RELIGION

The Sherpas belong to the Nying-Mapa sect of Tibetan Buddhist which is self an outgrowth of the Manayana tradition Guru Rimpoche (Padma-Sambhawa an Indian yogi) is regarded as the founder of this old sect and spirtual leader. Legendarily born of a lotus in the middle of a lake, it is to Guru Rimpoche that the Prayers and maniwall inscriptions are address as ""OM MANI PADME HUM'', Hail to the jewel of the lotus. Religious book recount that Guru Rimpoche was a powerful Magician and sorcerer.

FESTIVALS:

Sherpas celebrate many ceremonies in the region, including marriage ceremonies, Funerals, manning of a child, driving out evilspirits, obtaining Sonam (Merit) and other offerings to be made in the name of the local gods.

MANI RIMDU:

The first celebration of Mani-Rimdu at Monastery of Tyangboche(Everest region) seems to have taken place some time in 1930. It originates from Rongbukh Monastery in Tibet Mani-Rimdu is a prayer ceremony where the Monks put on masks representing divine personages and perform ritual dances.The spectators of devotion come from many village to gain Sonam (merit) from the head Lama's blessing and making corn and grain contributions to the Monk's community. Mani-Rimdu normally takes place every year in the month of November (full moon, it can be changed depending upon Tibetan Calender) and at-least for three days.This period coincides with the cessation of work in the village at the end of harvesting. Mani-Rimdu is the only big social event that draws together large crowds from all villagers in the Khumbu region.

Trek type: Camping/ Tea house
Trek Grade: Moderate with some challenging sections
Duration: 19 days (14 days trekking)
Activities: Trekking, camping, sightseeing, rock-climbing (option)
Best time to go: September- October, March-April
Departure dates:

Itinerary

Day 01: 31 Oct 2009, Trip commences in Kathmandu, introductions and formalities 1336m

Day 02: 01 Nov 2009, Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley

Day 03: 02 Nov 2009, Fly to Lukla (2800m) then trek to Phakding 2640m

Day 04: 03 Nov 2009, Namche Bazeaar 3440m

Day 05: 04 Nov 2009, Rest day in Namche for acclimatisation - short morning hike

Day 06: 05 Nov 2009, Thyangboche 3870m

Day 07: 06 Nov 2009, Rest day at Tyangboche (Mani-Rimdu festival)

Day 08: 07 Nov 2009, Rest day at Tyanbouche( Mani-Rimdu festival)

Day 09: 08 Nov 2009, Dingbuche 4360m

Day 10: 09 Nov 2009, Rest day

Day 11: 10 Nov 2009, Loubuche 4930m

Day 12: 11 Nov 2009, Kala Patter (5545m) then to Lobuche

Day 13: 12 Nov 2009, Pangboche 3867m

Day 14: 13 Nov 2009, Khumjung 3780m

Day 15: 14 Nov 2009, Phakding 2640m

Day 16: 15 Nov 2009, Lukla 2800m

Day 17: 16 Nov 2009, Kathmandu by air 1336m

Day 18: 17 Nov 2009 , Day in Kathmandu - sightseeing/shopping/optional rock-climbing at Balliju Cliff - additional cost

Day 19: 18 Nov 2009, Trip concludes in Kathmandu:

Cost ???

Cost Includes: National park fee, 14 day tea house trek. English spoken guide, necessary porters, Foods: Breakfast, lunch, Snacks and Dinner, 5 nights 3 star hotel in Kathmandu and 4 nights on BB plan, round trip air ticket Kathmandu - Lukla -Kathmandu,one full day city tours in Kathmandu with culture guide and necessary land transportation, Medical kit, Porter equipment including clothes, shoe etc., insurance of all trekking crews, domestic airport tax.

Cost not included :
Bar Bills, drinks, personal nature expenses, health and travel insurance, rescue charge if applicable, any expenses of Kathmandu except sightseeing and accommodation on BB plan, Staff tips and which is not mentioned above.