight departure next destination.
