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At Ghale Treks & Expedition, we believe that travel is most rewarding when it transcends sightseeing and becomes an immersion into a living culture. Nepal’s public holidays are not merely days of rest; they are vibrant expressions of our deep-rooted traditions, spirituality, and communal harmony.
Planning your journey around these festivals offers a rare window into the soul of the Himalayas. From the rhythmic chanting in ancient temples during Maha Shivaratri to the shimmering “Festival of Lights” during Tihar, these dates provide a profound context to your adventure.
Below is the comprehensive schedule for the 2026 Public Holidays in Nepal. We invite you to consult with our travel experts to integrate these authentic cultural milestones into your bespoke itinerary.
| Date | Holiday | Significance |
| Jan 11 (Sun) | Prithvi Jayanti | Unification Day of Modern Nepal |
| Jan 14 (Wed) | Maghe Sankranti | Winter Solstice & Harvest Festival |
| Jan 18 (Sun) | Sonam Lhosar | Tamang New Year |
| Jan 30 (Fri) | Martyrs’ Day | Honoring the heroes of Democracy |
| Feb 15 (Sun) | Maha Shivaratri | The Great Night of Lord Shiva |
| Feb 18 (Wed) | Gyalpo Lhosar | Tibetan/Sherpa New Year |
| Feb 19 (Thu) | Prajatantra Diwas | Democracy Day |
| Mar 3 (Tue) | Fagu Purnima (Holi) | The Festival of Colors (Hilly Region) |
| Mar 8 (Sun) | International Women’s Day | Celebrating Global Gender Equality |
| Mar 27 (Fri) | Ram Navami | Birthday of Lord Rama |
| Apr 14 (Tue) | Nepali New Year (Baisakh 1) | Official Bikram Sambat New Year 2083 |
| May 1 (Fri) | International Labour Day | Solidarity with the Global Workforce |
| May 1 (Fri) | Buddha Jayanti | The Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing of Buddha |
| May 29 (Fri) | Ganatantra Diwas | Republic Day |
| Aug 28 (Fri) | Janai Purnima | Sacred Thread Festival / Raksha Bandhan |
| Sept 4 (Fri) | Shree Krishna Janmashtami | Birthday of Lord Krishna |
| Sept 15 (Tue) | Indra Jatra | Festival of the Rain God (Kathmandu Valley) |
| Sept 19 (Sat) | Constitution Day | Commemorating the National Charter |
| Oct 12 (Mon) | Ghatasthapana | Commencement of Dashain |
| Oct 18 – 23 | Dashain Festival | Nepal’s Grandest Hindu Festival |
| Nov 8 – 12 | Tihar (Yam Panchak) | The Festival of Lights |
| Nov 15 (Sun) | Chhath Parva | Sun God Worship Festival |
Prithvi Jayanti (Jan 11): We honor King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great. For travelers, this is a day to appreciate the history of the Gorkha Kingdom and the unification of the diverse tribes into one nation.
Prajatantra & Ganatantra Diwas: These days mark Nepal’s evolution into a modern, democratic republic. Official ceremonies in Kathmandu often feature colorful processions and military parades.
Sonam & Gyalpo Lhosar (Jan/Feb): These festivals are essential for those trekking in the Everest or Langtang regions. Witness the Sherpa and Tamang communities perform traditional dances, wear exquisite ethnic costumes, and prepare “Khapse” (deep-fried pastries).
Maha Shivaratri (Feb 15): Centered at the Pashupatinath Temple, thousands of Sadhus (holy men) gather from across South Asia. The atmosphere is thick with incense, marigolds, and devotion.
Maha Navami & Dashain (Oct): The longest and most auspicious festival. Families return to their ancestral homes. It is a time of “Tika” (blessings), kite flying, and grand swings (Ping) erected in every village.
Tihar / Deepawali (Nov): Perhaps the most beautiful time for a city tour. Every house in Kathmandu and Pokhara is decorated with oil lamps and marigolds to welcome the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi.
Maghe Sankranti (Jan 14): Marking the end of the winter solstice, this festival is celebrated with special foods like sesame seeds, molasses, and sweet potatoes. It is a day of ritual bathing in sacred rivers to purify the soul.
Holi / Fagu Purnima (Mar 3): A jubilant celebration of the arrival of spring. Participants throw colored powder and water at each other – a truly immersive and photogenic experience for any visitor.
During major holidays like Dashain and Tihar, many government offices and some local shops may close. However, at Ghale Treks & Expedition, our operations continue seamlessly. We ensure that our guests have access to the best logistics and experienced guides who can explain the nuances of these festivities as they unfold.
Would you like us to tailor a 2026 festival itinerary for you?
Contact our Expert Consultants
