Dilip Jha
Nepal's 2026 event calendar spans religious festivals, music performances, sporting competitions, and cultural exhibitions across the country. The event landscape has expanded beyond Kathmandu with regional festivals gaining visibility and ticketing infrastructure improving in secondary cities. Online booking platforms now cover most major events, eliminating the need for physical box office visits.
Music Festivals and Concert Series
Silence Festival returns in December 2026 to Pokhara. The electronic music festival runs for three days at lakeside venues with international and regional DJs. Previous editions attracted audiences from across South Asia. Tickets release through the festival website typically in September. Early bird pricing offers significant discounts. Camping packages include tent space near performance areas.
Kathmandu Jazz Festival schedules its annual multi-day program for November. The festival brings international jazz musicians to venues across Kathmandu including the Nepal Art Council and hotel ballrooms. Individual concert tickets and festival passes are sold through Kgarira starting in August. Past festivals featured musicians from Europe, Japan, and India performing alongside Nepali artists.
Surya Nepal Jazzmandu occurs separately in October with free outdoor performances at Patan Museum courtyard. The three-day event requires no tickets but space fills early each evening. Arrive by 5 PM for good viewing positions.
Local concert venues maintain year-round programming. Moksh Live in Jhamsikhel hosts rock and metal acts weekly. Purple Haze and LOD continue electronic music programming on weekends. House of Music runs acoustic sessions and singer-songwriter nights. Ticket links appear on venue Facebook pages typically one to two weeks before performances.
Sporting Events Drawing Spectators
The Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon occurs on May 29, 2026, commemorating the first successful Everest summit. The race starts at Everest Base Camp and descends to Namche Bazaar. Registration opens in December 2025 through the official race website. The event sells out months in advance due to limited participant slots. Spectator access requires no tickets but getting to viewing points needs trekking permits and accommodation bookings in the Khumbu region.
Nepal Super League football matches run from February through April across stadiums in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Dharan, and Butwal. The professional league features franchises from different cities competing for the championship. Match tickets sell through BookMyEvent and at stadium box offices. Prices range from 200 rupees for general admission to 1500 rupees for VIP sections. Derby matches between Kathmandu and Pokhara teams sell out quickly.
Pokhara Marathon takes place in January with full marathon, half marathon, and shorter distance options. The route circles Phewa Lake offering mountain views throughout. Runner registration and spectator information posts on the official website by September. The event draws international running enthusiasts combining competition with trekking holidays.
Film and Theater Productions
Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival occurs in December bringing documentary films about mountain culture, environment, and adventure to screens across the city. The week-long festival includes filmmaker Q&A sessions and panel discussions. Individual screening tickets and festival passes are sold through the KIMFF website. Student discounts apply with valid ID. Some screenings at Nepal Art Council remain free.
Kathmandu International Theatre Festival schedules performances in April. Theater groups from Nepal and neighboring countries present plays in various languages with English subtitles provided for many productions. Venues include Shilpee Theatre, Mandala Theatre, and Gurukul. Tickets release through the festival website and venue box offices in March. Productions sell out for popular international groups.
Commercial cinema dominates at QFX and FCube multiplex chains showing Nepali, Hindi, and Hollywood releases. Online booking through QFX website or mobile app works for advance purchases. Show times update daily. Booking fees add to ticket prices.
Major Cultural Festivals in 2026
Dashain runs from October 3 to October 12 in 2026. The festival dominates Nepal's cultural calendar with families reuniting, animal sacrifices at temples, and widespread closures of businesses. Temples across the country see peak activity during the ninth day, Nawami, when devotees queue for hours to receive tika blessings. No tickets exist for these celebrations but crowds require planning. Arrive at major temples like Dakshinkali or Pashupatinath before dawn to avoid multi-hour waits.
Tihar follows immediately after Dashain from October 13 to October 17. The five-day festival honors different animals and deities each day. Bhai Tika on the final day brings brothers and sisters together for ceremonial blessings. Homes and businesses illuminate with oil lamps and electric lights creating spectacular evening displays throughout the Kathmandu Valley and beyond. Cultural programs at Tundikhel and city squares feature traditional dances and modern performances.
Holi falls on March 14, 2026. Color throwing begins days earlier in Terai regions and spreads north through the hills. Kathmandu Valley celebrations concentrate on March 13 and 14 at Basantapur, Patan Durbar Square, and neighborhood gathering points. Bhaktapur maintains distinct traditions with a ceremonial pole erected and toppled during festivities.
Indra Jatra occurs in September with exact dates following the lunar calendar. The eight-day festival in Kathmandu features masked dances, chariot processions, and appearances by the living goddess Kumari. Performances run throughout each day with the most elaborate displays happening in evenings at Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Buddha Jayanti marks the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death on the full moon of May. Lumbini sees maximum activity with thousands of pilgrims visiting the birthplace site. Monasteries in Kathmandu, particularly around Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, organize prayer ceremonies and candlelight processions after sunset.
Regional Festivals Beyond Kathmandu
Gadhimai Festival happens in November at Bariyarpur in southern Nepal near the Indian border. The controversial festival involves large-scale animal sacrifice every five years with the next occurrence in 2026. The event draws hundreds of thousands despite animal rights protests. No tickets exist but transportation from Kathmandu requires advance bus or vehicle booking due to demand.
Rato Machhindranath Rath Yatra in Patan runs for several weeks starting in April or May depending on astrological calculations. The massive chariot carrying the deity moves through Patan streets over weeks with ceremonies at different locations. The festival culminates at Jawalakhel with the Bhoto Jatra vest-showing ceremony. Public access remains free with crowds thickest during the final ceremony.
Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang occurs in May within the walled city of Lo Manthang. The three-day Buddhist festival features monks performing ritual dances to drive away evil. Permits for Upper Mustang cost $500 for 10 days. Arrange through registered trekking agencies. Festival dates determine permit timing. Limited guesthouses in Lo Manthang fill months ahead.
Chhath occurs in October or November in Terai regions with devotees offering prayers to the sun god at riverbanks and ponds. Janakpur hosts the largest celebrations with elaborate rituals at sacred ponds. No tickets required but accommodations book solid. Plan stays in advance if attending.
Online Ticketing Platforms
Kgarira leads online event ticketing in Nepal covering concerts, festivals, theater, and sporting events. The platform lists events by category, date, and location. Create an account using email or phone number. Select your event and seat type if applicable. Payment processes through eSewa, Khalti, Connect IPS, or credit cards. Digital tickets arrive via email and SMS. Show QR codes at venue entry.
Direct venue websites work for some locations. Nepal Art Council sells tickets through its site for performances at its theater. Alliance Française maintains a booking system for films and cultural programs it hosts.
Facebook events increasingly include ticket links directing to payment portals. Smaller promoters use Facebook as their primary distribution channel. Pay through mobile banking or digital wallets then screenshot confirmation for entry.
Digital wallets like eSewa and Khalti also offer ticketing services for events and tickets exclusive to the platform. Though they are not as comprehensive and feature packed like kgarira, it's still a good choice to browse events.
Payment Methods and Platform Navigation
Digital wallets dominate online transactions. Load eSewa or Khalti accounts through bank transfers, retail agents, or direct bank connections. Most platforms add service fees of 2 to 5 percent. Factor these into total costs.
Credit and debit cards work on major platforms but some smaller vendors lack this option. International cards face occasional rejection. Have backup payment methods ready.
Bank transfers through Connect IPS link directly to checking accounts. The system works during banking hours only. Process transfers before cutoff times to ensure same-day confirmation.
Cash on delivery exists for some events. Select this option at checkout and collect tickets at designated locations before show dates. Bring exact change as cashiers may lack sufficient bills.
Mobile banking apps from major banks now integrate event booking. Check if your bank offers this feature. Some provide exclusive discounts for account holders.
Maximizing Your Event Experience
Book accommodations near venues for multi-day festivals. Hotels in Patan for Rato Machhindranath, Pokhara lakeside for Silence Festival, and Lumbini for Buddha Jayanti fill rapidly. Reserve months ahead.
Check visa extensions if events fall near your departure date. Immigration offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara process extensions. Budget time for bureaucracy.
Weather dictates packing for outdoor events. October through March requires layers for evening temperature drops. April and May bring heat. Monsoon from June through September means rain gear for any outdoor attendance.
Local SIM cards help navigate booking platforms and receive ticket confirmations. Ncell and Nepal Telecom sell tourist SIM packages at airports and retail shops. Data packages cost 500 to 1000 rupees for sufficient monthly usage.
Transportation planning matters for events outside Kathmandu. Tourist buses run to Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini daily but book ahead during festival periods. Domestic flights offer speed but weather cancellations occur frequently. Build buffer days into itineraries.
Festival Etiquette and Cultural Considerations
Temple festivals require a bit more traditional clothing. Remove shoes before entering sacred areas. Photography restrictions apply in some temples. Ask before shooting or check posted signs.
Religious ceremonies proceed according to ritual timing not clock schedules. Expect delays and changes. Bring patience and water. Shade may be limited at outdoor venues.
Crowds during major festivals reach an uncomfortable density. Secure valuables in front pockets or bags worn in front. Pickpocketing increases in dense situations. Leave unnecessary items at accommodations.
Alcohol remains prohibited in temple areas and during certain religious observances. Police enforce these rules with fines or brief detention. Respect boundaries.
Women face varying comfort levels in festival crowds. Travel in groups when possible during major celebrations. Evening events generally feel safer than daytime crush at temples.
Emerging Event Trends
Adventure racing grows with new competitions announced regularly. Trail running, mountain biking, and multi-sport events appear on calendars. Check Adventure Sports Association Nepal for updated schedules.
Food festivals proliferate with regional cuisine showcases and international food truck gatherings. These events typically occur in Kathmandu and Pokhara on weekends. Tickets range from 300 to 800 rupees including food samples.
Craft beer festivals emerged with local breweries showcasing products. Annual events in November feature tastings, food pairings, and live music. Tickets include sampling mugs and tokens for drinks.
Literary events expand beyond Kathmandu with reading series in Pokhara and Chitwan. The Nepal Literature Festival continues as the anchor event but smaller gatherings happen quarterly in various locations.
E-sports tournaments attract younger audiences with gaming competitions at convention centers. Prize pools reach substantial amounts. Spectator tickets sell cheaply, around 200 rupees, while competitor registration costs more.
FAQs
1. Which online platform offers the most reliable ticket booking for events in Nepal?
Ans: Kgarira maintains the largest event inventory with consistent platform stability. Payment processing works smoothly through multiple methods. Customer service responds to issues within 24 hours.
2. How early should I book tickets for major festivals and concerts in Nepal?
Ans: International music acts and sporting events sell out within one to three weeks of announcement. Purchase immediately when tickets are released. Cultural festivals require no tickets but accommodation near venues fills two to three months ahead for major celebrations like Dashain and Tihar. Regional festivals in remote areas need even earlier planning due to limited lodging options.
3. Do online ticket purchases include refund options if plans change?
Ans: Most platforms operate no-refund policies. Some events allow ticket transfers to other individuals through platform support. Contact customer service immediately if cancellation becomes necessary. Certain festivals offer partial refunds up to two weeks before event dates but this remains uncommon. Travel insurance covering ticket costs provides the best protection against lost purchases.
4. Can foreigners attend all festivals and events in Nepal?
Ans: Religious festivals welcome foreign observers at public ceremonies. Some inner temple sanctums restrict entry by religion or caste but outer areas remain accessible. Concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances have no attendance restrictions. Upper Mustang festivals require special permits due to restricted area designation. Standard trekking permits suffice for most mountain region events.
5. What internet connectivity should I expect when booking tickets online in Nepal?
Ans: Kathmandu and Pokhara maintain stable internet for online transactions at hotels, cafes, and through mobile data. Rural areas face slower connections and frequent outages. Complete ticket purchases while in cities with reliable service. Download digital tickets immediately after purchase and save screenshots as backup. Email confirmations serve as proof if app-based tickets fail to load at venues.
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Dilip Jha