14 days 2027 Dumji festival at Namche:

Dear all trekkers,

Tashi Delak! welcome, to Duji festival at Namche Bazaar, Mt. Everest Khumbu region at Nepal.

About Dumji festival at Namche: Dumji celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). It was started over 360 years ago by Lama Sangwa Dorje to unite the Sherpa people and protect the high-altitude villages from negative spirits.

Significance & history: 

Honoring Guru Rinpoche: The festival marks the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who brought Tibetan Buddhism to the Himalayas.

Community blessings: It is held to ward off evil spirits, bring peace, prosperity, and health to the village, and ensure a fruitful harvest season before the monsoon sets in.

Rotational hosting (Lawa or Metok): Each year, a selected group of local families (known as Lawa) takes full responsibility for organizing, funding, and catering the festival for the entire community.

The "Lawa" Tradition: All the villagers and relatives gather, this is  because of the Lawa (Host) system. Every year, 8 different local families in Namche take turns to pay for and organize the entire festival. It is a massive financial and social duty that only happens to a family once or twice in a lifetime, which cost very high. 

"In the past, it was very difficult to save money and gather enough food and drinks for everyone during the Dumji festival. These days, the standard of living is much higher thanks to tourism in the Khumbu region. Now, there is big competition among the Lawa families to show off their fine clothing, jewelry, expensive drinks, and rich food."

How celebration the Dumji festival? The main public celebrations of the Dumji festival last for 5 days. If you include the entire traditional schedule, from early preparations to the final rituals.

Days 1–2 (Preparations & Private Rituals): The Lawa (host) families and monks from Tyangboche monastery set up the monastery, craft ceremonial torma (made by Tsamba), and conduct private prayers.

Days 3–5 (Main Public Festival): These are the most active days, featuring the sacred Cham (mask dances), fire purifications (Jingsang), public feasting, and long-life blessings (Tsewang) from the head monk.

Fifth final day: The festival concludes with Sherpa songs and perform the Syabru group dance together in the monastery yard. The Head Lama offers a Khatak (silk scarf) to everyone, marking the end of the Dumji festival.and the announcement of next year's Lawa host families name. 

The calendar: The Dumji festival is celebrated 10th day of fifth month, according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, so its dates on the Gregorian (solar) AD. calendar change every year. The official dates will be announced by the Namche Dumji Lawa (hosts) or the Tengboche Monastery committee by early spring 2027."

How the Journey Starts & Progresses: 

Your 14-day trip begins with two nights in Kathmandu. On the third morning, you will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport. After enjoying lunch in Lukla, your trek starts with an approximately three-hour walk to Phakding, where you will spend your first night lodging accommodation.

The next morning, you will trek through the Sagarmatha National Park checkpost at Jorsalle to Larja Dobhan. After crossing the suspension bridge, you will ascend to Namche Bazaar for a four-night stay at a lodge or hotel to attend the Dumji festival.

After the Dumji trek to Tyangboche monastery for more panoramic mountain views surrounding the monastery. The following day, you will head to Khumjung village.   From Khumjung, you will trek back down to Namche Bazaar and continue through the valley to Lukla Airport.

The next morning, you will fly back to Kathmandu for a final two-night stay before your 14-day journey comes to an end.

Please Note: See below for an overview of the 14-day Dumji festival. For complete details on Kathmandu hotels, trekking routes, elevation, walking times, meals, and accommodations, refer to the "Day-by-Day Itinerary" at the bottom of this page.

Safety Note - Animal caravans: In the Khumbu (Everest), you will frequently encounter caravans of Yaks, Jopkyos, and Mules transporting goods. If you hear bells ringing in the distance, start looking for a wide spot in the trail to step aside immediately.

It’s much easier to find a safe spot early than to scramble when the caravan is right on top of you. Always move to the mountainside (the inner wall) of the trail and wait for the animals to pass. Never stand on the cliff-side edge. 

About Namche Bazaar: Namche Bazar situated at (alt. 3,440m.) high elevation. Namche Bazaar is the  "Gateway to Everest," it serves as the central economic, cultural, and logistical hub of the Khumbu region. Once a week Saterday, all the Khumbu region people gathering at Namche for genaral shopping.

Namche Bazaar is the primary acclimatization stop for trekkers, climbers, and travelers heading toward Mt. Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and surrounding peaks. Here you can buy every things for the trekking.

Modern Amenities: Despite its remote Himalayan setting, the town is well-equipped with lodges, bakeries, cafes, equipment shops, ATMs, and reliable communications.

Sherpa culture & heritage: Heart of Sherpa Land: Namche is the traditional heartland of the Sherpa community. The town’s rich cultural heritage is displayed in its traditional stone houses, prayer wheels, chortens, and local monasteries.

Himalayan Panorama: "Whether at the National Park viewpoint above Namche or the Hotel Everest View in Syangboche, you will be treated to dramatic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khangtega, Kongde peak and Taboche."

About Tyangboche monastery: The monastery situated (alt. 3,867m.) high elevation, the monastery was established in 1916 by Lama Gulu (Chatang Chotar) from Khumjung village. Lama Gulu belongs to the Nyingma lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism. Over the decades, it has overcome significant challenges, including a major earthquake in 1934 and a disastrous fire in 1989, after which it was rebuilt with global support, including assistance from Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan trust from the local community and international donors, reopened in 1993.

Spiritual Center: It is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. Trekkers and mountaineers traditionally visit to receive blessings from the Head Lama for safe passage before attempting high peaks, including Mount Everest.

Himalayan Panorama: When you arrive at Tengboche, you will feel as though you are standing right among the Himalayas. From Tengboche, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khang Tega and Taboche.

Practical detail and trekking services:

Permits and other: For Khumbu region not require trekking permit uou need entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park and a TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System). We will handle the arrangement of these for you. Local government fees will be managed and arranged by your trekking guide on the spot.

To process your TIMS card required in advance, please send us by email:

•    A recent passport-size photograph.
•    Your passport, photo copy (valid for a minimum of six months).

Accommodation:  Kuumbu region there are several small hotels lodges and restaurants are available. During your journey, you will stay in charming local hotesl or lodges on a bed-and-breakfast basis. While mountain facilities are simpler than those in Kathmandu and Pokhara, they offer cozy atmosphere and the legendary warmth of Himalayan hospitality.

Heating system: There is no heating in the bedrooms (Maybe in near future). The only warm place in the entire lodge will be the communal dining hall, where a central pot-bellied stove (usually fuelled by dried yak dung or wood) is lit in the evenings.

Battery Charging: In Khumbu region, most lodges have electricity, allowing you to charge your mobile phone, camera, and power bank.

Pre-booking: During the Mani Rimdu festival, many lodges operate on first-come, first-served basis, good rooms fill up quickly. Therefore, we book rooms in advance for our clients in time.

Daily meals at journey: Each lodge or small restaurant you will get vegetarian or non veg. dishes, different kinds of breakfast set, lunch and dinner. Authentic Nepalese Dal Bhat, Tarkari, chapati, Tibetan breads, momos, Stew, pasta, noodles, pizza, several items of fresh organic vegetables, potatoes, meats, eggs, soups, hot and cold drinks, which you can check at menu. Your guide will assist in arranging delicious lunches and dinners daily.

Trekking guide: We provide an experienced trekking guide who knows the region well and can secure the best lodges, guest houses, and places to eat, ensuring your safety and high-quality service.

Your guide will always check the menu and advise you on the freshest and most readily available options before you place your order.

Porters: A porter is necessary for this trek, your trekking guide will arrange from Lukla bazaar. One porter can carry between 25 to 30 kg of luggage. Between two trekkers one porter will be perfect. If you are physically fit to carry your own personal gear, you don't need porter.

Domestic flight: To maximize your time in the mountains and avoid long drive, this itinerary includes 20 to 25 minutes domestic flights between Kathmandu / Lukla / Kathmandu for panoramic views and save the time.  

Ground transportation: We provide reliable private transportation, including cars, jeeps, and vans as your group size for airport pickup / drop transfers to hotel and travel to and from trekking starting points.

"If there are no direct flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, alternative flights will operate from Manthali Airport (Ramechhap). In this case, we will provide private vehicle transfers for drop-off and pick-up."

Your daily routine: Life on the joureny a peaceful, structured rhythm designed to keep you energized and immersed in the landscape.

The morning call: Your day begins gently. Early in the morning, your guide will bring a hot cup of tea or coffee directly to your room, followed by a bowl of warm water for washing. After freshening up and packing your duffel bag, you’ll head to the dining hall. A fresh, warm breakfast is served as you take in the morning sun hitting the surrounding peaks.

Mid day: Your vehicle will stop as your request to take a picture or urinate (pee). At mid day stop for lunch and rest for few hours, than contine drive to destination.

Afternoon arrival & evening relaxation: Afternoon when you arrived at destination your guide will provide a cozy room for you. Once you’ve settled into your room, the late afternoon is yours to enjoy. Relax in the heated dining hall with hot drinks, biscuits, and local cheese. You’ll place your dinner order early to ensure a fresh meal at your preferred time.

Evening briefing: During dinner, your guide will recap the day’s highlights and provide a detailed briefing on the terrain and plan for the following morning.

Travel insurance and emergency rescue:

Unfortunate illness or injury can happen to anyone, anywhere. In the remote mountain regions where we trek, your safety is paramount. Because ground transport to the nearest clinic / hospital can be slow, we rely on rapid aerial response. 

• Helicopter rescue: From 'nearest place' Kathmandu, Lukla or Pokhara offers the fastest rescue service but is extremely expensive.

•  Action required: We strongly advise you to issue a comprehensive travel insurance policy from your home country or in Kathmandu. Your policy must specifically cover emergency helicopter evacuation and medical expenses at high altitudes (up to 3,000m. depending on your route).

• Pro tip: Please Always carry a digital / printed copy of your insurance certificate and the 24-hour emergency contact number for your provider

Trekking equipment check list:

For this high elevation region, we suggest you take along with you: Trekking boots, light shoes / trainers, down or fibre pile jacket, fleece or sweater, shirts (x 2), long and short trekking trousers (and /or long skirt for women), windproof jacket & trouser, waterproof poncho, sun hat, woollen cap, gloves, woollen socks (x 3), underwear.

Other essential items: Kitbag and padlock, small rucksack, down sleeping bag (4 seasons +) with inner liner, water bottle (1 litre capacity), head torch, personal first aid, sun and snow glasses/goggles, sun cream (factor 15+) & lip slave, towel & wash kit, whistle, passport, passport-size photographs, plastic bags, money belt.

Optional: Camera (with high-capacity memory cards and extra batteries), trekking poles / walking sticks, binoculars, notebook, pen etc.

Sleeping bag: We strongly suggest bringing down sleeping bag (-20 degree Celsius) with an inner liner. Because hotels / lodges blankets are not always warm and clean enough to meet your personal standards. If you, doesn’t have sleeping bag you can buy or hire at Kathmandu as your size.

Why trek with us?

We are a team of experienced Sherpas who have been leading Himalayan treks and expeditions for many years. Trekkers from all over the globe trust us and return year after year for another trek or expedition.

In Kathmandu, there are many trekking agencies: some charge high prices without delivering quality service, while others offer low rates but lack experience and support. Regardless of the cost, the mountain views remain the same. But the quality of service that makes all the difference.

We offer reasonable prices and ‘top-tier’ service across every aspect of your journey without compromise. That is why our clients keep coming back to trek with us again and again.

When you join with our team, your investment does more than just book a trip-it ensures a seamless, high-quality experience defined by a warm, family-like atmosphere and total peace of mind.

While some travellers explore the Himalayas independently to save money, they often overlook a critical question: "If something goes wrong, what is the plan?"

Travel in Mustang, Nepal is vastly different from hiking in Western countries. The landscapes are rugged, conditions are extreme, and weather can change in an instant.

In wilderness, unexpected challenges - from different sickness to sudden weather change can arise at any moment. Without professional support, these situations can quickly become dangerous. We provide the essential safety net and emergency logistics required to keep you safe.

Stress-Free Logistics: We manage every detail, from your arrival to your departure, so you never have to worry about the "what ifs." Your journey with us isn’t just a holiday; it’s a commitment to quality, safety, and an unforgettable experience on the trail.

Tips for guide and porters: Tipping is a customary way to appreciate your team's hard work and dedication in helping you reach your goal. You may tip as much as you wish. However, if you are not satisfied with their service, tipping is not necessary.

✅ Who can join Tyangboche 'Mani Rimdu' festival trek?

Mani Rimdu festival at Tyangboche is designed for anyone who is physically fit, healthy, and passionate about exploring the high Himalayas. We welcome men and women between the ages of 16 to 75 can join us with confidence.

This trekking is suitable with friends, groups or single with a guide. Being surrounded by such a beautiful organic, natural Himalayan environment is proven you feeling excited, happy, stress-free, and full of sweet, unforgettable memories once in your life. 

Preparation and Support: You are never alone in your preparation. We provide comprehensive information and a full briefing in Kathmandu before you set off. Once on the trail, your guide will provide a clear, day-by-day explanation of the plan to ensure you are always informed and comfortable.

Get in touch: The trekking regions mentioned here are just the beginning. For more information regarding trekking seasons, exact durations, and a competitive, reasonable cost for your group (large or small), please contact us directly. 

We pride ourselves on providing a service that is faster, more personal, and more reliable than the rest. We will reply to your email within 24 hours.

Contact us via:

Email: hellokirken@gmail.com

WhatsApp / Messenger: Kirken Sherpa +43 664 55155 46

Direct Call: +43 664 55155 46 / +977 970 5843 789

Please note: The Dumji festival is celebrated 10th day of fifth month, according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, so its dates on the Gregorian (solar) AD. calendar change every year. The official dates will be announced by the Namche Dumji Lawa (hosts) or the Tengboche Monastery committee by early spring 2027." We will announce the date in 2027.

 "Thank you for choosing 'Dumji' festival at Namche Bazaar and for being a part of our team. We look forward to trekking with you!"