Dashain and Tihar Road Travel: What Visitors Should Know

Dashain, usually in October, and Tihar, a few weeks later, are the biggest festivals in Nepal. Millions of people travel home, and the roads show it.

What changes on the roads

In the days before Dashain, highways out of Kathmandu are packed with buses, trucks and cars heading to villages. Journeys that normally take six hours can take much longer, and buses are often sold out. Afterwards, the reverse rush brings everyone back.

Closures and demand

Many offices, shops and some restaurants close for several days, especially around the main Dashain days. Rental vehicles and drivers are in high demand because families travel and many drivers take leave themselves. Book early.

Tips for visitors

• Avoid long highway drives on the peak travel days just before and after the main festival day
• Fuel up early; queues can build at stations
• Carry water and snacks, since roadside places may be closed
• Enjoy the atmosphere: kites, swings and family gatherings are everywhere

Tihar

Tihar, the festival of lights, is calmer on the roads but lively in the evenings, with lamps, colourful rangoli and music in the streets of Kathmandu.