One of the most colorful and exciting events in Nepal is the Nepali New Year (Naya Barsha). The new calendar year (Bikram Sambat) for 2083 starts on 14 April 2026. This day also marks the beginning of the Nepali month of Baishakh. The official civil calendar for Nepal (Bikram Sambat) is about 56-57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar (used in the West).

Traditionally, the Nepali New Year is celebrated throughout Nepal with activities such as going to the temple, participating in cultural events, holding large street celebrations, spending time with family, and creating travel excursions. There are concerts, festivals, fairs, and specialized tourist packages offered for both domestic and international tourists in many of Nepal's cities and tourism spots (Best Heritage Tour).

The Nepali New Year is also a great chance for tourists to experience Nepal. Countries provide vast amounts of heritage cities, mountains, viewpoints, and lakes to commemorate the beginning of the new year.

The following places are the best places to celebrate Nepali New Year 2083 in Nepal, as well as the types of travel/experiences that tourists can expect to have while providing a total package for traveling.

1. Pokhara(Ultimate Nepali New Year Party Destination)

Pokhara is said to be one of the best places in Nepal to celebrate the new year. In addition to celebrating the new year as a traditional festival, thousands of people come from all over the world to experience the Street Festival at Lakeside. Each year this brings together many local residents as well as traveling tourists for food, music, dance and other cultural performances during this period.

Typically, the celebration goes for multiple days turning the entire Lakeside area into a large, free, open-air festival of sorts. Restaurants, cafes, and bars with outdoor seating usually have live concerts (both local artists as well as those who travel from other areas), DJ nights, and traditional dancing.

The streets are beautifully decorated specifically for the festival and many travelers enjoy sampling traditional Nepali cuisine while walking the decorated streets, stopping to see the performances of various ethnic groups representing their respective cultures.

The combination of the festivities, stunning views of Phewa Lake, and the majestic Annapurna Mountain Range provides the opportunity for an unrivaled new year experience in Pokhara, Nepal. In addition to celebrating the new year, many adventurous travellers will also enjoy activities including paragliding, boating, zip-lining, and hiking. There are many who will also be up early to see the sunrise on New Year's Day from Sarangkot which then lights up the peaks of the Himalayas with its golden glow.

Highlights

1. Festival at Lakeside
2. Boating at Phewa Lake
3. Sunrise and sunset on Sarangkot
4. Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave
5. Adventure Activities like Paragliding

2. Bhaktapur (Traditional Nepali New Year Celebration)

Bhaktapur is a wonderful place to celebrate New Year's in an authentic manner and is one of the best places to experience Nepali culture at its fullest. The Biska Jatra Festival is a huge holiday celebrated in Bhaktapur for centuries and is also the same day as the Nepali New Year.

The main event of Biska Jatra is the grand procession of huge chariots, carrying Bhairav and Bhadrakali, the patron deities of Nepal when they are pulled through the city by villagers. The raising of Lyo Sin Dyo, the new year's ceremonial pole, is the centerpiece of this festival. With the celebration comes the long-established traditions and rituals, including music and festivities, that create an atmosphere of excitement throughout the entire city.

Whether you are discovering Bhaktapur's many medieval squares and temples or enjoying authentic Newari food, the festival provides a unique opportunity to experience local culture, spirituality, and history. The Bhaktapur Cultural Tour is one of the leading options for travelers seeking to experience the culture of the region.

Highlights

Witness the Biska Jatra Festival

Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Sample Traditional Newari Cuisine

Explore the Nyatapola Temple and Pottery Square

See local rituals and celebrations

3. Kathmandu (Cultural and Spiritual New Year Celebration)

Kathmandu, located in Nepal, is famous for both its modern celebrations of the new year and traditionally. The new year is celebrated with many different events throughout the city. This includes both events at temples and nightlife.

When the New Year begins, people from all over will start their days praying for prosperity and happiness at sacred temples located throughout Kathmandu. Some examples of these sacred temples include Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa. While at the temples you can make offerings and participate in some of the rituals associated with the new year. Throughout the city during the day you will be able to experience lots of activities related to the new year including cultural programs, concerts, and food festivals, which you will find mostly in the Thamel area and Basantapur area.

When the sun goes down, Thamel becomes a very fun and lively January 1st celebration, with many venues that feature live music, a number of rooftop parties, and a variety of local and international cuisine. As tourists who visit Kathmandu will enjoy the heritage and culture of the city, such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, they can also take some time to enjoy the festive atmosphere surrounding them during the celebration at this time.

Highlights

1. Temple visits for blessings for the new year
2. Cultural performances.
3. Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
4. Thamel nightlife and food tours
5. Sunrise trip to Nagarkot

4. Nagarkot (Peaceful New Year with Himalayan Sunrise)

The Nagarkot area is located approximately 32 km (20 mi) east of Kathmandu and is a great place to enjoy a quiet holiday and see breathtaking views. The view of the Himalayan mountains from Nagarkot is incredible, and everyone that visits will be amazed by the surrounding mountains, especially New Year's Day, when some guests can experience the sunrise on these same beautiful settings. Many hotels will be having New Year's Eve dinners (special dinner menus) and bonfires, as well as special music for guests to enjoy.

Nagarkot is peaceful enough for anyone to celebrate the New Year in a serene environment, and it is a great choice for couples, families, and individuals who are interested in having a calm one with a beautiful experience.

There are numerous trails in the area for anyone that enjoys hiking to enjoy; the scenic sights are amazing. Not only do you get to see the tranquil green valleys filled with lovely trees in the Nagarkot area, but there is also the opportunity to view the stunning snow-capped mountains in the distance. Hiking is a wonderful way to start off New Year's day peacefully and also to experience the wonders of Mother Nature.

Highlights

• View of the Sunrise of the Himalayan Mountains

• Nature Walk or Hike

• Bonfire and New Year's Eve Party

5. Chitwan (Jungle Adventure for New Year)

The way in which the New Year is welcomed in Nepal is different than most countries, and with Chitwan's natural surroundings and the wildlife that is also surrounding you, you will be able to experience this with your own eyes. Chitwan is located in the southern part of Nepal, and Chitwan National Park is a designated United Nations World Heritage site.

The New Year is an exciting time for Chitwan to attract visitors because of the many opportunities to travel and celebrate with a trip to Chitwan National Park. Most of the resorts in Chitwan provide their guests the opportunity to view cultural dances performed by the Tharu people and most host entertainment throughout the evening and serve meals that reflect traditional Tharu cuisine.

You will be able to take a safari through Chitwan National Park by either jeep or kayak as you enjoy your stay at one of the resorts. From the safari, you will be able to view one of many exotic birds, deer, crocodiles, rhinos, and other wildlife residing in Chitwan National Park. If you decide to spend New Year's Eve in Chitwan National Park, you will enjoy the tranquillity and peace that the atmosphere offers.

Highlights

Jeep safari in Chitwan National Park

Canoe ride on the Rapti River

Cultural performance

Witness Elephant Breeding center

6. Lumbini (Spiritual New Year Experience)

Lumbini, the location of Lord Buddha’s birth, is a sacred space in Nepal where the celebration of the Nepali New Year takes place. Visitors to Lumbini are able to experience not only the peacefulness and meditative stillness that is available there but also participate in a celebration of their culture and the cultures of others in a harmonious way on this occasion.

On New Year’s Day, Maiodi Temple in Lumbini will be filled with thousands of visitors who are coming together to pray for peace and happiness during the New Year. Visitors will participate in many different forms of prayer and meditation together with monks and others who practice Buddhism within Lumbini. Therefore, the atmosphere of Lumbini provides a peaceful and tranquil environment for reflecting on the previous year and setting new goals for the upcoming year.

Lumbini also provides visitors to Lumbini with the opportunity to visit the many monasteries that have been built by countries from around the world in order to honour the traditions and customs of Buddhists from different nationalities. Each monastery has its own unique architectural style to reflect the culture from where it came.

Highlights

• Maya Devi Temple

• International Monasteries

• Meditation & Prayer Sessions

• Cultural Heritage Tours

Suggestions for Planning a Visit to Nepal for New Year's Festivities

Generally speaking, travelers should plan to arrive in Nepal prior to normal to experience a pleasant trip. Since most hotels and tour packages are completely booked up for the New Year's holiday, you will want to plan for early accommodation.

Travel Tips to Keep in Mind

Make your hotel reservation for Pokhara and Nagarkot as previously as you can.

Make travel arrangements at least 1 week before April 14th to avoid heavy traffic.

Participate in the local cultural customs during this time for a truly unique visit.

Sample some of the traditional local dishes (i.e., sel roti, momo, and Nepali).