Autumn is the best trekking season in Nepal, and it overlaps with the two biggest festivals in the country. Dashain and Tihar bring clear skies, stable weather, and a lively mood in every town and village. They also bring packed buses, sold-out flights, and closed offices.
With some planning, you can avoid the problems and enjoy both the mountains and the festivals. This guide covers the 2026 dates, short treks for the Dashain break, longer routes for each festival window, and the practical details that decide whether your trip runs smoothly. You can browse all Nepal trekking packages with Outshine Adventure if you already know your dates.
Dashain and Tihar 2026 Dates at a Glance
Nepal follows the Bikram Sambat lunar calendar, so festival dates shift each year. The 2026 dates below come from Nepali calendar sources. Exact tika times are set by the Nepal Panchang authorities, so confirm them closer to the day.
| Festival event | 2026 date |
|---|---|
| Ghatasthapana (Dashain begins) | Sunday, October 11 |
| Fulpati | Saturday, October 17 |
| Maha Ashtami | Sunday, October 18 |
| Maha Navami | Monday, October 19 |
| Vijaya Dashami (main Tika day) | Wednesday, October 21 |
| Dashain winds down (Kojagrat Purnima) | Around October 24 to 25 |
| Kaag Tihar (Tihar begins) | Saturday, November 7 |
| Kukur Tihar | Sunday, November 8 |
| Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja | Around November 8 to 9 |
| Mha Puja and Govardhan Puja | Around November 9 to 10 |
| Bhai Tika (Tihar ends) | Wednesday, November 11 |
Some calendars list one-day differences for a few Tihar days, which is common with lunar dates. Treat the Tika day, October 21, and Bhai Tika, November 11, as your main anchors.
Why Trek During Dashain and Tihar?
- Excellent weather. The monsoon has ended, the air is clear, and mountain views are at their best from mid October to late November.
- Cultural experience. You will see families exchange tika, children play on bamboo swings, houses covered in marigold garlands, and oil lamps lining windows during Tihar.
- Local hospitality. Teahouse owners often celebrate with guests. Do not be surprised if you receive tika, sweets, or an invitation to a family meal.
- Stable conditions. Trails are dry and well maintained after the monsoon repairs.
The Challenges You Need to Plan For
1. Transport is stretched
In the days before Dashain, millions of people leave Kathmandu for their home villages. They return in the days after Tika. Long distance buses and domestic flights are full, and fares can rise. Book transport early and avoid traveling on the busiest days, especially October 17 to 21 and again October 22 to 27.
2. Flights to mountain airstrips fill up
Flights to Lukla and other mountain airstrips are limited, and seats sell out well in advance. Weather delays are also common. Keep a buffer day at both ends of your trek, and confirm where your Lukla flight departs from, since departure airports can change in peak season. Short on time? A one-day Everest Base Camp Heli Tour or an Everest mountain flight is an alternative to the full trek.
3. Offices and banks close
Government offices, banks, and many permit counters close on public holidays. Arrange your trekking permits before the holiday period, or let a licensed trekking agency handle them. Carry enough Nepali rupees in cash, since ATMs can run empty during festival weeks.
4. Some services slow down
Many guides, porters, and drivers go home to celebrate, so a few lodges and shops may run with reduced staff. The main trekking regions of Khumbu, Annapurna, and Langtang stay open, but service may be slower on the main festival days. Patience helps.
Best Short Treks During Dashain (3 to 5 Days)
If you only have the Dashain holiday break, these short treks fit into a long weekend.
| Trek | Duration | Start | Highest point | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poon Hill (Ghorepani) | 4 to 5 days | Pokhara | 3,210 m | Easy to moderate |
| Mardi Himal | 4 to 5 days | Pokhara | About 4,200 m | Moderate |
| Ghandruk and Landruk Loop | 3 to 4 days | Pokhara | About 2,100 m | Easy |
| Panchase | 3 days | Pokhara | About 2,500 m | Easy |
| Chisapani and Nagarkot | 2 to 3 days | Kathmandu | About 2,200 m | Easy |
| Helambu | 4 to 5 days | Kathmandu | About 2,600 m | Moderate |
Poon Hill Trek (4 to 5 days)
The most popular short trek in Nepal. You walk through rhododendron forest and Gurung and Magar villages, then climb Poon Hill at dawn for sunrise views over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. Teahouses are plentiful, which suits first-time trekkers and families. Outshine Adventure offers a compact Ghorepani Poon Hill trek for short breaks and a longer Ghorepani Poon Hill itinerary if you have more days.
Mardi Himal Trek (4 to 5 days)
A ridge trek with close views of Machapuchare and the Annapurna range. It is quieter than Poon Hill but steeper in the upper section, so a fair level of fitness helps. See the full Mardi Himal Trek page for details.
Ghandruk and Landruk Loop (3 to 4 days)
A gentle route through terraced fields and Gurung homestays, with views of Annapurna South. A good pick for seeing local Dashain traditions. Explore more routes in the region under Annapurna trekking.
Panchase Trek (3 days)
Forest trails and a ridge viewpoint close to Pokhara, with sunrise views over Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range. One of the easiest overnight treks in the region.
Chisapani and Nagarkot Trek (2 to 3 days)
The simplest choice from Kathmandu. The trail runs through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and offers Langtang range views on clear days. Book the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek if you want a guided short escape.
Helambu Trek (4 to 5 days)
Sherpa and Tamang villages and quiet forest trails near Kathmandu, with fewer crowds than the better-known routes. See the Helambu Trekking itinerary for the full route.
Best Longer Treks for Each Festival Window
Window 1: After Dashain, before Tihar (October 22 to November 6)
This is the most popular option for 2026. You leave Kathmandu right after Tika, when families are still celebrating, and finish before Tihar starts.
- Everest Base Camp Trek (12 to 14 days): Start around October 23 to 24 and finish by about November 5. A Budget Everest Base Camp Trek and an Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek are also available.
- Annapurna Base Camp Trekking (7 to 10 days): A flexible choice that fits easily into this window. The Budget ABC Trek is a 9-day option.
- Langtang Valley Trekking (7 to 8 days): A quieter route with a shorter drive from Kathmandu.
Window 2: Trekking through Tihar (November 7 to 11)
If you want to experience Tihar in the mountains, plan to be in a village or teahouse during the festival. Lodges decorate their dining rooms with flowers and lights, and guides and staff often share the celebration with guests.
- Everest Base Camp or Everest Gokyo Trekking: Mountain evenings are cold, but lodge celebrations are warm and memorable.
- Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna Sanctuary: Gurung and Thakali villages hold their own Tihar traditions. Not sure which long route fits you? Read the comparison of the Manaslu Circuit versus the Annapurna Circuit in 2026.
- Manaslu Circuit Trek: A remote option for experienced trekkers with a restricted area permit and a licensed guide.
Start your trek around October 28 to November 1 if you want to be on the trail for Laxmi Puja and Bhai Tika.
Window 3: After Tihar (from November 12)
Prefer fewer crowds? Trek after Bhai Tika. Trails are quieter, flights are easier to book, and lodge prices are often more stable. Nights are colder at higher altitudes, so pack warm layers. The skies stay clear into late November. If you want a festival on the trail in this season, look at the Everest Base Camp Trek with Mani Rimdu Festival.
Permits You Will Need
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Annapurna Base Camp
- Sagarmatha National Park and local municipality permits: Everest region
- Langtang National Park permit: Langtang region
- Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park ticket: Chisapani and Nagarkot
- Restricted area permit: Manaslu, available only through registered agencies
Fees change each year, so check current rates with the Nepal Tourism Board or your agency. Read the trekking information page for more on how permits and rules work.
Prepare Before You Go
Cold nights and high altitude need proper preparation, especially on routes above 3,500 meters.
- Read the high altitude sickness guide before any trek that goes above 3,000 meters.
- Use the trekking equipment list and the essential travel checklist to pack.
- Buy cover that includes altitude and evacuation. The travel insurance guide for trekking in Nepal explains what to look for.
- Check the Nepal travel safety and security guide for current advice.
- Add a day in the capital with a Kathmandu sightseeing tour or the UNESCO Heritage Tours to see festival life before or after your trek.
Festival Etiquette for Trekkers
- Accept tika with your right hand and a respectful attitude. It is a blessing, not a decoration.
- Dress modestly in villages, especially during rituals.
- Ask before photographing people during ceremonies.
- Do not step over offerings or food prepared for festivals.
- Tip your guide and porters generously. They work through a season when many people are with their families. Read more about responsible tourism in Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to trek in Nepal during Dashain and Tihar?
Yes. Trails are open and weather is stable. Plan for transport delays, closed offices, and cash needs.
What is the best short trek during Dashain? Poon Hill is the top choice for beginners. Mardi Himal suits those who want a quieter ridge walk, and Chisapani and Nagarkot works best from Kathmandu.
When should I start my trek in 2026?
Start from October 22 for easier logistics after Dashain, or between October 28 and November 1 if you want to be on the trail for Tihar.
Are teahouses open during Dashain and Tihar?
Most teahouses on popular routes stay open. A few may have limited staff or menus on the main festival days.
Do I need a guide? Guides are optional on routes like Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp, but they are recommended for first-time visitors and required for restricted areas such as the Manaslu Circuit.
Will Lukla flights sell out during the festivals?
Demand is high, so book early and keep spare days for weather delays.
Plan Your Dashain or Tihar Trek
Choose a short trek if you only have the holiday break, or build a longer route around the festival window that suits you. Browse all Nepal trekking packages, check upcoming trips, or ask the Outshine Adventure team to build a tailor-made trip around your dates. You can also contact us to confirm flights, permits, and lodges before the best dates sell out. For more guides, visit the Outshine Adventure travel blog.
Final Thoughts
Dashain and Tihar 2026 are some of the most rewarding weeks to visit Nepal. With only a few days free, a short trek like Poon Hill or Mardi Himal fits neatly into the holiday break. With more time, you can build a longer route around Tika or Tihar. Book early, carry cash, build in buffer days, and pick the festival window that suits your schedule. You will enjoy clear mountain views by day and warm celebrations by night.
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