Dashain Festival Tour

Duration	5
Max. altitude	2175 m
Difficulty	Easy
Transportation	Private/Plane
Accommodation	3* Hotel
Trip starts/ends	Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip route	Kathmandu- Bhaktpur and Patan-festival ceremony with world heritage tour

Highlights

Gain insight into the culture and tradition.
Experience the Grand festival of Nepal; Dashain and Tihar.
Trek in the lap of beautiful landscapes and giant mountains.
Mesmerizing and clear views with a favourable season to trek.
Participate and experience cheerfulness Dashain.

Overview

Nepal is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. With 123 recognized ethnic groups and a wide array of religions coexisting peacefully, Nepal offers a profound example of religious harmony and cultural richness. Travelers from around the world find themselves captivated by the spiritual energy, ancient rituals, and colorful celebrations deeply woven into everyday life here. Among the many celebrations, Dashain and Tihar stand out as the grandest Hindu festivals, widely celebrated across the country by people of all ages and ethnicities.

Celebrated between October and November, Dashain and Tihar signify the triumph of good over evil and the reaffirmation of family and community bonds. Dashain, the longer of the two, spans 15 days, with each day carrying unique spiritual and cultural significance. The festival honors Goddess Durga, who is believed to have conquered the demon Mahishasura after nine days of battle. The victory is marked with red tika, jamara (barley sprouts), blessings, and festive meals.

Tihar, also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, follows shortly after Dashain. It is famous for the worship of animals (crow, dog, cow) and the goddess of wealth, Laxmi, illuminating homes with colorful lights and diya lamps. Together, these festivals transform Nepal into a land of joy, lights, music, and devotion. This is a remarkable time to explore Nepal's natural beauty and cultural depth, and Asiana Treks and Tours invites you to experience it first-hand during our Dashain Festival Tour.

2. Dashain Festival Tour: Cultural Insight

The Dashain Festival Tour curated by Asiana Treks and Tours is an immersive journey into Nepal's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Unlike regular tours, this one is timed to align with the most auspicious and celebrated days of Dashain, offering an insider’s look at the rituals, beliefs, and joyous traditions of Nepalese people.

On this tour, you won't just observe from afar—you'll actively participate in key rituals like the Phulpati celebration, worship of Goddess Taleju at Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the Tika ceremony with a local Hindu family. You'll witness how temples, homes, and even entire city squares become vibrant with chants, music, flower offerings, and holy rituals. At Kathmandu Durbar Square, during the worship of Taleju Bhawani, you’ll experience the convergence of history, royalty, and religion.

Cultural immersion during Dashain isn't limited to temple grounds. It spills into every household. On the 10th day (Bijaya Dashami), families reunite, elders bless the younger generation with Tika and Jamara, and festive meals are shared with laughter and love. This is a sacred time for Nepalis, and joining in these moments provides a deeply authentic experience that no ordinary sightseeing tour can offer.

Highlights:

Participate in authentic Dashain rituals

Learn about Goddess Durga and her significance

Explore heritage sites deeply connected with Dashain

Enjoy traditional music, dances, and local delicacies

3. Experience Nepal’s Grandest Festival

Dashain is not just a festival—it’s a national celebration of life, faith, and victory. Streets are decorated with bamboo swings, prayer flags, and traditional music fills the air. Schools close for weeks, people travel from all parts of the country to reunite with families, and temples remain busy with ceremonies honoring Goddess Durga.

On the seventh day (Phulpati), sacred offerings are brought into the city in a traditional procession, a dramatic and colorful display you can witness in Kathmandu. On Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, animal sacrifices are made in temples to honor Durga's power, reflecting ancient Hindu warrior traditions. These rituals are intense, powerful, and deeply symbolic.

The 10th day, Bijaya Dashami, is the most anticipated. Elders apply Tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and red color) and place Jamara on the heads of younger family members, blessing them for good fortune. You’ll be welcomed into a local Hindu home to receive this blessing yourself—a once-in-a-lifetime honor. It’s not only spiritual; it’s deeply emotional. You’ll feel part of something ancient and universal—the victory of light over darkness, good over evil.

What You’ll Experience:

Observe sacred ceremonies in historic temples

Receive Tika and Jamara blessings with a local family

Taste traditional Dashain dishes and sweets

Feel the warmth of community and family traditions

4. Why Join the Dashain Celebration Tour?

The Dashain Festival Tour is not just a trip—it’s a cultural journey of connection. It’s a rare opportunity to be in Nepal during a time when joy, spirituality, and cultural heritage come together in an extraordinary celebration. With Asiana Treks and Tours, you will go beyond surface-level tourism and explore the heart of Nepalese life.

The tour is specially designed for those who want to engage with local customs. From Kathmandu’s sacred squares to intimate family homes, every moment of the itinerary is thoughtfully arranged to maximize your cultural exposure. You won’t just see temples—you’ll understand their significance. You won’t just taste food—you’ll learn the stories behind it. You’ll travel not as a tourist, but as a welcomed guest.

This tour is also timed perfectly with Nepal’s best trekking season, so you can combine the festival experience with your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re new to Nepal or a seasoned traveler, Dashain is the best time to see the country’s warmth, spirituality, and festive energy at its peak.

Why Choose This Tour?

Experience Nepal’s biggest cultural and religious festival

Join hands-on rituals and celebrations

Visit temples during their most significant worship days

Be part of a traditional Tika ceremony

Best season for clear Himalayan views and trekking

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

Your trip day starts today when you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, you will be received by our representative at the airport. He will be carrying a signboard with our company's name on it. Then, you will be transferred to the tour hotel and checked in. A trip briefing will follow later today, and the representative who picks you up from the airport will notify you of the time. We will come to meet and brief you about the trip at a fixed time. Until then, relax or explore a bit of the surroundings.

Day 2 : Sightseeing In the Morning and at evening Involve Fulpati Badai celebration in Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will take you for a day tour of UNESCO cultural heritage monuments in Kathmandu Valley. Today, embark on a day of sightseeing at a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kathmandu to immerse yourself in the local culture and beauty of your surroundings. Visit historic landmarks, temples, Shyambhunath Stupa, perhaps the oldest Stupa in the world, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupathi Temple, and Bauddhanath Stupa, the biggest Stupa in Asia. In the evening, participate in the Fulpati firework celebration Tudikhel and Bashantapur Durbarsqure which is calls Hanumandhoka.

Day 3 : Involve and witness worship ceremony Bashantipur Durbar square complex of Talaju Bhabani at Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, we'll journey to Bashantapur Durbar Square for the special occasion of Navami, the ninth day of festivities dedicated to worshipping the goddess Talaju. The Telaju temple, open only once a year to the public, awaits our visit. Here, amidst a gathering of Hindu devotees, you'll witness the fervent prayers and offerings to the mighty goddess. Following our visit, we'll enjoy a hearty lunch before exploring various Shakti Pith and UNESCO cultural heritage sites scattered across Kathmandu Valley. Throughout the day, we'll immerse ourselves in the spiritual atmosphere, visiting more temples and absorbing the region's rich cultural heritage. As evening falls, we'll return to our hotel in Kathmandu, cherishing the experiences and blessings received during this auspicious day of Nawami celebrations.

Day 4 : Involve Tika ceremony Hindu people House and take tika and bless for your enjoyable Trek and Tour In Nepal, Overnight at Kathmandu

Vijayadashami, is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiam. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and holds special significance in Nepal. Families come together on this auspicious day to seek blessings from elders, who perform sacred rituals and pray for their prosperity and well-being. The atmosphere is brimming with positivity as people exchange greetings, share sweets, and engage in cultural activities. Children seek blessings from their elders and aspire for a successful future with their guidance. The day is filled with traditional ceremonies such as puja (worship) and processions, uniting the entire community in celebrating righteousness' triumph. Witnessing these festivities and receiving blessings from elders is a cherished tradition that enhances the joyous spirit of Bijayadasami.

Day 5 : Departure

After breakfast, we're ready to embark on an extended trekking adventure or a tour from our diverse trekking and tour packages. Whether you prefer the exhilaration of a challenging trek through rugged landscapes or the cultural immersion of a guided tour, we have options to suit every preference. If time is limited, we also offer festival tours, allowing you to experience the vibrant local festivities before returning to your home destination. Our expert team will assist you in choosing the perfect itinerary to match your interests and schedule, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling journey.

Inclusions

Cost Includes

Airport picks up and drops to hotel.
Accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara at 3-star category with breakfast.
Kathmandu sightseeing with an English and another language-speaking city guide.
Necessary ground transportation mentioned in Itinerary
Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit and TIMS Card.
An experienced and first aid-trained license holder accompanying a trekking guide.
Equipped and insured trekking porter (one porter for two persons, one porter carries 15 KG.)
Meals, insurance, salary, equipment, accommodation, and transportation of our trekking crew.
Tea House accommodation on a twin or multi-sharing basis during the trek.
Applicable government taxes (13% VAT and 10% tourism service charges).
Nepali culture program with farewell dinner.

Cost Excludes

Nepal entry visa and your Travel/Medical insurance.
Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The drinks, laundry, and hot shower while on the trek if needed.
Single supplements in hotels except for solo trekking service.
Optional trips which are not specified in the itinerary.
Personal trekking equipment and shopping.
Helicopter evacuation/rescue in case of emergency.
Donations to the local organization.
Tipping to guide, porter, driver.

Complimentary

The Dashain Festival Tour by Asiana Treks and Tours is a carefully designed cultural journey that lets you experience Nepal’s most sacred and vibrant celebration from the inside. Spanning five days, this trip is focused not only on sightseeing but also on direct participation in cultural rituals, offering you an authentic and deeply immersive festival experience. It’s ideal for travelers who are curious about Hinduism, Nepalese traditions, and community celebrations.

The tour is based in Kathmandu Valley, which is home to many of Nepal’s most revered temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Asiana Treks and Tours provides experienced cultural guides who will help you understand each ritual, temple visit, and local custom in depth. Since Dashain is celebrated nationwide, the capital becomes a hub of energy, making it the perfect location to observe traditional customs and festive practices.

Quick Trip Facts:

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal

Tour Type: Cultural Festival Tour (non-trekking)

Accommodation: 3-star or boutique heritage hotels

Group Size: 2–12 people (private departures available)

Guide: English-speaking cultural expert

2. Day-by-Day Itinerary Overview – Short Descriptions

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive in Nepal’s capital city, where you'll be greeted by your representative from Asiana Treks and Tours. After airport pickup and hotel check-in, enjoy a relaxing evening in Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively tourist hub. A brief orientation will introduce you to the Dashain festival and what to expect during your tour.

Day 2: Sightseeing + Evening Phulpati Celebration

Begin with a guided morning tour of major UNESCO sites like Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath. In the evening, join locals at one of the grand Phulpati Badhai celebrations in the city, filled with music, processions, and rituals that mark the entry of the sacred Phulpati flowers.

Day 3: Worship Ceremony at Basantapur Durbar Square

Visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square and witness the exclusive Dashain worship of Taleju Bhawani, a deity only worshipped once a year. Absorb the spiritual ambiance as priests, military personnel, and devotees participate in rare rituals dating back to the Malla dynasty.

Day 4: Tika Ceremony in a Local Home

On this sacred day of Bijaya Dashami, visit a local Hindu family to receive Tika and Jamara blessings, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Share a traditional meal, exchange stories, and enjoy a heartfelt cultural connection in a real Nepalese home.

Day 5: Departure

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Kathmandu. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey with blessings, memories, and a deeper understanding of Nepal’s grandest festival.

3. Accommodation and Meals

For the duration of the Dashain Festival Tour, Asiana Treks and Tours provides comfortable and culturally themed accommodations to enrich your overall experience. You will stay in 3-star hotels or boutique heritage guesthouses located centrally in Kathmandu, providing convenient access to major temple sites and ceremonial locations. These hotels combine modern comfort with traditional architecture and often include courtyards or rooftop spaces ideal for evening relaxation.

Daily breakfast is included, while select meals—particularly on Tika Day—will be hosted in a local family’s home. This unique dining experience offers an authentic taste of Dashain cuisine, which typically features goat meat (khasi ko masu), sel roti, beaten rice (chiura), and festive sweets. Kathmandu has a vibrant food scene, so for lunches and dinners outside of the itinerary, your guide can recommend authentic Nepali restaurants or international options.

Accommodation & Meals Summary:

4 nights in Kathmandu (3-star or heritage boutique hotels)

Daily breakfast included

Traditional Dashain meal on Tika Day

Optional lunch/dinner recommendations from local guides

All dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) accommodated on request

4. Transportation Details

All ground transportation for the Dashain Festival Tour is handled by Asiana Treks and Tours using private, air-conditioned vehicles for your comfort and safety. From your airport pick-up on Day 1 to your drop-off on Day 5, all logistics are taken care of by a dedicated transport team. For larger groups, comfortable minibuses or tourist vans are used; for smaller groups or private tours, 4WD or private cars ensure smooth transit.

Since Dashain is a major national festival, traffic in Kathmandu can be unpredictable, especially near temples or during processions. Our guides and drivers are familiar with the best routes and are experienced in handling festival-related delays or crowd diversions. You’ll be dropped off as close as possible to festival locations, with short guided walks for areas closed to vehicles.

Transportation Summary:

Airport pickup and drop-off

Private vehicle transportation throughout the tour

Local guide-assisted walks in heritage areas

Comfortable, clean, air-conditioned cars/vans

Traffic considerations handled by experienced staff

5. Best Time to Travel

The Dashain Festival Tour is time-sensitive and only runs during the Dashain season, which typically falls in late September to mid-October, depending on the lunar calendar. This period also happens to be one of the best seasons to visit Nepal for weather and visibility. Skies are clear, temperatures are moderate, and the post-monsoon air is crisp—making it perfect not just for cultural tourism, but also for trekking extensions if desired.

The specific tour dates vary each year based on the official Nepali calendar (Bikram Sambat), which aligns with lunar phases. Dashain dates shift annually, so travelers are encouraged to book early once dates are announced. Asiana Treks and Tours closely follows the government-declared Dashain calendar and adjusts the itinerary accordingly to ensure you are present during the most significant ritual days.

Best Travel Season Info:

Ideal Time: Late September to mid-October

Festival Dates: Based on Nepali lunar calendar

Weather: Clear skies, warm days, cool evenings

Air Quality: Best of the year post-monsoon

Advance Booking Recommended

6. Fitness Level & Accessibility

The Dashain Festival Tour is suitable for travelers of all fitness levels, as it involves no trekking or high-altitude travel. Most activities consist of light walking, standing during ceremonies, and short city tours. However, participants should be comfortable navigating uneven streets, stone-paved temple areas, and crowded festival sites, particularly during Phulpati and Tika Day.

While the tour is moderately accessible, travelers with mobility challenges or who use wheelchairs or walking aids should inform Asiana Treks and Tours in advance. We can make adjustments to hotel selection, transportation, and sightseeing plans to accommodate special needs. Although some heritage temples have staircases and limited access, alternative viewpoints can be arranged.

Physical & Accessibility Info:

Fitness Requirement: Low to moderate

No trekking or altitude exposure

Walking on uneven, ancient pathways (temple sites)

Comfortable for seniors and families

Accessibility support available upon request

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