1. Indra Jatra (September) – Kathmandu’s Grand Festival

Indra Jatra is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Kathmandu Valley, paying homage to Indra, the god of rain and the king of heaven. This week-long festival is marked by masked dances, the procession of the Kumari, the Living Goddess, and the display of sacred artifacts. The celebration takes place around Kathmandu Durbar Square, with devotees and spectators gathering to witness the grand chariot processions and cultural performances.

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square in the evening to witness the Indra Dhwaj pole-raising ceremony, which signals the start of the festival.
• Day 2: Attend the grand Kumari Jatra, where the Living Goddess is paraded around the streets in a chariot. Enjoy the vibrant masked dances like Lakhey Dance.
• Day 3: Explore the local streets of Kathmandu, enjoying traditional Newari food and learning about the rituals and myths behind Indra Jatra.

2. Maha Shivaratri (February/March) – A Sacred Night Dedicated to Lord Shiva

Maha Shivaratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the holiest festivals in Nepal. Devotees from all over the country and neighboring India gather at Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival is marked by day-long fasting, meditation, and night-long vigils as devotees worship the god of destruction. Pashupatinath comes alive with thousands of pilgrims, sadhus (holy men), and cultural performances.

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and visit the Pashupatinath Temple to witness the special rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Watch the evening Aarti Ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River.
• Day 2: Spend the entire day participating in the Maha Shivaratri celebrations, observing the thousands of devotees offering prayers, and watching the mesmerizing sadhus in deep meditation.
• Day 3: Take a cultural walk around Kathmandu, visiting other religious sites such as Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Temple.

3. Holi (March) – The Festival of Colors

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most joyful and exuberant festivals in Nepal. Celebrated with great enthusiasm, Holi symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. The streets of Nepal become a riot of colors as people smear each other with vibrant powders, throw water balloons, and dance to traditional music. Kathmandu and Pokhara are two of the best places to experience Holi celebrations in Nepal.

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and explore Durbar Square, where the Holi celebrations are most lively. Participate in the color-throwing festival with locals and visitors alike.
• Day 2: Travel to Pokhara to experience Holi in a more laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy the colorful festivities by Phewa Lake, and take in the scenic views of the Annapurna Range.
• Day 3: Spend the morning in Pokhara exploring local sights such as World Peace Pagoda and Devi’s Fall before flying back to Kathmandu.

Why Choose Surreal Holidays for Your Festival Tour in Nepal?

Surreal Holidays specializes in creating immersive cultural and festival tours that offer a deep dive into Nepal’s rich traditions. Here’s why you should choose us for your festival adventure:

1. Expert Cultural Guides: Our team consists of knowledgeable guides who are well-versed in Nepalese culture, history, and religion. They will help you understand the significance of each festival, ensuring you get a meaningful experience.
2. Exclusive Access: We offer exclusive access to some of the most important ceremonies, ensuring that you get the best vantage points to witness parades, rituals, and performances during festivals like Indra Jatra, Maha Shivaratri, and Holi.
3. Customizable Itineraries: We understand that each traveler is unique. That’s why we offer tailor-made festival itineraries that fit your schedule and interests. Whether you want to spend extra time in one location or attend additional cultural events, we can adjust the itinerary to suit your needs.
4. Authentic Cultural Experience: At Surreal Holidays, we strive to provide an authentic experience by introducing you to local traditions, food, and music. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals, partake in rituals, and savor the essence of Nepal’s diverse culture.
5. Hassle-Free Travel: From securing permits to booking accommodations and transportation, we handle all the logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivals. Our team ensures that every aspect of your journey is seamless.
6. Local Expertise: As a local travel company, we have deep connections within the communities that host these festivals, giving us unique insights and access that larger tour operators cannot offer.