Nepal Festival Tour – Dashain & Tihar Cultural Celebration (5 Days)

Duration 5 Days

Tour Type Luxury

Best Season Mar - May, Sep - Nov

Overview

The Nepal Festival Tour – Dashain & Tihar Edition provides a unique opportunity to witness Nepal’s largest and most significant cultural celebrations in authentic settings. Dashain, the festival of victory, showcases family reunions, animal sacrifices, and elaborate rituals, while Tihar, the festival of lights, celebrates crows, dogs, cows, and brothers-sisters bonds with colorful decorations, oil lamps, and traditional dances.

This premium cultural package includes guided exploration of Kathmandu Valley’s temples, heritage sites, and local markets, combined with participation in festival rituals. Guests enjoy comfortable boutique accommodations, local culinary experiences, and cultural performances, making this festival tour both educational and memorable. The tour is ideal for culture enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers seeking authentic local experiences.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu & Evening Exploration

Kathmandu (1324m)

2-3 hours 5

Transportation

Walking

Duration

2-3 hours

Distance

Accommodation

hotel

Meals

Coordinates

Latitude: 27.7103° N | Longitude: 85.3222° E

Day Images

Day Activities

Arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your premium boutique hotel in the city. Spend the evening at leisure or take an optional stroll to local markets adorned with festival decorations in preparation for Dashain/Tihar. Enjoy the vibrant ambiance of Kathmandu with colorful lights, prayer flags, and the scent of incense in temple areas. Conclude the day with a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Recommendation

Wear comfortable walking shoes for city strolls and temple areas.
Keep a camera ready for the colorful streets, festival lights, and local rituals.
Evening is ideal for relaxing and acclimating to Kathmandu before the festival activities begin.

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Dashain Experience

Kathmandu (1324m)

6-7 hours 20

Elevation Gain/Loss (m) ±

Transportation

Car

Duration

6-7 hours

Distance

Accommodation

hotel

Meals

Coordinates

Latitude: 27.7103° N | Longitude: 85.3222° E

Day Images

Day Activities

After breakfast at your premium hotel, explore Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s holiest sites, where Dashain rituals and blessings take place. Witness animal sacrifices, tika ceremonies, and family gatherings in the temple area. Continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square and surrounding markets, beautifully decorated for the festival, offering vibrant colors, handicrafts, and festive foods. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Recommendation

Dress modestly and comfortably for temple visits.
Carry a camera and notebook for capturing festival rituals and market scenes.
Morning and late afternoon are the best times for photography due to lighting and active ceremonies.

Day 3: Tihar Preparations & Bhaktapur Excursion

Bhaktapur (1401m)

6-7 hours 20

Elevation Gain/Loss (m) ±

+77m

Transportation

Car

Duration

6-7 hours

Distance

Accommodation

hotel

Meals

Coordinates

Latitude: 27.6748° N | Longitude: 85.4274° E

Day Images

Day Activities

After breakfast, travel to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to witness preparations for Tihar, including colorful oil lamps, flower decorations, and traditional performances. Participate in local Tihar rituals, such as lighting lamps, decorating courtyards, and enjoying cultural dances. Explore Bhaktapur’s narrow alleys, pottery workshops, and local markets. Return to Kathmandu in the evening for dinner and overnight stay at your premium hotel.

Recommendation

Immerse yourself in the vibrant festival spirit of Bhaktapur, capturing the colorful decorations, traditional dances, and joyful Tihar rituals. Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the cobblestone streets and carry a camera to preserve memorable cultural moments. This day offers a perfect blend of heritage, celebration, and photography opportunities.

Day 4: Local Village Festival Immersion

Patan (1400m)

7-8 hours 40

Elevation Gain/Loss (m) ±

-1m

Transportation

Car

Duration

7-8 hours

Distance

Accommodation

hotel

Meals

Coordinates

Latitude: 23.8500° N | Longitude: 72.1210° E

Day Images

Day Activities

After breakfast, travel to a nearby village or town such as Patan, Nagarkot, or a traditional Newar village, to experience authentic Dashain and Tihar celebrations with local families. Participate in rituals, traditional games, and festive feasts, and observe villagers decorating homes with oil lamps, flowers, and colorful rangoli patterns. Enjoy interacting with locals, learning about cultural practices, and capturing vibrant festival moments. Return to Kathmandu in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Recommendation

Engage actively with local families and villagers to fully appreciate traditional festival customs. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for both walking and participating in rituals, and carry a camera to capture the colorful festivities and cultural interactions.

Day 5: Morning Leisure & Departure

Kathmandu (1324m)

1-2 hours 5

Elevation Gain/Loss (m) ±

-76m

Transportation

Car

Duration

1-2 hours

Distance

Accommodation

hotel

Meals

Coordinates

Latitude: 27.7103° N | Longitude: 85.3222° E

Day Images

Day Activities

After breakfast at your premium hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Kathmandu’s local markets, temples, or souvenir shops decorated for the festivals. Check out from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Optional stops along the way allow for last-minute photographs and cultural interactions.

Recommendation

Start early to make the most of the festival-decorated streets and capture final vibrant photos. Carry essentials and souvenirs for your journey, and enjoy the last moments of Nepal’s colorful Dashain and Tihar celebrations.

Includes

4 nights in premium boutique hotels or heritage lodges
Daily breakfast (BB Basis); dinners included
Private guided tours of temples, markets, and village festivals
Transfers and transportation as per itinerary
Participation in Dashain/Tihar rituals
Welcome and farewell dinners

Excludes

International flights
Additional meals or beverages beyond included
Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
Travel insurance
Optional activities not listed in itinerary

Nepal Festival Tour – Dashain & Tihar Cultural Celebration (5 Days)

Tour Overview

Duration

Tour Type

Nepal Festival Tour – Dashain & Tihar Cultural Celebration (5 Days)

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu & Evening Exploration

Day Images

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Dashain Experience

Day Images

Day 3: Tihar Preparations & Bhaktapur Excursion

Day Images

Day 4: Local Village Festival Immersion

Day Images

Day 5: Morning Leisure & Departure

Day Images

Includes

Excludes

Route Map

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