Nepal Festivals and Celebrations 2026/2027: The Complete Travel Guide

Introduction

Nepal is a country where festivals happen almost every month. Hindu festivals, Buddhist festivals, and local ethnic festivals all take place across the year, and each one has its own story, food, and way of celebration. For travelers, this means planning a trip that goes beyond mountains and temples to experience the richness of everyday Nepali life, culture, and traditions.

This guide covers Nepal's major festivals coming up next, starting from the festivals still ahead this year and continuing into 2027. You will find simple explanations of what each festival means, where to see it, and how to plan around it, along with a full festival calendar, practical tips, and answers to common questions. If you want a trip built around one of these dates, Thamel Travels and Tours also offers Nepal festival tours designed around the exact celebration you want to see.

Nepal Festival Calendar, 2026 to 2027

This table lists the main festivals coming up, in order, from now through 2027. Some dates, especially further into 2027, depend on the lunar calendar and are confirmed closer to the date. Those are marked as expected rather than fixed.

Major Nepal Festivals in 2026 and 2027

Teej

Teej, on 14 September 2026, is a Hindu festival where women dress in red saris and gather at temples to fast and pray for their husband's long life and a healthy family. Unmarried women also observe the fast, praying for a good future husband.

The best place to see Teej is Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, where large groups of women sing and dance in the temple courtyard through the day. Visitors can watch from a respectful distance but should avoid disturbing women who are fasting or in prayer.

Indra Jatra

Indra Jatra runs from 23 to 30 September 2026, with the main chariot day falling on 25 September. It is Kathmandu's biggest street festival, honoring Indra, the god of rain, and marking one of the few times each year that the Kumari, Nepal's living goddess, appears in public.

The whole festival centers on Kathmandu Durbar Square and Basantapur, where chariots carrying the Kumari, along with images of Ganesh and Bhairav, are pulled through the old city streets. Arrive early on the main day to get a good spot near the square, since crowds build up quickly by late afternoon.

Dashain

Dashain, from 11 to 25 October 2026, is Nepal's longest and most important festival. It celebrates the goddess Durga's victory over evil, and the main day, Vijayadashami, falls on 21 October, when elders bless younger family members with tika and jamara.

Dashain is celebrated across the whole country, so it is less about one single location and more about being present for the atmosphere. Expect many shops and offices to close for several days, especially around the main tika days, so plan transport and shopping ahead of time.

Mani Rimdu

Mani Rimdu, expected around 26 to 28 October 2026, is a Sherpa Buddhist festival held at Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region. Monks perform masked dances that tell the story of Buddhism's victory over older beliefs, drawing both local Sherpa families and trekkers passing through.

Because Tengboche sits along the main trail to Everest Base Camp, seeing Mani Rimdu usually means combining it with a short trek. Flights to the region can be delayed by weather, so it is worth building extra days into your schedule.

Tihar

Tihar, or Deepawali, runs for about five days from around 6 to 11 November 2026. It is Nepal's festival of lights, with separate days honoring crows, dogs, cows, and finally brothers and sisters, ending with Bhai Tika on 11 November.

Tihar is best experienced in the evenings, when homes across Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur are lit with rows of oil lamps and candles. Laxmi Puja, the day dedicated to the goddess of wealth, is especially lively, with firecrackers heard across the city well into the night.

Chhath

Chhath, on 15 November 2026, is a sun worship festival celebrated mainly in the Terai plains. Families gather at rivers and ponds at sunrise and sunset to offer prayers, standing waist deep in the water as part of the ritual.

Janakpur is the best place to see Chhath, since it is one of the largest and most traditional celebrations in the country. This festival requires travel outside Kathmandu, so it is best suited to travelers with a bit more time and flexibility in their trip.

Tamu Lhosar

Tamu Lhosar, on 30 December 2026, is the New Year celebration of Nepal's Gurung community. It is marked with traditional dances, music, and community feasts.

Kathmandu and Pokhara both have sizable Gurung communities, so either city offers a good chance to see Tamu Lhosar celebrations, particularly around community halls and public squares where dance performances are held.

Maghe Sankranti

Maghe Sankranti, on 15 January 2027, marks the slow end of winter and the sun's journey northward. Families mark the day with warm, energy giving foods like ghee, sesame sweets, and yams.

This is a nationwide festival with no single main event, but riverside towns like Devghat and Sankhu are known for morning ritual baths, where devotees take a dip in the river as part of the celebration.

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri, on 6 March 2027, is one of the most spiritually intense nights of the year, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees fast, pray through the night, and gather in huge numbers at Shiva temples across the country.

Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is the center of the celebration, drawing thousands of devotees and sadhus, or Hindu holy men, from across Nepal and India. Non Hindu visitors cannot enter the inner temple, but the surrounding complex along the river offers a clear view of the scale of the gathering.

Holi

Holi, the festival of colors, falls on 21 March 2027 in hill areas including Kathmandu, and a day later, on 22 March, in the Terai region. It marks the arrival of spring and is one of the few Nepali festivals where tourists are actively invited to join in.

Basantapur Durbar Square and the streets around Thamel are the liveliest places to experience Holi in Kathmandu, with colored powder and water thrown freely in the streets. Janakpur hosts one of the largest Terai celebrations for travelers who want to see the Terai version of the festival.

Nepali New Year

Nepali New Year, on 14 April 2027, marks the start of the Bikram Sambat calendar and is celebrated with the nine day Bisket Jatra festival in Bhaktapur. Locals pull a large wooden chariot through the streets as part of the celebration.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the best place to see Bisket Jatra, along with nearby Thimi, which holds its own colorful Sindoor Jatra a day after the Nepali New Year, where powder is thrown in celebration.

Buddha Jayanti

Buddha Jayanti, expected in May 2027 though the exact date depends on the lunar calendar, marks the birth of the Buddha. It is one of the most important days for Buddhist communities in Nepal and around the world.

Lumbini, believed to be the Buddha's birthplace, and the Kathmandu Valley's Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas are the main centers of celebration, with chanting, prayers, and butter lamps lit through the evening.

Tiji Festival

Tiji Festival, expected from 1 to 3 June 2027, is a three day Buddhist festival held in the walled city of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang. It reenacts the defeat of a demon through masked dances performed by monks.

Reaching Lo Manthang requires a special restricted area permit and several days of travel from Kathmandu, so this festival is best suited to travelers planning a dedicated Mustang trip rather than a short add on.

Beyond these dates, Teej, Indra Jatra, Dashain, and Tihar all return again later in 2027, generally around the same months as this year, since they follow the same yearly cycle. Their exact 2027 dates are set closer to the time through the lunar calendar, so it is worth checking again as the year approaches.

Festivals in Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley is where most of Nepal's festival life is concentrated, mainly because it is home to three old Newar cities that each built their own festival traditions over hundreds of years. A traveler based in the valley can often see festivals in all three cities without much extra travel.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the center of Indra Jatra, when Durbar Square and the streets around Basantapur fill with chariots, masked dances, and the public appearance of the Kumari, the living goddess. The city is also where Dashain and Tihar are most visibly celebrated, with markets, lights, and family gatherings throughout the old city.

Patan

Patan, just across the river from Kathmandu, is home to the Rato Machindranath Jatra, a chariot festival dedicated to the rain god Bunga Dyah. Unlike most other festivals on this list, it can stretch over several weeks, sometimes into more than a month, and ends with the Bhoto Jatra ceremony at Jawalakhel.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur, the best preserved of the valley's three historic cities, is the heart of Bisket Jatra, when locals pull a huge wooden chariot through narrow brick streets to welcome the Nepali New Year. Nearby Thimi holds its own related celebration, the colorful Sindoor Jatra, a day after the New Year begins.

For travelers who want to see all three cities and their festival traditions without planning the logistics themselves, the Kathmandu Valley Heritage and Cultural Tour covers Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur in one trip.

Festivals Beyond Kathmandu

Nepal's festival calendar does not stop at the valley, and some of the country's most memorable celebrations happen in places that need extra travel time to reach.

Terai

The Terai, the flat plains bordering India, follows festival traditions closer to North Indian Hindu culture than the hill regions. Janakpur is the main center here, hosting Chhath, when families pray at rivers and ponds at sunrise and sunset, and one of the country's largest Terai style Holi celebrations.

Pokhara

Pokhara follows the same national festival calendar as Kathmandu, including Dashain, Tihar, and Tamu Lhosar, but with noticeably smaller crowds. This makes it a good alternative base for travelers who want to experience these festivals without the density of Kathmandu's old city squares.

Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang, a high desert region near the Tibetan border, is where the Tiji Festival takes place each year in the walled city of Lo Manthang. Reaching it requires a special restricted area permit and several days of travel from Kathmandu, so it is generally the anchor of a trip rather than a quick stop.

Everest Region

The Everest region is home to the Sherpa community's Mani Rimdu festival, celebrated at Tengboche Monastery along the main trekking route to Everest Base Camp. Many trekkers time their trip to combine the trek with the festival.

Best Nepal Festivals for Travelers

Best Festivals for Photography

Nepal’s festivals offer many great photo opportunities. Indra Jatra is perfect for photography, with colorful chariots, traditional masks, local clothing, and old wooden temples in Basantapur. Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur gives you a more lively experience, with large chariots being pulled through narrow streets and clouds of orange sindoor powder during Sindoor Jatra in Thimi. Tihar is especially beautiful in the evening, when streets and homes are lit with rows of oil lamps and candles.

For a different setting, the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang offers a stunning backdrop of red cliffs and an ancient walled city. Wherever you take photos, remember to respect local people and traditions. Always ask before taking close-up photos of people, especially during prayers or private family moments. A simple nod or showing your camera before taking a photo is usually enough to ask for permission.

Best Festivals for Cultural Immersion

Some Nepal festivals are best enjoyed by travelers who take time to understand their meaning and traditions. Teej offers a chance to learn more about women’s traditions and family life in Nepal, beyond the famous red saris and dancing. During Losar at Boudhanath Stupa, visitors can experience Tibetan Buddhist traditions and, in some cases, spend time with local monastery communities. These experiences offer a more personal way to learn about Nepal’s rich culture and religious traditions.

Dashain can be one of the most meaningful cultural experiences if you are invited into a Nepali home for tika. This usually requires a personal connection or a local guide who can arrange the visit. At any festival, it is best to watch first, ask before joining, and follow local customs. If you want to experience these traditions with local guidance, Thamel Travels and Tours offers festival-focused trips such as Dashain Festival Tour in Nepal 2026 and Deepawali Festival Tour in Nepal 2026, combining cultural experiences with sightseeing and local activities.

Are Nepal Festivals Suitable for Tourists?

Yes, most Nepal festivals are open to tourists. Visitors can watch almost every public festival, and at festivals like Holi, joining the celebrations is part of the fun. However, Nepal’s festivals are real religious and cultural traditions, not shows for tourists, so it is important to be respectful.

At Holi, joining the color celebrations is common and welcomed. At festivals like Maha Shivaratri, or during a family’s private Dashain tika, it is better to watch quietly from a respectful distance unless you are invited to take part. Following local customs and knowing when to join or simply observe will help you enjoy Nepal’s festivals while respecting the people and traditions around you.

Nepal Festival Travel Tips for 2026 and 2027

• Book hotels early for Dashain, Tihar, Indra Jatra, and Bisket Jatra, since rooms fill up fast around these dates.

• Expect heavy traffic and full buses just before Dashain and Tihar, when most of the country travels home.

• Check bus and flight schedules directly, since timetables often change during big festivals.

• Carry small cash, since festival stalls and rural areas may not accept cards.

• Dress modestly at temples, covering your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before going inside.

• Ask before taking close photos of people, especially during prayers or private rituals.

• Do not interrupt a religious ceremony to take a photo or ask questions.

• Follow instructions from police or festival organizers near chariots and large crowds.

• Keep your bag and valuables close in crowded areas like Durbar Square during Indra Jatra.

• Give yourself extra travel time, since roads near festival areas are often closed to traffic.

• Confirm shop and restaurant hours ahead of time, since many close for several days during Dashain.

• Watch cremation rituals at Pashupatinath from a distance and with respect, not as a photo opportunity.

How to Plan a Nepal Trip Around Festivals

The easiest way to plan a Nepal trip is to start with the places and activities you want to enjoy, then check which festivals match your travel dates. Kathmandu Valley’s temples, Pokhara’s lakes, Chitwan’s wildlife, and Lumbini’s Buddhist sites are worth visiting at any time of year, so a festival can be an extra highlight of your trip. If you visit Nepal in October or November, you can also combine Dashain or Tihar with a short trek. The trails may be quieter during the festivals as many local guides return home to celebrate with their families.

If you want to experience a specific festival, such as Tiji Festival in Mustang or Mani Rimdu near Everest, it is better to plan your trip around the festival dates. These trips may require special permits and extra travel days, so planning ahead is important. Thamel Travels and Tours can help you choose the right festival and create a suitable itinerary, whether you want a complete Nepal tour package or a shorter Nepal travel package focused on celebrations such as the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Jeep Tour or the Dashain Festival Tour in Nepal 2026.

Festival Travel by Season

Conclusion

Nepal’s festivals are not just shows for tourists. They are real traditions that Nepali families and communities have followed for generations. Taking part in a festival, even as a quiet observer, is one of the best ways to experience Nepal beyond its mountains and trekking trails. From the bright colors of Holi to the peaceful prayers of Maha Shivaratri, each festival gives you a different look at how people in Nepal live, pray, and celebrate together.

Whether you are watching chariots move through the old streets of Kathmandu or seeing prayer flags wave in the wind at Lo Manthang, planning your Nepal trip around a festival can make your visit even more special. Thamel Travels and Tours can help you plan your trip around the festivals in this guide, based on your travel dates, interests, and preferred pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the next major Nepal festival coming up?
   Teej falls on 14 September, followed closely by Indra Jatra from 23 to 30 September, making this the next major stretch of festivals on the calendar.
    

2. When is Dashain in Nepal?
   Dashain runs from 11 to 25 October 2026, with the main tika day, Vijayadashami, on 21 October.
    

3. When is Tihar in Nepal?
   Tihar runs for about five days, from around 6 to 11 November 2026, ending with Bhai Tika on 11 November.
    

4. When is Maha Shivaratri in 2027?
   Maha Shivaratri falls on 6 March 2027, drawing large crowds of devotees to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
    

5. When is Holi celebrated in Nepal in 2027?
   Hill areas including Kathmandu celebrate Holi on 21 March 2027, while the Terai region celebrates it a day later, on 22 March 2027.
    

6. Can tourists join in Nepal's festivals?
   Yes, especially at Holi, where everyone is welcome to join the color throwing. For more private or religious festivals like Dashain or Teej, it is best to observe respectfully unless you have a local guide or host inviting you in.
    

7. Which festival is best for first time visitors to Nepal?
   Indra Jatra is a good choice, since it happens entirely within Kathmandu, lasts over a week, and offers chariots, masks, and processions without needing any special travel or permits.
    

8. Do I need to book my trip early for these festivals?
   Yes. Hotels in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur fill up quickly around Dashain, Tihar, and Bisket Jatra, and remote festivals like Tiji in Mustang have very limited accommodation, so early booking is strongly recommended.