Dashain 2026 falls from 11–25 October (Tika on 21 October), with Tihar following on 8–11 November — which means Nepal’s longest holiday stretch of the year is coming, and the smartest families are already booking. Here’s your complete guide to Dashain and Tihar holiday packages from Nepal: the best destinations, real prices, and why booking in August saves you serious money.
Dashain & Tihar 2026 — Key Dates for Trip Planning
| Festival Day | Date 2026 | Travel Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ghatasthapana (Dashain begins) | Sunday, 11 October | Offices start winding down |
| Phulpati | 17 October | Main holiday week begins |
| Vijaya Dashami (Tika) | Wednesday, 21 October | Family day — most travel before or after |
| Kojagrat Purnima (Dashain ends) | 25 October | Return-travel rush |
| Tihar / Deepawali | 8–11 November | Second holiday window |
| Bhai Tika | Wednesday, 11 November |
The two golden travel windows: right after Tika (22–31 October) when fares dip and you still have holidays left, and the Tihar week for a shorter escape. Some families now travel 11–19 October and return for Tika.
Best Dashain Holiday Destinations from Nepal (2026 Prices)
| Destination | Duration | Dashain Price/Person | Why It Works for Dashain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 5N/6D | NPR 85,000 – 135,000 | Short flight, family-friendly, October weather improving |
| Dubai | 4N/5D | NPR 105,000 – 150,000 | Perfect weather begins, direct flights, easy visa |
| Bali | 6N/7D | NPR 125,000 – 175,000 | Shoulder season value, visa on arrival |
| Vietnam | 6N/7D | NPR 95,000 – 145,000 | October = best month for Hanoi & Halong Bay |
| Turkey | 7N/8D | NPR 165,000 – 230,000 | Autumn = ideal balloon weather in Cappadocia |
| Georgia & Baku | 7N/8D | NPR 160,000 – 195,000 | Golden autumn in the Caucasus, easy e-Visas |
| Singapore + Cruise | 6N/7D | NPR 155,000 – 210,000 | The trending family choice — unlimited food onboard! |
Dashain prices run 10–20% above normal season — that’s the festival premium on flights. Booking early is how you beat it (see below).
Why You Must Book by August (Seriously)
- Flights from Kathmandu sell out — Dashain is the single busiest travel period of the Nepali year; popular routes (Bangkok, Dubai, KL) fill 6–8 weeks ahead
- Fares climb weekly from September — the same Bangkok ticket can cost 40–60% more in early October than in August
- Visa timelines — Singapore/Malaysia visas need 2+ weeks; Japan and Schengen need 6–8 weeks. For a 22 October departure, Schengen applications should already be in motion
- Hotels at festival-favourite destinations (Pattaya, Bali, Dubai) fill with travellers from across South Asia during October
Booking Timeline for Dashain 2026
- Late July – early August (now): lock your package and flights — best fares, full choice of hotels
- Mid August: submit visa applications (we handle all of them)
- September: last comfortable window — prices rising, still decent availability
- October: last-minute only — expect premium fares and limited choice
Dashain Travel Tips for Nepali Families
- Travel after Tika (22 Oct onwards) — celebrate with family first, then fly when airports calm down and fares dip
- Group discounts — extended families of 6+ travelling together get meaningful per-person savings; Dashain is the season we arrange the most multi-generation trips
- Elderly parents? Choose direct-flight destinations (Dubai 4.5 hrs) or short hops (Bangkok 3.5 hrs) over long-layover routes
- Kids off school — Singapore (Universal Studios) and the Singapore–Malaysia cruise are the two most-loved family picks
- Book flexible fares — festival plans change; we build in changeable tickets where possible
📞 Call: 01-4541616 | 💬 WhatsApp: +977 9851187967 — tell us your dates and family size, we’ll send Dashain options within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dashain in 2026?
Dashain 2026 runs from 11 October (Ghatasthapana) to 25 October (Kojagrat Purnima), with Vijaya Dashami Tika on Wednesday 21 October. Tihar follows on 8–11 November, with Bhai Tika on 11 November.
How much does a Dashain holiday package cost from Nepal?
Dashain international packages start around NPR 85,000 (Thailand) and range to NPR 230,000 (Turkey) per person, including flights, hotels and tours. Expect a 10–20% festival premium on normal prices — booking by August largely avoids it.
Which destination is best for a family Dashain trip?
For families: Singapore (theme parks), Thailand (beaches + value) and Dubai (short direct flight, October weather turning perfect). For couples using the long holiday: Turkey or Georgia in golden autumn. The Singapore–Malaysia cruise is the fastest-growing family choice.
Is it better to travel before or after Tika?
After Tika (22–31 October) is the sweet spot — family obligations done, airports calmer, fares 10–15% lower than the pre-Tika rush, and you still have holidays before offices reopen.
When should I book my Dashain 2026 package?
By mid-August for the best fares and hotel choice — and immediately if you need a Japan or Schengen visa (they take 6–8 weeks). Kathmandu flight availability for the Dashain window tightens sharply from September.
