Dashain is Nepal’s longest and most widely celebrated festival, and in 2026 it runs from 11 to 25 October. The main day, Vijayadashami (also called Tika Day), falls on 21 October. The festival closes with Kojagrat Purnima on 25 October.
Can you travel to Nepal during Dashain? Yes, but plan ahead. Tourist areas keep running. Buses and domestic flights fill up as families head home, though, and government offices and some local businesses close, especially around Tika Day.
This guide covers the dates, what the festival means, what changes for travelers, how trekking works during Dashain, and how to take part respectfully. Observance varies by family, community and region, so treat this as a guide rather than a guarantee for planning your Nepal tour.
Dashain Festival Nepal 2026 Dates at a Glance
Dashain lasts 15 days, but only a few of them matter most for visitors. Here are the three dates to plan your trek around October.
| Milestone | Date (2026) | What it means for you |
| Start: Ghatasthapana | 11 October | Families plant jamara (barley shoots) and the festival begins |
| Main day: Vijayadashami (Tika Day) | 21 October | Elders give tika blessings. Expect the most closures |
| Close: Kojagrat Purnima | 25 October | Full-moon night; the festival ends |
Dashain 2026 Calendar: Key Festival Days
The six days below are the ones visitors are most likely to notice.
| Day | Date | What visitors may notice |
| Ghatasthapana | 11 Oct | Mostly private: jamara is planted at home and Durga is invoked |
| Phulpati | 17 Oct | Ceremonial bringing of sacred flowers, often with public processions |
| Maha Ashtami | 18 Oct | Major Durga worship; temples are at their busiest |
| Maha Navami | 20 Oct | Final day of worship before Tika; vehicles are often blessed, and some temples hold animal sacrifices |
| Vijayadashami | 21 Oct | Families gather for tika and jamara blessings; most services limited |
| Kojagrat Purnima | 25 Oct | Full-moon observance that closes the festival |
It is very important to know that some articles treat 21 October as the end of Dashain. Tika Day is the high point, but the festival runs on to 25 October. Tihar follows afterwards, so don’t assume normal service resumes the moment Tika Day passes.
Tika Time: How to Confirm the Muhurat
Tika isn’t applied at a random hour. Families wait for an auspicious time, the muhurat, set by Nepal’s official Panchang authority and announced close to the day. It can change by the minute, and families gather for that exact moment. Don’t schedule a flight, bus or sightseeing slot around it.
The official Tika auspicious time is 11:53 AM for this year’s dashain as per MeroKalam and other verified sources.
What Is Dashain and How Is It Celebrated?
Quick answer: Dashain Festival is Nepal’s biggest Hindu festival, a 15-day celebration of the goddess Durga’s victory over evil. It is also Nepal’s great family reunion. People travel home from across the country and abroad to receive blessings from their elders, share feasts and celebrate together.
Dashain has a spiritual core, but for most Nepalis it is about family first. Once you understand that, much of what you’ll see in October (the crowded buses, the quiet Kathmandu streets, the red marks on foreheads) makes sense.
Why Is Dashain Celebrated?
The central story is the goddess Durga’s battle against the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Her victory represents the triumph of good over evil, which is why Vijayadashami, the “Day of Victory,” is the festival’s high point.
The festival also falls after the monsoon. The rice harvest is near, the skies are typically clear, and the mood is one of gratitude and renewal.
Not everyone calls it Dashain. Newar communities in the Kathmandu Valley observe it as Mohani, with their own traditions. Practices differ across families, ethnic groups and regions, so treat any description here as a general picture rather than a universal rule.
Tika and Jamara
These two traditions are the heart of Dashain.
Jamara are barley shoots, planted in sand or soil on Ghatasthapana (11 October) and tended for nine days. By Tika Day they have grown into pale yellow-green shoots. They are considered sacred and are given as a blessing.
Tika is a mark placed on the forehead, traditionally a mix of rice, yogurt and red vermilion. On Vijayadashami (21 October), elders apply tika to younger family members and place jamara behind their ears or on their heads. Along with the blessing, elders usually give dakshina, a gift of money. Families continue the tika custom for the next four days (until Kojagrat Parva or Purnima Brata) after the main day, which is why people keep travelling to visit relatives.
For visitors, the practical point is that these are family rituals. You may see tika on foreheads everywhere, but receiving one is usually an invitation extended within a family or by a host, not something visitors should ask for or expect.
Family Gatherings, Food, Kites and Swings
The great return. In the weeks before Dashain, high volume of Nepalis head to their home villages. Kathmandu’s streets and tourist areas can feel noticeably quieter, while bus parks and highways are crowded. This is the single biggest reason travel logistics change during the festival.
Feasts and gifts. Families gather for large meals, and goat meat is a traditional festive dish for many households. People buy new clothes and exchange gifts. Markets are busy beforehand and many shops close during the key days.
Swings and kites. Families often build tall bamboo swings, called ping, in villages and courtyards, and children and adults take turns on them. Kite flying fills the sky in many areas, especially around Kathmandu.
Temples, Rituals and Respectful Observation
Through the first nine days, devotees worship Durga in her different forms. Temples are busiest on Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, and many families perform rituals at home. Many of Kathmandu Valley’s cultural sites, including Temples like Taleju Bhagwati and Guhyeswari Shaktipeet, are visited during this festival.
Animal sacrifice takes place in some temples and households, particularly around Maha Navami, and it is part of the tradition for those communities. Visitors may encounter it or see its aftermath. If this isn’t something you want to see, ask your guide or host in advance which temples and times to avoid.
A few simple rules go a long way. Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes where asked, and ask before photographing people or rituals. Keep a respectful distance from private ceremonies. A fuller festival etiquette guide appears later in this article.
Can You Travel to Nepal During Dashain 2026?
Short answer: yes, but plan ahead. Nepal’s tourism industry keeps running during Dashain, and trekking trails and heritage sites stay open. Private tourism businesses, public transport and heritage sites generally continue to operate. What changes is logistics: government services pause, and the whole country is travelling at once.
What May Close or Operate Differently
The biggest change is the government holiday. The MOHA notice gives government offices a seven-day Dashain break from 17 to 23 October 2026. The notice covers government offices and public entities, not private businesses. Many shops and banks also close for several days. One operator estimates closures of government offices, banks and many local shops from roughly 17 to 21 October.
| Service | What to expect | Confidence |
| Government offices | Closed roughly 17–23 Oct | Fairly firm; confirm with MOHA |
| Banks | Often closed around Phulpati to Tika, but some close from Maha Asthami as well. | Likely |
| Local shops | Many close for the key days | Varies by area |
| Hotels, restaurants, tour operators | Generally open, sometimes with reduced staff | Varies by area |
| Trekking trails and heritage sites | Open | Generally reliable |
| Permits and visa extensions | Limited during the holiday | See below |
Permits and visas. Get visa extensions and trekking permits sorted before the holiday begins. As one travel blogger puts it, virtually all government offices close, so these should be done before Dashain. A trade report from May says the Department of Immigration began processing trekking permits on public holidays for two hours from 11:00 to 13:00, except Saturdays.
Weekends have changed too. An operator reports that government offices have been closed on both Saturday and Sunday since April 2026. That makes Friday the last reliable office day each week.
One upside: Kathmandu’s roads are virtually empty during Dashain, so city sightseeing can be unusually easy.
Flights, Buses, Hotels and Cash
- Domestic flights and long-distance buses sell out early. Both sell out well ahead of the festival because much of the country is travelling home at once. If you haven’t booked, do it immediately and have a backup.
- Allow buffer days. Weather or crowding can delay a flight. Don’t schedule an international departure the morning after a domestic leg.
- Book hotels now. October is peak trekking season, so Dashain and the busiest tourist weeks overlap.
- Carry cash. Banks may be closed and ATMs can run low.
- Confirm your operator is staffed. Ask whether your guide, driver and porters are available for your exact dates.
Book Before Dashain Checklist
Let us know when you can visit and we can help you to get ready.
Trekking in Nepal During Dashain Festival
Short answer: yes, you can trek during Dashain. October sits in the middle of Nepal’s best trekking window, so the festival and peak season overlap almost completely. Teahouses stay open, and many guides enjoy explaining the rituals as you pass through villages. The impact is on logistics, not on whether the trails are open.
Are Treks and Teahouses Open?
Yes. Trails and teahouses operate throughout the festival. Some operators note that teahouse hours can differ during Dashain, so don’t assume a lodge will serve on your usual schedule.
Expect busier lodges than usual, since Dashain coincides with peak season. In villages along the way you’ll often see bamboo swings and kite flying just as in the rest of Nepal. In the lower Budhi Gandaki valley on the Manaslu Circuit, for instance, villagers put up swings and fly kites, which gives trekkers an unscripted look at rural Dashain away from the city crowds
Permits, Domestic Flights, Guides and Porters
Permits: Government offices are on holiday from roughly 17 to 23 October, so arrange permits and any visa extensions before that window. For restricted areas, permits must be arranged through registered agencies. The Department of Immigration said in May that it would process restricted-area permits for two hours on public holidays except Saturdays, and permit processing is online.
Flights: Domestic flights and long-distance buses sell out well ahead of the festival. Flights to Lukla are the clearest pinch point. During peak trekking months, many Lukla flights are shifted to Ramechhap (Manthali) airport to reduce congestion at Kathmandu, and flights can be delayed or fully booked. If you’re flying to the Everest region, plan for an early-morning transfer to Ramechhap and build in a spare day. Check out our guide Kathmandu to Lukla flight options for more information.
Guides and porters: Guides and porters are usually still working during Dashain, though many will want to spend Tika Day itself with their own families if the route allows. Tell your operator early which dates matter, and expect a sensible conversation about a rest day or a village stop on 21 October.
Best Trekking Approaches During Dashain Festival Nepal
Rather than naming a single best trek, think about how your itinerary interacts with the festival.
| Approach | Why it suits Dashain | Watch out for |
| Treks that need a domestic flight (such as the Everest region) | Peak-season scenery and the full trekking infrastructure | Flight congestion and delays; allow spare days |
| Road-accessible or shorter treks | Less dependence on sold-out flights | Fewer days to absorb delays |
| Quieter village-focused routes | Closest look at rural Dashain traditions | Fewer services; confirm lodge availability |
If your dates fall inside the festival window, treat Dashain as a bonus, but plan for it. Book flights first, then permits, then confirm the guide and lodge availability.
Staying Safe
- Allow buffer days. Lukla flights are frequently delayed in heavy trekking months, so many trekkers add an extra night in Kathmandu or Ramechhap.
- Don’t rush to make up time. If a flight slips, resist compressing your acclimatization schedule to catch up.
- Use a licensed guide and operator. Insure for flight disruption and delays.
If you are planning for Everest Base Camp, then our EBC Trek in October can be helpful for you.
How to Experience Dashain Respectfully as a Visitor
Dashain is first a family festival, so the best way to experience it is as a guest rather than a spectator. You don’t need to do anything elaborate. Be curious, be modest, and let invitations come to you. If you’re invited to a family meal during the festival, accept.
Do and Avoid during your time in Dashain Festival in Nepal
| Do | Avoid |
| Dress modestly at temples and cover shoulders and knees | Treating rituals as photo opportunities |
| Remove shoes where asked, and follow your guide’s lead | Photographing people or ceremonies without asking |
| Accept tika graciously if it’s offered to you | Asking for tika or blessings from strangers |
| Bring a small gift, such as sweets or fruit, if you’re invited into a home | Assuming every family celebrates the same way |
| Ask your guide or host before attending anything private | Entering restricted temple areas of major temples like Pashupatinath. |
| Stay calm and respectful if you encounter animal sacrifice, or politely step away | Commenting on or filming sacrifice rituals |
A few details matter. Receiving tika is a blessing, so accept it with your right hand and don’t wipe it off straight away. Dakshina, the gift of money that elders give, is part of the family tradition, so visitors shouldn’t expect it.
Don’t expect access to private rituals. Guides generally enjoy explaining what you’re seeing, so ask them what’s happening and why.
Cultural Tours and Where to Experience the Dashain Festival Nepal
Where you are changes what you’ll see. Dashain in the Kathmandu Valley is different from Dashain in a hill village.
- Kathmandu Valley. Temples and heritage squares are busiest on the main worship days. One operator notes that the Taleju Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, normally closed to the public, opens on one day only during the festival. Newar communities observe the festival as Mohani, with their own traditions. For ideas on what to see, read our Kathmandu City tour.
- Pokhara and the hills. Quieter than the capital, with swings, kites and family gatherings visible in neighborhoods and villages.
- Village homestays and treks. Rural villages offer the closest look at everyday Dashain.
What a Dashain-timed tour can and can’t promise. A good cultural tour puts you in the right places with a guide who can explain what you’re seeing and may lead to a family invitation. It can’t guarantee tika, access to private rituals or an identical experience on every date, and you should be wary of anyone who says it can.
Planning one for this year or next? Our Nepal cultural tours package can be combined with a short trek, or tell us your dates and interests and we’ll suggest what fits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dashain Festival Nepal 2026
When is Dashain Festival in 2026?
Dashain 2026 runs for 15 days, from 11 October to 25 October. It begins with Ghatasthapana and closes with Kojagrat Purnima. The main day, Vijayadashami, falls on 21 October.
What date is Tika Day in 2026?
Tika Day (Vijayadashami) is on 21 October 2026. Families apply tika at a specific auspicious time, the muhurat, which Nepal’s official Panchang authority announces close to the day. Avoid scheduling a flight or bus around it.
Is Nepal open to tourists during Dashain?
Yes. Hotels, restaurants, tour operators, trekking trails and heritage sites generally keep operating. What changes is logistics: government offices close, transport is crowded, and some local shops shut for the key days. Planning ahead is the whole trick.
Can I trek in Nepal during Dashain?
Yes. October is peak trekking season and teahouses stay open. Book domestic flights early, arrange permits before the government holiday, and ask your operator how guide and porter schedules work on Tika Day. Many staff like to be with their families that day.
What closes during Dashain Festival Nepal?
Government offices are on holiday from roughly 17 to 23 October 2026, and many banks and local shops close for several days around Phulpati to Tika. Visa extensions and permits are the most affected services, so sort them out beforehand.
What is tika, and what is jamara?
Tika is a blessing mark of rice, yogurt and red vermilion that elders place on the foreheads of younger family members on Vijayadashami. Jamara are barley shoots planted on the first day and given as a blessing alongside it.
Can tourists take part in Dashain Festival Nepal?
Often, but by invitation. Dashain is mainly a family festival. If a host, guide or family invites you to a meal or blessing, accept graciously. Don’t ask for tika or expect access to private rituals.
When does Dashain end?
Tika Day is the high point, but the festival continues until Kojagrat Purnima on 25 October. Tihar follows, so services don’t snap back to normal on 22 October.
Dashain Festival Nepal 2026: The Short Version
Dashain is the festival in Nepal that shapes the whole country’s calendar. In 2026 it runs from 11 to 25 October, with Tika Day on 21 October. Nepal stays open to visitors, and trekking continues through peak season.
Remember these five things:
- Dates: 11 October to 25 October, with Tika Day on 21 October.
- Closures: government offices are on holiday from roughly 17 to 23 October, so arrange permits and visa extensions early.
- Transport: domestic flights and long-distance buses sell out early, so book ahead and keep a spare day.
- Trekking: trails and teahouses stay open, but confirm flights, guides and lodges first.
- Respect: you’re a guest in a family festival, so ask before photographing and accept invitations warmly.
If you can plan around the logistics, Dashain is one of the most rewarding times to see Nepal.
Plan Your Dashain Trek or Nepal Tour
Planning a Nepal trek or cultural tour around Dashain? Whether you’re already booked or still deciding, our team can help you work out flights, permits, guides and lodges for your exact dates.
Tell us your dates and preferred region and we’ll suggest an itinerary that fits the festival, or explore our trekking options to compare routes. If you’d like to see the culture up close, take a look at our cultural tours.
Got a Dashain story or question of your own? Share it with us and we’ll add useful answers to this guide.
Last updated: 8 October 2026. We review this page after the festival ends and update dates, closures and travel advice each year.
