Dashain is a busy time for family visits and travel in Nepal. Check the published festival dates, plan transport early, confirm which services are operating, and leave room for changes rather than assuming every office or business follows the same holiday schedule.
Start with the dates
Dashain's dates change each year. Before booking, check the current Dashain guide and Nepali calendar, which use KhataPal's published calendar data for the event dates. Annual public-holiday notices may specify closure periods separately from individual festival and observance dates; consult the holiday calendar as plans get closer.
Plan transport and accommodation
If your trip depends on a particular bus, flight or other service, confirm availability and operating times directly with that provider. Consider arranging important parts of the trip in advance, especially when travelling on popular routes or dates. Keep booking references accessible and allow extra time for connections and road travel.
Schedules, ticketing practices and road conditions can change. Use current notices from transport operators and relevant authorities rather than relying on an old festival article for live travel information.
Check what will be open
Government offices, schools, banks, shops and private services may follow different closure schedules. Look up the specific service you need and confirm its hours before travelling across town or relying on an in-person appointment. Essential and emergency services can have separate arrangements.
Be a considerate guest
Dashain is a meaningful religious and family season for many people, while practices differ among communities. If invited to a home or ceremony, follow the host's guidance, ask before photographing people or rituals, and be respectful of local customs. Not everyone celebrates Dashain, and no visitor should assume that a particular ritual or meal is shared by every household.
Keep plans flexible
Save accommodation and transport details, keep a little schedule flexibility, and verify important arrangements near departure. For official dates, return to KhataPal's calendar and public-holiday listings; for live operations, check with the relevant provider or authority.