In Nepal, there is a saying that we have more festivals than days in the year. It’s almost true. Some are celebrated by the whole country, some by one valley, some by one village. And many of the biggest fall right in the best trekking season.
Walking during a festival can be one of the most beautiful parts of a trip: villages full of colour, families together, music in the evening. But festivals also change travel: buses fill up, offices close, and prices rise. Knowing what’s coming helps you plan, and enjoy it.
I’m Rujan, a licensed trekking guide in Nepal since 2018. Here is an honest guide to the festivals you are most likely to meet on your trip, and what they mean for your trek.
Dashain: the biggest festival of the year
When in 2026: Dashain begins on Sunday 11 October (Ghatasthapana) and its main day, Vijaya Dashami, is on Wednesday 21 October. The festival continues for a few days after, until the full moon.
Dashain is the most important festival in Nepal. It celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura: good over evil. For fifteen days, the whole country turns towards family. People travel back to their home villages from everywhere, even from abroad.
What you’ll see:
- Jamara: barley seeds planted on the first day, grown in the dark into yellow shoots, worn on the head on Tika day.
- Tika: on Vijaya Dashami, elders place a red mark of rice, yogurt and vermilion on the foreheads of younger family members, and give blessings. It’s very touching to see.
- Kites flying over the cities, and big bamboo swings (ping) built in the villages for children and adults.
- Animal sacrifices, especially on the eighth and ninth days, at temples and in homes. This is part of the festival for many families. It can be hard for visitors to see; watch from a distance, or simply avoid the temples on those days.
What it means for your trek:
- Transport is very busy in the days before and after, as people go home and come back. Buses and flights fill up; book early.
- Offices and many shops close on the main days, including government offices. Arrange your permits before the holidays.
- Guides and porters want to be home for Tika. Plan ahead, and be understanding.
- On the trail, life goes on: teahouses stay open, often with families celebrating together. If you are invited to share food or receive tika, accept with joy and gratitude.
Tihar: the festival of lights
When in 2026: Tihar falls in early November, with Laxmi Puja on Sunday 8 November and Bhai Tika on Wednesday 11 November.
Tihar, also called Deepawali, is a five-day festival of light and gratitude, and for many visitors the most beautiful festival in Nepal. Each day honours someone different:
- Kaag Tihar: crows, the messengers.
- Kukur Tihar: dogs, garlanded with marigolds and given a red tika. Every dog in Nepal is a hero for one day. You will love it.
- Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja: cows, and in the evening Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. Homes are cleaned and lit with oil lamps and candles.
- Goru Puja and Mha Puja: oxen, and for the Newar people, the worship of one’s own body and spirit, which is also the Newar new year.
- Bhai Tika: sisters bless their brothers with a seven-coloured tika and garlands, for long life.
What you’ll see: houses glowing with lights, marigold garlands everywhere, colourful mandalas (rangoli) at doorways, and in the evenings, groups of children and young people singing deusi and bhailo songs from house to house. It’s a joyful time.
What it means for your trek: like Dashain, transport is busy and some offices close, but less strongly. Tihar falls in the clear autumn season, so many walkers trek in the mountains and return to Kathmandu or Pokhara for the lights.
Mani Rimdu: monks dancing at Tengboche
When: usually in October or November, around the full moon. The exact dates change each year; check before you plan.
At the Tengboche monastery in the Everest region, and at some other monasteries in the Khumbu, monks perform masked dances over several days, blessing the people and the land. If your Everest Base Camp walk passes Tengboche at the right time, it’s unforgettable. Lodges near Tengboche fill up, so plan early.
Tiji: the festival of Lo Manthang
When: usually in May.
In the walled town of Lo Manthang, in Upper Mustang, Tiji is a three-day festival of masked dances in the town square, telling the old story of good overcoming evil. It’s one of the most special reasons to walk in Upper Mustang in spring. Read more on my page about Lo Manthang.
Other festivals through the year
| Festival | Usually | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Losar | February or March | Sherpa, Tamang and Tibetan New Year: monasteries, dances and family visits in the mountains |
| Holi | March | The festival of colours: people throw coloured powder and water. Wear old clothes |
| Buddha Jayanti | April or May | The birth of the Buddha: prayers at Boudha, Swayambhu and Lumbini |
| Teej | August or September | Women dress in red, sing, dance and fast, especially at Pashupatinath |
| Indra Jatra | September | Kathmandu’s great street festival, with the living goddess Kumari pulled in a chariot |
| Chhath | October or November | Worship of the sun at rivers and ponds, mainly in the Terai |
Nepal follows its own calendar, so the dates on the Western calendar change every year. Always check the dates for your year.
How to join in with respect
- Ask before photographing rituals, temples and people, especially at tika and during worship.
- Accept invitations warmly. If a family offers you tika, food or sweets, receive with your right hand, or both hands, and say “dhanyabad”. See my guide to useful Nepali phrases.
- Dress modestly at temples and festivals.
- Give space at sacred moments, and don’t stand in the way of processions.
- For Holi, agree only to the colour play you are happy with, and protect your camera and eyes.
Read more in my guide to Nepal trekking etiquette.
Should you trek during festivals?
Yes, if you plan for it. Dashain and Tihar fall in the clear autumn season, when the mountains are at their best. The trails are open and the teahouses welcome you. Just remember:
- Book transport and flights early.
- Get your permits before the main holidays.
- Keep a spare day or two for busy roads and closed offices.
- Be patient and smiling: you are a guest at a family celebration.
See my guide to the best time to trek in Nepal for the seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dashain in 2026?
Dashain begins on Sunday 11 October 2026, and the main day, Vijaya Dashami (Tika), is on Wednesday 21 October.
When is Tihar in 2026?
In early November: Laxmi Puja is on Sunday 8 November and Bhai Tika on Wednesday 11 November.
Can I trek during Dashain?
Yes. The trails and teahouses stay open. Book transport early and arrange permits before the main holidays, when offices close.
What is Kukur Tihar?
The day of Tihar when dogs are honoured with marigold garlands, a red tika and good food.
Are festival dates the same every year?
No. Nepal follows its own calendar, so festival dates on the Western calendar change every year.
Walk Into a Celebration
Festivals show you the heart of Nepal: families together, gratitude to the gods, to animals and to each other, and light against the dark. If your trek meets a festival, slow down, smile, and let yourself be a guest. Some of your most beautiful memories may be a tika on your forehead, or a marigold garland on a village dog.
Have more questions? Read my trekking FAQ or browse all my Nepal travel guides.
Rules change. If something here is out of date, please tell me and I will correct it.Tell me
