Nepal Deepawali Festival Tour 2026

Trip Overview

A trip to Nepal during Deepawali festival, which falls around november each year, is a life changing event. Deepawali, also known as Tihar, is Nepal's festival of lights and the second most important festival in the country after Dashain. It is a five day celebration that honours crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and the special bond between brothers and sisters. Homes, temples, and streets are beautifully decorated with oil lamps, colorful rangoli, marigold garlands, and traditional songs known as Deusi Bhailo, creating a joyful atmosphere throughout the country. For 2026, the deepawali or the Tihar festival is celebrated from 7th Nov - 11 Nov. 

This 8 day Nepal Festival Tour brings you into the heart of Tihar, from the glow of Laxmi Puja to the Bhai Tika ceremony with a Nepali family in Dhading. The journey also takes you through Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO heritage sites and Chitwan National Park, combining festival immersion, cultural sightseeing, and wildlife adventure.

You will witness Laxmi Puja lighting up the streets of Kathmandu, explore the valley's most sacred sites, take part in Mha Puja and Govardhan Puja, receive Bhai Tika blessings with a Nepali family, and enjoy jungle activities in Chitwan National Park, all in one memorable festival holiday.

Trip Detail

Itinerary Overview

This 8 day, 7 night holiday brings you into the heart of Nepal's festival of lights while covering three of the country's most memorable settings. You begin in Kathmandu, where you witness Laxmi Puja and the city glowing with oil lamps, followed by a day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley during the Tihar festivities. You then take part in Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja before driving to a riverside resort in Dhading, where you spend Bhai Tika, the final and most personal day of Tihar, with a Nepali family who welcome you for the sibling blessing ceremony and a traditional festive lunch. From Dhading you continue to Chitwan for jeep safaris, canoe rides, bird watching, and a Tharu cultural program at Chitwan, before returning to Kathmandu for your onward departure.

Here is a quick look at how your 8 day tour unfolds.

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and enjoy the festive Tihar atmosphere.

• Day 2: Celebrate Laxmi Puja and experience the Festival of Lights in Kathmandu.

• Day 3: Explore Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sites while enjoying Tihar celebrations.

• Day 4: Celebrate Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja in Kathmandu, then drive to Dhading.

• Day 5: Celebrate Bhai Tika with a Nepali family in Dhading, then drive to Chitwan.

• Day 6: Enjoy a full day of jungle activities in Chitwan National Park.

• Day 7: Drive back to Kathmandu and enjoy leisure time for shopping or personal exploration.

• Day 8: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.

Why You Will Love This Trip

• Celebrate Tihar Like a Local: This itinerary is timed around the most significant days of Tihar, including Laxmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, Mha Puja, and Bhai Tika, giving you a genuine chance to witness Nepal's festival of lights with local communities rather than simply reading about it.

• Receive Bhai Tika with a Nepali Family: On the final day of Tihar, you are welcomed into a Nepali family in Dhading to take part in the Bhai Tika ceremony, the sibling blessing ritual at the very heart of the festival, followed by a traditional festive lunch.

• Witness Kathmandu Lit with a Thousand Lamps: Laxmi Puja transforms Kathmandu's streets, homes, and shopfronts with oil lamps, candles, and rangoli patterns, offering one of the most beautiful nights to experience in the city all year.

• Explore Kathmandu Valley's Heritage: A dedicated day of sightseeing introduces you to the valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath, each offering a different perspective on the valley's Tihar traditions.

• Jungle Adventure in Chitwan National Park: Your stay at Green Park Chitwan includes a jeep safari inside Chitwan National Park, a canoe ride, bird watching, and a Tharu cultural program, offering an exciting change of pace after the festival days in Kathmandu and Dhading.

• A Complete Introduction to Nepal: In just 8 days, you experience Nepal's festival of lights and its most famous national park, all within a single well paced itinerary.
   

Altitude & Activities

This is an easy cultural and nature based holiday with sightseeing, festival participation, and wildlife experiences. The itinerary includes heritage site visits and festival celebrations in Kathmandu, Bhai Tika ceremony in Dhading, and jungle activities at Green Park Chitwan, making it suitable for families and first time visitors to Nepal.

Accommodation and Meals

You will spend three nights in a comfortable 4 star hotel in Kathmandu while experiencing the main days of Tihar, followed by one night at a riverside resort in Dhading for your Bhai Tika celebration, and two nights at Green Park Chitwan. The journey concludes with one further night in Kathmandu before departure. Daily breakfast is included throughout the tour. During your Chitwan stay, all meals are included, and you will also enjoy a traditional Bhai Tika lunch with a Nepali family as part of the cultural celebration.