Dashain and Tihar are the one time of year when the whole family is free together, and winter brings the wedding and honeymoon season. If you're thinking of going abroad instead of (or as well as) going home, this guide shows where the weather is good, which visas are quick, and what each trip costs from Kathmandu.
Quick answer: For a last-minute Dashain trip, pick the Maldives (free visa on arrival) or Sri Lanka (online ETA). For Tihar and early winter, Thailand, northern Vietnam and Dubai have their best weather. For a longer winter trip, plan Japan or Europe early, because their visas take weeks.
Festival dates for 2026
- Dashain: Ghatasthapana on 11 October, Vijaya Dashami (Tika) on 21 October.
- Tihar: Laxmi Puja on 8 November, with Bhai Tika a couple of days later.
- Winter: December to February, Nepal's main wedding and honeymoon season.
Flights out of Kathmandu fill up around both festivals, so the earlier you fix your dates, the better your fare and hotel choice.
Thailand: the easiest first trip abroad
Thailand is the most popular choice for Nepali families, and November is when the Andaman coast (Phuket and Krabi) starts its dry, calm season. Bangkok is warm all year, with plenty to do for all ages: temples, river cruises, shopping and Safari World.
- Bangkok & Pattaya, 5 days from NPR 29,000
- Bangkok & Phuket, 6 days from NPR 57,000
- Bangkok, Phuket & Krabi, 8 days from NPR 74,000
Visa: Nepali passport holders need a Thailand e-visa. Apply 3 to 4 weeks before you fly, so Thailand suits Tihar and winter better than a last-minute Dashain trip. Read our Thailand visa guide.
Maldives: the best last-minute pick
The Maldives gives every visitor a free visa on arrival, so you can decide late and still go. November to April is the dry season, with calm, clear water for snorkelling.
- Maldives Holiday on Maafushi, 4 days from NPR 55,000: a local island with sandbank and snorkel trips, the budget way to see the Maldives
- Maldives Honeymoon, 4 days from NPR 109,500: beach and overwater villa
Sri Lanka: close, green and good value
Sri Lanka is a short flight away and the tourist ETA is applied for online. The south and west coasts are at their best from December to March; in October and November expect some afternoon showers, which keep the tea hills around Kandy and Nuwara Eliya green.
- Sri Lanka Tour, 5 days from NPR 55,000
- Sri Lanka & Maldives Honeymoon, 9 days from NPR 450,000
Vietnam: pick the region by month
Vietnam is long, so the weather depends on where you go:
- North (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay): cool and dry from October to December, ideal for Dashain and Tihar.
- South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): the dry season starts in November and runs through winter.
- Centre (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue): October to December is the rainy season, so save it for spring.
- Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay, 5 days from NPR 64,700
- Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta, 5 days from NPR 49,700
- Phu Quoc Island, 5 days from NPR 61,300
- Vietnam Family Tour, 10 days from NPR 106,300
Visa: Vietnam's e-visa is applied for online and is usually quick, but don't leave it to the last week. Don't miss the food either: see our Vietnam food guide.
Dubai: perfect weather from October to March
Dubai is too hot in summer but pleasant through the festival season and winter, which is also when outdoor attractions and desert safaris are most enjoyable. The Dubai Shopping Festival usually runs from mid-December into January.
- Dubai Tour, 5 days from NPR 140,000
- Dubai & Abu Dhabi, 6 days from NPR 155,000
Read more in our Dubai guide.
Honeymoons for the winter wedding season
Married in Mangsir or Magh? These trips are built for couples and have good weather in winter:
- Maldives Honeymoon, 4 days from NPR 109,500
- Bali Honeymoon, 5 days from NPR 57,300 (Bali's rainy season starts in November, but showers are usually short)
- Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi Honeymoon, 6 days from NPR 68,000
Planning Bali? Our guides on Bali honeymoons and Bali safety will help.
Longer winter trips: Japan, China and Europe
If you have more time in December or January, these are worth planning now, because their visas need an embassy application:
- Japan: autumn colours peak in late November, then winter brings clear views of Mount Fuji. Tokyo & Mount Fuji, 5 days from NPR 136,500.
- China: cold in the north but beautiful in the south. Guilin & Yangshuo, 5 days from NPR 128,000, or Beijing, 5 days from NPR 124,000.
- Europe: Christmas markets in December and snow in the Swiss Alps. Switzerland & Paris, 8 days from NPR 390,000. A Schengen visa takes several weeks, so apply early.
Which trip fits your dates?
- Leaving within 2 to 3 weeks (Dashain): Maldives or Sri Lanka.
- Leaving around Tihar: Thailand, northern Vietnam, Dubai or Malaysia.
- December to February: Phu Quoc, Sri Lanka's south coast, the Maldives, Japan or Europe.
- Smallest budget: Bangkok & Pattaya from NPR 29,000, or Da Nang from NPR 46,500.
Tips for festival-season travel
- Book flights early. Fares out of Kathmandu rise as the festivals get closer, and return flights after Tihar fill up fast.
- Check your passport. Most countries need at least 6 months' validity from your travel date.
- Apply for visas first. Confirm the visa timing before you pay for flights.
- Travelling with elders or children? Thailand, Vietnam and Dubai have short transfers and easy, family-friendly days.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest international trip from Nepal for Dashain?
Our Bangkok & Pattaya tour starts from NPR 29,000 per person for 5 days, plus flights. Vietnam's Da Nang Getaway starts from NPR 46,500.
Which countries can I visit at short notice from Nepal?
The Maldives gives a free visa on arrival, and Sri Lanka's ETA is applied for online. Thailand, Japan, China and Europe need a visa in advance, so plan those earlier.
Do the tour prices include flights?
Most of our packages exclude international flights from Kathmandu, and each package page lists exactly what's included. We can book the flights for you.
Where should we go for a winter honeymoon?
The Maldives, Bali and Langkawi are the most popular. The Maldives is in its dry season from November, and Langkawi is calm and sunny in winter.
Ready to plan your festival trip? Message us on WhatsApp at +977 971-3084788 or contact us, and our team will check visa timing, flights and hotels for your dates.