Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu showing Kumari devotees, Bhairav mask, Lakhe dancers and Bhaktapur Durbar SquareIndra Jatra festival in Kathmandu showing Kumari devotees, Bhairav mask, Lakhe dancers and Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Indra Jatra Cultural Festival Tour in Nepal

  • Duration6 Days
  • Route Grade Active Travel
  • Trip Style Cultural Festival Tour
  • Starting City Kathmandu
  • Ending City Kathmandu
Price fromUS$470US$525
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Indra Jatra Cultural Festival Tour in Nepal map

Trip Overview

This 6 day Nepal cultural festival tour is a heritage and festival experience centered around the spectacular Indra Jatra celebrations in Kathmandu. The festival is celebrated mainly in Kathmandu Old Town and scheduled from 23rd Sep to 30th Sep for 2026. This trip includes the observations of the main festival days on last 5 days. You will witness the chariot procession of the Living Goddess Kumari, explore Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, and experience masked dances, sacred performances, and centuries old Newari traditions.

Trip Detail

Information
Detail

Trip Code

NF307N

Starting Point / End Point

Kathmandu to Kathmandu

Accommodations

Lovely and Centrally located 4 Star hotels in Kathmandu

Max Altitude

Approximately 1,350 m

Duration

6 Days, 5 Nights

Country

Nepal

Trip Grade

Easy, suitable for cultural travelers, families, and senior travelers

Activities

Festival participation, cultural sightseeing, heritage sightseeing, traditional processions, cultural experiences

Best Season

Indra Jatra Festival, late September 2026

Transportation

Private vehicle for sightseeing and airport transfers

Meals

5 Breakfasts

Itinerary Overview

This 6 day, 5 night holiday takes you through Kathmandu's Indra Jatra festival week, one of the most colorful cultural celebrations in Nepal. You will witness the main Kumari chariot procession, the second chariot procession known as Thaneya, and explore the heritage squares of Patan and Bhaktapur. Throughout the journey, you will enjoy private transportation, a professional cultural expert guide, and comfortable accommodation at Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu.

Here is a quick look at how your 6 day tour unfolds.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.

  • Day 2: Explore Kathmandu heritage sites and experience Indra Jatra festival activities.

  • Day 3: Experience the main Indra Jatra celebration and Kumari chariot procession.

  • Day 4: Experience the second major chariot procession known as Thaneya.

  • Day 5: Explore the heritage cities of Patan and Bhaktapur.

  • Day 6: Departure from Kathmandu.
     

Why You Will Love This Trip

  • Experience Indra Jatra in Kathmandu: This tour is planned around the vibrant Indra Jatra celebrations, allowing you to experience one of Kathmandu's most important traditional festivals through religious ceremonies, cultural performances, traditional music, masked dances, and chariot processions.

  • Witness the Kumari Chariot Procession: One of the major highlights of the festival is the procession of the Kumari, the Living Goddess of Kathmandu, accompanied by the chariots of Ganesh and Bhairav. The procession passes through the historic streets of the old city while thousands of devotees and visitors gather to observe the celebrations.

  • Experience the Thaneya Procession: The second major chariot procession is known as Thaneya and traditionally passes through the northern section of the historic Kathmandu area, including the surroundings of Asan and other traditional neighborhoods.

  • Discover Kathmandu's Living Heritage: The festival takes place among ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, shrines, and traditional neighborhoods. The historic surroundings of Kathmandu Durbar Square provide a remarkable setting for experiencing Nepalese culture and religious traditions.

  • Explore Patan and Bhaktapur: The tour also includes cultural sightseeing in Patan and Bhaktapur, two of the Kathmandu Valley's most important historic cities. Their traditional architecture, temples, courtyards, and artistic heritage provide a broader understanding of the cultural traditions of the Kathmandu Valley.

  • Guided by a Cultural Expert: A professional cultural expert guide accompanies you throughout, helping you understand the meaning behind the masks, chariots, and rituals you witness.

  • Perfectly Timed Itinerary: With fixed dates around the festival's most important days, this tour ensures you do not miss the key moments of Indra Jatra.
     

Altitude & Activities

This is an easy cultural holiday based around sightseeing and festival experiences in Kathmandu Valley. Some festival areas and heritage sites may involve crowded streets, stone steps, uneven paths, and extended periods of standing or walking.The tour is suitable for travelers who want to experience Nepal's culture, history, religious traditions, and major festivals at a comfortable pace.

Day
Location
Altitude
Activities
Travel Time

Day 1

Kathmandu

1,324 m

Airport transfer and free time

Airport transfer

Day 2

Kathmandu

1,324 m

Heritage sightseeing and festival activities

Sightseeing by private vehicle

Day 3

Kathmandu

1,324 m

Kumari chariot procession

Walking within Durbar Square area

Day 4

Kathmandu

1,324 m

Thaneya chariot procession

Walking within Durbar Square area

Day 5

Patan and Bhaktapur

Approximately 1,300 m

Heritage sightseeing

Approximately 1 to 1.5 hrs drive each way

Day 6

Kathmandu

1,324 m

Departure

Airport transfer

Accommodation and Meals

You will spend all 5 nights at Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu. Both accommodation options provide a comfortable base for exploring the Kathmandu Valley and attending the Indra Jatra festival activities.

Day
Location
Accommodation
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 1

Kathmandu

Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel

N/A

Not Included

Not Included

Day 2

Kathmandu

Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel

Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 3

Kathmandu

Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel

Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 4

Kathmandu

Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel

Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 5

Kathmandu

Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel

Included

Not Included

Not Included

Day 6

Departure

N/A

Included

N/A

N/A

Cost Includes

Cost & Inclusions

This 6 day Indra Jatra Cultural Festival Tour includes 5 nights of accommodation at Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu, private transportation for airport transfers and sightseeing, a professional cultural expert guide, and daily breakfast throughout the tour.

Cost Includes
Cost Excludes

Private airport arrival and departure transfers

International airfare to and from Nepal

Private vehicle transportation for sightseeing and transfers

Nepal entry visa fee

Professional cultural expert guide throughout the tour

Travel insurance

5 nights accommodation at Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu

Lunches and dinners throughout the trip

Heritage site entrance fees in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur

Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, shopping, and phone calls

5 breakfasts

Tips for guide and driver

Itinerary

On 23 September 2026, once you land in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you outside the arrival terminal with our company name and logo board and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. After completing the hotel check in, you can relax and recover from your journey.This day marks the opening of the Indra Jatra festival period in the Kathmandu Valley. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to witness the early festival atmosphere building around Kathmandu Durbar Square in the evening.Your cultural expert guide will provide information about the upcoming Indra Jatra celebrations and the activities planned during your stay. 

  • Route: Kathmandu Airport to Hotel in Kathmandu

  • Altitude: Approximately 1,324 m

  • Accommodation: Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel

  • Meals: Breakfast

  • Highlights: Airport arrival, private transfer, hotel check in, introduction to the festival program

    After breakfast, explore the major heritage sites of Kathmandu with your professional cultural expert guide, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath. As the day continues, the streets around Basantapur and the old city grow busier with festival preparations, including masked Lakhe dances and displays connected to Indra Jatra. Your guide will help you understand the history and significance of the festival as celebrations build toward the main procession day.The exact timing and location of individual festival activities may vary according to the official festival program and local arrangements. 

    • Route: Kathmandu heritage areas by private vehicle and on foot

    • Altitude: Approximately 1,324 m

    • Accommodation: Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel

    • Meals: Breakfast

    • Highlights: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, early Indra Jatra  festival activities

      After breakfast, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square for the main day of the Indra Jatra festival. This is the most important day of the celebration, when the Living Goddess Kumari is carried through the streets of the old city in her chariot, accompanied by chariots representing Ganesh and Bhairav. Expect large crowds, traditional music, masked dancers, and a festive atmosphere throughout the historic core of Kathmandu. Your guide will help you find good vantage points and explain the rituals as they unfold.

      • Route: Kathmandu Durbar Square and historic old city areas

      • Altitude: Approximately 1,324 m

      • Accommodation: Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel

      • Meals: Breakfast

      • Highlights: Main Indra Jatra celebration, Kumari chariot procession, Ganesh and Bhairav chariots, traditional music, historic Kathmandu

        After breakfast, continue your Indra Jatra experience with the second major chariot procession known as Thaneya. Traditionally, Thaneya is associated with the northern section of the old Kathmandu festival route and includes important traditional neighborhoods such as Asan and surrounding areas. The procession provides another opportunity to experience the religious traditions, crowds, music, and cultural atmosphere of the festival

        • Route: Historic Kathmandu and traditional northern festival areas

        • Altitude: Approximately 1,324 m

        • Accommodation: Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel

        • Meals: Breakfast

        • Highlights: Thaneya chariot procession, traditional Kathmandu neighborhoods, cultural traditions, festival atmosphere

          After breakfast, drive to Patan to explore Patan Durbar Square, known for its concentration of temples and traditional Newari metal and stone craftsmanship. In the afternoon, continue to Bhaktapur, a well preserved medieval city with its own Durbar Square, the Nyatapola Temple, and traditional pottery and weaving communities. Both cities offer a quieter, more traditional heritage experience compared to the festival crowds of Kathmandu.

          • Route: Kathmandu to Patan and Bhaktapur and return to Kathmandu

          • Altitude: Approximately 1,324 m to 1,400 m

          • Accommodation: Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel

          • Meals: Breakfast

          • Highlights: Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, traditional Newari craftsmanship

            After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. Our representative will assist you with your departure transfer, bringing your 6 day Indra Jatra Cultural Festival Tour to an end as you depart Kathmandu with memories of Nepal's traditional festival culture, historic cities, sacred processions, and living heritage. 

            • Route: Hotel in Kathmandu to Kathmandu International Airport

            • Altitude: Approximately 1,324 m

            • Meals: Breakfast

            • Highlights: Private airport transfer and departure from Nepal

              Trip Information

              Know Before You Book

              • Visa Requirements: For this 6 day trip, you will need to apply for a 15 day Nepal visa, which comfortably covers your stay. All citizens of the world except Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Nepal, and most travelers can get a Visa on Arrival. The 15 day tourist visa fee is USD 30. You can apply and pay online in advance here: https://nepaliport-new.immigration.gov.np/. We recommend completing the online application ahead of time to save time at the airport.

              • Festival Schedule: Indra Jatra follows the lunar calendar, and the exact timing and sequence of individual festival activities may be subject to official local arrangements. The itinerary is planned around the festival dates provided for this tour.

              • Festival Crowds: The main chariot processions attract large crowds. Travelers should expect busy streets and may need to walk between vehicle drop off points and festival viewing areas.

              • Cultural Respect: Indra Jatra is an important religious and cultural festival. Visitors should respect local customs, religious ceremonies, sacred spaces, and instructions from local authorities and festival organizers.

              • Walking Conditions: Festival areas and historic heritage sites may include uneven stone streets, steps, narrow lanes, and crowded walking routes. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

              • Photography: Photography may be possible in many public areas, but visitors should be respectful and follow any restrictions around religious ceremonies and sacred figures.

              • Travel Insurance: Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip delays is recommended.

              • Currency and Payment Methods: We accept payments in major currencies such as USD, EUR, and GBP, though it is a good idea to carry some Nepali Rupees for smaller personal expenses.
                 

              Accommodations, Meals, and Transportation

              • Typical Accommodation Used: Throughout your journey, you will stay at Hotel Mulberry or Arya Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu, a 4 star hotel offering comfortable rooms within easy reach of the festival areas.

              • Meals: The package includes 5 breakfasts. Lunch and dinners are not included, allowing you to explore Kathmandu's wide range of restaurants and street food options during the festival.

              • Guide Support: A professional cultural expert guide accompanies you during the planned sightseeing and cultural activities. Your guide provides information about the history, traditions, architecture, and cultural significance of the places visited during the tour. 

              • Transportation: The package includes private airport transfers and private vehicle transportation for the planned heritage sightseeing. Festival areas may require walking because roads around major celebrations can be crowded or restricted to vehicles.
                 

              Health and Safety

              • Crowd Conditions: Indra Jatra draws large crowds, particularly around Kathmandu Durbar Square on the main procession days. Please stay close to your guide and be mindful of your belongings in busy areas.

              • Children: Children should remain with their parents or guardians in crowded festival areas. The large crowds during major processions require additional attention and supervision.

              • Senior Travelers: The itinerary is suitable for travelers who are comfortable with normal sightseeing and walking. Festival days may involve extended periods of standing and walking in crowded areas.

              • Walking Conditions: Festival areas and heritage sites may include stone streets, steps, uneven surfaces, and crowded walking routes. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

              • General Wellbeing: This tour stays at low elevation and does not involve any strenuous physical activity, though you should be prepared for standing and walking for extended periods during festival viewing.

              • Healthcare Facilities: Full hospital facilities are available in Kathmandu.
                 

              Packing Checklist

              • Essential Clothing: Comfortable, breathable clothing suitable for warm daytime conditions and cooler evenings in late September.

              • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes suitable for standing and walking on festival days.

              • Personal Items: A small daypack, reusable water bottle, personal toiletries, camera, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and any personal medications you need.
                 

              Important Notices

              • Festival Program: Festival activities are organized according to traditional religious and cultural schedules. Exact timings and access arrangements may be affected by local conditions, official arrangements, crowds, and security management.

              • Chariot Processions: The chariot processions can attract very large crowds. The exact viewing location and walking route may be adjusted by the guide according to crowd conditions and local arrangements

              • Responsible Travel: We encourage you to respect local customs during the festival, dress modestly when visiting temples and durbar squares, ask permission before photographing local people, particularly during religious rituals, and follow the guidance of local authorities and your guide in crowded areas.

              Trip Preparations

              • What is Indra Jatra?

                Indra Jatra, also known as Yenya, is an eight day festival celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley honoring Lord Indra, the god of rain, and featuring the chariot procession of the Living Goddess Kumari.

              • Yes. This itinerary is timed to include the main Kumari chariot procession day as well as the following day's second chariot procession, known as Thaneya.

              •  No. This is an easy cultural tour without any trekking, though festival days involve walking and standing in crowded areas.

              • No. Only breakfast is included in this package, giving you the flexibility to explore Kathmandu's dining options during the festival.

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