Top Festive Travel Destinations for Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath

This year's Dashain is already in the air while Tihar, and Chhath are approaching. These three major festivals of the country hold their own unique religious/cultural cultural significance. During these celebrations, families typically come together to perform rituals, enjoy special meals, and receive blessings. However, the way Nepalis celebrate these festivals has evolved in recent years. With long holidays for Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, people are increasingly using this time to travel with their families.

Many individuals returning from abroad for the festivals are also choosing to spend quality time travelling with their families. Additionally, as offices and schools offer extended breaks, more people are taking advantage of this time for trips.

Before planning a trip, it’s essential to consider your schedule, budget, and physical condition, and choose a destination accordingly. Researching your destination beforehand is highly recommended. If you’re looking to travel during this festive season, here are some suitable destinations:

Pokhara

Often compared to paradise, Pokhara’s natural beauty captivates visitors. It stands out as one of the best destinations to visit during the Dashain holidays. If you prefer traveling by car and want to explore without extensive walking, Pokhara is an ideal choice. It’s a family-friendly city that appeals to all types of tourists, making it a complete travel package.

You can choose from a range of accommodations, from five-star hotels to budget lodges. The clean and tranquil environment of Pokhara is one of its main attractions. It is easily accessible from anywhere in Nepal by public transportation or personal vehicle, with direct flights available from various locations.

Once in Pokhara, you can use local buses, microbuses, or rented motorcycles and bicycles to explore the city. It’s also possible to embark on long or short treks from Pokhara. Key attractions include stunning views of the Himalayas, Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake. Notable sites include Sarangkot, Dhampus, Shanti Stupa, and Davis Falls. Additionally, activities like paragliding, zip-lining, ultraflight, boating, cycling, and hiking are available.

Bardiya

Bardiya is another excellent destination for a family trip. It is easily reachable by road from various parts of Nepal. If you’re traveling from the east, consider spending a night in Lumbini before heading to Bardiya, or you can go directly. This destination is perfect for family visits.

In Bardiya, you can choose between homestays and hotels, but a homestay is recommended for a deeper understanding of the local Tharu community. The lush greenery, balanced climate, and scenic fields provide a rich experience. Even without your own vehicle, the abundance of public transportation options makes Bardiya an ideal spot for Nepali tourists.

While in Bardiya, visit Chisapani to see the attractive Karnali Bridge, and enjoy jungle safaris within the national park.

Ilam

Ilam is another convenient destination for a family trip. You can also plan to visit Dharan, Dhankuta, and Bhedetar on your way to Ilam. If Ilam is your primary destination, you can fly to Biratnagar or Bhadrapur and then take a local bus to reach your final destination.

Ilam is renowned for its scenic tea gardens and cool, misty weather, offering a delightful experience. Don’t miss the nearby Pashupatinagar, which is also worth exploring.

Sauraha

Sauraha is a prominent tourist destination in Nepal, linked to Chitwan National Park and well-known for its wildlife tourism. The main attraction here is the jungle safari, which can be enjoyed on elephants or in jeeps. During the safari, you may spot tigers, rhinos, and gharials. Boating on the Rapti River allows for sightings of crocodiles and other wildlife, and you can also experience the local Tharu culture.

Kalinchowk

Kalinchowk, located in Dolakha, is an enchanting destination easily accessible from Kathmandu. With its lush greenery and beautiful mountain views, it is popular among domestic tourists. Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple adds religious significance to the site. From the temple premises, you can see the Langtang and Rolwaling mountain ranges. In winter, the area often receives snow, attracting residents of Kathmandu looking to enjoy snow activities.

It takes about five hours by bus from Kathmandu to reach Charikot, the district headquarters of Dolakha. From Charikot, you can hire a jeep to navigate the 17 km of rough road to Kuri. However, during snowy weather, the jeep ride can be challenging. From Kuri, it’s a one-hour steep hike to reach the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, situated at an altitude of 3,842 meters.

Mustang

Mustang is also a must-visit destination for domestic tourists. It is notable not only for its unique geography but also as a shared pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, particularly Muktinath.

In recent years, the access to Mustang has improved significantly. You can reach Mustang directly from Kathmandu by private vehicle or take public transportation to Beni, followed by a 6-7 hour journey to Mustang. If you’re travelling from outside Kathmandu, consider spending a night in Pokhara before continuing. Taxis, jeeps, or buses can take you from Pokhara to Beni in about 2.5 hours.

Once in Mustang, if time allows, you can explore Upper Mustang, which is particularly stunning during this season. You can reach Upper Mustang via a day-long jeep ride from Jomsom (or a three-day trek on foot). This region is known for its unique lifestyle, as well as attractions like Kagbeni, Naultale Cave, Thakali culture, stunning natural scenery, and the Korala border pass.