DashainDashain

Dashain Festival, Cultural Exchange Tour

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Arrival City
Kathmandu
Starting Point
Kathmandu
Max Altitude
1,400 M
Tour Language
English
Hygiene Protocol
Hygiene Protocal
Suitable Age
+16
Types of Clothes
Regular
Accommodation Standards
4 Star
Meal Plan
As Per Itinerary
Medicine
First Aid
Season
All Season
Ending Point
Kathmandu
Departure City
Kathmandu

Dashain is one of the most important festivals in Nepal, celebrated by both Hindu and Buddhist communities. It is celebrated in the month of September or October, depending on the lunar calendar. It typically lasts for 15 days. Dashain commemorates the victory of good over evil, and is celebrated in honor of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is believed to have defeated the demon Mahishasura. During the festival, people visit their families, exchange gifts, and participate in religious ceremonies and rituals. The main day of Dashain is the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami, when people visit temples, make offerings to the gods, and participate in community feasts and celebrations. It is a time for families to come together, for forgiveness and for making new beginnings.

Package Options

Dashain Festival Tour

Dashain Festival Tour
Dashain Festival Tour
Package for:
12 Day(s)
1 Guest(s)
May 01, 2024

It commemorates the victory of good over evil and is celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga. It typically lasts for 15 days and is celebrated in the month of September or October. During the festival, people visit their families, exchange gifts, and participate in religious ceremonies and rituals. The main day of Dashain is the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami, when people visit temples and participate in community feasts and celebrations. 

Highlights
  • Celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September or October) according to the Nepali calendar.
  • Commemorates the victory of the Hindu goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura.
  • The festival lasts for 15 days and is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm by the Nepalese people.
  • On the first day of Dashain, families gather to make offerings of rice, barley, and yogurt to the goddess Durga.
  • The ninth day, called "Navaratri," is considered the most important day of the festival and is marked by feasting, dancing, and the exchange of gifts.
  • The tenth day, called "Vijaya Dashami," is a day of victory and is celebrated with the sacrifice of animals, such as goats, and the distribution of their meat to friends and family.
  • The festival also symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is a time for families to come together, forgive each other, and start anew.
  • Dashain is a time of great joy and celebration, and is one of the most important festivals in the Nepalese cultural calendar.
Itinerary

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Welcome, meet, and assist by our Going Nepal representative & transfer to the hotel. Welcome drink followed by tour briefing. In the evening welcome dinner with the Going Nepal crew inside the hotel or Nepali typical restaurant. Overnight at the hotel

  • Elevation of Kathmandu: 1363m
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle
  • Driving distance: 20-25min drive to Hotel
  • Meals plan: Welcome Dinner
  • Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel 

Wake up early, have breakfast, check out from the hotel and observe Nepal's important festival, Dashain's first-day Ghatasthapana. This festival celebrates the victory of gods over evil spirits, and the mother goddess Durga is worshipped. People clean the room, fill a clay pot with holy water, cover it with cow dung, and adorn it with flowers and natural pigments. The pot is then placed in a sand-soil mixture with sesame seeds, barley, wheat, and corn, which are thought to bring prosperity. Durga is believed to reside inside the pot for 10 days, bringing protection to the family. After observing the festival, transfer to Pokhara for an overnight stay in a star hotel.

  • Elevation of Pokhara: 822 m
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle + flight
  • Flight Distance: 25 Minutes
  • Accommodation: Star Hotel

Today you get a wake-up call for going to Sarangkot which is a hilltop to catch the glimpse of Sunrise and the glittering Himalayas. When the sun starts appearing over the snowcapped mountains, we admire the brightening appearance of mountain peaks. The view of Pokhara valley spotted with Seti River and Fewa Lake enchants us. The 360-degree view of Machhapuchre (Fishtail) Annapurna Range, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri Range, and Lamjung Himal is alluring. We take photos of crystal-clear mountains and enjoy the peaceful scenery. After enjoying the stunning view from Sarangkot, we return back to the hotel and have breakfast. After breakfast, refresh, and leave for a sightseeing tour of Pokhara valley we will drive to the Bindabasini temple to observe morning Hindu rituals. Then we will visit Gupteshwor Cave (One of the biggest caves in South Asia), Tibetan Refugee Camp, and Davis Falls. Afterward, we will drive to the Lakeside for enjoying the boat ride for an hour and stop for a lunch as well. Later in the evening you can go for a walk around the lakeside and do some shopping if you wish to. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast pack your bags and proceed hiking to Peace stupa. Hiking will be for 3-4 Hours. You will get a boat at Phewa Lake and cross the lake it will take around 30 minutes to cross the lake and start hiking. It will take you around 2 hours to reach the top of Peace Stupa. You can have a wonderful view of Pokhara valley along with the lakeside just below you.  Also, on a clear day, you can view a whole range of Annapurna. Visit Peace stupa and return the same way you came through. After visiting Peace Pagoda, back to the hotel, and rest of the day you can relax inside the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After having breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you will be driven to Pokhara Domestic airport to catch a flight to Chitwan, Bharatpur. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel where you can check-in, rest, and receive a brief about the program. Later, you can take a stroll through the Tharu village to learn more about this well-known indigenous group in Nepal. The Tharu people are renowned for their immunity to Malaria, distinctive huts, and the unique culture they brought with them from Rajasthan, India. After exploring the village, you will return to the hotel to witness the Tharu dance program which showcases a variety of dances performed during different festivals. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the resort.

  • Elevation of Chitwan: 100- 813 m
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle + Flight
  • Flight Distance: 20-25 Minutes
  • Accommodation: Star Resort 

You're in the outskirts of Chitwan national park, home to a diverse range of tropical animals and plants in Nepal. After breakfast, we'll take a short drive from your jungle camp to the Budi Rapti River for a 40-minute canoeing trip. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to spot over 20 species of birds and 2 types of crocodiles sunbathing. You may also see wild animals like the one-horned rhino. Next, We'll then proceed to the elephant bathing place in Sauraha, where you can shower atop an elephant for a small fee. After lunch and some rest, we'll take a jeep safari within the Chitwan national park for two hours to spot animals such as the one-horned rhino, deer, and monkeys. After the trip, return to the resort for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and head to one of the world's few remaining elephant-breeding centers located in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. As the elephant population is becoming increasingly endangered, the center was established to help increase their numbers. You will have a chance to visit the breeding center, learn about the efforts to increase the pachyderm population, and see several cow elephants and their calves. After visiting the center, transfer to Kathmandu and check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast and checking out from the hotel, you will embark on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. A private vehicle and professional tour guide will be provided for the tour. The tour will begin with a visit to Pashupatinath, the largest Hindu temple, followed by Bouddhanath. Afterward, you will go sightseeing at Bhaktapur. Later, you will transfer to witness the Maha Saptami (Phulpati) celebration, which is a significant event that takes place on the seventh day of Dashain. The term "Phulpati" is a combination of two words: "phul" meaning flower and "pati" meaning leaf. In this traditional ceremony, Magars from Gorkha bring the royal Kalash, banana stalks, jamara, and sugar cane tied with red cloth to the Tundikhel grounds. Government officials gather in formal dress to witness the event. Previously, the king observed the ceremony in Tundikhel, while the Phulpati parade headed toward the Hanuman Dhoka royal palace. However, since the monarchy's end in 2008, the President has taken over the king's social and religious roles, and the Phulpati offering now goes to the President's residence. The Nepalese Army then performs a majestic display, accompanied by celebratory firing of weapons for ten to fifteen minutes, in honor of Phulpati. Finally, the Phulpati is taken to the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, where a parade is held. You will spend the night at the hotel.

After an early breakfast and checking out from the hotel, we will be provided with a private vehicle and a professional tour guide for our sightseeing tour. Our first stop will be Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey temple. From there, we will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and continue on to observe the Maha Ashtami Pooja celebration, which occurs on the eighth day of Dashain. This is a significant day when Goddess Druga's fierce manifestation, Kali, is appeased through the sacrifice of buffaloes, goats, hens, and ducks in temples throughout the country. The night of this day is known as Kal Ratri or Black Night, after the form of Durga worshipped on this day. It is customary for buffaloes to be sacrificed in the courtyards of all land revenue offices in the country. The old palace in Kathmandu Durbar Square is active throughout the night with worship and sacrifices in almost every courtyard. At midnight, a total of 54 buffaloes and 54 goats are sacrificed. After the offering of blood, the meat is taken home and cooked as "prasad," which is food blessed by divinity. This food is offered in tiny leaf plates to the household gods, then distributed amongst the family. Great feasts are held in the homes of common people, and the Newar people have an event called "Khadga Puja" where they do puja of their weapons and get blessings from elders.

Wake up early in the morning breakfast and check out from the hotel and go for the Maha Navami the ninth day of Dashain is called Maha Navami, This is the last day of Navaratri. Ceremonies and rituals reach a peak on this day. On this day, official military ritual sacrifices are held in one of the Hanuman Dhoka royal palaces, the Kot courtyard. On this occasion, the state offers the sacrifices of buffaloes under the gunfire salutes. This day is also known as the demon-hunting day because members of the defeated demon army try to save themselves by hiding in the bodies of animals and fowl On Maha Navami, Durga the mother goddess Devi is worshipped as it is believed that all the things which help us in making a living should be kept happy. Artisans, craftsmen, traders, and mechanics worship and offer animal and fowl blood to their tools, equipment, and vehicles. Moreover, since it is believed that worshipping the vehicles on this day avoids accidents for the year all vehicles from bikes, and cars to trucks are worshipped on this day. The Taleju Temple gates are opened to the general public on only this day of the year. Thousands of devotees go and pay respect to the goddess this day. The temple is filled with devotees all day long after visiting the typical Maha Navami return back to the hotel and overnight at the hotel.

After having breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to celebrate the final and most significant day of Dashain, Vijayadashami. This day is marked by the preparation of tika, a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion, which is placed on the forehead of younger relatives by their elders. The red color symbolizes the blood ties that bind the family together. Elders also give Dakshina, a small amount of money, to the younger relatives along with blessings. This tradition is observed for five days until the full moon, during which families and relatives exchange gifts and greetings while visiting each other. This practice of receiving tika from all the elder relatives, including distant ones, reinforces community bonds, making the festival a joyous occasion. Finally, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Breakfast and check out from the hotel. Check all of your belongings before departure. Timely transfer to the Tribhuwan International airport. 

How Much Does This Trip Cost?

Each trip is customized to fit the clients requirements and group size, the price of each trip we organize is different. The trips price is calculated keeping in view the type of services and accommodation chosen by our clients. To offer you a personalized and seamless holiday experience, we create trips that suit your taste and travel budget.

We see travelers as individuals having their own special needs and preferences. An experience of a lifetime is only possible when each and every detail of your holiday is planned around your needs.

GET A TRIP QUOTE

Includes
  • Airport to Airport transfers by private vehicle as per the group size.
  • 02 mineral water each day while on a city tour or traveling outside Kathmandu.
  • 02- Full day Kathmandu City sightseeing with the service of a licensed guide.
  • 02- Full day Pokhara City sightseeing with the service of a licensed guide
  • 02 Full-day Jungle activities in Chitwan National Park with the service of a Nature Guide
  • 06-nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu on Twin sharing on a Full board basis
  • 03-nights’ accommodation in Pokhara on Twin sharing on a Full board basis
  • 02-nights’ accommodation in Chitwan on Jungle Plan basis
  • All meals (B, L & D) included in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan
  • Monumental areas entrance fees while sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur Chitwan, and Pokhara
  • Applicable 24.3% Govt Taxes
Excludes
  • International Air ticket
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee
  • Travel Insurance with coverage for Covid19
  • Meals except those mentioned above
  • Expenses of a Personal Nature i.e. beverages, and other services except those mentioned in the itinerary
  • TIPs, Donations and gratuities
Travel Information
  • Increased demand for transportation: The demand for transportation, including air travel, bus travel, and trains, increases significantly during the festival, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
  • Heavy traffic: There is often heavy traffic on the roads during the festival, so be prepared for possible delays and plan accordingly.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation can also be in high demand during the festival, so it is important to book a room well in advance.
  • Festive atmosphere: The entire country is in a festive mood during Dashain, and the streets are filled with decorations and festivities, making it a great time to experience the local culture.
  • Safety: As with any large gathering, it is important to take safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.
  • Respect cultural customs: When traveling in Nepal during Dashain, it is important to be respectful of the cultural customs and traditions, such as avoiding meat and alcohol during certain days of the festival.
  • Plan ahead: Finally, it is important to plan ahead and be flexible, as some places may close early or have limited hours during the festival.
Things to know
  • It is a Hindu festival: Dashain is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and is one of the most important Hindu festivals in Nepal.
  • A time of family gatherings: Dashain is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and celebrate the festival with feasting and dancing.
  • Marked by religious ceremonies: Dashain is marked by religious ceremonies and offerings to the gods and goddesses, including the goddess Durga.
  • The ninth day is significant: The ninth day of Dashain, called "Navaratri," is considered the most important day of the festival and is marked by feasting, dancing, and the exchange of gifts.
  • The tenth day is a day of victory: The tenth day, called "Vijaya Dashami," is a day of victory and is celebrated with the sacrifice of animals, such as goats, and the distribution of their meat to friends and family.
  • A time of forgiveness: Dashain is a time for families to come together, forgive each other, and start anew.
  • A time of great joy and celebration: Dashain is a time of great joy and celebration, and is one of the most important festivals in the Nepalese cultural calendar.

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