8 Days Holi Festival Tour in Nepal - Vibrant Festival of Colors

Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal! Upon your arrival at the airport in Nepal, our representative will meet you at the exit and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Kathmandu. You can have a good rest in your hotel and get ready to experience Holi Festival with your guide the next day.

Kathmandu is the largest city in Nepal, located in the Kathmandu Valley, which is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan mountain range. The city boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, with numerous ancient temples, palaces, and monuments. Its architecture beautifully blends traditional Newari style with modern designs. Kathmandu is renowned for its vibrant street life and bustling markets, such as the Asan Bazaar and the Thamel district (street), offering a wide range of goods and services. The city's rich festival culture, stunning architecture, and friendly people make it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Arrival Ideas: Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) serves as the main gateway to the city, accommodating both domestic and international flights. You can fly directly to Kathmandu from major cities such as Lhasa (1.5-2 hours), Hong Kong (5.5 hours), Chengdu (2.5 to 3.5 hours), Beijing (3.5 to 4.5 hours), Shanghai (4 to 5 hours), and Guangzhou (5 hours 15 minutes) in China. 

Other cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore in India, as well as Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), London (UK), Paris (France), Frankfurt (Germany), Istanbul, New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto also offer flights to Kathmandu. 

The availability of direct flights to Kathmandu can also vary depending on the season and airline. So, checking with flight booking websites or our travel consultants for the latest information and options is always a good idea.

Kick off your morning in Kirtipur, a hilltop village that feels like a living museum. Wander through its quiet, stone-paved alleys lined with traditional red-brick houses and ancient temples. It’s a great chance to see the authentic Newari rhythm of life, far away from the city’s usual hustle.

Take a break for an authentic Newari feast for lunch at a local spot. You’ll get to try a variety of traditional dishes that are a true staple of the Kathmandu Valley.

Get ready for a burst of energy! Spend your afternoon at Basantapur Durbar Square (also Kathmandu Durbar Square) to celebrate Holi Festival, the Festival of Colors. It’s a joyful blur of bright powders, music, and dancing. Dive right in with the locals and travelers alike to celebrate the arrival of spring in the heart of the city.

As the festivities wind down, head to Thamel to soak in the post-festival atmosphere. We’ll wrap up the day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant, where you can relax, enjoy a great meal, and look out over the twinkling Kathmandu skyline.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we drive to Bandipur, a beautifully preserved Newari town with panoramic Himalayan views. Take a relaxed stroll through its car-free, cobbled streets, admiring the beautifully preserved Newari architecture. On a clear day, the town offers a breathtaking "front-row seat" to the Himalayas.

Next, we head down toward the lush, tropical plains of the Terai to reach Chitwan National Park. It is about 3 hours’ drive from Bandipur to Chitwan. Once we arrive, you’ll check into your jungle resort - the perfect base for your wildlife adventure. Take a moment to settle in and enjoy the shift from mountain air to the sounds of the jungle.

As the heat of the day softens, we’ll visit a nearby Tharu village. This is a great chance to meet the local indigenous community and get a firsthand look at their unique mud-walled houses and traditional way of life, which has remained in harmony with nature for centuries.

The day ends on a high note with a vibrant Tharu cultural dance. You'll experience an energetic performance filled with traditional costumes and rhythmic drum beats - a fantastic celebration of local spirit before you tuck in for the night.

Overnight in Chitwan.

We start the day with an early morning safari—your choice of a rugged jeep or a traditional elephant-back ride. This is the best time to head deep into the grasslands of Chitwan National Park. Keep your camera ready as we go on a "treasure hunt" for the iconic Greater One-horned Rhino, spotted deer, and vibrant tropical birds.

Next, we switch gears for a peaceful canoe ride on the Rapti River. It’s a serene way to see the park from a different angle. We’ll glide past riverbanks where you can spot colorful kingfishers and, if we're lucky, mugger crocodiles sunning themselves near the water’s edge.

In this afternoon, you can visit the Elephant Breeding Center to learn about conservation efforts and see the calves, or take another gentle stroll through the Tharu village to soak in more of the local community's unique way of life.

As the day winds down, head to the banks of the Rapti River. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and orange over the water, is the perfect way to reflect on the day’s sightings.

We’ll wrap up the adventure with a hearty dinner at the resort, followed by a lively cultural program. It’s a great chance to swap stories with fellow travelers and enjoy the rhythmic beats of local music one last time.

Overnight in Chitwan.

We start the day with 5-hour scenic drive toward Pokhara. The journey is half the fun—you’ll wind along the Trishuli River, passing terraced hillsides and small roadside markets. It’s a great chance to see the changing landscape as we move deeper into the heart of Nepal.

Upon arriving in Pokhara, we’ll take some time to stretch our legs and see the city's highlights. We’ll visit the peaceful Phewa Lake—the city's crown jewel—and the Bindhyabasini Temple, a beautiful white structure perched on a hilltop that offers a great first glimpse of the mountains.

In this late afternoon, we head further up to Dhampus, a traditional Gurung village sitting on a high ridge. This is where the air gets crisper and the views get even better. As we arrive, you’ll be greeted by classic slate-roofed houses and the friendly smiles of the local community.

The highlight of the day happens right from your doorstep in Dhampus. As the sun begins to set, watch the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) ranges turn from white to a glowing gold. It is arguably one of the best sunset spots in the entire region.

Enjoy the quiet mountain night before heading to bed. Stay in Dhampus Lodge.

It’s worth waking up early today! Watch the first light of day turn the Annapurna range into a glowing gold right from your doorstep. After the sunrise, take a gentle stroll through the quiet, stone-paved paths of Dhampus to see the Gurung village come to life before we enjoy breakfast.

We’ll wind our way back down the hills to Pokhara. Once we arrive, you’ll check into your hotel near the lake. It’s the perfect spot to settle in and soak up the city’s famous relaxed "vacation vibe."

In this afternoon, we head up to the World Peace Pagoda. This brilliant white monument sits high on a ridge overlooking the valley. It’s the best spot in town for a panoramic view—you’ll see the entire Pokhara Valley, the deep blue lake, and the massive mountains standing tall in the background.

The evening is yours to unwind. You can wander through the vibrant shops and cafés of the Lakeside district, or hop into a colorful wooden boat for a peaceful row on Phewa Lake. Watching the mountains reflect in the calm water as the sun goes down is the perfect way to end the day.

Stay overnight in Pokhara.

It’s an early start today, but it’s worth it. We’ll drive up to the Sarangkot viewpoint just before dawn. Watching the sun rise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges is a magical experience—the peaks transform from cold grey to a brilliant, glowing orange right before your eyes.

After heading back for a hearty breakfast, the morning is yours to enjoy. You can take one last stroll along the peaceful shores of Phewa Lake or dive into the local culture at the Old Bazaar, where traditional architecture and bustling trade offer a glimpse into Pokhara’s history.

In this afternoon, we begin our drive back to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway. The journey follows the winding Trishuli River, offering great views of terraced farms, suspension bridges, and small mountain towns along the way. It's the perfect time to sit back and reflect on your adventure.

Once we arrive and settle back into your hotel in Kathmandu, the night is all about celebration. We’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner featuring a spread of authentic Nepali flavors. To make it even more special, the meal is accompanied by a cultural show with traditional music and dance.

After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel in Kathmandu.

In this morning, kick off your morning perched atop Swayambhunath, the famous "Monkey Temple." It’s the perfect spot to soak in a panoramic view of Kathmandu waking up, all while surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and a deep sense of calm.

Next, head over to the massive Boudhanath Stupa. As the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal, the energy here is unmistakable. Take a few laps around the dome with the locals, listening to the rhythmic chants and the sound of spinning prayer wheels.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. This UNESCO site feels like an open-air museum; you’ll wander through ancient palaces and hidden courtyards. Be sure to stop by Pottery Square to watch artisans spin clay into art exactly as they have for centuries.

As the day winds down, stick around to watch the sunset. There’s nothing quite like seeing Bhaktapur’s red-brick architecture glow in the golden hour light—it is easily the most photogenic moment of the trip.

After the tour, we’ll wrap up the journey with transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your flight home. Your 8-day Holi Festival, Nepal ends.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Nepal tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!