Trekking in Nepal During Dashain and Tihar: 2026 Guide

Yes, you can do trekking in Nepal during Dashain and Tihar. Both festivals fall within Nepal’s main autumn trekking window, so you can expect generally clear mountain views and comfortable daytime conditions, but festival travel can make transport, accommodation, permits and guide availability harder to arrange.

The main thing to plan for is the holiday period itself. Many Nepalis travel home for Dashain, while businesses and public offices may operate on reduced schedules or close around major festival days. Booking transport, accommodation and trekking support early can make the trip much easier.

This guide covers the 2026 festival dates, recommended routes, festival-period logistics, accommodation, guide and permit planning, packing and local customs. If you would rather see ready-made itineraries first, you can browse our trekking packages in Nepal.  

Trekking in Nepal During Dashain and Tihar: Quick Overview

Trekking in Nepal during Dashain and Tihar works well because the festivals land in clear autumn weather, when mountain views are often at their clearest. Trails and most lodges stay open, but transport, permits and guides need early planning.

Why Trek During Dashain and Tihar?

• Generally Favourable Weather: The monsoon has ended, skies are mostly clear and days are warm at lower altitudes. This is part of the main trekking season in Nepal.
• Festive Culture: Villages celebrate with tika, bamboo swings, kites, oil lamps and marigold garlands. Families often welcome trekkers into the celebrations.
• Open Trails: Popular routes stay open and most lodges keep serving trekkers, although some smaller ones run a shorter menu on the biggest festival days.

Best Trekking Routes

• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (4 to 5 days): An easy route through forest and Gurung villages, ending with sunrise views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. A good choice for beginners and families.
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek (7 to 12 days): A moderate to challenging walk to about 4,130 metres, inside a ring of high peaks. Lodges fill up fast, so book ahead.
• Langtang Valley Trek (7 to 10 days): A quieter valley route with Tamang villages and views of Langtang Lirung. The road to the trailhead is long, so book transport early.
• Everest View Trek (5 to 8 days): A shorter Khumbu route with views of Everest and Ama Dablam, and a close look at Sherpa culture, without going to base camp.

Practical Tips for Festival Trekking

• Transport Crowds: Buses and domestic flights sell out before Vijaya Dashami, which falls on 21 October in 2026. Reserve seats early and leave early in the day.
• Book Early: Lodges, guides and porters are in high demand. Confirm them well before the holidays begin, as part of trekking during Dashain and Tihar planning.
• Logistics: Permit services, banks and many shops may operate on reduced schedules or close around major festival days. 

Can You Trek in Nepal During Dashain and Tihar?

Yes, you can. The festivals fall inside the trekking season in Nepal, so trails stay open, teahouses on the main routes keep serving food and beds, and the weather is generally favourable for trekking. Trekking in Nepal during Dashain and Tihar is not a special or restricted activity. It simply means you are on the trail while the whole country is celebrating, so more Nepalis are travelling and fewer people are at work.

The people who enjoy trekking in Nepal during Dashain and Tihar most are the ones who plan early. If you book transport, a guide and rooms ahead of time, the festivals add something extra to the trip. If you arrive in Kathmandu with no plan, you may spend your first two days trying to find a bus seat.

What Changes During the Festival Period?

Here is what you will notice, area by area:

• Transport: Millions of Nepalis travel to their home villages for Dashain. Buses, jeeps and domestic flights can sell out days in advance, especially in the week before Vijaya Dashami.
• Local businesses and services: Many shops, banks and government offices may operate on reduced schedules or close around the main festival days. Smaller shops in trailhead towns may stay shut longer. 
• Teahouses and lodges: Most lodges on popular routes stay open. Some smaller ones run a shorter menu or close for a day or two while the family celebrates.
• Guides and porters: Many staff want time at home for Dashain tika. A good trekking company plans for this early and arranges the team well before the holidays.
• Crowds: Autumn is already busy. Add Nepali families on holiday and you will find popular routes full, particularly short treks near Pokhara.
• Festival travel: Road delays, long queues at bus parks and busy airports are normal. A buffer day or two protects your plan.

If you are weighing up what is possible, the answer is yes: you can trek during the festivals, as long as you expect some disruption and prepare for it.

Why Dashain and Tihar Fall During Nepal’s Main Trekking Season 

Dashain usually falls in late September or October, and Tihar follows in October or November. That puts both festivals inside the trekking season in Nepal that most people think of as the main one. Spring (March to May) is the other popular window, but many trekkers choose autumn because the skies are clearer and the air has been washed by months of rain.

If you are comparing the best time to trek in Nepal, autumn from late September to November is one of the most popular periods because of generally stable weather and clear mountain views. The monsoon has ended, trails are drying out, and the days are warm enough to walk in a light shirt at lower altitudes. Dashain and Tihar sit in the middle of that window, so trekking in Nepal during Dashain and Tihar combines favourable trekking conditions with one of Nepal’s major cultural periods.

The trekking season in Nepal also affects prices and availability. Lodges, flights and good guides are in demand from late September, and festival weeks make demand even higher. That is why you should treat the main trekking season in Nepal as a reason to plan early, not a reason to wait and see.

Some first-time visitors ask whether it is smarter to skip the festivals and come in mid-November instead. You can, and the trails will be a little calmer. But trekking in Nepal during Dashain and Tihar has two clear advantages. You see Nepal at its most welcoming, and you travel before the colder weeks of late autumn arrive, when high passes get more snow and nights get harsher. The choice depends on what you want from the trip.

Autumn Trekking in Nepal: Weather, Visibility and Trail Conditions

Autumn trekking in Nepal is popular for simple reasons: stable weather, clear views and comfortable walking days. Here is what to expect.

• Post-monsoon conditions: The monsoon usually ends in late September. By the time Dashain starts, trails are mostly dry, though a few muddy patches and leeches can remain at lower altitudes in early October.
• Visibility: Dust and cloud settle out of the air after the rains. Morning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Everest are often crisp and sharp.
• Mountain views: The best views come early. Clouds often build up by late morning, so most trekkers start walking at sunrise.
• Rainfall: Rain is rare but not impossible. Short showers can still happen in early autumn, and late-season storms are possible.
• Daytime and night-time conditions: Days are usually warm and sunny up to about 3,000 metres. Nights get cold quickly as you climb. At 4,000 metres and above, expect freezing temperatures after dark, and well below freezing at Everest Base Camp.
• Trail conditions: Paths are firm and dry in most places. Higher routes can have ice in the morning, and new snow is possible near passes.
• Why autumn is popular: Clear skies, generally stable weather and open lodges make autumn trekking in Nepal a popular choice for both beginners and experienced trekkers. 

In October 2014, Cyclone Hudhud contributed to heavy snowfall and avalanches across parts of Nepal, including the Annapurna trekking region. The severe snowstorm around Thorong La trapped trekkers and resulted in 43 deaths during the 2014 Nepal snowstorm. Events like this are rare, but they show why checking the weather, allowing extra time and following local safety advice matter. 

What Is Different About Trekking During Dashain and Tihar?

The trail itself does not change. The people and the mood around it do, and that is what makes trekking in Nepal during Dashain and Tihar feel so different from a normal autumn trek. When you are trekking during Dashain and Tihar, you share the path with families heading home, you stay in villages that are decorating their houses, and you may be invited to join a celebration.

Dashain and Tihar Dates to Know Before You Plan Your Trek

Both festivals follow the Nepali lunar calendar, so the dates move every year. If you are planning a festival-season trek this year, here are the dates for 2026:

Dashain runs for 15 days. The first nine days build up to the festival, and families begin travelling home during that time. The tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, is the main event, and celebrations continue for several days after it. The busiest travel and the longest closures fall in the days around 21 October. Tihar lasts five days. People honour crows, dogs and cows on the first three days, and Laxmi Puja is the main evening when homes and shops glow with lamps. The fourth day is a day of self-worship for the Newar community, and the fifth day, Bhai Tika, is when sisters bless their brothers. Tihar follows its own five-day sequence, with Laxmi Puja on 8 November and Bhai Tika on 11 November in 2026. Confirm the final festival schedule with your trekking company when you book. 

For planning, expect higher travel demand around Fulpati and the main Dashain holidays, particularly from 17 to 22 October. Pick your start date with that in mind, because trekking in Nepal during Dashain and Tihar works best when you are already on the trail before the biggest travel days, not stuck in a bus queue during them. 

What to Expect From the Festival Atmosphere

People trekking during Dashain and Tihar quickly learn that the festival mood depends on where you walk. Lower hill villages, especially Hindu, Gurung and Magar communities in the Annapurna foothills, celebrate Dashain and Tihar in a big way. Higher Buddhist areas such as the upper Khumbu and Manaslu valleys follow their own festivals and may feel quieter during Dashain.

Here is what you may see:

• Villages during the festivals: Houses are cleaned and painted. During Tihar, doorways are decorated with marigold garlands and coloured patterns made from rice flour or powder.
• Local celebrations: Families build tall bamboo swings for Dashain, and children fly kites. On Vijaya Dashami, elders put red tika and yellow jamara on younger relatives. In Tihar, groups of singers go door to door in the evening for Deusi and Bhailo, a tradition of songs and blessings.
• Cultural experiences: If you stay in a family-run lodge, you may be offered festival food, a tika, or a place beside the fire while the family celebrates. Accept with thanks. It is a gesture of welcome.
• Effect on your trekking plans: Some lodge owners will want to close early or cook less on the biggest days. Some local guides may ask for a short break. Talk about it before you start, not on the trail.
• Beyond the standard route: The festivals give you a chance to see Nepal as families live it, not only as a trekking route. Walk through a village market, watch a puja, or spend an evening in a lodge kitchen. These moments often become the best memories of the trip, and they are one reason some travellers choose festival-season trekking over a regular autumn trek.

If you want your trek to include more cultural time, ask for an itinerary that stops in villages for an extra night. That works better than rushing between viewpoints.

Best Treks in Nepal During Dashain and Tihar

If you are choosing a trek for Dashain, the right option depends on how many days you have, your fitness level and how much festival atmosphere you want. 

 Which of these treks are more suitable for Dashain? Here are quick notes on each. 

Ghorepani Poon Hill is the easiest way to see big mountains in a short time, and it happens to be a practical choice for beginners who want a shorter trek during Dashain. You climb through rhododendron forest and stone steps to Poon Hill, at about 3,210 metres, for a sunrise view over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. It suits people for a week or less, and it passes through Gurung villages that celebrate the festivals openly.

Mardi Himal is shorter than Annapurna Base Camp and quieter than Poon Hill. The ridge walk gives close views of Machhapuchhre, also called Fishtail. The High Camp sits at around 3,580 metres, and the trail is steep in places. Lodges are basic at the top, so pack for simple food and cold nights.

Annapurna Base Camp takes you to about 4,130 metres inside a ring of high peaks. The route is moderate, but the altitude needs respect. Plan slow days and rest when you need to. Lodges fill up around the festival dates, so a guide who can call ahead is very useful.

Everest Base Camp reaches about 5,364 metres and needs more time, fitness and flexibility. Most trekkers fly to Lukla, and flights are often delayed by weather or busy schedules. During peak months, many Lukla flights leave from Ramechhap (Manthali) instead of Kathmandu, which means a very early road transfer. Build extra days into this trek. The Sherpa communities in the Khumbu follow Buddhist festivals, and monastery events such as Mani Rimdu usually fall in autumn, so ask your company about dates.

Langtang Valley rises to Kyanjin Gompa at about 3,870 metres. Tamang villages line the trail, and the area has recovered well since the 2015 earthquake. The drive to the trailhead is long and the road is rough, so book transport early. In return, you get fewer crowds than Annapurna.

Manaslu Circuit is a long, remote trek over Larkya La, which sits at about 5,106 metres. It is a restricted area, so you need a special permit and must trek with a licensed guide through a registered trekking agency. Organise this well before the holidays because permit services may be affected by public holidays. 

How to Choose the Right Trek for Your Dashain and Tihar Holiday

A list of routes helps, but it does not tell you which trek is right for you. The best treks to do during Dashain are not the same for everyone, so use the four questions below to narrow it down.

Choose a Trek Based on How Many Days You Have

Your time is the first filter, and it is also the one that festival closures hit hardest.

• Short (4 to 7 days): Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal fit here. Both start close to Pokhara, so you spend less time in transit.
• Medium (7 to 12 days): Annapurna Base Camp and Langtang Valley suit this window. You get a real mountain experience without needing three weeks off.
• Longer (12 days or more): Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit need two weeks or more, plus spare days for delays.

Always count your travel days, because the best time to trek in Nepal for most routes is also the time when transport is slowest. A 10-day trek can take 13 days from airport to airport once you add transfers and one buffer day.

Choose Based on Fitness and Trekking Experience

• Beginners: Ghorepani Poon Hill is one of the more accessible choices for first-time trekkers. The days are short and the lodges are close together.
• Intermediate trekkers: Mardi Himal, Langtang Valley and Annapurna Base Camp suit people who can walk five to seven hours a day and are comfortable with some altitude.
• Experienced trekkers: Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit reward people who have trekked above 3,500 metres before and can handle cold nights and long days.

Fitness matters, but altitude affects people differently. Plan rest days and never push through headaches or nausea.

Choose Based on Crowds and Privacy

Autumn is the busiest part of the trekking season in Nepal, and the festivals add Nepali holidaymakers. If you want space, think about these options.

• Busiest: Ghorepani Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp.
• Quieter: Mardi Himal, Langtang Valley and Manaslu Circuit.
• Tip for any route: Start early each morning, walk in the quieter parts of the day, and stay in smaller villages when you can.

Choose Based on Culture and Festival Experience

If you want the festivals to be a big part of your trip, choose a route with Hindu, Gurung or Magar villages at lower altitude. Ghorepani Poon Hill and the lower Annapurna foothills are strong choices, and they are often recommended for trekking during Dashain for exactly this reason. If you prefer Buddhist culture, Langtang and Manaslu give you monasteries, prayer walls and mountain traditions, though Dashain will be less visible there.

So which trek is right for you? Pick the one that matches your time, fitness and mood, because trekking in Nepal during Dashain and Tihar is more enjoyable when the route suits you. A short trek with a village stay can feel richer than a long trek you rush through.

What Changes for Trekkers During Dashain and Tihar?

The trail does not close, but the services around it change for anyone trekking during the festivals, because the whole country is on holiday. These are the three questions trekkers ask most.

Are Teahouses and Lodges Open During Dashain?

Most teahouses on popular routes stay open. They depend on trekkers for income, and autumn is their busiest time. Still, there are some patterns you should know.

Family-run lodges may serve a shorter menu on the main festival days.

Rooms fill up fast on short routes near Pokhara and at major stops like Ghorepani and Annapurna Base Camp.

Some smaller lodges in lower villages close for a day or two so the family can celebrate.

The easiest fix is to book ahead, or to have your trekking company call lodges a few days before you arrive. On higher stretches, where there may be only one or two lodges per stop, a reservation can decide whether you sleep in a room or in the dining hall.

Are Guides and Porters Available During Dashain?

Yes, but demand is high during the festival period, and many guides and porters want to be home for the main days. Good trekking companies solve this by arranging the team early and agreeing on dates in advance. If you hire last-minute, you may find fewer experienced people available.

Remember that your guide and porters are also celebrating. Be flexible if your guide asks for a short break on the main day, and think about a small festival gift or bonus on top of your normal tip. It is a courtesy, not a rule, and it is always appreciated.

Are Trekking Permits Available During Dashain and Tihar?

Permit requirements depend on the route, and public holidays can affect in-person services. The Nepal Tourism Board’s current guidance says restricted-area permits are issued through the Department of Immigration, while specific protected trekking routes require trekkers to be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and carry a trekking agency-issued TIMS Card. Check the route-specific requirements before the festival period rather than relying on older guides. Check the Nepal Tourism Board’s current trekking permit guidance and TIMS requirements before you travel. 

Here is what to do:

• Arrange your permits before the holiday begins, or ask your trekking company to do it for you.
• Carry your passport and several passport-size photos.
• Remember that rules differ by region. The Annapurna Conservation Area needs its own permit, and restricted areas like Manaslu need special permits and a licensed guide.
• Current guide and TIMS requirements vary by route. Nepal Tourism Board guidance lists specific protected routes where trekkers must travel with a licensed guide and carry an agency-issued TIMS card, so confirm the exact requirement for your route before departure.

How to Plan Your Trek Around Dashain and Tihar

This is where most of the stress can be removed. If you do these four things, festival-season trekking becomes much easier to manage.

Book Transport Before the Festival Rush

• Flights: Book domestic flights to Pokhara, Lukla or other airstrips as early as you can. Flights sell out first, and schedule changes are common.
• Buses: Tourist buses between Kathmandu and Pokhara fill quickly. Reserve seats a few days ahead, or use a private vehicle.
• Transfers: Arrange airport pickups and trailhead transfers in advance, not on arrival.
• Routes affected by festival travel: Highways out of Kathmandu are crowded in the days before Dashain. Leave early in the morning and expect delays.

Reserve Teahouses and Accommodation Early

Because this is the busiest stretch of the trekking season in Nepal, book your first and last nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara early, since hotels fill when families travel. On the trail, reserve lodges for popular stops, especially on Ghorepani Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp. Ask your guide to confirm a few days before you arrive.

If you are trekking without a package, send messages ahead where you can, and keep a backup option for each stop.

Carry Extra Cash, Food and Essentials

Cash is a bigger issue than many trekkers expect during the festival period. Banks and ATMs may close or run out of cash during the holidays. Many trail villages have no ATM at all. Withdraw enough Nepali rupees before you leave the last big town, and carry small notes. Lodges, tea stops and porter tips are usually paid in cash.

Pack a few simple snacks, such as nuts, biscuits and energy bars. Shops may be closed, and a menu may be shorter than usual on festival days. Bring your own water purification tablets or a filter bottle, and any medicine you use regularly.

Build Buffer Days Into Your Itinerary

A buffer day is one of the best safeguards for a festival-season itinerary. Delays can come from many places: a cancelled flight, a road block, a late bus, a weather change or a festival closure. Add at least one spare day at the end of your trek, and two if you are flying to Lukla or crossing a high pass. If everything runs smoothly, you can spend the extra day in Pokhara or Kathmandu watching the festival lights.

What Should You Pack for Trekking During Dashain and Tihar?

Packing for a festival-season trek is much the same as packing for autumn trekking in Nepal, plus a few extras. Keep your bag light, because porters and your own back will thank you.

Clothing for Autumn Conditions

Temperatures swing a lot from day to night and from low to high altitude, which is why autumn trekking in Nepal always comes down to layers.

• Base layers: Two or three moisture-wicking tops and one thermal set for cold nights.
• Mid layers: A fleece or light down jacket for mornings and evenings.
• Outer layers: A windproof, waterproof jacket and trousers for rain and wind.
• Lower body: Quick-dry trekking trousers and one warmer pair for higher camps.
• Extras: Warm hat, sun hat, gloves, buff and sunglasses. The sun at altitude is strong.
• Footwear: Broken-in trekking boots and warm socks. Pack sandals for lodge evenings.

Trekking Essentials

• A backpack of 30 to 40 litres, with a rain cover.
• A sleeping bag rated for the altitude you will reach. Lodges give blankets, but a bag is useful above 3,500 metres.
• Trekking poles, headlamp and spare batteries.
• A basic first-aid kit, with blister care, pain relief, rehydration salts and any personal medicine.
• Sunscreen, lip balm and water purification.
• Passport, permits, travel insurance that covers trekking at altitude and emergency evacuation, and cash.

Festival-Specific Considerations

A few extra items make a festival-season trek easier and more rewarding:

• Small gifts and cash: Keep small notes for Tihar singers, who visit lodges in the evenings, and for festival bonuses for your team.
• Modest clothing: Pack one set of clean, modest clothes with covered shoulders and knees for visiting temples or joining a family celebration.
• A camera with spare battery: Cold drains batteries fast, and you may want to capture evening lights.
• Earplugs: Festival music and celebrations can run late in villages.
• A small notebook or phrase list: A few Nepali words, such as “namaste” and “dhanyabad” (thank you), go a long way.

How to Respect Local Customs While Trekking During Dashain and Tihar

Being a good guest matters even more during the festivals, because you are stepping into a family and community event. Follow these simple rules.

• Temples and religious sites: Remove your shoes before entering. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, prayer walls and mani stones.
• Photography etiquette: Ask before you photograph people, especially during prayers, rituals or family gatherings. Some temples and monasteries do not allow photos inside. If someone says no, accept it with a smile.
• Respecting local celebrations: Do not interrupt a ceremony to take a selfie. Stand back, watch quietly and follow the lead of your guide. Some families and temples perform animal sacrifice around Maha Ashtami and Navami. This is part of Dashain, so be prepared if you are sensitive to it, and stay respectful if you see it.
• Dress considerations: Avoid very short shorts or tight tops in villages. Light long trousers and a loose top work well in both heat and cold.
• Asking before photographing people or ceremonies: A smile and a gesture are often enough. For close portraits, ask your guide to translate.
• Respecting communities during festival activities: Keep voices low in the evening, do not touch altars or offerings, and use your right hand when giving or receiving food, tika or gifts. Do not touch anyone on the head.

If someone offers you a tika, accept it. If you are invited to share food, take a small portion and thank the host. These small gestures matter more than any gift you could bring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trekking in Nepal During Dashain and Tihar

Is Trekking During Tihar Different From Trekking During Dashain?

Yes. Dashain is the larger period of family travel and can create heavier road and transport demand around the main tika days. Tihar is shorter and is especially visible through evening lights, Laxmi Puja, Deusi-Bhailo and Bhai Tika. Your trekking route may feel different depending on which communities you pass through, so ask your guide about local celebrations before you start.

Can I Trek During the Main Dashain Holiday?

Yes, but plan around the busiest travel days. The trails themselves do not close simply because Dashain is being celebrated, but transport and some local services can be harder to arrange. If possible, reach your trailhead before the main Dashain travel rush and keep a buffer day for delays.

Which Trek Is Best for a Short Dashain Break?

Ghorepani Poon Hill is one of the more accessible short options from Pokhara. Mardi Himal is another choice for travellers who want a slightly longer route and quieter trails. Your final choice should depend on available days, fitness, altitude tolerance and how much festival activity you want to experience.

Should I Book Transport Before Dashain?

Yes. Festival travel can increase demand for buses, domestic flights and private transfers, particularly around the main Dashain travel period. Reserve the transport needed to reach your trailhead in advance and leave some flexibility in your itinerary in case of delays.

Is Trekking During Dashain and Tihar Right for You?

To bring it all together, this is one of the most popular times to trek in Nepal: autumn trekking in Nepal gives you clear skies, stable weather and some of the clearest mountain views of the year. The festivals add culture, colour and warm hospitality. The right trek depends on your time, fitness and how much festival atmosphere you want. The main challenge is the logistics: transport fills up, some services may operate on reduced schedules, and lodges get busy, so you need to book early and keep a spare day or two. 

So who should consider trekking in Nepal during Dashain and Tihar? It suits trekkers who like to plan ahead, stay flexible and enjoy meeting local families along the way. It is a good fit for first-time trekkers choosing a short route like Ghorepani Poon Hill, and for experienced walkers who want to pair a big route with real cultural time. It is less suited to travellers who need strict schedules, want empty trails or cannot handle delays.

If that sounds like you, the next step is simple. Tell us your dates, your fitness level and the kind of trek you want, and we will help you build an itinerary that works around the festivals. Contact the We Ramblers team today and start planning your Dashain and Tihar trek.