The Mani Rimdu Festival is a colourful, noisy occasion that takes place in the most spectacular of settings. Performed by the monks of Chiwong and Tengboche monasteries, it depicts the victory of Buddhism over the ancient 'Bon' religion. The festival lasts for three days and is well attended by the Sherpa people who often trek for many days to witness this important event.

Tengboche Mani Rimdu starts on the full moon of October, and the Chiwong Mani Rimdu on the full moon of November. We have two special departures to both festivals, the exact dates of which are yet to be announced. Please contact our office if you are interested in these departures and we will confirm the dates as soon as they are known. On both Mani Rimdu departures we stay in our pre-booked comfortable mountain lodges.

The following are the approximate dates of Mani Rimdu events this year based on the  Tibetan lunar calendar.

2 Nov. 2008: Preparations including making the sand Mandala and Tormas (symbolic offerings made of  coloured butter and barley flour)

6 Nov. 2008: Drupchen ceremonies start and continue uninterrupted for 8 days.

13 Nov. 2008::  Monks practice dancing without masks

14 Nov. 2008:: Giving the blessing to the general public (Wang)

15 Nov. 2008: Famous Mask Dances preformed by the monks in a special day long ceremony.  Afterwards the Sherpa community sing and dance the whole night long.

16 Nov. 2008:: Concluding Fire Puja.

(NB this dates were confirmed by Tengboche Monastery on 18/3/2008