Holi Festival Tour in Kathmandu Nepal: Date & Places of Celebration
Trip Overview
The Holi Festival, also known as the Festival of Colors, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in Nepal. It usually occurs in March (or late February to early March), marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Holi festival in Nepal is a blend of tradition, fun, and festivity, offering a unique experience for locals and tourists alike. It’s a time of reconciliation, joy, and unity, where everyone comes together to celebrate the vibrancy of life.
SIGNIFICANCE OF HOLI FESTIVAL IN NEPAL
. Cultural and Religious Roots: Holi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, celebrating the story of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, and his victory over the demoness Holika.
. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and fosters harmony and love among people.
. Seasonal Importance: Holi marks spring’s arrival, winter’s end, and the blooming of new life and vitality.
DATE OF HOLI FESTIVAL IN NEPAL
The date of the Holi Festival changes every year in Nepal because it is determined by the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. Holi is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Falgun. This typically falls in February or March, depending on the year’s lunar cycle.
Hindu priests and astrologers calculate the exact date based on celestial positions, particularly the moon’s phase. This ensures that the festival aligns with its traditional and mythological significance.
The date of the Holi Festival in 2025 is on 13th March in Kathmandu Nepal.
ITINERARY OF HOLI FESTIVAL TOUR KATHMANDU NEPAL
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT KATHMANDU.
Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. We pick up at the airport by car and transfer to the hotel. Evening walk around Thamel Market. Thamel is a bustling tourist market in the heart of Kathmandu city. There you find lots of souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and bookshops.
Night Stay: Hotel in Kathmandu. Transport: By Car.
DAY 2: HOLI FESTIVAL CELEBRATION
Morning: Breakfast in Thamel: Start your day with a hearty meal at a local café. Head to Basantapur at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a bustling area, to join the main Holi festivities. Play with colors, enjoy live music, and experience the local joy.
Midday: Enjoy street food delights. Try festival snacks like sel roti, yomari, and pakoras. Keep hydrated with refreshing drinks like lassi or thandai.
Afternoon: Attend the street parties with DJs and dance around Thamel. Mingle with locals and fellow tourists.
Evening: Head back to your hotel to freshen up. Relax and Clean Up. Share your Holi stories over a relaxed dinner at a restaurant in Thamel.
DAY 3: POST-HOLI EXPLORATION BY SIGHTSEEING TO BHAKTAPUR AND STAY AT NAGARKOT HILL STATION
After breakfast, our tour guide takes you sightseeing in Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is the oldest town in Nepal, around 15 km east of Kathmandu. It is like an open museum of Nepalese art, architecture, and heritage. Thus, UNESCO listed this city as the World Heritage Area. It has many charming architectural showpieces of Pagoda and Shikhara-style temples around the famous fifty-five windows’ of the old Royal Palace. Here you visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Square, Pottery Square, and Dattatraye Square. After sightseeing in Bhaktapur, you will drive to Nagarkot. Nagarkot is the famous hill station 35 km east of Kathmandu city and 20 km from Bhakatapur. It is located at an elevation of 2175 meters above sea level. This place offers a good view of the Himalayan Panorama, Sunrise, and mountain valley. Nagarkot is also one of the best hilly places for relaxation and retreat.
DAY 4: ENJOY SUNRISE & HIMALAYAN VIEWS. SIGHTSEEING TO PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE AND BOUDHANATH STUPA.
Early in the morning enjoy Sunrise and Himalayan Panorama. After breakfast, you will go for a sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple (The most sacred Hindu Temple in Nepal. Here you visit many temples, meet Hindu Sages with colorful dresses, and see the cremation ceremony of dead bodies). Then you go to visit Boudhanath Stupa (The biggest Buddha Temple in Nepal where you experience the Tibetan environment with Buddhist Monastery). In the evening you will be taken to a typical Nepali restaurant where you enjoy the cultural dances of different indigenous groups of Nepal with authentic local foods.
DAY 5: DEPARTURE FROM NEPAL.
Free time till our tour officer escorts you to go to the Tribhuvan International Airport to catch your flight to your home country. Tour ends.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS: After the Holi celebration, if you want to join in trekking and tours in Nepal, of course, you can.
TIPS FOR A MEMORABLE HOLI CELEBRATION
. Wear white clothes you don’t mind staining with colors.
. Apply oil or moisturizer to your skin to make cleaning easier.
. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from powders.
. Respect Local Traditions. Watch traditional Nepali dances and listen to folk songs.
. Avoid overly crowded areas or rough crowds.
. Don’t force anyone to participate, as consent is essential.
. Avoid using harmful synthetic colors.
. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and personal boundaries.
Excellent Himalaya Trek & Expedition is the leading tour operator in Nepal. Please contact us by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +977 9851203181 for any further information about the Holy tour in Kathmandu, if need a customized itinerary, or have any questions. Once we receive your message, we get back to you within 24 hours.
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