Chiwong Monastery Mani Rimdu Trek

When you arrive in Kathmandu, our warm and diligent team members will be there to see you, assist you, and later transfer you to our designated hotel. You will have a chance to come in and take some time to relax on your journey. The great atmosphere of the capital will give you a taste of the adventure that is ahead of you.

Later in the following day, we will give a brief introduction to prepare for the Mani Rimdu festival walk. At this session, you will learn important details related to the itinerary, safety precautions to take, and what to consider during the trek. 

At dawn, you will take your flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu, where fine mountain views await you. Take some time to feel the happy village, well supported by traditional Sherpa-type residences, hospitals, and educational systems. The experience gives a great outlook on the daily lives and fine culture of the Sherpa people, thus preparing you for the new trek.

Once you have seen the locality, you will meet with your trekking members, who will be an important cog in your journey wheel. They will give you the necessary reports and information related to the trek and ensures that you are mentally and physically prepared for the next adventure.

As the morning comes in, you will ascend towards Junbesi, which is placed at 3,000 metres. The trek will take you around four to five hours, and it will offer a mix of lovely landscapes and chilling mountain air. You will go through lush green forests and crystal clear streams and dive into the panoramic views that provide the wonderful Himalayas scene. 

When you reach Junbesi, you will see yourself entering the heart of the famous Sherpa culture. The village is also generally known for its warm and friendly ambience. The place also has many monasteries and a rich community history. Use this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the locals, explore their way of life, and see the rare and once-in-a-lifetime customs that have been preserved for many decades.

Start your day at Junbesi by experiencing the peaceful atmosphere as you listen to the gentle chanting of the venerable monks. The sounds flow all through the village, offering a great start for the day and giving the much-needed spirituality for the journey. After breakfast, you will visit the Thupten Choling Monastery, which sits at a leverage of 2800 meters.

At the monastery, you will see its impressive size and structures and learn more about the spiritual places within the four walls. You can also attend meditation sessions with the monks and nuns. This excellent opportunity to experience mindfulness with the nuns not only improves your understanding of Tibetan Buddhism but also gives you a sense of peace and purpose as you go on the journey.

After breakfast, you will go on Phurteng, a promising journey. The trail will take you through lovely landscapes, where you can see views of Thamserku and the majestic Everest. Every step gives you a panoramic view, allowing you to appreciate the great beauty of the mountains as you go through wild forests and fine meadows.

The hike to Phurteng will take 2 to 3 hours, thus providing a formidable challenge and reward. Take a moment to halt and enjoy the fine scenes, which go well with the hike's mix. When you reach Phurteng, you will experience the humid atmosphere and enjoy the chance to relax.

The route to Everest Base Camp goes through Solu, where you will see the wonderful beauty of the Himalayas. As you go towards the Chiwong Monastery, you will be journeying on this religious path. The path is rich with cultural highlights, giving an extraordinary feel of old traditions and fine landscapes that show the essence of the place.

When you come to Chiwong Monastery, you will take a tour of the main halls and learn the vastness of Sherpa culture. The monastery, which is on the hillside, gives breathtaking views and a serene environment ideal for relaxation.

The first day of the Mani Rimdu festival, held at Chiwong Monastery, is a great spiritual experience. As the joyous celebrations start, you will see the monks participating in the sacred rites, which are filled with chants, offerings, and prayers. Such an experience gives a deep connection with the great significance of the festival, as the monks and nuns here follow age-old culture and devotion.

Being involved in the monastery gives you a rare opportunity to dive deep into the local tradition. You will join in the festivals, where several colorful masks and costumes come alive at the dance performances. The community is also palpable as the locals and trekkers come together to celebrate, share wonderful stories, and respect their heritage.

On day 2, the Mani Rimdu Festival will continue at the Chiwong Monastery, marked by several more celebrations. As the monks add more chanting and rituals, the atmosphere feels excellent. The Sherpa community comes to see the age-old dances, where extravagant clothes and detailed masks tell the story of the region's great heritage.

All throughout the day, you will see and engage with the locality and see the happy faces of the Sherpa people. The festival is vibrating, and you will find yourself immersed in the fine celebration and involved in the meals. The day also has a great connection to the culture and traditions of the Himalayas, thus making it a great part of the trek.

As the final day of the Mani Rimdu Festivals goes on, you will feel the need to go deep into the celebrations and witness the monk fire ceremonies. You will also witness the monks performing chants and prayers around the fire, which is an enjoyable experience in itself, as the rituals brighten the faces of the people with happiness and reverence.

Going to the ceremony also allows you to see the connection with the community and the spiritual happenings of the place. The atmosphere is filled with energy as many pilgrims come together to celebrate, take blessings, and feel the unity and strength of the community.

As the trek to Mani Rimdu Festival comes to an end, you will begin your day with breakfast and see the last moments in the peaceful atmosphere at Chiwong Monastery. After packing your stuff, you go on a 4-hour return trip to Phalpu. The trail is also filled with several perspectives, giving fantastic views of the landscapes you have travelled and moments of reflection on your significant experiences.

On the hike, you will soak in the beauty of the mountains and surrounding Sherpa tradition. When you reach Phaplu, you can relax and see the village for one final time. The trek will broaden your thinking and deepen your knowledge about the local culture.

After the journey through the main landscapes of the Solu side, you will take a short flight back to Kathmandu through Phaplu. The flight gives aerial views of the mountains you have travelled through, a great farewell to the elegant mountains.

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be taken back to the hotel, where you can rest and have a great experience of the old. You can also do some shopping and eat some Nepali food. The change back to the city gives you a chance to relive the moments of the Mani Rimdu Festival.

It is a free day of leisure in Kathmandu. You will choose and see the city at your own pace. Go through the busy streets of Thamel, where shops sell everything from handicrafts to trekking gear. You could also visit many local markets, eat tasty street food, and enjoy the comfortable café in the lively atmosphere.

Consider seeing the iconic sights of Kathmandu Valley, like Swayambhunath temple and the great Durbar Square. Each site is highly culturally important and features great art and architecture, giving a deep insight into the region's rich culture.

The magnificent Rimdu festival cames to an exciting and memorable end. The festival teaches us to be happy and be spiritually connected with one self and the nature. After your journey has ended at Kathmandu, you will be looking forward to go your next destination.