Manirimdu Festival with EBC Trek

Your journey starts with your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital, situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level. Shikhar's representative will be waiting to greet you warmly and transfer you to your accommodation. Spend the day at leisure and get familiar with the bustling streets of Thamel, where culture, history, and spirituality set up the stage for your further journey. With so much heritage around, Kathmandu offers you an introduction to the many wonders that await you on this unique trek. Rest up and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime.

The day is all about last-minute preparations for your expedition. There will be an in-depth briefing, thus keeping you very well oriented on the coming trip, adequately conditioned for the walk, and prepared for the festival experience. This will also help in obtaining any last-minute supplies or equipment needed.

We can arrange a guided tour to some of the historical-cultural heritages of Kathmandu at some additional cost; please let us know whether it interests you. Places include UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.

This extra day is taken to acclimatize as much as possible and get as comfortable as you can before heading up into the mountains.

The real adventure begins early in the morning with a flight to Lukla, the gateway to Everest region, at 2,860 meters (9,383 feet) in altitude. This exhilarating flight brings in brilliant views of the Himalayas right at landing on one of the world's most famous airfields.

The trail, from the airstrip, proceeds toward green landscapes along the Dudh Koshi Valley, crossing over suspension bridges, and going past the salty, appealing Sherpa villages. Relax to calm nights at 2,610 meters (8,563 feet) in Phakding, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Khumbu.

The real heart of the journey today into Khumbu, you will reach Namche Bazaar, a busy Sherpa town that acts as the main trading hub of the Everest region. Gradually, the path climbs higher and higher to rising views of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru peaks.

You'll cross several high suspension bridges, including the Hillary Bridge, before you begin your steep climb to Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters (11,286 feet). You will reach this lively mountain town with great views. You will have time to acclimate and enjoy the local markets.

Leaving behind Namche, you'll head to the spiritual heart of Khumbu: Tyangboche Monastery. While proceeding, you will have breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You will pass rhododendron forests, with the sighting of Himalayan Thars and other colorful pheasants, and you will hardly miss the serenity of this land.

Then, at 3,867 meters (12,687 feet), reach Tyangboche, where you will be greeted by a magnificent monastery with a panoramic mountain backdrop. This is a place of spiritual pursuits for trekkers and climbers alike. Serenity all around makes it an ideal halt before the festival.

From today onwards, at the historic Tyangboche Monastery, it's time to celebrate the Manirimdu Festival of Tibetan Buddhism. Mask dances, rituals, and prayers against evil allude so much; it is the triumph of Buddhism, so to say.

You will find yourself part of the spiritual energy that defines this unique experience, with the lamas colorfully attired and masked to perform the holy rituals. The inauguration day provides a deep insight into the cultural and religious traditions passed on to the Sherpas.

The Manirimdu Festival continues to unfold with more mesmerizing ceremonies and rites. It is on the second day that the most dynamic activities seem to take place, as it becomes a day for energetic dances portraying stories of ancient deities and legendary figures.

Everything speaks of deep spirituality, from the rhythmic beats of drums to chants and swirling colors. There awaits an opportunity to interact with monks and local villagers to gain insights into their way of life and what the festival means in their cultural calendar.

On the final day of Manirimdu Festival, the atmosphere is of joy and communal harmony. The rituals culminate with blessings and prayers to get peace and prosperity. It is a perfect day of spirituality and festivity when you participate in the celebrations that this community has been part of.

While the festival comes to an end, what gets etched forever in one's memory is the tranquility and spiritual enrichment that enhance your journey of trekking through bonding you deeply with the regional cultural heritage.

After the enriching experience of the festival, resume your trek, heading toward Dingboche. Dramatically, the trail opens to the Himalayas—Ama Dablam—and then the Nuptse-Lhotse ridge comes into view. With the altitude increasing to 4,410 meters, the landscape becomes more rugged and stark.

This tiny village of Dingboche lies amidst these towering peaks and offers a serene atmosphere with breathtaking vistas. This makes it an excellent destination for acclimatization, to get your body in shape before heading further up.

The day's trek brings you closer to the high mountains while you work your way toward Lobuche. The trail curves around the windswept landscape of Khumbu Glacier's moraine. On your way, you will come across memorials made for climbers who died attempting to climb Everest; such a sight creates an impression of how mountain struggle can sometimes be painful.

As you reach the top at 4,940 meters, near Lobuche, the landscape becomes relatively undeveloped, and your height is highly felt. The views of surrounding peaks are imposing, setting the stage as one approaches Everest Base Camp.

What many of you have been waiting for: the trek to Everest Base Camp. The route today begins by heading up to Gorakshep, a small settlement at 5,164m (16,942 ft) in the shadow of surrounding peaks. Take a short rest before continuing further up to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m (17,598 ft) along the edge of the glacier.

Yes, it is still a hard climb, but nothing beats the feeling of satisfaction as you stand in Base Camp, literally surrounded by the highest peaks of the world. Take in the breathtaking views from here, get pictures of the scene to arrest the memory of this moment, relish the experience, and then begin the return downwards for the night at Gorakshep.

Early morning climb to Kala Patthar for a breathtaking view of the panoramic view of Everest, Nuptse, and surrounding peaks. Yet another steep climb to 5,545 meters; the climb is rewarded by a view at sunrise over the Himalayas—the peak of Everest bathed in warm golden light. Having a second breakfast at Gorakshep after witnessing this unforgettable experience, you will then descend to Pheriche, which stands at an altitude of 4,250 meters. Getting down is quite easy, and with every step, it feels like a reprieve as one makes their way down through the lower altitude and familiar trails.

The way back down to Namche Bazaar provides the air of satisfaction—just retrace and enjoy the grandiose beauty of Khumbu Valley. Of course, it's an ever-present opportunity for reminiscence of your great experiences while experiencing the energizing Manirimdu Festival and visiting the overwhelming Everest Base Camp.

Namche, at 3,440 meters, is heralded by the familiar bustle of this Sherpa town, where you'll be able to relax, shop for souvenirs, and take in some of the comforts of civilization once again.

Your final days' trekking takes you down to Lukla again, from where it all started. Getting down to 2,860 meters is rather gradual, so you can have a good view of the Dudh Kosi River and surrounding areas. Now, as you reach Lukla, satisfaction and nostalgia set in at the thought of bidding farewell to the mountains. This evening you will celebrate your completed trek with your team, reliving tales and experiences over a hearty well-deserved meal. This warm hospitality of Lukla will be the most ideal way to conclude the trekking part of your journey.

Next, you will take a very early morning flight back to Kathmandu, returning to the hustle and bustle. Again, from the plane's window, you can glance out and have a view of the mighty Himalayas from above. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel to relax and unwind. Today's free day may be used to see more in the city, go shopping for souvenirs, or just relaxing and pondering on this great adventure.

Now it's time to say goodbye to your fantastic journey, and you'll be transferred to the airport in plenty of time to continue your travels, whether at home or abroad. You say farewell to everything you've encountered throughout the Manirimdu Festival and Everest Base Camp trip. All of the experiences and friendships you form in the heart of the Himalayas will stay with you long after you leave Nepal. Safe travels until the next time!