Tihar, also known as Diwali or Deepawali, is a five-day-long vibrant festival observed all across Nepal, giving it the tag of the “Festival of Lights.” The festival marks the lighting up of homes and roads with diyas, candles, and beautiful light fixtures, giving it a magical look during the nights. Tihar is a ceremony dedicated to the Goddess Laxmi, known as the goddess of happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. The festival takes place during the month of Kartik in Nepal.
Unlike most festivals, Tihar is also dedicated to the role of animals in human life, such as crows, dogs, and cows. Colorful designs of Rangoli made of rice, flour, sand, or flower petals adorn the floors of houses, encouraging divine blessings.
Highlights of the Tihar Festival:
Tihar is a glittering celebration of devotion, culture, and family with lights, music, dancing, and typical foodstuffs. It beautifully expresses respect for the animals, blessings of the gods, and relationship bonding among brothers and sisters; all this is about Nepal’s rich heritage and the perfect relation among human-nature-god.
This is the first day of the festival. People provide offerings to the crows, who are considered “messengers of death,” as they ward off any bad news in the coming year. There is also the opportunity to discover the town, as you can experience the lively preparations of people decorating roads and houses with lights.
Includes: Private Transport, an English-speaking tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
The second day of Tihar is known as Kukur Tihar. It is a special day dedicated to dog worship. According to Nepali traditions, dogs are referred to as “gatekeepers of death” and are believed to escort the souls of loved ones safely to the afterlife. On this special day, people pay tribute by decorating dogs with colorful ribbons, smearing red cinnabar on their foreheads, and also by treating them with delicious goodies. The roads are filled with lights, and you can experience the colorful festivities, traditions of the people, and fun-filled atmosphere of this festival.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, an English-speaking tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
The third day of Tihar happens to be the most significant day of this festival, as this day is devoted to the worship of cows and Goddess Laxmi, who symbolises wealth. Early morning on the fourth day begins with the cleaning of homes and worshipping cows, who are later decorated with red Tika, colorful wreaths, and holy threads.
In the evenings, lamps light up houses as candles, oil, and bright lights are placed on doors, stairs, and roofs to invite the blessings of Goddess Laxmi. If today is a Saturday, markets are open, but they still follow their practices. Children move around in neighborhoods, singing Tihar songs such as “Bhailo” and “Deusi.” They collect money, fruits, and sweets as they solicit blessings. The day brings with it devotion, family, and merriment.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, an English-speaking tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
The fourth day of Tihar sees commoners from different communities following different traditions and events. Farmers pay tribute to oxen in Goru Puja, thanking them for the contributions they provide to agriculture, while taking refuge in cow dung, which signifies Govardhan Mountain, is observed in Govardhan Puja. The New Year celebration of the Newar racial group in the Nepalese valley of Kathmandu occurs in the religious ritual of Mha Puja, which is an act of self-worship.
On this day, the elders trace geometric designs, one to grant the family blessings and the other as a symbol of the death of Yama and his demons. Then the family holds a special meal, with boiled eggs, fried fish, desserts, and other food items that have been granted blessings. After the meal, the rites proceed with the worship of Yama Panchak, the exchanging of gifts, and the prayer for good luck.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, an English-speaking tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Bhai Tika, the last day of Tihar, highlights the specific bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters place multi-colored tika and garlands on their brothers’ foreheads, blessing them with good health, happiness, and success, and give Shaguns to them. Brothers, in turn, apply tika to their sisters and gift them as a token of love and gratitude. This tells of a special kinship between brothers and sisters and seals the festive occasion.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, an English-speaking tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
