Nepal Trekking during Holi festival, Best season, Cost, Itinerary-2025 ,is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and celebration. As you hike through the stunning mountains, you’ll also get to join in the joy of Holi, with villages welcoming you with colors, music, and laughter. The festival adds a lively and heartwarming touch to your journey, letting you connect with Nepal’s culture while exploring its beautiful landscapes.Nepal is a country of towering peaks , sacred sites and the vibrant culture. Among its many festivals, Holi stands out as one of the most joyful and colorful celebrations. Known as the “ Festivals of Colors” , Holi is a unique time to explore Nepal, Blending adventure with its lively spirit of its people.
A quick History of Holi
Holi traces its roots to Himdu mythology, celebrating the win of good over evil. The festival honors the story of Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu , who survived the fiery wrath of his aunt , Holika . With Holika’s defeat, Holi became a symbol of hope, love and renewal.
Traditionally, Holi marks the arrival of the spring season, bidding farewell to the cold winter season. It’s time for friends and families to come together and playfully smear each other with the powdered colors and water. The festivals also signify unity, breaking down social barriers and everyone joins in the fun.
Nowadays , Holi is not just a religious festival, it’s like a global phenomenon . Many foreign travelers time their visit to Nepal to experience the festival while also embarking on treks in the Himalayas. You can imagine yourself wrapping up a day’s trek to find yourself in a small mountain village where locals are joyfully celebrating Holi. Children greets you with bursts of colors, villagers share sweets and you’re invited to join the revelry. It’s a rare chance to connect with the Nepali culture ina very raw as well as spontaneous way.
Best Cities to Celebrate Holi in Nepal
If you’re planning to spend time in Nepal’s cities before or after your trek, there are few places where Holi is celebrated with extra enthusiasm. Each city offers a unique flavor of the festival, blending traditional customs with modern day energy.
Kathmandu, Nepal
The bustling capital , Kathmandu , is the ultimate hotspot for Holi celebrations. The ancient courtyards of Basantapur Durbar Square become the festival’s epicenter drawing crowds of locals and travelers. The atmosphere is electric , with live music performance , drummers and dance circles popping up throughout the day. You can expect to be greeted with clouds of vibrant colors, laughter and spontaneous water fights as the square transforms into a kaleidoscope of joy.
While Basantapur is the main stage,Holi spills into the narrow streets of Thamel and beyond. Local vendors sell packets of powdered colors and street food stalls serve festival treats like sel roti and sweet lassi.
Pokhara, Nepal
Pokhara ,nestled by the tranquil Phewa Lake and Backed by the mighty Annapurna range , offers a more laid-back yet equally vibrant Holi experience. The lakeside area is where most of the action unfolds. During Holi, the peaceful streets are overtaken with the colors and water balloons.
What makes Pokhara’s Holi special is the mix of natural beauty and festive chaos. After playing with colors , you can retreat to the lakeshore and relax with the stunning view of the mountain reflecting on the water. Many restaurants and bars around Lakeside host Holi-themed parties , complete with live music and dance. For trekkers, celebrating Holi in Pokhara is a perfect way to unwind before or after their adventures in the Annapurna region
Chitwan, Nepal
Chitwan offers a unique , small town take on Holi, making it a favorite for travelers who want to experience the festival in a more intimate setting. The warm, subtropical climate of Chitwan makes the water games particularly enjoyable. Holi is celebrated with fervor in Bharatpur and the other towns near the Chitwan National Park. Locals and visitors gather in the streets , colouring each other with colors, while Nepali folk songs and Bollywood hits play in the background .
For those who visit Chitwan for its famous jungle safaris, Holi adds an unexpected layer of excitement. You can explore the park during the day and join the vibrant celebrations in the evening. The combination of wildlife adventure and Holi festivities created a memorable experience in Nepal’s southern plains.
Tips for Celebrating Holi in Nepal.
Wear old clothes :
Holi colors can leave stains, so wear old clothes you don’t mind getting messy . Light-colored clothes like white,, show off the colors beautifully
Protect your eyes and camera
As you are playing Holi , colors are spread so make sure you wear sunglasses to keep the colors out of your eyes. If you’re taking the pictures then make sure you cover the phone or your camera with the waterproof or the dustproof cover.
Join the fun respectfully
Always ask before putting the color to someone as Nepalese christian don’t like putting on colors on them and not everyone may want to play and someone might have an allergy and that’s totally okay. Be gentle and enjoy the festival with the kindness
Use Safe Colors
Choose natural or eco-friendly colors to avoid the skin allergy and protect the environment. Stay away from the harsh chemical
Oil your skin and hair
Before going out to play the Holi make sure you put coconut oil in your body and face which makes it easier for you to wash off the color later.
Drink lots of water.
As we play holi outside and it’s easy to get dehydrated while playing in the sun and mainly in the area around basantapur you will feel sophisticated because of the crowd so male sure your body is getting the water it needs so, drink water to stay refreshed.
Spread Joy
Holi is about sharing happiness and togetherness . Use this day to share the love , fix misunderstanding and celebrate with everyone around you
Recommended Trekking Packages During the Holi festival in Nepal.

Nepal offers an incredible blend of adventure and cultural experience, especially during the Holi festivals. You can start or end your trek by celebrating Holi in vibrant cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara or Chitwan. You can imagine yourself being part of that joyful festivities with locals , playing with colors , sharing the traditional treats and immersing yourself in the energy of the festival. After this unforgettable celebration, head into the serene himalayas for a trek that combines natural beauty as well as cultural immersion.
Here are some of the trekking packages that offer the perfect way to explore Nepal while enjoying the spirit of Holi.
Everest Base Camp Trek during Holi festival

Highlights
- Close-up view of Everest,Lhotse, Nuptse , Ama Dablam and other towering peaks.
- Trek through Sherpa village and explore Buddhist monasteries.
- Reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364m
- Kala Pattha for panoramic views of Everest at sunrise.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp trek during Holi season offers a fascinating blend of adventure and cultural immersion. The weather in March is transitional with crisp and clear skies at lower altitudes and chilly temperatures at higher elevations, making it one of the best times for trekking . Along the way, village like lukla and Namche Bazaar light up with the Holi festivals. Here , you can join locals in joyful dancing, vibrant color play and traditional songs. It’s rare opportunity to experience the Himalayas landscape infused with the festive spirit of the Holi.As you ascend through rugged trails, dense forests and glacial moraines the celebration below provides a warm and colorful memory to carry with you. The trek peaks at Kala Patthar(5,550m) offering the breathtaking sunrise views over Mount Everest.
More Information and Booking please do not hessitate to click below given link.
https://www.exploreinnepal.com/everest-base-camp-trek-14-days/
Mardi Himal Trek during Holi festival

Highlights
- Off-the beaten-path trek in the Annapurna region.
- Panoramic views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchare(Fishtail ) and Annapurna,
- Picturesque village and lush forests.
- Short and rewarding trek.
The Mardi Himal Trek is perfect for those looking for a quieter , less crowded trekking experience. In this Holi season, while the weather is generally clear in the lower altitudes, it’s still cold at the higher elevation. This trek offers a peaceful experience with the added bonus of experiencing Holi celebration in the lower villages. Locals throw the colorful powder in the streets, welcoming the trekkers with their traditional drinks and the foods. March is a fantastic time to trek , with the clear skies farming the snow-draped peaks and mild temperatures at lower altitudes. Trekkers ascend to Mardi Himal base Camp at 4,500m experiencing panoramic mountain views along the way. The peaceful trails , lined with blooming rhododendrons, lead you through the unspoiled nature . By the evening you’ll feel a deep connection to the region, its people and the festive atmosphere.
More Information and Booking please do not hessitate to click below given link.
https://www.exploreinnepal.com/mardi-himal-trek/
Langtang Valley Trek during Holi festival

Highlights:
- Views if the Langtang lirung, Ganesh Himal and other surrounding peaks
- Trek through the Langtang National park .
- Visiting the Tibetan-influenced villages.
- Short as well as rewarding.
March brings the cool, crisp air to the Langtang Valley trek with occasional bursts of spring blossoms adding the splashes of the color to the landscapes. During the Holi, the lower villages come alive with festivities, offering trekkers a chance to share in the joy of the season. Warm smiles, clorful powder and traditional songs greet you as you pass through each village. Trekking journey up to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m) surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers , making this trek a perfect mix of culture and nature.
More Information and Booking please do not hessitate to click below given link.
https://www.exploreinnepal.com/langtang-valley-trek/
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek during Holi festival

Highlights
- Sunrise views from the Poon hill with the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
- Short trek suitable for beginners
- Trek through the picturesque Guring villages
- Rhododendron forests and beautiful mountain landscapes
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a favourite for its accessibility and rewarding views . During the Holi season, the lower altitudes are alive with the celebration . Trekking through the Gurung villages, you’ll find homes that are being adorned with the colorful decoration and local inviting you to jin their festivals . The rhododendron forests are in full bloom this time of year, adding even more vibrancy to the landscapes. The trek culminates at Poonhill (3,210m) where a spectacular sunrise paints the mountains in the golden hues and a perfect moments to reflect on the joy if the Holi.
More Information and Booking please do not hessitate to click below given link.
https://www.exploreinnepal.com/ghorepani-poonhill-trek/
Annapurna Circuit Trek -13 days during Holi festival

Highlights
- Crossing the Thorong La pass (5,416m)
- Stunning view of the ANnapurna and the Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Visiting the diverse villages with the rich cultural experiences.
- Challenging terrain with varying landscapes from subtropical ti alone
The Annapurna Circuit trek 13 days in March offers an incredible mix of landscapes and cultures . While the high-altities section remain serene and challenging , the lower villages are bursting with holi celebration . You can imagine yourself trekking through the terraced fields and lush forests , only to find a village alive with music , laughter and the colors. As you ascend , the trail becomes more rugged, leading you to the breathtaking Thorong La Pass, where sweeping views of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri ranges rewards your efforts. The trek, which reaches the elevation over 5000m, is both physically demanding and culturally enriching.
More Information and Booking please do not hessitate to click below given link.
https://www.exploreinnepal.com/annapurna-circuit-trek/
Gokyo Lake Trek during Holi festival

Highlights:
- Serene beauty of the Gokyo Lakes.
- Panoramic views from Gokyo Ri, including Everest, Cho Oyu and Makalu
- Less crowded, peaceful trekking experience.
- Exploring the glaciers and the remote villages.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a quieter alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek offering the stunning views and the peaceful atmosphere. In March , the lakes remain partially frozen , creating an otherworldly beauty. Trekkers journey up to the Gokyo Ri (5,357m.) for the panoramic views of the Everest and surrounding peaks. The villages you pass though embrace Holi with heartfelt enthusiasm , inviting you to share in their celebration . After a day of trekking among the glaciers and remote trails the laughter and the color of the Holi creates a unique and heartwarming contrast to the rugged wilderness.
More Information and Booking please do not hessitate to click below given link.
https://www.exploreinnepal.com/gokyo-lake-trek/
Conclusion
Nepal during Holi is an experience like no ther, combining breathtaking natural beauty with vibrant cultural celebration. Whether you’re exploring the lively streets of the kathmandu, enjoying the festive chaos by Phewa lake in Pokhara or sharing colors in the village of Chotwan, Holi adds a layer of joy and connection to your adventure. Pairing the festival with the trek like Everest Base Camp, Mardi Himal or Langtang Valley will offer you the perfect mix of thrill and the tradition.
As you trek through Nepal’s majestic landscapes, the warmth and spontaneity of Holi will leave you with unforgettable memories. It’s a chance to not only witness the country’s stunning scenery but also to connect deeply with its people and culture in a truly colorful way.
Have a wonderful Holi celebration to all Holi festival lovers from around the globe.
Namaste and Warm Regards
Dinesh and whole Nature Explore Trek Team.