Nestled in the shadow of Mount Everest, where the air is crisp and prayer flags flutter in the Himalayan breeze, is Tengboche Monastery. Each year, this sacred place becomes the setting for Mani Rimdu, a festival central to Sherpa culture. The festival displays color, age-old ceremonies, and deep devotion, turning the Khumbu area into a vibrant scene of Tibetan Buddhism.
Whether you’re an trekker, a culture lover, or seeking spiritual insight, going to Mani Rimdu in 2026 could be memorable. This guide offers details to assist you in planning your visit.
- Mani Rimdu 2026: Dates and Location
The festival is timed to the Tibetan lunar calendar, occurring on the full moon of the ninth Tibetan month.
- Main Dates (Public Celebration): October 26, 27, and 28, 2026.
- Location: Tengboche Monastery (3,867m), Khumbu, Nepal.
- Other Locations: Celebrations also take place at Thame and Chiwong monasteries, though dates may vary.
Tip: The monks do 19 days of private ceremonies. To see the most intense parts, aim to arrive in Tengboche by October 25th.
- What’s in the Name?
Mani Rimdu comes from two ideas:
- Mani: From the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, a prayer to Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion).
- Rimdu: From Rilbu (blessed pills) and Du (the act of making them).
The festival honors Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who started Tibetan Buddhism in the 8th century. It represents Buddhist ideas winning over older Bon beliefs.
- The 19-Day Ceremony
Most people only see the last three days, but the main spiritual work is done before.
- Phase 1: Prep and the Sand Mandala
Over several days, monks make a Sand Mandala—a detailed map of the universe. It’s more than art; it’s a home for deities, made with great care from colored sand.
- Phase 2: The Mani Rilbu (Blessed Pills)
During the Du, monks say mantras over dough pills. The mantras’ power is said to enter the pills, which are given to people for health.
- The Three Days of Public Events
This is what most visitors expect. The courtyard at Tengboche Monastery is full of locals in wool clothing and jewelry.
- Day 1: The Wong (Blessing)
The first day, the Rinpoche (High Abbot) blesses the crowd.
- The Ceremony: People wait to get Mani Rilbu pills and a thread for safety.
- Atmosphere: A day of respect. Juniper incense fills the air along with the sound of long horns (Dungchen).
- Day 2: The Chham (Masked Dances)
The dances are a high point. Monks become gods, demons, and guardians.
- The Shanak (Black Hat Dance): Dancers purify the site, removing bad spirits.
- The Protectors (Mahakala): Masks show strong forms of compassion.
- The Skeletons (Dur-Dahk): They remind people that life is short through wild movements.
- Funny Moments: Ghing dancers make jokes about ego and life’s seriousness.
- Day 3: The Jinsak (Fire Ritual)
The last day is for cleansing. A fire is lit.
- The Offering: Items and symbols of bad things are thrown into the fire for Agni (the God of Fire).
- The End: The sand mandala is swept up, showing that things don’t last. The sand is offered to water spirits in a stream.
- Planning Your 2026 Trek
To see Mani Rimdu, you must trek to Everest. A 12-14 day trip is best to get used to the altitude.
- Day Activity Elevation
- Oct 18 Arrive in Kathmandu 1,400m
- Oct 20 Flight to Lukla / Trek to Phakding 2,610m
- Oct 21 Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440m
- Oct 22 Acclimatization in Namche 3,440m
- Oct 24 Trek to Tengboche 3,867m
- Oct 26 Mani Rimdu: The Wong 3,867m
- Oct 27 Mani Rimdu: Masked Dances 3,867m
- Oct 28 Mani Rimdu: Fire Puja 3,867m
- Oct 30 Return to Lukla 2,860m
- What to Pack
Tengboche is cold in October.
- Gear Needed
- Sleeping Bag: Rated to -15°C minimum. Lodges get full, and blankets might not be available.
- Down Jacket: Needed for standing outside for hours.
- Photography: Bring a fast lens ($f/2.8$ or wider) for taking pictures inside, and extra batteries (cold drains them fast).
- Permits
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: About $20 USD.
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit: About $30 USD.
- Being Respectful
Mani Rimdu is a religious event, not a show. Remember:
- Dress Well: Cover your body.
- Go Clockwise: Walk to the left of religious objects.
- Be Quiet: Keep voices down during dances.
- Ask First: Ask before taking photos of monks.
- What Makes the 2026 Mani Rimdu Special?
In today’s digital world, Mani Rimdu can offer a real, sensory experience. In 2026, the festival lines up with clear autumn weather, giving views of Everest etc.
In short, Mani Rimdu connects the mountains with Sherpa culture. It proves that happiness can be found anywhere.
Ready to see the masked dancers? I can help plan your trek or packing. Want help with meal plans for the altitude?
