Major Nepali Festivals 2025- When is best time to travel to Nepal ?

Here are the key festival dates to look forward to in 2025 while staying in Patan.

1. Maghe Sankranti – January 14, 2025
   This festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. It is celebrated with feasts and religious rituals. On this day, Newars prepare and eat special foods, particularly dishes made from clarified butter (ghya) and sesame seeds (til).

2. Losar (Tibetan New Year) – Feb 28th till March 2, 2025
   Celebrated by Tibetan and Sherpa communities, Losar is full of dance, rituals, and family gatherings. On that day, it is best to visit Boudhanath Stupa area, 6 km away from Patan.

3. Holi (Festival of Colors) – March 14, 2025
   A vibrant festival celebrating the arrival of spring with water and color play. If you don’t mind to get your clothes dirty, you will certainly enjoy the vibe very much, it is such a fun and beautiful day and a great time to let go of negativity and embrace the spirit of togetherness!

4. Nepali New Year (Bisket Jatra) – April 13-17, 2025
   Celebrated with grand processions in Bhaktapur, this marks the beginning of the Nepali calendar year. Bhaktapur come alive with massive chariot processions, tug-of-war contests, and ancient rituals, celebrating the start of a new year. It is very intense!

5. Buddha Jayanti – May 12, 2025
   The birth, enlightenment, and death anniversary of Lord Buddha, celebrated with rituals at Buddhist sites such as Lumbini and Boudhanath but also in the streets of Patan where the streets come alive with chants and processions.

6. Rato Machindranath Jatra – May-June 2025

   This is one of Nepal's oldest and grandest celebrations, held in Patan. It honnors the rain god, Machindranath, with v chariot processions through the city. Locals pull a massive, hand-built chariot, accompanied by music, dance, and rituals. This centuries-old festival marks the start of the monsoon season and brings the entire community together in celebration.

7. Ropain Festival, also known as Asar 15 - 29th of June, 2025

   It is Nepal's lively rice-planting celebration, held during the monsoon. Farmers and locals come together to plant rice, enjoy traditional music, mud fights, and festive feasts, marking the start of the agricultural season with joy and unity. On that day, it is really worth to go and stroll around the farming villages of Bungamati and Kokana, a few km. south of Patan.

8. Gai Jatra- August 10th, 2025

   The Festival of Cows, is a celebration honoring those who have passed away. Families parade through the streets with cows, music, and colorful costumes, turning grief into a lively tribute to life and remembrance.

9. Krishna Janmashtami - August 16th, 2025

   It is a vibrant celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth, centered at the historic Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square. Devotees gather for midnight prayers, sing devotional songs, and offer flowers and sweets, filling the square with music, dance, and spiritual energy. It's a joyful, cultural highlight in Patan's sacred calendar.

10. Teej – August 26, 2025
    It is a colorful celebration where women dress in red, fast, sing, and dance in honor of marital bliss and the well-being of their families. They also go to worship Lord Shiva and Parvati at one of the temples. The streets around Patan Durbar Square come alive with joyful processions and temple rituals. The atmosphere is very uplifting on that day!

11. Indra Jatra – September 2025 (Exact date to be confirmed)
    Celebrated in Kathmandu, this festival honors Indra, the god of rain, with masked dances and chariot processions.

12. Dashain – September 22nd to Oct 1st, 2025
    The biggest and most important festival in Nepal, Dashain - celebrates the victory of good over evil. Families come together to worship, feast, and celebrate.

13. Tihar (Festival of Lights) – October 18th till Oct 23th, 2025
    This five-day festival is our favorite! It is dedicated to honoring animals like crows, dogs, and cows and it’s marked by lighting oil lamps, putting flower garlands on all doors and decorating homes with rangoli (colorful patterns). For the Newar people in Patan, Tihar is also the time to honor ancestral deities and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. They also celebrate the unique Mha Puja, a ceremony of self-worship. Mha puja Ceremony at Cosy Nepal is not to be missed!

14. Chhath – Oct 27, 2025
    A major festival in the Terai region where devotees pray to the sun god, offering thanks for life and sustenance.

15. Yomari Punhi – December/ Mangisr 2024
    Yomari Punhi is a beloved Newar festival in Patan, celebrating the harvest with sweet, steamed dumplings called yomari. Families gather to make and share these treats, symbolizing prosperity. The festival also honors Annapurna, the goddess of grain, with rituals and feasting, marking the arrival of winter.

The big chariot of Ratho Machendranath being pulled in the streets of Patan.

The Third Edition of our Cosy Patan Guide-book is launched!

Crafted with love and dedication, our 100% independent Patan Guide-Book is packed with insider tips and top recommendations. Our guide-book is exclusively made for our guests with the only concern that they have the best time in Patan ❤️❤️
Written and Produced by Camille Hanesse, Nico Marie and the Cosy team.

For an insider experience

By booking at Cosy Nepal, you get all our secret tips to make the most of your visit !

Appartement rentals in Nepal. Cosy Nepal in "Lonely Planet" 2024

This French-Nepali agency manages several traditional houses in the old town, all renovated with modern touches. The website details the different options, from simple single crash pads to family suites with kitchenettes. All strike a great balance between traditional architecture and modern style. Discounts are available for long-term stays.

Best place to stay in Kathmandu: Cosy Nepal in "Le Petit Futé" 2024

The initiator of this concept of charming Newar rentals is Camille! This Frenchwoman, who has lived in Patan for many years, offers cocoon apartments, jewels of characterful Newar architecture, superbly restored and furnished. Every detail of decoration is tastefully thought out, and the facilities are adapted to both short and long stays. For her guests, she has published a small guide to the best addresses in old Patan, reflecting her warm welcome. In fact, everyone knows her on this temple-lined square. A real favorite.

Cultural tourism in Nepal. Publication in Financial Review - By Jason Mowen

‘People thought I was crazy’ : how to spend eight weeks in Nepal

I stayed in a variety of historic properties from their portfolio, from an attic studio at Yatachhen House, with a single bed and Rear Window-like views over Patan’s crumbling courtyards, to a sumptuous duplex with a trio of carved-timber window seats typical of Newar architecture, overlooking the temples of Swotha Square. Some of the stays lasted weeks, which afforded me the time to feel the rhythm of daily life.

Manu Chao’s Stay at Cosy Nepal: The perfect match During His Nepal Tour

Manu Chao’s Stay at Cosy Nepal

In April 2023, we had the privilege of hosting the legendary Manu Chao during the entire week of his Nepal tour. Known for his eclectic blend of Latin, reggae, and punk influences, Manu Chao is celebrated not only for his music but also for his activism. His visit to Nepal was highly anticipated, and we were thrilled when he chose to stay at Cosy Nepal -a choice that felt like a perfect fit for his relaxed, down-to-earth vibe.

During his time with us, Manu Chao stayed at Yatachhen House, a hidden gem tucked away behind Swotha Square in the heart of historic Patan. The house offered a peaceful retreat, giving him the space and privacy to recharge after his performances. It also kept him close to the vibrant cultural scene of Patan, which he explored with his signature curiosity and openness.

Manu enjoyed taking morning walks through Patan’s ancient alleys, connecting with the local community, and even playing music with the neighborhood kids. True to his nature, his stay was laid-back and centered around enjoying the simple pleasures of life — a perfect match for the calm atmosphere at Cosy Nepal.

At Cosy Nepal, we aim to provide more than just a place to stay. We create spaces that connect guests to the rich culture and history of Nepal, and Manu Chao’s visit was a reminder of the magic that can happen when people find the right place to rest and recharge. His time with us, though brief, was something we’ll always remember fondly.

As Manu Chao continues to inspire people around the world with his music and message, we’re grateful to have been part of his journey in Nepal. Whether you’re an artist, a traveler, or someone looking for a unique experience, Cosy Nepal is here to welcome you—just as we did for Manu Chao.

Apartment rental in Nepal: Insane $100 Patan luxury Airbnb

In this video, we take a tour of the apartment we are staying in here in Lalitpur just south of Kathmandu in Nepal. This unbelievable property is super modern with a contemporary style and made us feel like we were at home straight away. The area surrounding it is not as touristy as Thamel so you get a far more local feel to the area while at the same time being just a few kilometres away.

Heritage conservation in Patan. Living Magazine

Publication in Living Magazine

“Slow Hotels, Journeys around my hotel rooms” - by Vancelee Teng

Best apartment in Patan - House Tours by Cabriana Grande

Meeting the Cosy Nepal Team - By the 5 World Explorers

This is an amazing french-Nepalese partnership. They repurpose and manage traditional houses in the old town of Patan, all renovated with modern touches. We had a chance to live in one of the apartments for 3 months during the lockdown and enjoyed every moment of it!

During our video, you will have a chance to see some of these lovely apartments. They are a great company that offers a true Nepali experience, by organizing tours and activities for their guests. They are always open to spending some time chatting with them as well. The whole Cosy Nepal team makes you feel welcome from the moment you get there! What an amazing place to stay here in Patan!

Séjourner à Patan, Népal (in French) - nos meilleurs plans à Katmandou

Au cœur de Patan se cache un petit havre de paix : Cosy Nepal, un ensemble de logements authentiques et plein de charme. Le concept est de rénover de vieilles maisons traditionnelles newar pour obtenir des logements confortables, avec une touche moderne, tout en conservant le patrimoine architectural du vieux Patan.

Le résultat est bluffant, on a envie de découvrir tous les logements, puisqu’ils ont chacun un style unique.

Short-term and long-term rental in Kathmandu - Los Angeles Times - Special Report

Why to stay in Patan instead of Kathmandu ! Travel my Nation

The entire building was actually an old traditional Newari house that had been delicately and cleverly renovated by Jiten Shresthan, Camille Hanesse (our host) and her husband Nico. They have converted the entire space into charming apartments which they lovingly call, Cosy Nepal. Some people might mistake this place as a studio apartment and some may even say that these are like a typical boutique hotel in Kathmandu but that’s not the case here. Cosy Nepal helps in renovating old historical and ancient houses which they then turn into amazing apartments. And this is done in partnership with the owners who then make revenue out of it and keep their pride alive.

We sat down with Camille as she told us how they started Cosy Nepal and introduced us to her brilliant team members over lunch.  A Nepalese woman sat on the floor in the kitchen, preparing food for the team and a flavorsome aroma filled the entire building. Walking down we caught a glimpse and were curious to know what was cooking. I think Camille saw that and invited us over for lunch! What a warm gesture that was…I mean we just checked in and we were served some authentic local Nepali cuisine. And that’s how our memorable experience at Cosy Nepal started.

One good part about Cosy Nepal is that all their apartments are located just meters away from each other. And in case you want to take a tour of all the apartments you can actually do so without traveling a lot. We chose to stay at the one which is in Patan and from our stay to the Patan Durbar Square, it was hardly 150 meters. This was just perfect for us. Before we forget- from our apartment window we could easily get a view of the Patan or Lalitpur Durbar Square too.

Moreover, the entire Patan area is known for its vibrant, busy streets, the Patan Durbar Square which is very famous for its artistic heritage, the Newari houses and their architecture. Not to forget that one of the major attractions of Patan is also for the presence of their Kumari or the living goddess. And don’t forget to explore Patan for shopping. You will find clothes, shoes, luggage, and jewelry for really low prices!

Live like a local in Patan, Nepal Publication in City Nomads

“Checking into one of Cosy Nepal’s charmingly affordable lodging will set you on the right track in acquainting yourself with the old parts of Patan — starting from the moment you set foot in one of their many unique rooms and apartments nestled in hidden alleys and secret courtyards. Unlike most hotels and guesthouses, Cosy Nepal sets itself apart with its well-designed spaces with modern amenities, and its admirable work towards conserving the architectural heritage that’s iconic of Patan. “…

By Dora Aljoofri, City Nomads

Experience a stay in the Old Patan - Publication in ECS Nepal

À Patan, comme à la maison.

Review of Cosy Nepal in the Guide TAO

Cosy Nepal in Guide Tao (in French)