Festival Trekking in Nepal - When to Go and Where to Trek

Why Trek During Nepalese Festivals?

Imagine trekking through traditional villages, not just being surrounded by snowy peaks, but with a joyful atmosphere. Picture yourself walking along the trail as locals dance, sing, and warmly put tika on each other during Dashain. Sounds like a plan. Well, of course, it is an immersion into the living culture. While only imagining feels exciting, being there to witness the experience first-hand is beyond comparison.

This is what trekking in Nepal during the festivals brings to you. A blend of scenic natural beauty with the culture, tradition, and customs that are as lively as they ever can be. The rituals, dances, music, foods, and customs add an extra layer of beauty to the experience like never before.

Reminisce the fact that you will be ascending towards the snow-capped peaks. But more than that, you will be sharing joy and laughter with the local people. It is that time of the year when you can connect with the community. Whether it is the Annapurna Base Camp or the Everest Base Camp trek, trekking during festivals is a truly unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

In this blog, we will have a thorough discussion about the vibrant festivals of Nepal. Why trekkers should consider trekking during festivals? And what celebrations can they experience? You will learn about the best season for trekking in Nepal and some of the top trekking routes during the festival time.

So, dive in to enjoy Nepal's rich festivals while hiking through the Himalayas.

Major Festivals to Experience While Trekking in Nepal

The major festivals to experience in Nepal depend on the population. While most Nepalese follow Hindu traditions, Dashain and Tihar are the grandest of all. However, other festivals, such as Mani Rimdu, Holi, Christmas, Lhosar, and Teji, are equally celebrated among their respective communities. Here is a short description of key festivals in Nepal:

Dashain & Tihar (Autumn)

Dashain and Tihar are the biggest festivals in Nepal. Trekking during Dashain and Tihar allows one to immerse oneself in a vibrant atmosphere. The Dashain festival lasts for 10 days and occurs mainly in September or October. You can witness ceremonies, including Tika and animal sacrifices, during the Dashain festival.

Trekking during Dashain allows you to witness families coming together for a feast. You can see the marketplace crowded with people willing to buy new clothes. On the last day, you can see young ones receiving tika and seeking blessings from elders. If you are lucky enough and willing to do so, you can also participate in the ritual.

On the other hand, Tihar is the second grandest festival of Nepal. Tihar lasts for five days and comes consecutively after the Dashain festival (October or November). Tihar is also known as the "Festival of Lights," as locals use candles and decorative lights to illuminate homes, temples, and streets.

Trekking during Tihar enables you to see the locals celebrating with traditional songs and dances (Deusi and Bhailo). The air is filled with the sweet aroma of marigolds and amaranth, accompanied by vibrant lighting. The fascinating thing about the festivals is that each day worships animals like the crow, dogs, cows, and the ox. On the last day, brothers and sisters worship each other to strengthen their bond, which is truly amazing.

Mani Rimdu (In the Everest region)

The Mani Rimdu is the biggest festival for the Sherpa community. It is highly celebrated in the Everest region; however, all the Sherpas around the country celebrate it. It is better to plan the trip around the Mani Rimdu festival, which coincides with trekking in the Everest region during October and November.

The festival is celebrated with masked dances with colorful costumes. You can also see attendees receive blessings from Monks and elders. If you are planning a Mani Rimdu festival trek in Everest, get your timing right for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Christmas and New Year

Christmas and New Year are not the traditional festivals of Nepal. However, the trekking regions, especially those in the Everest and Annapurna areas, are filled with a festive spirit. People can enjoy celebrations, good food, music, and mountain views during the period. Nature Excursion welcomes you to the holiday season.

Teji festival (Upper Mustang)

The Nepalese festival trekking experience is unique. One of which is the Teji festival celebrated in Lo Manthang city of Upper Mustang.  The word "Teji" means "prayer for world peace," and it is celebrated as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. The festival is celebrated annually in May.

During the celebration, a lengthy ritual is performed, consisting of prayer chants and masked dances. The festival lasts for three days, starting with a peaceful dance. The festival then ends with a vibrant performance that depicts the triumph of good over evil.

Losar (Tibetan New Year in mountain regions)

Lhosar, also known as Losar, is the Tibetan New Year, celebrated in February by the Tibetan communities. You can observe Losar in Tibetan-influenced areas, such as Manaslu and the Nar Phu Valley. The festival features offerings and traditional dances, transforming villages into a vibrant cultural hub.

The Losar festival trekking in Manaslu offers cultural encounters. You can join the community for feasting, prayer ceremonies, and vibrant dances. So, get ready for the Manaslu Circuit or Nar Phu Trek for an authentic Lhosar celebration.

Holi (spring, celebrated even in trekking towns)

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is celebrated in March each year. Holi festival marks the arrival of spring. Although it is a Hindu festival, people of all backgrounds participate in its celebration. Popular towns like Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Pokhara, and Chitwan host musical concerts on the festive day.

Trekking during Holi is incredibly fun. Trekkers can apply colored powders to each other with water, celebrating in spirit. It is also a great way to enjoy and interact with locals. Trekking during Holi in the Langtang, Annapurna Circuit, and Manaslu Circuit Treks is a popular activity.

Best Time to Trek During Festivals

Trekking in Nepal during festivals is a cultural experience. To get the most out of such, trekkers should choose the right time to visit Nepal. Autumn and spring are considered the best seasons for trekking in Nepal, as the country's grand festivals take place during these months. Here's a brief explanation:

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is one of the ideal Nepal trekking seasons, thanks to its perfect weather conditions. The season lasts from September to November and aligns perfectly with Dashain, Tihar, and Mani Rimdu festivals. All of these festivals are regarded as the grandest festivals among all.

For trekkers who want to explore cultural festivals in Nepal trekking regions, they can visit during the Autumn. The atmosphere is excellent and suitable for big cultural gatherings. Even for trekking, the weather is stable with clear skies, portraying a beautiful view of snow-capped mountains.

One of the popular festivals during Autumn is the Mani Rimdu festival in the Everest region.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Nepal lasts from March to May. It is the second-best season after Autumn for trekking in Nepal. The spring season is a perfect time to experience vibrant festivals, including Holi and Losar.  If you want to enjoy colorful landscapes with a blend of cultural rituals, then spring is the right time for you.

For the best experience, consider undertaking the Annapurna Base Camp trek in the spring. Another option is the Langtang Valley Trek, which offers a unique blend of Nepal's cultural festivals and breathtaking trekking experiences.

Top Routes for Festival Trekking in Nepal

Everest Base Camp Trek during Mani Rimdu

Everest Base Camp is one of the most classic treks in Nepal. The trek traverses the Khumbu region of Nepal, offering a view of Mount Everest. Especially, the Everest Base Camp Trek during Mani Rimdu is one of the best treks to see mountains and gain spiritual significance. The festival is held at Tengboche Monastery, featuring rituals and masked dances.

Trekkers witnessing the Mani Rimdu festival can seek blessings from the Buddhist monks. They can participate in the daily prayers and gain valuable insight into Sherpa culture. Trekking during Mani Rimdu allows for a more enriching and memorable journey that lasts a lifetime.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek during Dashain/Tihar

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek during Dashain and Tihar is a fantastic way to experience the local culture. As you pass through traditional villages, trekking during Dashain or Tihar will make you feel the warmth and welcoming hospitality of the local people.

At the Annapurna Base Camp, it is the best time to see houses decorated with lights and oil lamps. The traditional dances of Tihar are sure to bring joy to anyone witnessing them. Locals will surely make you a part of the celebrations. So, get ready to witness the Annapurna range while putting on a tika and seeking blessings.

Manaslu Circuit Trek during Losar

Tibetan culture has a significant influence on the Manaslu Circuit. The Losar festival trek in Manaslu offers an authentic experience. As Losar is a Tibetan New Year celebration, it provides an opportunity for a personal connection with local people. As there are fewer trekkers on the trail, the personal connection makes it more unique.

Trekkers are welcomed into the monasteries to gain insights into Tibetan culture. They can even see traditional dances, including masked dances. Likewise, one can even participate in the prayers hosted inside the monasteries.

Langtang Valley Trek during Losar & Holi

The Langtang Valley is one of the great choices for those seeking to immerse themselves in the Tamangculture and experience stunning scenery. The entire valley offers a blend of Tamang rituals alongside vibrant Holi festivals. In addition to the Tamang tradition, the area also celebrates Losar and Holi.

Spring in Langtang Valley brings blooming rhododendron that paints the landscape red and pink. Similarly, trekking during Holi in Langtang adds other vibrant colors to the canvas. 

Nar Phu Trek during Tibetan Festivals

The Nar Phu Trek offers an off-the-beaten-track trekking experience. The Nar Phu Valley is situated between the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. The area is home to ancient Buddhist monasteries that reflect the Buddhist culture. Likewise, the area has a close-to-the-world feeling.

Several Tibetan festivals are hosted in these monasteries. From Masked dances to other monastery celebrations, the area offers insights into Nepal's untouched tourism. Being the hidden gem of Nepal, trekking here during local festivals makes you one of the prime guests.

Tips for Festival Trekking in Nepal

Respect Local Customs

• Always ask permission before taking photographs of people or objects.
• Dress modestly while entering monasteries or temples.
• Avoid being loud in sacred places and show respect for the area.
• Respect the local customs even if they seem to contradict your own beliefs.
• Do not be affectionate in public places.

Join Homestays

• Stay in accommodations like homestays for an authentic experience.
• Joining homestays will allow for easy participation in family celebrations.
• Be sure to appreciate the cuisine they offer.
• Keep an open mind for any cultural encounters.

Plan Early

• Plan early for your trek, as festival times also coincide with peak trekking season.
• Book your flights, permits, guides, and accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.
• Join a local travel or trekking agency, such as Nature Excursion Pvt. Ltd to avoid any hassle.

Be flexible

• Mountain regions can be unpredictable, so be ready to be flexible.
• There may be flight delays during the festival or peak season, so consider including some contingency days in your itinerary to account for potential disruptions.
• Be prepared to adapt to local styles, as trekking is not always a luxurious holiday.

Pack a gift

• Buy small gifts to show appreciation for locals.
• There's no need to invest in costly gifts; you can bring pencils, balloons, or candies for the children.

Practical Information (Permits, Guides, Packing)

Mostly Trekking Permits in Nepal include:

• Obtain permits, including the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card, for trekking purposes.
• Acquire Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for the Annapurna region.
• Acquire Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) for the Manaslu region.
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit for the Everest region.
• Langtang National Park Permit for the Langtang region.

Hiring a Guide:

• Hire a guide to remove the cultural barrier and gain a deeper understanding of the festivals.
• Get a guide for navigation, safety, and an overall enriching experience.

Accommodation

• Book accommodation options in advance, as the festival season is in peak season.
• Plan to stay in a homestay or guesthouse for an authentic Nepalese festival experience during your trek.

Packing

• Be sure to bring gifts or sweets for local festivals.
• Carry essential items included in the Nepal Trekking Packing List.
• Include layer cloths, rain gear, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, and sturdy boots.

Conclusion

Trekking during the festival times provides double reward to trekkers. One can experience the natural beauty of Nepal's trekking regions and connect with the local culture. With the vibrant lights of Tihar, the colors of Holi, and the prayers of Mani Rimdu and Lhosar, trekkers get it all. The journey becomes meaningful as you blend in with the locals.

So, if you are planning to visit Nepal, be sure to come during the festival time, as you can create everlasting memories. Our local guides will be a bridge between you and the community. We will not only guide you to your destination but also provide Nepalese festival trekking experiences.

Explore our popular packages, including the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek, this festive season. Every step becomes more meaningful when you celebrate with the locals.