Thame Monastery Manirildup Trek. (cultural trek)

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu's airport, our representative from Altitude Experts Trips & Expedition will warmly greet you and escort you to your pre-arranged hotel in the vibrant area of Thamel. Take your time to settle in and explore the bustling streets of Thamel, where you'll find various shops, restaurants, and amenities.

After a delectable breakfast, embark on a captivating sightseeing tour of Kathmandu's ancient city. A licensed and expert tour guide will be at your service, and a comfortable private vehicle will be at your disposal. The day's itinerary includes visits to the grand Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the iconic Swambhunath Stupa, also known as the monkey temple, the historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with its ancient King's palace, and the enlightening Narayanhiti King's palace Museum. The evening concludes as you are safely transported back to your hotel. Enjoy your evening in Kathmandu strolling the streets of Thamel and shopping for some souvenirs if you like.  

Today, due to new regulations, the flights to Lukla will likely operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap District. An early morning start requires waking up at 2 a.m. to embark on a four-hour drive from Kathmandu to Manthali. From there, you'll take a breathtaking 20-minute flight to Lukla. Upon landing in Lukla, our professional trekking team will be there to welcome you. You'll be served a hearty second breakfast before commencing your first-day hike in the Himalayas. From the airstrip, our trek begins with a scenic walk through Lukla Bazaar. Passing Chheplung, Thadokoshi, Ghat, and other picturesque villages, we make our way to the charming village of Phakding, surrounded by terraced fields and stunning views of the Khumbi Yulha and Dudhkoshi River.

Continuing our journey, we traverse suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and enter the Sagarmatha National Park, passing through Benkar, Chumo, and Monju, we make our way to Jorsale for lunch. Afterward, we cross the highest suspension bridge in the valley and ascend steeply through the pine jungle, catching our first glimpse of Mount Everest. Finally, we reach Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa village with various attractions.

Visiting Thame will surely provide a unique glimpse into Sherpa life and culture, especially since it’s off the main trekking path. Interacting with the local families and exploring traditional homes will deepen your understanding of their customs and way of life. Plus, learning about the famous climbers from the area adds an exciting historical element to the journey. Make sure to soak in the breathtaking views and capture the moments that showcase the rich heritage of the Sherpa community!

Attending the Chhamjyung ceremony at Thame Monastery will provide a unique opportunity to witness the spiritual practices of the Sherpa community firsthand and will allow you to engage with the local culture and traditions, deepening your appreciation for Sherpa spirituality. The walk to the monastery will surely be invigorating, especially in the fresh morning air and surrounded by stunning Himalayan scenery. The Chhamjyung ceremony is a rehearsal or final preparation dance for the mask dances of the Mani Rildup festival. Witnessing the monks perform without masks and in their special attire must be a unique experience, allowing you to appreciate their skill and dedication.

Receiving blessings from the Rimpoche at Thame Monastery is a significant experience that will likely be both spiritually uplifting and deeply meaningful. The Rimpoche, being a respected spiritual leader, carries great wisdom and blessings, and this moment will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you and your fellow trekkers. Take the time to reflect on the experience, absorb the teachings shared, and feel the connection to the rich spiritual heritage of the Sherpa culture. It’s a unique opportunity that many people may never have, so cherish every moment.

We will hike to the monastery early morning after having breakfast at Thame. Witnessing the monks of Thame Monastery perform these intricate dances is sure to be both visually stunning and spiritually enriching. The variety of dances representing different deities, along with the use of masks and vibrant costumes, will create a colorful and captivating atmosphere.

It’s wonderful that some of the performances incorporate comedy, as that adds an enjoyable layer to the experience while still conveying deeper meanings. Each dance likely tells a story or imparts a lesson, allowing you to appreciate the rich cultural and spiritual tapestry of the Sherpa community.

Be sure to take in the sights and sounds, as well as the emotions of the performers and the audience. This is a unique opportunity to witness a significant aspect of their cultural heritage, and it will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trek!

At night, the locals perform the Shebru Dance, a traditional sherpa dance, most likely a whole night as a celebration of the grand success of the festival. Joining the locals in this traditional dance will be a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Sherpa culture and share in their festivities.

The circle dance not only brings everyone together but also fosters a sense of unity and celebration, allowing you to connect with the people and the traditions in a very personal way. As you dance under the stars, surrounded by laughter and music, you’ll surely feel the warmth of the community and the joy of the occasion.

Don’t forget to take in the atmosphere and create lasting memories of this unique experience. Enjoy every moment of the celebration!

The Jingsyak Puja is fire worship, is a significant ritual in many spiritual traditions, and participating in it will likely create a profound atmosphere filled with positive energy. The leadership of the head lama adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the experience, as his guidance is rooted in tradition and wisdom. The belief that this puja can dispel negative energies and promote positivity is truly uplifting, making it a fitting ritual to witness during your trek. As you observe the ceremony, take a moment to reflect on its significance and the intentions behind it. Engaging in such spiritual practices can foster a sense of connection, not only with the Sherpa community but also with the broader universe. Enjoy this beautiful experience.

As you trek back to Monjo, retracing your steps will give you a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had during the festival and your immersion in Sherpa culture. The familiarity of the trail may also allow you to notice new details that you might have missed on the way each step will be a reminder of the beautiful moments you've shared. Take your time to soak in the breathtaking landscapes and the tranquility of the mountains. Perhaps you can share stories and memories with your fellow trekkers as you walk, reminiscing about the dances, the puja, and the connections you made. This return journey is not just about reaching Monjo but also about cherishing the profound experiences and insights you've gained along the way. Enjoy the trek!

After enjoying breakfast, we embark on our journey back to Lukla. The path we follow is the same trail we traversed on the first two days of our trek, bridging the gap between Monjo and Lukla. As we approach the conclusion of our trek, we look forward to celebrating this memorable adventure with a special farewell dinner in the evening. This joyful gathering will be accompanied by the harmonious tunes of traditional Nepali folk songs, including the enchanting "Resam Fi-ri-ri." It's a fitting way to bid farewell to the stunning landscapes and camaraderie of our trekking group. During this dinner, your guide will collect gratuities from the group and ensure they are distributed among the hardworking staff, expressing our appreciation for their dedication and assistance throughout our journey. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and camaraderie as we bring this incredible adventure to a close.

Depending on the scheduled flight time, we will make our way to the airport for our journey back to Kathmandu or Manthali, depending on the flight destination. Upon our arrival at the Kathmandu/Manthali airport, our attentive staff will be on hand to ensure a smooth transition and transfer you to your designated hotel. Later in the evening, we will come together once more for a memorable farewell dinner in the bustling Thamel district. This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our adventures, share stories, and savor the unique flavors of Nepali cuisine.

Depending on your flight schedule, our staff will arrange for your transfer from the hotel to the airport for your final departure. This marks the end of your remarkable Everest Three Pass Trek, filled with breathtaking landscapes, challenging trails, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Himalayas. We hope you depart with cherished memories and a sense of accomplishment.