August in Kathmandu means monsoon. That is the single most important thing to understand before booking a flight. Rain falls on essentially every day of the month, often in heavy afternoon downpours that turn the old city's narrow lanes into ankle-deep streams. The 644mm of monthly rainfall is second only to July's totals, and the 90% humidity sits on your skin like a warm, damp cloth from morning until night. Average highs reach about 27°C (80°F) and lows settle around 20°C (68°F), so the heat itself is manageable, even pleasant by South Asian standards. The problem is everything surrounding it. Roads outside the Kathmandu Valley become unreliable from landslides, mountain views disappear behind cloud banks for weeks, and trekking routes turn muddy and leech-ridden.
That said, August has real draws that the dry-season months cannot match. Gai Jatra, the Newari festival of cows, fills Kathmandu's Durbar Square and the streets of Bhaktapur with satirical processions and cross-dressing parades in memory of the dead. It is one of the most distinctive festivals in Nepal, and it typically falls only in August. The valley itself turns an almost startling green. Rice paddies glow in the terraced hillsides around Kirtipur and Bungamati, and the tourist crowds disappear. You might be the only foreigner at Boudhanath on a Tuesday morning.
This is not a month for the casual visitor or the first-timer expecting Himalayan panoramas. But for budget travelers, culture-focused visitors, and photographers who appreciate moody monsoon light over the Kathmandu Valley's 7 UNESCO heritage zones, August has a character that October and November cannot offer. Hotel rates in Thamel drop to roughly half their autumn peak, and you will likely have Patan Durbar Square's 14th-century courtyard temples nearly to yourself.
Why visit in August
- Gai Jatra, one of Nepal's most visually striking and emotionally resonant festivals, typically falls in mid-August and is celebrated across the Kathmandu Valley with processions, satire, and public mourning rituals you will not see any other month.
- Hotel rates in Thamel and Patan drop 40-50% from October and November peaks. A guesthouse room that runs 3,000-4,000 NPR in autumn might go for 1,500-2,000 NPR in August.
- The Kathmandu Valley turns intensely green during monsoon. Rice paddies around Kirtipur and Khokana reach peak color, and the terraced hillsides look their best for landscape photography.
- Heritage sites like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Swayambhunath see a fraction of their usual visitor traffic. No queues, no tour-group congestion, no jostling for photos.
- Gunla, the Newar Buddhist holy month, overlaps with August. Daily dawn processions of traditional musicians wind through the old streets of Patan and Kathmandu, a cultural experience largely invisible to peak-season visitors.
Worth knowing
- Rain falls on roughly 31 out of 31 days. August receives 644mm of rainfall, with heavy afternoon downpours that can last 2-4 hours and occasionally trigger flash flooding in low-lying neighborhoods like Balkhu and Teku.
- Mountain views are essentially gone. The Himalayan range, including Langtang and Ganesh Himal visible from Nagarkot on clear days, stays hidden behind monsoon cloud cover for most of August.
- Roads outside the Kathmandu Valley become hazardous. The Prithvi Highway to Pokhara and the Arniko Highway toward the Tibet border are both prone to landslide closures, sometimes for days at a time.
- Leeches appear on every trail above 1,500m elevation. Even short hikes around Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park or the Champadevi ridge require leech socks and salt.
Best for
Think twice if
August sits deep in Nepal's monsoon season. Expect warm, humid days with temperatures that feel mild by subcontinental standards but oppressive when combined with 90% humidity. Mornings tend to start partly cloudy and sticky. By early afternoon, the clouds build and the rain arrives, sometimes as a gentle drizzle, more often as a heavy downpour that hammers the tin roofs of Asan's market stalls for 2-3 hours. Evenings cool off to around 20°C (68°F), which might be the most comfortable part of the day. The 644mm of total rainfall across 31 rainy days means you will not have a single fully dry day. Brief morning windows of watery sunshine are the best you can hope for.
Seasonal caution
- Flash flooding risk in low-lying areas of the Kathmandu Valley, particularly along the Bagmati and Bishnumati river corridors. Neighborhoods like Balkhu, Teku, and Thapathali can flood during sustained heavy rain. Check local news during multi-day downpours.
- Landslides frequently close roads outside the valley. The Prithvi Highway (Kathmandu-Pokhara) and Arniko Highway (toward Kodari and the Tibet border) both see multiple closures each August. Build buffer days into any plans that require road travel beyond the valley.
- Leeches are present on all hiking trails above roughly 1,500m elevation, including popular day-hike routes around Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and Champadevi. They are harmless but distressing if you are unprepared.
- Mosquito activity rises sharply with standing water from monsoon rains. Dengue cases in the Kathmandu Valley typically climb in August and September. Use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18 | 5 | 9 |
| Feb | 19 | 6 | 20 |
| Mar | 23 | 11 | 42 |
| Apr | 27 | 15 | 43 |
| May | 26 | 16 | 233 |
| Jun | 27 | 19 | 424 |
| Jul | 27 | 20 | 768 |
| Aug | 27 | 20 | 644 |
| Sep | 26 | 19 | 367 |
| Oct | 24 | 15 | 141 |
| Nov | 21 | 10 | 10 |
| Dec | 18 | 6 | 6 |
Headline events
Gai Jatra (Festival of Cows)
Mid-August (varies with the lunar calendar, falls on Bhadra Krishna Pratipada, typically between August 10-25)
Gai Jatra is the Kathmandu Valley's most distinctive festival. Families who lost a relative in the past year lead a cow (or a boy dressed as a cow) through the streets in a procession that blends grief with satire. The festival originated in the Malla period when King Pratap Malla encouraged public comedy to console his grieving queen. Today the processions in Kathmandu's Basantapur area and Bhaktapur's main square feature cross-dressing, political caricature, street theater, and sharp social commentary. It is participatory and neighborhood-level, not a polished tourist show.
Best things to do in August
Watch Gai Jatra processions in Basantapur and Bhaktapur
festivalThe Gai Jatra processions wind through the old Durbar Square areas of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur over 1-2 days. Families lead decorated cows or costumed boys, accompanied by satirical performers mocking politicians and public figures. The atmosphere mixes genuine mourning with irreverent humor. In Bhaktapur, the processions tend to be more traditional and less commercialized than in Kathmandu.
Gai Jatra falls only in August (lunar calendar), and there is no equivalent event at any other time of year.Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive at Basantapur Square by 9am or Bhaktapur Durbar Square by 10am to secure a good viewing spot before the processions begin.
Join the Gunla dawn music processions through old Patan
culturalDuring Gunla, the Newar Buddhist holy month, groups of musicians walk through the old streets of Patan and Kathmandu before sunrise, playing traditional instruments including dhimay drums, muhali horns, and cymbals. The processions pass ancient bahals (courtyards) and small Buddhist shrines that are otherwise easy to miss. Following a procession for 30-40 minutes is one of the most intimate cultural experiences the valley offers.
Gunla falls in August-September by the Nepal Sambat calendar. The daily dawn processions happen only during this period.Booking tipNo booking required. The processions start around 4:30-5:00am. Ask your guesthouse the night before for the nearest starting point. Patan's Mangal Bazaar area is a reliable spot.
Photograph the monsoon-green rice terraces around Kirtipur
photographyThe hilltop town of Kirtipur, about 5km southwest of central Kathmandu, overlooks rice paddies that reach peak green intensity in August. The terraces cascade down the hillsides with an almost unreal saturation after rain. Early morning, when mist still clings to the fields and farmers are planting, offers the best light. Kirtipur itself is a quiet Newari town with 15th-century temples and far fewer visitors than Bhaktapur.
Rice paddies are planted in June-July and reach their deepest green in August. By October they turn golden and are harvested.Booking tipNo booking needed. Take a local bus from Ratna Park (20-30 NPR) or a taxi (400-600 NPR). The best viewpoints are on the ridge above Chilancho Stupa.
Explore Bhaktapur without the crowds
heritageBhaktapur, the best-preserved medieval city in the Kathmandu Valley, receives a fraction of its normal visitor traffic in August. The 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and Potter's Square are all largely empty of tour groups. The rain-darkened brick and wet cobblestones give the 15th-century streets a different character than in the dry season. The entry fee of 1,500 NPR for foreigners is valid for the duration of your Nepal visa if you register it at the ticket office.
Low season means minimal crowds at a site that can feel overwhelmed by tour buses in October and November. Wet-weather photography of the medieval architecture has a distinct moody quality.Booking tipNo booking required. Bring your passport to register your ticket for multi-day access. Go in the morning before the afternoon rains.
Take a Newari cooking class in Patan
foodSeveral small cooking schools in Patan's old town teach traditional Newari cuisine, including dishes like chatamari, bara (lentil patties), choila (spiced grilled buffalo), and kwati. Rainy afternoons that would otherwise be lost to weather become productive and warm-smelling. Classes typically run 3-4 hours and include a market visit to Patan's Lagankhel market for ingredients.
August's daily afternoon rains make indoor activities more valuable. Kwati and other Janai Purnima festival foods are in season and form part of the seasonal menu.Booking tipBook 2-3 days ahead. Classes with 2-4 students fill quickly even in low season because fewer are offered.
Visit Pashupatinath Temple during monsoon ceremonies
culturalNepal's holiest Hindu temple complex sits along the Bagmati River in eastern Kathmandu. During monsoon, the river runs full and the cremation ghats operate against a backdrop of swollen water and green hillsides. The temple sees increased devotional activity during Janai Purnima, when Hindu men come to change their sacred threads. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple but can observe from the east bank terraces and explore the surrounding forest of smaller shrines.
Janai Purnima in August brings heightened ritual activity. The full-flowing Bagmati and monsoon atmosphere give the cremation ghats a dramatically different feel than the dry-season low-water months.Booking tipEntry fee is 1,000 NPR for foreigners. Go early morning (6-7am) for both the best light and the most active devotional period.
White water rafting on the Trisuli River
adventureThe Trisuli River, about 3 hours west of Kathmandu near Mugling, runs at peak volume during August monsoon. The rapids intensify from their dry-season Class II-III to Class III-IV, making this the most exciting month for rafting. The standard half-day trip covers roughly 18km of river. The water is warm, around 20-22°C, and the surrounding gorge is at its greenest.
Monsoon swells the Trisuli to its highest volume, creating stronger rapids and a more exhilarating run than the calmer dry-season flow.Booking tipBook with a reputable operator in Thamel at least 2 days ahead. Confirm that the road to the put-in point is open, as landslides can affect the highway. Operators typically cancel only if landslides block access.
Morning walks through Garden of Dreams
relaxationThis restored neo-classical European garden in Thamel, originally built in 1920 by Field Marshal Kaiser Shumsher Rana, is one of the few green refuges in central Kathmandu. In August the garden reaches peak lushness, with pergolas draped in flowering creepers and the ornamental ponds full. The 200 NPR entry fee keeps out casual foot traffic, and morning visits before 9am are particularly quiet.
The garden is at its most verdant after weeks of monsoon rain. The covered pavilions provide shelter during sudden showers, making it one of the few outdoor spaces where rain does not ruin the visit.Booking tipNo booking needed. Opens at 7am daily. The attached Kaiser Cafe serves good coffee if you need to wait out a downpour.
What to eat in August
In season: fruit
Lychee
Nepali lychee season runs from June into August. By August the tail end of the harvest still fills fruit stalls in Kalimati market and the pushcarts around Asan. The fruit tends to be smaller than Thai or Chinese varieties, with a more floral sweetness. A kilo runs about 150-250 NPR depending on the week.
On menus now
Chatamari
Often called Newari pizza, chatamari is a thin rice-flour crepe topped with minced buffalo meat, egg, and chopped vegetables. It appears year-round but features prominently during Gai Jatra celebrations and Newari feast days in August. The best versions have a crispy, lacy edge and a soft center. Look for it at small Newari bhojanalaya restaurants in Patan and Kirtipur rather than the tourist-oriented spots in Thamel.
Street food peaks
Makai (roasted corn on the cob)
Monsoon is corn season in the Kathmandu Valley. Street vendors appear on every other corner in Asan and Basantapur, roasting fresh ears over charcoal and rubbing them with a paste of salt, chili, and lime juice. The kernels are smaller and chewier than Western sweet corn, with a more concentrated starchy flavor. At 20-30 NPR per ear, it is the cheapest hot snack in the city.
What to drink
Chyang (rice beer)
This mildly alcoholic fermented rice drink is central to Newari feasting culture and flows freely during August's festival season. It has a sour, slightly yeasty taste and a thin, milky appearance. Served at room temperature from brass jugs, it appears at every Newari celebration during Gai Jatra and Gunla. The homemade versions in Bhaktapur tend to be stronger and more sour than what restaurants serve.
In markets
Wild mushrooms (chyau)
Monsoon rains bring wild mushrooms to the markets from the surrounding hills. Farmers from Godavari, Pharping, and Shivapuri bring chanterelle-like species and oyster mushrooms to Kalimati wholesale market starting in late July. They appear in dal bhat preparations and as stir-fried side dishes. The season is short and supply is unpredictable, so prices vary daily.
Festival food
Kwati
A hearty soup made from a mix of 9 different sprouted beans, traditionally prepared for Janai Purnima in August. Families sprout the beans days in advance, and the slow-cooked broth gets seasoned with jimbu (Himalayan herb), turmeric, and garlic. Kwati appears in homes and restaurants across the valley for roughly 2 weeks around the festival. The best versions have a thick, earthy broth with a slight fermented tang from the sprouting process.
Regular events in August
Janai Purnima (Sacred Thread Festival)Free
Hindu men, particularly Brahmins and Chhetris, change their sacred threads (janai) on this full-moon day.ثriests tie protective yellow threads (doro) around the wrists of devotees at temples across the valley. Pashupatinath and Kumbheshwar Temple in Patan see large gatherings. The festival is also associated with the start of kwati season, and households across Kathmandu prepare the nine-bean soup.
Full moon day in August (typically August 10-25, varies by lunar calendar)Krishna Janmashtami (Krishnashtami)Free
The birthday of Lord Krishna draws thousands of devotثes to Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square, one of the finest stone temples in the valley. Devotees fast and hold an all-night vigil with singing, prayer, and oil-lamp offerings. The temple's carved stone facade is lit with hundreds of butter lamps, and the surrounding square fills with a festive atmosphere that runs past midnight.
Late August or early September (8th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadra)Nag Panchami (Serpent Worship Day)Free
On this day, images of Nag (serpent deities) are posted above doorways across the valley, and offerings of milk, honey, and flowers are made at temples with serpent iconography. The belief is that the naga control rainfall and protect against snake bites during monsoon. Nag Pokhari in Naxal and the temple complex at Pashupatinath both see active ceremonies.
Late July to early August (5th day of the bright fortnight of Shrawan)Gunla Buddhist processionsFree
Throughout the Newar Buddhist holy month of Gunla, devotees visit Buddhist sacred sites on daily pilgrimage routes through old Kathmandu and Patan. Pre-dawn musical processions (gunla bajan) pass through historic neighborhoods with traditional drum-and-horn ensembles. Swayambhunath and the bahals of Patan see increased activity with special prayer sessions and butter-lamp offerings.
Runs approximately one month, typically beginning in early-to-mid AugustBest places this August
Patan Durbar Square
heritageThe finest collection of Newari architecture in the valley, and it is likely to be uncrowded in August. The Krishna Mandir with its 21 golden pinnacles anchors the square. During Krishna Janmashtami in late August, the temple fills with devotees and butter lamps. The Patan Museum inside the old Royal Palace is one of South Asia's best small museums and a perfect retreat during afternoon rain. Entry is 1,000 NPR for foreigners.
Patan (Lalitpur)Boudhanath Stupa
religious siteThe largest stupa in Nepal and the spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism in the Kathmandu Valley. In August, the usual tourist crowds thin dramatically, and the circular kora (walking path) around the stupa feels more contemplative. Monsoon clouds behind the white dome and golden spire create strong photographic compositions. The surrounding lanes hold dozens of Tibetan monasteries, several of which welcome visitors for morning prayers. Entry is 400 NPR for foreigners.
BoudhaSwayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
religious siteThe hilltop stupa on the western edge of the valley gets its most dramatic skies in August, with monsoon clouds swirling around the prayer flags and the golden spire. The 365 steps up to the top are slippery when wet, so go carefully. On a rare clear morning, the views across the green valley floor are worth the early alarm. The resident monkeys are more active and bolder in the warm, humid weather.
SwayambhuAsan Bazaar
marketKathmandu's oldest and most concentrated market area sits at the junction of 6 streets in the old city core. In August, monsoon produce fills the stalls. Corn, green vegetables, wild mushrooms, and seasonal fruits pile up alongside the permanent spice sellers and grain merchants. The narrow lanes feel dense and close in the humidity, with the smell of wet stone, incense from the Annapurna Temple, and roasting corn mixing together. Early morning (7-9am) is the best time, before both the crowds and the rain.
AsanKirtipur
neighborhoodThis quiet hilltop town about 5km from central Kathmandu rarely appears on tourist itineraries, which is part of its appeal. The Bagh Bhairav Temple and Chilancho Stupa sit above rice terraces that glow green in August. Newari restaurants here serve some of the most authentic local food in the valley at a fraction of Thamel prices. The panoramic views of terraced farmland from the ridge are at their most photogenic during monsoon.
KirtipurGarden of Dreams (Kaiser Mahal)
parkA pocket of restored Edwardian-era garden design in the middle of Thamel. The covered pavilions, pergolas, and gazebos make it one of the few outdoor spaces in Kathmandu where a sudden monsoon downpour improves rather than ruins the experience. In August the water features run full and the climbing plants are dense with flower. The 200 NPR entry fee keeps it peaceful.
ThamelKumbheshwar Temple
religious siteThis 5-tiered pagoda temple in northern Patan is one of only 2 five-story temples in Nepal. During Janai Purnima, the temple's sacred pond becomes a major pilgrimage site where jhankris (traditional healers) from across the hills gather. The August ceremony here is genuinely distinctive and far less touristed than equivalent events at Pashupatinath.
Patan (Lalitpur)Bhaktapur Durbar Square
heritageThe medieval city's central square is the primary stage for Bhaktapur's Gai Jatra celebrations in August. The Nyatapola Temple, at 5 stories the tallest pagoda in Nepal, towers over the procession route. After the festival, the square returns to a quiet emptiness rare in the peak season months. The surrounding streets of Bhaktapur feel genuinely lived-in during monsoon, with potters working under awnings and farmers drying grain on the brick platforms between showers.
Bhaktapur
Your packing checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.
Insider tips
The Gai Jatra processions in Bhaktapur are more traditional and less chaotic than the Kathmandu ones. If you only have time for one, go to Bhaktapur. The satirical performances there tend to be sharper and the Newari cultural elements more prominent. Take a local bus from Kalanki (30 NPR) and arrive by 9am.
Mornings before 10am are your golden window. The rain almost always holds off until early afternoon, so front-load your outdoor sightseeing. By 1-2pm, plan to be indoors. A museum, a cooking class, or a long lunch at a Newari bhojanalaya in Patan works well as your afternoon anchor.
Negotiate guesthouse rates in person rather than booking online. In August, occupancy in Thamel drops below 30% at many mid-range hotels, and front-desk staff have authority to offer discounts of 30-50% off the listed rate, or free room upgrades. Walk-in rates consistently beat online platform prices during monsoon.
The Gunla dawn processions are not advertised anywhere for tourists. Ask any Newar Buddhist shopkeeper in Patan where the next morning's procession will pass. They start around 4:30-5:00am and last about 40 minutes. The musicians welcome quiet observers.
Carry small bills (50 and 100 NPR notes) in a waterproof pouch. Wet banknotes are common during monsoon and some small vendors will refuse soggy bills. ATMs in Thamel dispense 1,000 NPR notes that street vendors struggle to break, especially in the rain.
Avoid these mistakes
- Planning tight overland travel schedules. The road from Kathmandu to Pokhara (normally 6-7 hours) can take 12 or more when a landslide closes the highway, and this happens multiple times each August. Build at least 1 buffer day into any itinerary that involves travel outside the valley. Domestic flights are faster but face frequent weather cancellations.
- Booking trekking as a primary activity. Online forums still recommend monsoon treks with the caveat of 'fewer crowds,' but the reality is leech-covered trails, zero mountain views, and genuine landslide risk. The Annapurna and Everest regions are at their least rewarding. If you need a hiking fix, stick to short day walks around the valley floor.
- Leaving electronics unprotected. The 90% humidity fogs camera lenses from the inside, corrodes charging ports, and can kill phones left in damp pockets. One afternoon cloudburst with your camera bag open can end your photography for the trip. Use dry bags, silica packets, and keep gear sealed when not actively shooting.
- Scheduling outdoor activities in the afternoon. First-time visitors sometimes plan full-day temple tours straight through from 10am to 5pm. By 1pm most days, the rain begins and will not stop for hours. The heat and humidity compound the discomfort. Split your day into a morning outdoor block (7-11am) and an indoor afternoon block.
Practical tips for August
Book domestic flights with at least a 1-day buffer. Weather cancellations on the Kathmandu-Lukla and Kathmandu-Pokhara routes run as high as 40-50% on any given August day. Yeti Airlines and Buddha Air both allow free rebooking for weather cancellations, but seats on the next available flight fill fast. If you have a fixed international departure, do not fly domestically on the same day or the day before. The Tribhuvan International Airport domestic and international terminals are adjacent, so connections are not the problem. The weather is. Temple dress codes remain in effect year-round. Pashupatinath and most Hindu temples require covered shoulders and knees. Lightweight long trousers and a synthetic short-sleeve shirt work better than the shorts-and-tank combination many monsoon visitors default to. Thamel's trekking shops stay open in August but with reduced hours, typically 10am-6pm instead of the peak-season 8am-8pm. Pharmacies keep regular hours. Currency exchange rates in Thamel are comparable to the airport. Most mid-range and above hotels accept cards, but smaller guesthouses, street food vendors, and local buses are cash only. The Nepal Rastra Bank official exchange rate in August 2025 was approximately 135 NPR to 1 USD.
FAQ
Is August a good time to visit Kathmandu?
Honestly, August is one of the weaker months. It sits deep in monsoon season with 644mm of rainfall across essentially every day, 90% humidity, and no mountain views. That said, it is not a terrible time if you come specifically for the cultural calendar. Gai Jatra and Janai Purnima are genuine draws, hotel prices drop 40-50%, and the valley's heritage sites are uncrowded. Come if you care about festivals and budget travel more than trekking and Himalayan panoramas. If this is your first trip to Nepal and you want the full experience, October or November are far better choices.
What is the weather like in Kathmandu in August?
Warm and very wet. Average highs reach 27°C (80°F) and lows sit around 20°C (68°F), so the temperature itself is comfortable. The problem is 90% humidity and 644mm of rain falling across 31 days. Mornings are typically partly cloudy and muggy. Heavy rain arrives most afternoons between 1-3pm and can last several hours. Occasional dry spells of a few hours happen, but do not count on a full rainless day. The combination of heat and humidity makes even the moderate temperatures feel oppressive.
Can I trek in Nepal in August?
You can, but most experienced trekkers avoid it. The popular routes (Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, Langtang Valley) are muddy, leech-ridden, and offer almost no mountain views due to persistent cloud cover. Landslide risk on mountain trails is real. Some teahouses on remote routes close for monsoon. If you are determined to walk, the Kathmandu Valley rim trails (Shivapuri, Champadevi, Nagarkot) are manageable as day hikes with proper preparation, including leech socks and an early start.
Is Kathmandu crowded in August?
No. August is deep low season, and tourist numbers drop dramatically compared to the peak months of October and November. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which can feel overwhelmed by tour groups in autumn, might have a handful of visitors on an August weekday. Thamel's restaurants and shops remain open but are noticeably quieter. Domestic pilgrims increase during festival periods like Janai Purnima, so temples like Pashupatinath see local crowds on specific days, but foreign tourist density is at its annual low.
What festivals happen in Kathmandu in August?
August is one of the richest festival months in the Kathmandu Valley's calendar. Gai Jatra, the festival of cows, typically falls in mid-August and is the most visually striking event, with processions through the old city squares of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Janai Purnima, the sacred thread festival, brings large gatherings to Pashupatinath and Kumbheshwar Temple in Patan. Krishna Janmashtami draws devotees to Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square for all-night celebrations. The Buddhist holy month of Gunla brings daily dawn music processions through the Newar neighborhoods of Patan and old Kathmandu. All of these events are free and open to respectful visitors.
Last verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on June 22, 2026. What is automated review?