October in Kathmandu is defined by one thing above all else. Dashain, Nepal's largest festival, consumes the city for roughly 15 days. Government offices close. Shops pull their shutters down. Families who migrated to Kathmandu for work reverse course, flooding bus parks and highways as they head back to ancestral villages. If you have never witnessed a city of 1.5 million people collectively pause for a religious celebration, October delivers that. The upside is genuine and significant. You'll find animal sacrifices at Hanuman Dhoka, enormous bamboo swings (ping) erected in open lots across Kirtipur and Bhaktapur, and tika paste on every forehead you pass. The monsoon is pulling back. Skies that were a featureless grey through July, August, and September begin to crack open, and on clear mornings the Langtang range materializes north of the valley like a wall of ice and rock you forgot was there.
Weather sits at a comfortable 23.9°C (75°F) during the day, dropping to around 14.9°C (59°F) at night. Still warm enough for a t-shirt by afternoon, cool enough to want a light layer after sunset. Rainfall drops sharply from September's 367mm to 141mm, though you'll still get roughly 15 rainy days, mostly concentrated in the first two weeks. Humidity lingers at 83%, so the air feels heavier than the temperature alone suggests. The smell of wet earth and incense hangs over Asan's narrow lanes.
To be fair, October demands some flexibility. During Dashain's peak days (Maha Ashtami through Vijaya Dashami), Thamel's restaurants run on skeleton crews, trekking agencies may be unstaffed, and domestic flights get fully booked weeks ahead by Nepalis traveling home. If you time it right, though, you land in Kathmandu at the precise moment the post-monsoon window opens for Himalayan views, festival energy runs at full tilt, and the trekking season properly begins on routes like Annapurna and Langtang.
Why visit in October
- Dashain transforms the entire Kathmandu Valley for 15 days. The bamboo swings, animal sacrifices at Taleju Temple, and tika ceremonies are unlike any festival experience in South Asia. You won't see this in November.
- Post-monsoon clarity returns to the Himalayan skyline. After 4 months of cloud cover, peaks like Langtang Lirung (7,227m) and Ganesh Himal become visible from Nagarkot and Swayambhunath on clear mornings, typically from mid-October onward.
- Trekking season opens properly. The Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley, and Everest Base Camp trails are all accessible, and the teahouses along major routes reopen after monsoon closures.
- Temperatures sit between 15°C and 24°C (59-75°F), comfortable enough for full days of walking through Patan's backstreets or cycling out to Changu Narayan without heat exhaustion or cold-weather gear.
Worth knowing
- Dashain closures are real. During Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijaya Dashami (3-4 consecutive days, typically mid-October), most restaurants outside Thamel's tourist core shut down, banks close, and even trekking permit offices in New Baneshwor may be unstaffed.
- Domestic flights to Lukla, Pokhara, and Bharatpur sell out 2-3 weeks before Dashain as Nepali families travel home. If you need internal flights during the first half of October, book early or expect to pay inflated last-minute rates.
- The first 10-12 days of October still carry monsoon tail-end rain. Expect afternoon downpours that can flood Kathmandu's poorly drained streets, particularly around Asan and the older parts of Basantapur where drainage dates to the Malla period.
- Peak-season pricing hits hard. Hotel rates in Thamel and Lazimpat run 30-50% above the annual average, and trekking permits plus guide fees reflect the high-demand window.
Best for
Think twice if
The monsoon is retreating but hasn't fully released its grip. Early October mornings often start overcast, with afternoon showers still likely through the first 10-12 days. By the second half of the month, skies clear more consistently. Mornings feel fresh at 15°C (59°F), and midday warmth reaches a comfortable 24°C (75°F). Nights cool noticeably. The humidity at 83% means laundry dries slowly and the air inside older guesthouses in Jhochhen and Bhaktapur can feel clammy. You might notice the smell of damp stone in temple courtyards, mixed with marigold garlands being prepared for Dashain.
Seasonal caution
- Early October retains monsoon-tail rainfall at roughly 141mm across 15 rainy days. Flash flooding on Kathmandu's older streets (particularly around Asan, Indra Chowk, and low-lying Teku) is possible after heavy afternoon downpours. Stick to higher ground during active rain.
- Leeches remain active on trails below 3,000m (9,800ft) through mid-October, particularly on the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park trails north of the valley. Tuck trousers into socks and carry salt if hiking in forested areas.
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
Dashain (Vijaya Dashami)
Shifts annually with the lunar calendar. Typically falls between early and mid-October. Vijaya Dashami, the climax day, usually lands between October 5 and October 25. In 2026, expect Dashami around mid-October.
Nepal's largest and longest festival spans 15 days, honoring the goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. The final five days are the most intense. Fulpati brings sacred plants from Gorkha to Hanuman Dhoka. Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami involve ritual animal sacrifices at Taleju Temple and temple squares across the valley. Vijaya Dashami, the 10th day, sees elders placing red tika paste and jamara (barley sprouts) on the foreheads of younger family members. Bamboo swings (ping) go up in open lots weeks before. The city empties as migrant workers return to home villages, then refills with feasting. It defines October in Kathmandu the way Songkran defines April in Bangkok.
Best things to do in October
Watch Dashain rituals at Hanuman Dhoka and Kathmandu Durbar Square
culturalThe old royal palace compound at Hanuman Dhoka is the ceremonial heart of Dashain. On Fulpati, a procession carries sacred plants from Gorkha to the palace. On Maha Ashtami and Navami, animal sacrifices take place in the Taleju Temple compound (normally closed to non-Hindus but visible from the square). Vijaya Dashami brings tika ceremonies and the Kumari's chariot procession through the square. The crowds, incense smoke, and vermillion powder create a sensory density you won't find at any other time of year.
Dashain's climax days fall exclusively in October (sometimes late September). This is the only month when Taleju Temple opens to the public.Booking tipNo booking needed, but arrive at Kathmandu Durbar Square by 7:00 AM on Maha Ashtami for a clear view. By 9:00 AM the square is packed.
Begin the Annapurna Circuit or Langtang Valley trek
trekkingOctober marks the opening of the premier trekking season. The Annapurna Circuit (12-21 days, reaching 5,416m at Thorong La Pass) and Langtang Valley trek (7-10 days, reaching 3,870m at Kyanjin Gompa) are both accessible after monsoon trail repairs. Trails are muddy in spots during early October but firm up by mid-month. Teahouse availability is better than November's crush, and the rhododendron forests are lush from 4 months of rain.
First reliable post-monsoon trekking month. Trails reopen, visibility improves, and teahouses are less booked than the November peak.Booking tipGet your TIMS card and trekking permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Bhrikutimandap at least 3 days before Dashain begins. The office closes during the festival's peak days.
Sunrise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot
sightseeingNagarkot, a ridgeline village 32km east of central Kathmandu at 2,195m (7,200ft), offers a 300-degree panorama from Dhaulagiri (8,167m) in the west to Everest (8,849m) in the east on clear days. After months of monsoon cloud, October's clearing skies make this the first month since May when consistent sunrise views return. The drive from Bhaktapur takes about 45 minutes. Arrive before dawn, watch the sun catch the snow peaks, and you'll understand why this modest hilltop fills up every October morning.
Post-monsoon atmosphere clears from mid-October, giving the first reliable Himalayan sunrise views since pre-monsoon April/May. The air is cleaner than spring, when agricultural haze from the Terai can reduce visibility.Booking tipBook a Nagarkot guesthouse for the night before to avoid the pre-dawn drive. Rooms fill on weekends during Dashain. Weekday mornings are quieter.
Explore Bhaktapur during Dashain
culturalBhaktapur, the best-preserved Newari city in the valley, turns intensely festive during Dashain. The 55-Window Palace and Nyatapola Temple in Taumadhi Square get draped in offerings. Bamboo swings go up in the alleys. Potter's Square continues working through the festival, and the smell of sel roti frying mixes with incense from Dattatreya Temple. The crowds are predominantly Nepali families, not tour groups. The 1,500-rupee entry fee (for foreigners) covers multiple visits if you keep the ticket.
Dashain in Bhaktapur is considered more traditionally observed than in Kathmandu. The compact medieval layout concentrates the festival atmosphere into a few connected squares.Booking tipGo on a weekday if possible. Weekend Dashain days draw heavy domestic visitor traffic, especially around Nyatapola Temple.
Cycle the Kathmandu Valley rim to Panauti and Dhulikhel
outdoorThe 35km (22-mile) road from Bhaktapur east to Panauti and Dhulikhel follows the valley rim through rice terraces still green from monsoon rains. October temperatures around 20-24°C (68-75°F) make full-day cycling comfortable, unlike the furnace-hot April ride or the soaking-wet August version. Panauti, a quiet Newari town at the confluence of two rivers, rarely sees tourists. Dhulikhel offers mountain views and a handful of mid-range lodges overlooking the Himalayas.
Comfortable cycling temperature, post-monsoon green landscape, clearing mountain views, and far fewer vehicles on the Arniko Highway during Dashain week when Kathmandu empties.Booking tipRent a mountain bike from shops in Thamel. Confirm brakes and gears the day before. The descent from Dhulikhel back to Bhaktapur is steep and fast.
Walk the Boudhanath kora at dusk
spiritualBoudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world, sits about 7km east of Thamel in a Tibetan refugee neighborhood. The evening kora (circumambulation) draws hundreds of Tibetan Buddhist practitioners walking clockwise around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels, while monks chant from the surrounding monasteries. October evenings at 15-17°C (59-63°F) are ideal for the 20-minute walking circuit. The butter lamp glow against the whitewashed dome and the low hum of mantras settle into a rhythm that feels physically calming.
The cooler October evenings make the outdoor kora comfortable compared to muggy monsoon months. Post-monsoon clarity also makes the stupa's painted eyes more photogenic against clearer skies.Booking tipNo booking needed. The kora runs continuously from around 5:00 PM until after dark. Entry to the stupa area costs 400 rupees for foreigners.
Hike Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
hikingShivapuri Peak (2,732m / 8,963ft) rises directly north of Kathmandu, and the national park that covers it offers a 4-5 hour round-trip hike from the Budhanilkantha gate. The trail passes through oak and rhododendron forest, and from the summit on clear October days, you can see from Annapurna to Everest. The entry fee is 1,000 rupees for foreigners. The forest is dense and humid. Bird activity is high in October as migratory species pass through.
Forest trails dry out by mid-October after the monsoon, and summit views become reliable again. Migratory bird species (including various flycatchers and warblers) pass through the park's forests.Booking tipStart by 6:30 AM to reach the summit before afternoon clouds build. Bring leech socks if hiking before mid-October.
Visit Patan Museum and Patan Durbar Square
culturalPatan Museum, housed in a restored wing of the old Patan Royal Palace, holds one of South Asia's finest collections of bronze Hindu and Buddhist sculpture. The courtyard architecture alone is worth the 1,000-rupee entry fee. During Dashain, Patan Durbar Square fills with local families receiving tika blessings at Krishna Mandir (a 17th-century stone temple). The Newari metalwork shops in Mangal Bazar, directly south of the square, stay partially open through Dashain and sell traditional ritual items alongside tourist pieces.
Dashain brings ritual activity to Krishna Mandir and Mul Chowk that is absent most of the year. The museum itself provides a cool, dry retreat during October's afternoon rain showers.Booking tipThe museum closes on Tuesdays. During Dashain week, confirm opening hours as they may shift for government holidays.
What to eat in October
In season: fruit
Lapsi (Nepali hog plum)
Lapsi fruit comes into season in October. The tart, slightly sour flesh gets made into lapsi candy (a chewy sweet-sour dried fruit snack), pickles, and titaura (a spiced dried fruit strip). Vendors in Ason's spice lanes sell bags of freshly prepared lapsi titaura. The fruit itself is small, olive-green, and has a distinctive tartness that is hard to compare to anything else.
On menus now
Chatamari
A Newari rice crepe, sometimes called Nepali pizza, topped with minced buffalo meat, egg, and chopped onion. Chatamari appears at festival gatherings and Newari feasts throughout Dashain. The thin, crispy base is cooked on a clay griddle. Kirtipur's Newari restaurants serve particularly good versions, and Patan's backstreet eateries near Kumbheshwar Temple tend to add chatamari specials during festival weeks.
Street food peaks
Bara (wo)
Lentil patties made from black gram (kalo dal), pan-fried and served plain or topped with an egg or minced buffalo. Bara is a Newari staple that appears at every festival gathering. During Dashain, Newari families in Patan and Bhaktapur prepare large batches. The outer crust gets golden and crisp while the inside stays soft and slightly spongy. Street vendors in Mangal Bazar and Ason sell them for 20-40 rupees each.
What to drink
Tongba (hot millet beer)
Fermented millet served in a wooden or metal container, topped with boiling water. You drink through a bamboo straw with a strainer. October evenings at 15°C (59°F) are cool enough that tongba becomes genuinely welcome. The slightly sour, warm, yeasty flavor is an acquired taste, but it's part of the fabric of hillside drinking culture. Restaurants in Thamel and Boudha serve it, though the version in Bhaktapur's smaller Newari bars tends to be stronger and less sweetened for tourist palates.
Festival food
Khasi ko masu (Dashain goat meat)
Goat is the centerpiece of Dashain feasting. Families buy live goats in the weeks before the festival, and the meat is slow-cooked in spiced gravy with cumin, turmeric, timur (Sichuan pepper), and jimbu (Himalayan onion grass). The aroma of simmering goat curry drifts out of homes across Patan and Kirtipur during Dashain's final days. Restaurants that stay open in Thamel often run special Dashain thali plates featuring this dish.
Sel roti
A ring-shaped rice bread, crispy on the outside, chewy within. Families deep-fry sel roti in mustard oil at home during Dashain and Tihar. The batter uses ground rice, sugar, cardamom, and sometimes banana. Street vendors around Ason and Indra Chowk sell them warm, and the smell of frying batter hangs over neighborhood lanes in the morning. Sel roti pairs with aloo tarkari (potato curry) as a typical festival breakfast.
Regular events in October
Fulpati (7th day of Dashain)Free
A procession carries sacred jamara plants and banana stalks from Gorkha (the ancestral seat of the Shah dynasty) to Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu. Military bands accompany the procession. The event marks the beginning of the most intense phase of Dashain.
Falls 3 days before Vijaya Dashami, typically early to mid-OctoberPachali Bhairav JatraFree
A nighttime chariot procession honoring Pachali Bhairav, a fierce form of Shiva, through the streets of southern Kathmandu near Teku. The festival involves sword-wielding dancers, animal sacrifice, and a large jatra (procession) that runs from evening into the early hours. It typically coincides with the Dashain period and draws large crowds from the old city neighborhoods.
Usually coincides with Dashain period in October, date shifts with the lunar calendarKathmandu International Mountain Film Festival
Screenings of mountain, adventure, and environmental documentaries at venues in Kathmandu, typically the Kumari Cinema Hall area and cultural centers in Patan. The festival draws filmmakers from across the Himalayan region and international mountain film circuits. Panel discussions and meet-the-filmmaker sessions run between screenings.
Late October or early November, dates vary annuallyGhatasthapana (first day of Dashain)Free
Marks the official start of Dashain. Families plant jamara (barley seeds) in small pots of sand and cow dung inside their homes. The sprouted yellow-green shoots are used 10 days later for tika blessings on Vijaya Dashami. Hindu priests perform puja at temples across the valley, and the mood shifts noticeably as Kathmandu begins its festival preparation.
10 days before Vijaya Dashami, typically early OctoberBest places this October
Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka)
heritageThe old royal palace complex is the ceremonial center of Dashain. Taleju Temple, normally closed to non-Hindus, opens to all visitors on Maha Navami. The Kumari's living quarters face the square, and her procession during Dashain is one of the few times you'll see the living goddess in public. The square's 16th-century architecture, wood carvings, and stone courtyards take on a different character when filled with incense smoke and festival offerings.
BasantapurSwayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
viewpointThe hilltop stupa west of central Kathmandu offers one of the valley's best 360-degree viewpoints. On clear October mornings, the snow-capped peaks appear above the northern valley rim for the first time in months. The climb up the 365 stone steps is steep but short (about 15 minutes). The monkeys are aggressive around food. The view at dawn, with mist sitting in the valley floor and peaks catching first light, is worth the early start.
SwayambhuAsan Tole and Indra Chowk
marketKathmandu's oldest and densest market district reaches peak activity before Dashain as families buy festival supplies. The narrow lanes overflow with marigold garlands (for puja), red tika powder, new clothing, kitchen utensils, and live goats tethered to lampposts. The sensory overload is intense. Spice merchants in Asan sell turmeric, cumin, and jimbu by weight. The 17th-century Annapurna Temple sits tucked into the commercial chaos.
AsanGarden of Dreams (Kaiser Mahal)
parkA restored neo-classical European garden in Thamel, originally built in 1920 by Field Marshal Kaiser Shumsher Rana. The 6,000 sq meter (1.5 acre) walled garden has pergolas, ponds, urns, and manicured lawns that feel completely disconnected from Thamel's noise on the other side of the wall. In October, the garden is green from monsoon rain, and the afternoon light through the pergola columns is warm. Entry is 400 rupees. A good refuge during afternoon showers.
ThamelPashupatinath Temple
templeNepal's holiest Hindu temple, on the banks of the Bagmati River in eastern Kathmandu. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple but can observe the open-air cremation ghats and the surrounding temple complex. During Dashain, ritual activity intensifies. Sadhus (ascetic holy men) gather in larger numbers. The smoke from cremation pyres, the sound of temple bells, and the orange-robed sadhus against the stone backdrop of the ghats create a raw, confrontational atmosphere that is the polar opposite of a sanitized tourist site.
DeopatanKirtipur
neighborhoodA hilltop Newari town 5km southwest of central Kathmandu, largely bypassed by tourist traffic. The Bagh Bhairav Temple and Uma Maheshwar Temple sit at the summit, with views across the valley. During Dashain, Kirtipur's narrow brick lanes fill with bamboo swings and neighborhood feasting. The Newari restaurants on the main road serve excellent chatamari and choila (spiced grilled buffalo). Kirtipur's elevation gives it slightly cooler evenings and better air movement than the valley floor.
KirtipurBoudhanath Stupa
heritageThe massive whitewashed stupa, rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake, sits at the center of Kathmandu's Tibetan community. The rooftop restaurants ringing the stupa serve Tibetan bread, thukpa (noodle soup), and butter tea while you watch the evening kora below. October's clearing skies make the painted Buddha eyes on the harmika (the golden square above the dome) more photogenic than during the monsoon months. The Tibetan monasteries flanking the stupa compound hold morning and evening prayer sessions open to visitors.
BoudhaNagarkot
viewpointA ridge-top viewpoint 32km east of Kathmandu at 2,195m (7,200ft) elevation. From mid-October onward, the Himalayan panorama from Nagarkot stretches from Dhaulagiri to Everest on clear mornings. The viewing tower at the summit adds another 20m of elevation. Several lodges line the ridge and serve as overnight bases for dawn viewing. The drive from Bhaktapur climbs through terraced farmland that is still green from monsoon irrigation in October.
Nagarkot
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Insider tips
During Dashain's peak days (Maha Ashtami through Vijaya Dashami), Thamel's tourist restaurants are among the only places open for meals. But the better move is to ask your guesthouse owner if any local families are hosting visitors for Dashain dinner. Many Kathmandu families welcome foreign guests for the tika ceremony and festival feast, and it is considered auspicious. Your guesthouse staff can often arrange this.
The pre-Dashain goat market near Kalimati stretches along the road for several hundred meters in the week before the festival. Hundreds of goats are tethered, inspected, and haggled over. It is one of the most photographically rich scenes in October Kathmandu, and tourists rarely visit. Reach Kalimati by local bus from Ratna Park for about 25 rupees.
For Himalayan views without the Nagarkot crowds, drive to Changu Narayan (a 7th-century hilltop temple, UNESCO-listed) instead. The viewpoint is comparable, the temple has some of the finest Licchavi-era stone sculpture in Nepal, and you'll share the site with fewer than 20 other visitors on a typical October weekday.
Buy your Dashain marigold garlands from the wholesale flower sellers at Asan Tole early in the morning (before 7:00 AM) rather than from Thamel street vendors. The price difference is 3-5x for the same garlands. The marigolds are strung fresh overnight and the morning light in Asan's narrow lanes, filtered through hanging garlands, is worth setting an alarm for.
If you're heading to Bhaktapur during Dashain, keep your entry ticket. The 1,500-rupee foreign visitor fee covers multiple entries over 7 days, but the ticket office doesn't always volunteer this information. Write the date on your ticket to avoid confusion at the checkpoint.
Avoid these mistakes
- Scheduling a tight 3-day Kathmandu itinerary over Dashain's peak days without realizing that banks, government offices, permit offices, airlines booking counters, and most non-tourist businesses close for 3-5 consecutive days. Build at least 2 buffer days into your plan, or time your arrival for the week after Vijaya Dashami.
- Booking a domestic flight to Lukla or Pokhara during Dashain week at the last minute. Nepali families traveling home buy these seats weeks in advance. If you need a domestic flight in the first half of October, book at least 3 weeks ahead or plan to take a tourist bus to Pokhara instead (7-8 hours by road).
- Walking the old city in flat-soled sneakers or flip-flops after rain. Kathmandu's flagstone pavements, especially around the Durbar Squares and Asan, become slick when wet. The combination of moss, wet stone, and uneven surfaces sends multiple tourists to clinics each monsoon season with twisted ankles.
- Assuming October weather means consistent sunshine. The first 10-12 days often carry leftover monsoon rain, and even late October can deliver a surprise afternoon downpour. Travelers who leave their rain layer at the hotel regret it by 2:00 PM.
Practical tips for October
Get trekking permits and TIMS cards from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Bhrikutimandap before Dashain week begins, as the office closes for several days during the festival. Banks close during Dashain's peak days (Maha Ashtami through Vijaya Dashami, plus sometimes a day or two on either side), so withdraw cash beforehand. ATMs in Thamel and Lazimpat run out of notes faster than usual during Dashain because of festival spending. Carry small bills (100 and 500 rupee notes) for temple donations and local bus fares. Visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport works normally during Dashain, but the immigration queue can be longer than usual as it coincides with the start of trekking season. Most museums (including the National Museum in Chhauni and Patan Museum) close on government holidays during Dashain, so check locally before making the trip. For getting around, ride-hailing apps like Pathao and inDrive work in Kathmandu, though driver availability drops during peak festival days. Thamel's narrow lanes are pedestrian-only in the core, so you'll be walking regardless. Dress modestly for temple visits, with covered shoulders and knees. Tipping is not mandatory but 10% at restaurants is appreciated.
FAQ
Is October a good time to visit Kathmandu?
October is one of the best 2-3 months to visit. The monsoon retreats, Himalayan views return, trekking season opens, and Dashain, Nepal's biggest festival, typically falls in mid-October. The main trade-off is that Dashain closes most non-tourist businesses for 3-5 days, and it's peak season pricing. If you can work around the closures, October is an excellent choice.
What is the weather like in Kathmandu in October?
Expect daytime highs around 23.9°C (75°F) and nighttime lows near 14.9°C (59°F). Rainfall averages 141mm spread across about 15 days, mostly in the first half of the month as the monsoon tail retreats. Humidity sits at 83%, which makes the air feel heavier than the temperature suggests. The second half of October is typically drier and clearer. Pack layers for the 10°C temperature swing between morning and afternoon.
Is Kathmandu crowded in October?
Yes. October is peak tourist season, and it also coincides with Dashain, which drives heavy domestic travel. Thamel fills with trekkers gearing up for Annapurna and Everest Base Camp. Domestic flights and tourist buses to Pokhara sell out around Dashain week. That said, the crowding is more noticeable in Thamel and at the Durbar Squares than in neighborhoods like Patan, Kirtipur, or Boudha, which remain manageable.
What is Dashain and how does it affect travel in Kathmandu?
Dashain is Nepal's longest and most important Hindu festival, spanning 15 days in September or October (date shifts with the lunar calendar). The final 5 days are the most intense. Government offices, banks, many shops, and non-tourist restaurants close for 3-5 consecutive days around Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijaya Dashami. Domestic transport gets heavily booked as migrant workers return to home villages. Tourist infrastructure in Thamel stays mostly operational, but services outside the tourist zone slow significantly.
Can I start a trek from Kathmandu in October?
October is one of the two prime trekking months (alongside November). The Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley, Everest Base Camp, and shorter routes like Poon Hill are all open. Trails can still be muddy in early October, especially below 3,000m, and leeches are active on forested lower sections until mid-month. Get your TIMS card and permits before Dashain week, when the Nepal Tourism Board office closes. Teahouses along major routes are open and less crowded than in November.
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