Discover Nepal’s Vibrant Festivals with HV Treks

Nepal, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditions, is famous for its lively and diverse festivals. These celebrations highlight the unique fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as ancient customs. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition offers a special opportunity to immerse yourself in these festivals and gain a deeper understanding of Nepal’s cultural tapestry. Join us to explore these vibrant celebrations up close and experience the essence of Nepali culture.

1. Dashain (Dussehra) from October 3^rd 2024 to September 12^th Dashain is one of the most significant Hindu festivals in Nepal, celebrated with grandeur in across Nepal. It typically lasts for 10 days and honors the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. The festival involves a series of rituals, including animal sacrifices, family reunions, and feasting. The country’s temples, especially the ones dedicated to Durga, become bustling centers of activity.
2. Tihar (Deepawali): October 31st, 2024 – November 4th, 2024: Tihar, also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights and flower, is a five-day Hindu festival dedicated to honoring various animals and the goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth. Each day of Tihar features unique rituals such as lighting oil lamps, decorating homes with rangoli, and exchanging gifts and sweets. The festival creates a festive atmosphere, celebrating both the spiritual and social aspects of life.
3. Chhath Festival: November 7th, 2024: The Chhath Festival is a major Hindu celebration devoted to the Sun God, Surya, and his consort, Chhathi Maiya. Although traditionally celebrated in the Terai region, it now enjoys widespread observance across major Nepali cities. The festival includes rigorous rituals such as Nahay Khay (purification), Kharna (a day-long fast and special offerings), Sankashti (a 36-hour fast with prayers to the setting sun), and Usha Arghya (offerings to the rising sun). The event is notable for its community gatherings, devotion, and environmental consciousness.
4. Holi: March 13th, 2025 (March 14th, 2025 in Terai): Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a jubilant celebration heralding the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Held annually in March, Holi is renowned for its exuberant festivities, where people throw colored powders and water at each other, dance, sing, and enjoy festive foods. The vibrant colors symbolize the diversity of life and the spirit of unity. The festival is rooted in the legend of Prahlad and Holika, celebrating the triumph of righteousness through joyous revelry.

Join us with HV Treks to experience these extraordinary festivals up close and embrace the full spectrum of Nepali culture.

5. Christmas December 25, 2024: Christmas is getting popular now a days among the Nepali people, because many of them converted themselves into Christianity. People of this community visit home to home singing carol wishing good health, peace and prosperity of the member of the community. HV Treks offers Christmas hiking around Kathmandu valley, and also short treks to Poon Hill and Chitwan Jungle safari on this occasion. This is the appropriate season for Jungle safari in Subtropical Monsson Forest of Chitwan National Park, habitation of verities of rare flora and fauna, one horn Rhino and Royal Bengal Tiger in particular.

6. Tamu Loshar – December 30, 2024: Tamu Loshar, celebrated primarily by the Gurung community, marks the beginning of the new year. This festival occurs on the 15th of Paush according to the Bikram Era Hindu calendar, usually falling in December. It’s a time for family reunions and feasting on a variety of homemade dishes, complemented by locally brewed brandy and wine made from grains. Members of HV Treks can serve as cultural interpreters, engaging in traditional songs and dances while dressed in Gurung attire. A unique feature of the celebration is a competitive singing debate between young boys and girls, reflecting daily life and expressions of love.
7. Maghe Sakranti (Maghi) – January 14, 2025: Maghe Sakranti, or Maghi, is a vibrant social festival celebrated throughout Nepal, particularly by the Tharu community in the Central and Western Terai regions. It marks the transition from winter to spring, with families gathering to enjoy dishes made from sesame seeds, yam, and sweet potatoes. This day is significant for the Tharu, as they elect a central body to oversee community activities such as marriage and death rituals. Deeply connected to nature, many go fishing in local rivers to prepare for the feast, which features a variety of local cuisine and rice wine. Traditional dances in colorful attire add to the festivities. On this occasion HV Treks offers Chitwan Jungle safari along with exploration of Tharu Village where guest will have opportunity to witness Tharu culture and enjoy verities of Tharu cuisine, HV Treks team members can act as social and cultural interpreters.
8. Sonam Loshar – January 30, 2025: Sonam Loshar is celebrated by the Tamang and Yohlmo communities in Nepal, Bhutan, North East India, and parts of China. This cultural festival occurs according to the Buddhist lunar calendar, a day after the new moon in December or January. Families come together to feast on diverse homemade dishes, along with locally brewed brandy and wine. Participants engage in singing and dancing in traditional attire, creating a spectacular atmosphere. The festival includes prayers and the erection of Lungta/Lungdar (prayer flags) to wish for the well-being of all living beings. Each year is represented by one of the twelve creatures, year 2025 is represented by snake, HV Treks members can serve as cultural interpreters during the celebrations.
9. Gelbo Loshar – February 28, 2025: Gelbo Loshar is celebrated primarily by the Sherpa community of eastern Nepal and Tibetan communities, characterized by grandeur and rituals. Participants visit Gompa to pray for good health in the coming year and perform ceremonies to ward off evil. Each year is associated with a specific creature, with 2025 representing the Serpent or Snake. The celebration features a feast with fruits, sweets, and Chhyang (locally made rice and millet beer), though modern influences have introduced a preference for other alcoholic beverages. Traditional Shyabru dance, where participants hold hands in a semicircle and move in unison, adds to the festive spirit. HV Treks team members can act as social and cultural interpreters throughout the event.