Mani Rimdu at Tengboche
Oct–Nov, in the tenth Tibetan lunar month (lunar calendar)
Mani Rimdu is a cycle of rituals lasting about 19 days, performed by the monks of Tengboche Monastery in the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar, usually October or November. Most of it happens inside the monastery, as the monks construct a sand mandala and recite prayers. Three days are open to the public, and they draw Sherpa families from across the Khumbu, along with trekkers who have timed their walk to coincide.
On the first public day, the Wang, the head lama gives blessings and distributes the rilbu, blessed pills, to the crowd. On the second, monks in elaborate costumes and painted masks perform the cham dances in the monastery courtyard, enacting the victory of Buddhism over demons and older beliefs, with comic interludes that make the audience laugh. On the third day, the Jinsak, a fire ritual offers harmful forces to the flames, followed by further dances.
Reaching Tengboche takes acclimatisation. From Lukla at 2,860 m, a gentle itinerary reaches Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m in two days, rests a day, and continues to Tengboche or nearby Deboche. Lodges fill during the festival, so we book well ahead with Yeti Mountain Home in Namche and the best available lodges beyond, and walk back down the valley at an easy pace afterwards. Thame Monastery holds its own Mani Rimdu in spring.
How to do it well
- Plan at least four nights from Lukla to Tengboche to acclimatise safely.
- Wear warm layers; the courtyard is in shade by mid-afternoon and temperatures drop fast.
- Ask before photographing monks during rituals, and never stand in the dance area.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is Mani Rimdu at Tengboche?
Mani Rimdu at Tengboche falls in the tenth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, usually in October or November. The full cycle runs about 19 days, and the three public days, with blessings, masked dances and the fire ritual, come near the end. Dates change each year with the lunar calendar, so check current status before you travel.
How do I get to Tengboche for Mani Rimdu?
Fly to Lukla, 2,860 m, then walk via Phakding to Namche Bazaar, 3,440 m, rest a day for acclimatisation and continue to Tengboche, 3,867 m, usually five or six days from Kathmandu in total. Helicopter access is possible but rapid ascent to nearly 3,900 m raises altitude risk, so we recommend walking in and flying out.
Can tourists attend Mani Rimdu?
Yes. The three public days are open to everyone, and trekkers are welcome among the Sherpa families in the monastery courtyard. Dress warmly and modestly, stand or sit where monks indicate, and ask before taking photographs of people. Do not step into the dance area, and make a small donation to the monastery if you wish.
What happens during Mani Rimdu?
Over three public days, the head lama gives blessings and blessed pills on the first, monks perform masked cham dances on the second, and a fire ritual called the Jinsak is held on the third, followed by more dances. The dances show the triumph of Buddhism over demons and include comic characters. The rest of the cycle is private prayer and mandala work.
Festival journeys
Routes built around the calendar
