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Best time to visit

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Kathmandu has a moderate and warm climate, which makes it comfortable and pleasant for sightseeing all year round. However, if you also plan to go trekking in the mountains, the best time to visit Kathmandu is in spring and autumn. During October and November, visitors can see one of the most important Nepali festivals Tihar alongside Kukur Tihar, the celebration of dogs. April and May is the time of blooming flowers in the Garden of Dreams and Bisket Jatra or Nepali New Year celebration. In May, Buddha's birthday is celebrated in the monasteries of Kathmandu.

17 things to do in Kathmandu

Tihar

October 30-November 3, 2024 Event

Also known as Swanti or Diwali, the festival lasts for five days and includes different events dedicated to animals and family members

Yomari for Yomari Punhi

late December Food

A special delicacy for Newari Yomari Punhi celebration

Honey Hunting Season

October–November | May–June Activity

One of the ​unique activities in Nepal is gathering honey from the wild bees' nests. Men are climbing high cliffs to get to the nests and harvest the honey

Gathia Mangal (Ghanta Karn)

July 17, 2023 Event

A Newar festival that celebrates the expulsion of the demons from the country

Lhosar

February 10 Event

Also known as Tibetan New Year, Sonam Lhosar is celebrated by all Tibetan-speaking groups in a very colorful way

Sel Roti

October 30–November 3, 2024 Food

Synonymous to great festivities, this delicacy is the real taste of Nepal

Shree Swasthani Bratakatha

January 26–February 24, 2024 Event

Worshipers of Swasthani and Shiva take a huge massive bath together, which is believed to make miracles

Trekking Season

March–May | September–November Activity

Trekking in Nepal is one of lifetime adventures, since the Himalayan mountains are the highest in the world, and ​nature is unique

Holi Festival

March 24-25, 2024 Event

A Hindu festival celebrated with lots of colors and picturesque traditions

Gai Jatra Festival

August 20, 2024 Event

The festival to commemorate the deaths of people throughout the year, is a picturesque one and unique to Kathmandu Valley and its Newar and Tharu communities

Bisket Jatra (Nepali New Year)

April 13, 2024 Event

A major holiday in Nepal is celebrated with interesting rituals to observe

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

October–December (all year round) Activity

The ancient religious architecture masterpiece is towering over the Kathmandu Valley, in the western part of Kathmandu City

Teej

September 6, 2024 Event

Witness the most famous festival among Nepali women, as they fill the streets of Kathmandu with red colour

Ghode Jatra

March 21, 2023 Event

Watch a military parade and a horse race during a festival unique to Kathmandu

Garden of Dreams in Bloom

March–June Nature

Explore the beauty of the historical garden in the heart of Kathmandu

Buddha Jayanti (Buddha's birthday)

May 5, 2023 Event

Celebrate Buddha's birthday at his birthplace and in the capital of Nepal

Kukur Tihar, Nepal Dog Festival

October 31, 2024 Event

On this day, all Nepalese dogs, home-owned and stray, will receive a royal treatment

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