Nepal, a land of the Himalayas and vibrant cultures, is equally famous for its rich cuisine and colorful festivals. From steaming momos to the grandeur of Dashain and Tihar, the country enjoys a sensory feast and attracts thousands of travelers every year.
1. Major Nepali Festivals in 2025 & 2026
Nepal follows the Bikram Sambat calendar, so festival dates change yearly. Here are the key celebrations for 2025-2026:
A. Dashain (Vijaya Dashami) – The Biggest Festival
2025 Dates: October 6-15
2026 Dates: September 25 - October 4
Significance: Celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over evil.
Traditions:
Family reunions
Animal sacrifices (symbolic in cities, now shifting to alternatives)
Kite flying & card games
Food Pairing: Mutton curry, sel roti, and home-brewed raksi (alcohol).
B. Tihar (Deepawali) – Festival of Lights
2025 Dates: November 1-5
2026 Dates: October 21-25
Rituals:
Day 1: Worship crows (messengers of death)
Day 2: Honor dogs (Kukur Tihar) with garlands
Day 3: Laxmi Puja (Goddess of Wealth) – Homes lit with oil lamps
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Oxen worship)
Day 5: Bhai Tika (Sisters bless brothers)
Food Pairing: Sweets like ladoo, peda, and sel roti.
C. Holi (Fagu Purnima) – Festival of Colors
2025 Date: March 14
2026 Date: March 3
Celebrations:
Streets explode with colored powder & water balloons
Music, dancing, and bhang (cannabis-infused drink)
Food Pairing: Gujiya (sweet dumplings) and thandai (spiced milk).
D. Buddha Jayanti – Buddha’s Birthday
2026 Date: May 12
Where to celebrate:
Lumbini (Birthplace of Buddha)
Boudhanath Stupa (Kathmandu)
Food Pairing: Vegetarian meals & kheer (rice pudding).
E. Indra Jatra (Yenya) – Kathmandu’s Masked Dance Festival
2025 Dates: September 12-20
2026 Dates: September 1-9
Highlights:
Kumari (Living Goddess) procession
Lakhe (Demon) dances
Food Pairing: Newari feast (samay baji, bara, and yomari).
F. Teej (Women’s Festival)
2025 Date: August 22
2026 Date: August 11
Traditions:
Women fast for marital bliss
Dancing in red saris
Food Pairing: Dar (lentil curry) and special sweets post-fast.
2. Best Places to Experience Food & Festivals
Kathmandu: Dashain, Tihar, Indra Jatra + Newari food
Pokhara: Holi + lakeside momo & thakali thali
Bhaktapur: Bisket Jatra (April) + juju dhau
Lumbini: Buddha Jayanti + vegetarian Buddhist cuisine
Travel Tips for Festival Observations
Book hotels early (Dashain & Tihar are peak domestic travel times).
Try local homes for authentic feasts (many families welcome guests).
Respect rituals (avoid interrupting prayers or touching offerings).
3. Nepali Cuisine: A Flavorful Adventure
Nepali food is a delicious blend of Tibetan, Indian, and indigenous influences, featuring bold spices, hearty grains, and unique cooking techniques.
A. Staple Foods & Must-Try Dishes
1. Dal Bhat (The National Dish)
What it is: Lentil soup (dal) with steamed rice (bhat), served with vegetable curry, pickles, and sometimes meat.
Why try it? A nutritious, balanced meal eaten twice daily by locals.
2. Momo (Nepali Dumplings)
Varieties:
Steamed/Jhol (soup momo)
Fried (kothey momo)
Buff (buffalo), chicken, or veg fillings
Best place to eat: Kathmandu’s Momo King or local street stalls.
3. Newari Cuisine (Indigenous Feast)
Must-try dishes:
Bara (Lentil pancake)
Yomari (Sweet rice dumpling)
Choila (Spiced grilled buffalo meat)
Where to try: Local restaurant in Kathmandu Valley.
4. Sel Roti (Sweet Rice Donut)
Festive specialty: Made during Tihar & Dashain.
Taste: Crispy outside, soft inside, with a hint of cardamom.
5. Thukpa & Thenthuk (Tibetan Noodle Soups)
Perfect for: Cold Himalayan weather.
Best in: Pokhara & Mustang.
6. Gundruk & Sinki (Fermented Greens)
Unique flavor: Sour, tangy, and probiotic-rich.
How served: In soups or as a side dish.
7. Juju Dhau (King of Yogurt)
Origin: Bhaktapur
Taste: Creamy, sweet, and slightly fermented.
Festivals in the Himalayan region in Nepal and Tibet 2025 & 2026
Besides the Himalayan region celebrates number of very interesting festivals. Nepal’s Himalayan region is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its vibrant festivals, deeply rooted in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. In 2025 and 2026, travelers can witness unique celebrations that blend spirituality, culture, and community joy. Here are the key festivals to experience:
1. Mani Rimdu (Everest Region – Tengboche Monastery)
2025 Dates: November 8-10 (Full Moon)
2026 Dates: October 28-30
Highlights:
Masked dances (Chham) by monks
Sacred rituals for blessings & protection
Fire ceremonies to ward off evil
Best Place to See It: Tengboche Monastery (Everest trek route)
2. Tiji Festival (Upper Mustang – Lo Manthang)
2025 Dates: May 23-25
2026 Dates: May 12-14
Significance: Celebrates the victory of good over evil (based on Tibetan Buddhist lore).
Highlights:
Three days of colorful masked dances
Ancient chanting & drumming rituals
Rare chance to explore restricted Mustang region
3. Dumji Festival (Sherpa & Tamang Communities – Solu-Khumbu, Helambu)
2025 Dates: July 10-12
2026 Dates: June 29-July 1
Celebrations:
Traditional Sherpa dances & feasts
Offerings to local deities for good harvests
Community gatherings with home-brewed chhang (barley beer)
4. Lhosar (Tibetan New Year – Himalayan Regions)
Tamang Lhosar (Sonam Lhosar)
2026 Date: February 12
Sherpa Lhosar (Gyalpo Lhosar)
2026 Date: February 12
Highlights:
Family feasts with special bread (khapsé)
Butter lamp offerings in monasteries
Folk dances & horse races in Namche Bazaar
5. Saga Dawa (Mt. Kailash Festival – Near Tibet Border)
2026 Date: June 1
Significance: Marks Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana.
Rituals:
Prayer flag hoisting at high passes
Circumambulation (Kora) of sacred sites
Alms-giving to monks
6. Yartung Festival (Upper Mustang & Dolpo)
2025 Dates: August 20-22
2026 Dates: August 9-11
A Unique Horse Festival:
Horse races & archery competitions
Local wine (raksi) & music
Celebrated by nomadic Tibetan communities
Travel Tips for Festival-Observation
Permits Required: Upper Mustang & Dolpo need special permits.
Dress Warmly: Himalayan nights are cold, even in summer.
Respect Local Customs: Ask before photographing rituals.
Nepal’s Himalayan festivals offer a rare glimpse into living Buddhist traditions and the warm hospitality of mountain communities. Whether you join Tiji’s masked dances or celebrate Lhosar with Sherpa families, these events make a Himalayan journey unforgettable.