The Everest region has more to offer than the views of the world’s highest mountain. It is the homeland of the Sherpa people. On this trek our host Lhakpa Sherpa takes us away the most trails, introducing us both to his own village and the fabulous Mani Rimbu (Masked Dance) festival, as well as some of Khumbu's remote and fascinating monasteries. We take several little-known trails; affording views to Everest, Lhotse, Kangtaiga, Ama Dablam and the other great peaks of the Khumbu area, then join festive crowds of Tibetans and Sherpas at Chiwong Gompa for the annual Main Rimbu Festival. This is the region's main festival yet few Westerners reach this remote corner of the mountains.
In the presence of the High Lama, the monks don elaborate brocade costumes to perform ancient temple dances that have changed little for hundreds of Years. This is the perfect way to see the Everest range away from the crowds and gain a first-hand view of the tradition, religion, and culture the Sherpas. The first celebration of Mani-Rimdu at Monastery of Tengboche (Everest region) seems to have taken place some time in 1930s. It originated 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 villages 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 lasts for at-least for three days.This period coincides with the cessation of work in the village at the end of harvesting season. Mani-Rimdu is the only big social event that draws together large crowds from all villages in the Khumbu region.