Dashain Festival Immersion

Kathmandu Valley

Highlights

• Experience Nepal's greatest festival — Dashain — with a local family. Receive tika blessings, fly kites, and witness an entire nation pause for tradition.
• Festival Tour · 7 Days
• Small group, guide-led

Day-by-day itinerary

1. D1

   Arrival & Ghatasthapana Ritual

   Arrive in Kathmandu during the first day of Dashain (Ghatasthapana). Join your host family in sowing jamara barley seeds in a clay pot — the sacred sprouts that will grow for nine days. Evening welcome dinner of typical Dashain dishes: goat curry, sel roti, and aila (Newari liquor).

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

2. D2

   Phulpati Procession

   On the seventh day, witness the Phulpati procession at Kathmandu Durbar Square — a centuries-old tradition where the King (now represented by the government) receives sacred flowers and jamara from Gorkha. Visit Taleju Temple and observe the living goddess Kumari's rare public appearance.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

3. D3

   Maha Astami & Kalaratri

   Experience the eighth day's intensity as Nepalis sacrifice buffaloes, goats, and ducks to the goddess Kali. Visit Bhaktapur's temples where the air resonates with drumbeats and chanting. Your guide explains the tantric symbolism behind the sacrifices and the goddess's role as protector.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

4. D4

   Maha Navami & Vijaya Dashami

   The ninth day features worship of vehicles and tools at shops and offices. On the tenth day — Vijaya Dashami — receive tika and jamara from your host family's elders. Spend the day visiting relatives, eating feast food, and flying kites from rooftops across the valley.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

5. D5

   Post-Dashain Excursion to Nagarkot

   After the intensity of Dashain, escape to Nagarkot for Himalayan sunrise views and peaceful nature walks. Return to Kathmandu for a final farewell dinner with your host family and blessings for your journey home.

   Kathmandu Valley As per plan

Price includes

• Local storyteller guide
• Stays as per itinerary
• Daily breakfast
• All ground transfers

Make it yours (upsells)

Everything apart from the trip itself is an upsell — tick what you want.