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Mani Rimdu Festival 2026 at Tengboche Monastery
Discover the Essence of the Mani Rimdu Festival
Prepare for more than just sightseeing and enjoy the Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery in Nepal. The festival will take place from October 26 to 28, 2026, providing a chance to immerse yourself in the culture, spirituality, and traditions of the Khumbu region.
The Mani Rimdu Festival is an annual event at Tengboche Monastery, which includes Buddhist rituals, traditional dances, ceremonies, costumes and music performances. The festival is held in the Himalayan environment of Tengboche with a view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku.
This is a 13-day Mani Rimdu Festival Trek, which combines the festival with a trek in the Everest region. It starts from Kathmandu and then by flight to Lukla and then trekking through Phakding, Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. This is followed by three days at Tengboche during the Mani Rimdu Festival before heading back towards Lukla and Kathmandu.
Mani Rimdu Festival 2026 Date
The Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery will take place on October 26th, 27th and 28th, 2026.
| Date | Festival Programme |
|---|---|
| November 2, 2026 | Second day – Wong / blessing ceremony |
| October 27, 2026 | Second day – Chham / traditional masked dances |
| October 28, 2026 | Third day – Jinsak / Fire Puja |
The festival is based on the Tibetan lunar calendar and the dates change annually.
What Is the Mani Rimdu Festival?
The Mani Rimdu Festival is a Buddhist festival celebrated at the Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region of Nepal. It features traditional dances, Buddhist rituals, blessing ceremonies and the Fire Puja.
The festival is an important part of the religious and cultural traditions of the Khumbu region. Monks dance sacred dances in traditional costumes and masks and various ceremonies are held at the monastery during the celebration.
Three Days of the Mani Rimdu Festival
First Day – Wong and Blessing Ceremony
The first day is the day of Wong and Blessing Ceremony.
The first day of the public festival is the Wong or blessing ceremony and Buddhist ceremonies.
As part of the religious ceremonies at Tengboche, the Sand Mandala is created as part of the festival preparations.
Second Day – Chham Masked Dances
On the second day, the traditional Chham masked dances are performed.
The dances are a celebration of the victory of positive forces over symbolic demons. The performances convey the Buddhist teachings on various levels.
The monks wear traditional costumes and masks. These dances are regarded as sacred and are not performed as common entertainment but as part of the Mani Rimdu Festival.
Third Day – Jinsak Fire Puja
The last day of the festival is celebrated with the Jinsak Fire Puja.
Fire Puja is done as an offering to Agni, the god of fire and the gods of the Mandala. The ceremony is linked to the removal of evil from the world.
The Sand Mandala is taken down after the Fire Puja and the sand is given to the Snake Gods or Nagas. With these ceremonies, the public celebration of Mani Rimdu comes to an end.
So Why Experience the Mani Rimdu Festival?
The Mani Rimdu Festival is a chance to immerse yourself in the Buddhist traditions and cultural heritage of the Khumbu region while trekking through the Everest landscape.
The itinerary is designed to spend three days at Tengboche during the festival, not just pass through the monastery on the way to Everest Base Camp.
Highlights Include:
- Join the Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery
- Learn about the history and traditions of Mani Rimdu
- Witness three days of Buddhist ceremonies
- See traditional Chham masked dances
- Enjoy traditional costumes and music performances
- Experience the Sand Mandala and related rituals
- Join the Jinsak Fire Puja
- Hike in the Everest area
- Go to the monastery of Tengboche (3867 m)
- Enjoy views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Thamserku
The Himalayan Landscape and Tengboche Monastery
The monastery of Tengboche is located on a ridge in the Everest region at an altitude of about 3867 metres.
The route from Tengboche offers a view of some of the major mountains of the Khumbu such as Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Thamserku and Kantega.
The Mani Rimdu Festival combines the traditions of trekking in the Himalayas with Buddhist culture, set against the backdrop of the monastery and the surrounding mountains.
Tengboche Mani Rimdu Trekking
It starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The path then leads from Lukla to Phakding and then on to Namche Bazaar.
There is an acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar. On this day you can stroll around the valley and visit the local community museum, where you will be able to see some of the traditional customs of the Buddhist communities of the region.
From Namche Bazaar, the journey goes to Tengboche Monastery where one spends three days enjoying the Mani Rimdu Festival.
Mani Rimdu Festival and Everest Base Camp
The Mani Rimdu Festival can also be combined with an Everest Base Camp Trek.
After the three festival days, the current route heads back towards Lukla. But those who wish to trek on to Everest Base Camp can plan for an extended trip.
For an itinerary combining Mani Rimdu Festival and Everest Base Camp, contact us at sales@nepalhiking.com.
Mani Rimdu Festival Trek Highlights
- Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery
- Three days of festival ceremonies took place
- Wong blessing ceremony
- Traditional Chham masked dances
- Jinsak Fire Puja
- Sand Mandala and closing rituals
- Tengboche Monastery (3867m)
- Everest-region trekking
- Namche Bazaar acclimatisation
- Views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Thamserku
- Sherpa Buddhist cultural experience
Mani Rimdu Festival Trek – 13 Days
| Day | Itinerary | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| Day 2 | Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding | 2,804 m / 2,610 m |
| Day 3 | Trek to Namche Bazaar | 3,535 m |
| Day 4 | Excursion and acclimatisation in Namche Bazaar | 3,535 m |
| Day 5 | Trek to Tengboche Monastery | 3,867 m |
| Day 6 | First day of Mani Rimdu Festival – Wong | 3,867 m |
| Day 7 | Second day of Mani Rimdu Festival – Chham | 3,867 m |
| Day 8 | 3rd day of Mani Rimdu Festival – Jinsak | 3,867 m |
| Day 9 | Return trek towards Manjo via Namche Bazaar | — |
| Day 10 | Back to Lukla | 2,800 m |
| Day 11 | Fly back to Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| Day 12 | Buffer day in Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| Day 13 | Return home | — |
The full day to day schedule is listed below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mani Rimdu Festival?
The Mani Rimdu Festival is a Buddhist festival celebrated at Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region of Nepal. It comprises Buddhist rituals, blessing ceremonies, traditional Chham masked dances and Jinsak Fire Puja.
What is the date of Mani Rimdu Festival in 2026?
The Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery is set for October 26, 27 and 28, 2026.
Which of the following is the place where Mani Rimdu Festival is held?
The festival takes place at the Tengboche Monastery, which is situated at an altitude of 3867 metres in the Everest region of Nepal.
How long is the Mani Rimdu Festival Trek?
The itinerary is a 13-day programme including arrival and departure days, trekking from Lukla to Tengboche and three days at the Mani Rimdu Festival and a buffer day in Kathmandu.
How many days do you spend at Tengboche?
The itinerary includes three days at Tengboche during the Mani Rimdu Festival (first day, second day and third day of the festival).
What is done on the first day of Mani Rimdu?
The first public day is the Wong or blessing ceremony and other Buddhist ceremonies. The Sand Mandala is also a significant aspect of the festival preparations and ceremonies.
On the second day of Mani Rimdu what?
On the second day there are traditional dances of the monks in Chham masks. The dances are the celebration of the victory of positive forces over symbolic demons, and the transmission of Buddhist teachings through ritual performance.
On the third day of Mani Rimdu what happens?
On the third day, the Jinsak Fire Puja is performed. After the Fire Puja, the Sand Mandala is broken down and the sand is given to the Nagas or Snake Gods, thus ending the festival.
What is Chham?
Chham is a traditional masked dance performed by monks during the Mani Rimdu Festival. The performances are in traditional costumes and masks, and convey the Buddhist teachings through symbolic dances.
What is the Fire Puja in Mani Rimdu?
On the last day of the festival, Jinsak Fire Puja is performed. It is an offering to Agni, the god of fire, and the gods of the Mandala and is connected with dispelling harm from the world.
What is the way to get to Tengboche to attend the Mani Rimdu Festival?
It starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The trek from Lukla goes on to Phakding, Namche Bazaar and then to the Tengboche Monastery.
Does the trek have an acclimatisation day?
Yes. Day 4 is an acclimatisation and excursion day in Namche Bazaar. There is also a chance to visit the local community museum.
How high is Tengboche Monastery?
The Tengboche Monastery is located at an altitude of about 3867 metres.
What mountains can you see from Tengboche?
The route includes sightings of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Thamserku and Kantega from the Tengboche region.
Is it possible to do the Mani Rimdu Festival and Everest Base Camp?
Yes. The Mani Rimdu Festival can be added to the Everest Base Camp Trek by extending the trek following the festival. Those trekkers who wish to do so can contact us for arrangements.
You can explore the Everest Base Camp Trek for the extended trekking option.
Are people interested in culture suitable for the Mani Rimdu Festival?
Yes. The tour includes Buddhist ceremonies, traditional dances and cultural experiences, as well as trekking in the Everest region, making it ideal for those who want to experience the culture of the Khumbu.
Does the itinerary have a buffer day?
Yes. Day 12 is a buffer day in Kathmandu in case of flight delays.
What if the Lukla flight is delayed?
A buffer day is included in Kathmandu on Day 12 in case of flight delays. This gives extra flexibility prior to the final departure.
What do you do on the last day?
Day 13 is the day of return home, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport and then international departure.
Conclusion
Mani Rimdu Festival 2026 at Tengboche Monastery is a trek to Everest region along with an opportunity to witness an important Buddhist festival in Khumbu.
The 13-day tour begins in Kathmandu and then goes to Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche (acclimatisation day) and then to the monastery. Next, you get to spend three days at Tengboche during the Mani Rimdu Festival, where you will witness the Wong blessing ceremony, Chham masked dances and Jinsak Fire Puja.
The trek combines the cultural heritage of the Khumbu region, Buddhist traditions and mountain trekking with Tengboche Monastery at 3,867 metres.
If you want to go further than Tengboche, the Mani Rimdu Festival can also be included in an extended itinerary that includes the Everest Base Camp Trek.
For more information or to plan the Mani Rimdu Festival Trek 2026, contact us at sales@nepalhiking.com.
