Best Places To Celebrate New Year In Nepal 2025

The best places to celebrate New Year in Nepal 2025 are Kathmandu, Pokhara, Everest Region, and more. Considered to be one of the most peaceful countries in South Asia, Nepal can be an ideal location for exploration during the New Year. The months of December and January can be the perfect seasons to experience cultural tours, short treks, and wildlife safaris. Although it is winter here, you will witness moderate temperatures in the lower region of Nepal. Also, if you want to experience the snow, a short trek toward the Himalayas can also be done.

During New Year, popular places like Kathmandu and Pokhara offer you the best festive celebration moment. Similarly, an Everest short trek and the Annapurna Region can be considered a peaceful, adventurous journey. If you want cultural immersion, you can visit Lumbini and Bhaktapur. Similarly, for scenic adventure, the nearby places from Kathmandu, Nagarkot, and Bandipur can be the best option. No matter which destination you choose, celebrating New Year in Nepal means you will have the safest and most enjoyable adventure.

10 Places to Celebrate New Year 2024

Wondering what places in Nepal are perfect for New Year celebration? From lower region exploration to a short hike in the Himalayas, Nepal can be the ideal location for you to celebrate the new beginning. The new year can be celebrated in various ways. In Nepal, people visit temples and worship god. They also organize cultural events and perform dances. Some people, especially youths, love to visit restaurants and clubs for New Year’s celebrations. Here is the list of the top 10 places you can visit to welcome the New Year 2025.

1. Kathmandu

• Elevation: 1,400 meters
• Party Life Spot: Thamel and Durbar Marg
• Historical Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath
• Activities: Pashupati aarti, concerts, street parties, and traditional dances

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and a bustling city that not only offers you city life but is also best for cultural immersion. Celebrating the New Year 2025 here can be an exciting adventure. You will see street parties, concerts, and a lively nightlife scene, which you can participate in.

For a city life adventure, you can visit popular spots like Thamel, Durbar Marg, and Basantapur Durbar Square. Similarly, if you want your New Year to be culturally rich, then visiting Pashupatinath Temple, Boudha, and Swayambhu can be the best. You can also stop by the markets, try different cuisines, and buy some special New Year souvenirs for your loved ones.

2. Pokhara

• Elevation: 827 meters
• Popular Spots: Phewa Lake and Lakeside area
• Trekking: Short Trek to Sarangkot or Multi-Day Trek to ABC
• Adventure: Paragliding, ziplining, and ultra-light flights

Pokhara is another perfect city for you to explore for the 2025 New Year. There are many things you can do while visiting Pokhara City. The top location for you to celebrate can be the Lakeside. Here you will get many restaurants and clubs open 24 hours a day for celebrations. Also, the Lakeside area hosts live concerts, fireworks, and vibrant street markets.

As an alternative to this, if you want a peaceful location, Phewa Lake and Sarangkot are the other two ideal locations. Also, indulging in activities like Paragliding, boating, and bungee jumping during the new year can be quite an adventure for you. The stunning distant views of the Annapurna Ranges you see from here can add some serene backdrop.

3. Nagarkot

• Elevation: 2,175 meters
• Attraction: Sunrise and Sunset over the Himalayas
• Trekking: Short hike to Changu or Narayan (about 5 to 6 hours)
• Accommodations: Cozy Resorts with mountain views and warm hospitality.

One of the most peaceful and closest locations to Kathmandu, Nagarkot, can be an ideal place to welcome the 2025 New Year. It is located about 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu Valley. To reach this destination, you can either book a taxi or even take public transportation.

Starting your new year with the beautiful sunrise view over the Himalayas from Nagarkot can be memorable. From the viewpoint here, you will witness the panoramic views of Mount Everest and other Himalayas. Away from bustling city life, in Nagarkot, you will get several cozy restaurants to make a stay. Furthermore, also offers you a short hiking adventure.

4. Everest Region

• Elevation: 2,800 meters (Lukla) to 5,364 meters (Everest Base Camp)
• Trekking options: Everest Panorama Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Three Passes Trek, Gokyo Trek
• Key Spot: Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and base camp
• Attractions: Views of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world
• Are you looking for an adventurous and thrilling New Year celebration? Trekking towards the Everest region can be perfect for you. Making a hike toward this region can be challenging yet rewarding. Being not a popular season to trek, during the new year, you will witness fewer crowds and breathtaking views of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.

You can plan your itinerary in such a way that you are in Namche or at Everest Base Camp during the New Year. This trek combines physical achievement with stunning scenery. Offering a rich cultural experience and natural beauty, the New Year can be the perfect time for a short Everest region trek. Also, trekking during this season, you can witness snowfall at higher altitudes.

5. Chitwan National Park

• Elevation: 150 meters
• Activities: Jungle safari, Elephant bathing, and restaurant hunting
• Adventure: Canoeing, elephant rides, and jeep safaris

Want an exciting nature-filled adventure for the New Year? If so, you can visit Chitwan National Park. This park is rich in biodiversity. Thus, you can see Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, and wild elephants with the jungle safari there. For adventurous activities, you can also opt for canoe rides, boating, and elephant bathing.

Also ideal for cultural immersion, you can also witness the traditional Tharu dance being performed on the streets of Sauraha. For an adventurous New Year combined with an eco-friendly celebration exploring, the Chitwan National Park can be an excellent choice for you.

6. Lumbini

• Elevation: 150 meters
• Popular Spots: Maya Devi Temple and World Peace Pagoda
• Spiritual Experience: Meditation and visits to monasteries made by different countries.

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Celebrating New Year here, you will get a unique blend of peace, spirituality, and cultural richness. This place provides you with a serene atmosphere to start the year with reflection and mindfulness.

You can explore the sacred Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini or meditate in the sprawling monasteries built by different countries. To fully immerse yourself, you can also light butter lamps for blessings in the year ahead. The peaceful gardens, tranquil water bodies, and the international Buddhist community together offer you a meaningful New Year celebration away from the usual hustle.

7. Annapurna Region

• Elevation: From 800 meters (Pokhara) to 5,416 meters (Thorong La Pass)
• Trekking options: Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
• Famous Spot: Annapurna Base Camp for trekkers.
• Attraction: Annapurna I, the World’s 10th Highest Peak

The perfect alternative to the Everest Region, the Annapurna Region trekking offers you both screen and cultural immersion. Celebrating the new year while witnessing the 10th highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna, isn’t it overwhelming?

One of the popular villages of the Annapurna region where you can celebrate the year is Ghandruk. You can also trek towards the Ghorepani Poon Hill and witness the sunrise of the new year from Poon Hill. For a more challenging and rewarding adventure, you can also consider ABC or Circuit Trek. Trekking towards this region can be the best, unforgettable way to welcome the New Year.

8. Bandipur

• Elevation: 1,030 meters
• Famous For: Traditional Newari architecture and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Historical Significance: Former trade route between India and Tibet.
• Distance from Kathmandu: 143 km (4-hour drive)

Celebrating New Year in Bandipur allows you to step into a town that feels frozen in time. Its charming cobblestone streets, old Newari homes, and laid-back atmosphere can be perfect for welcoming the year. From this place, you can also see Himalayan ranges like Langtang, Manaslu, and Dhaulagari.

The beautiful morning sunrise views and a combination of all these adventures can make your new year memorable. Here in Bandipur, you can also learn about local Newari culture and enjoy the new year in the traditional way they celebrate.

9. Mustang

• Elevation: From 2,800 meters (Lower Mustang) to 4,000 meters (Upper Mustang)
• Famous For: Desert-like landscape and ancient Tibetan culture.
• Restricted Area: Upper Mustang requires a special trekking permit.
• Former Kingdom: Mustang was an isolated kingdom until 2008

Mustang, often referred to as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” offers an adventurous and culturally immersive New Year experience. It offers you dramatic landscapes and towering cliffs, making you feel like you are in a different world.

Visiting Mustang during New Year allows you to explore the Tibetan-influenced culture, witness traditional festivals, and experience local customs in villages like Lo Manthang. To celebrate New Year, you can either trek through the barren or enjoy cultural celebrations with local families. The choice is all yours.

10. Bhaktapur

• Elevation: 1,400 meters, similar to Kathmandu
• Popular Spot: Bhaktapur Durbar Square
• Activities: Exploring traditional Newari culture, ancient temples, and festive activities.

You can celebrate New Year in Bhaktapur, which is the neighboring district from Kathmandu. This place will take you back to the medieval era, with its narrow alleys, ancient temples, and majestic courtyards filled with rich Newari traditions.

To celebrate New Year, you can visit Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, and Dattatreya Square. These places offer you intricate wood carvings and create a magical ambiance. Bhaktapur’s festivals are colorful, and during New Year, you can participate in local celebrations, watch traditional masked dances, and enjoy delicious Newari feasts.

Why Celebrate New Year In Nepal?

Celebrating New Year in Nepal allows you to experience deeply rooted cultural activities. You can witness people visiting temples, worshiping gods, and praying for prosperity. It gives you the perfect chance to have deep spiritual experiences. Also, during this time of year, you can witness breathtaking landscapes, from the Himalayas to lush valleys. It offers you a stunning backdrop for starting the year in peace and natural beauty.

In cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will see many live events being conducted in which you can participate. Celebrating the new year with music, dances, and fireworks can be quite interesting. Also, you will get plenty of activities to participate in, such as trekking, paragliding, and hiking, which can be offered at festive prices. As a tourist, you can try authentic Nepali dishes like sel roti, momo, and gundruk, which can add a touch of Nepali flavor to your holiday. 

Considered to be one of the happiest countries in South Asia, celebrating New Year in Nepal is also budget-friendly compared to many other international destinations. You will get everything from accommodations, meals, and transportation in New Year’s offer prices, which further reduces your cost of exploration. Additionally, people here are friendly. No matter if you are traveling solo or in a group, people here will make you feel at home.

Activities You Can Do In New Year In Nepal

• You can attend festivals and cultural programs celebrated with music, traditional dances, and parades in places like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• You can start the year with blessings by visiting sacred places like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, or Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).
• Taking advantage of Neapal’s diverse landscapes, you can also trek towards the Himalayas. Popular options include the Annapurna and Everest region trek.
• You can also indulge in some exciting activities such as paragliding in Pokhara, bungee jumping in Bhote Koshi, or zip-lining near Pokhara.
• A short visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square, can also be done.
• In Pokhara, you can enjoy lakeside parties, live music, and fireworks with the serene Fewa Lake and mountains in the background.

Travel With My Everest Trip

My Everest Trip is known for its authenticity, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. We have been operating for 15 years and have earned the trust of trekkers, climbers, and adventurous lovers with our services. Operated in 3 different countries, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, we have a team of experienced people committed to providing the best services. In addition to that, our customization itinerary feature helps with each traveler’s unique preferences, thus ensuring a memorable journey.

Traveling with us during New Year can quite be an adventure for you. Our flexible itineraries allow you to celebrate New Year’s in your own style, whether it is by exploring breathtaking natural wonders like Pokhara and Nagarkot or joining lively New Year parties in Kathmandu. Plus, our expert team will ensure your trip is safe and smooth. Your journey will be filled with opportunities to immerse in the beauty of Nepal during this special time of the year.

Conclusion For Places to Visit Nepal in the New Year

Overall, New Year here in Nepal can be quite an adventure. You will have multiple options to do and to participate in. Some of the places listed above are the best stops for you to celebrate Nepal’s cultural and natural beauty. The country is not just perfect for New Year. All the festivities that come by can be ideal for you to experience here.

Besides, the Nepali New Year falls on Baishak 1 (mid-April). If you want to have a more in-depth immersion in Nepal’s New Year, you can also visit here during that time. The growing popularity of Nepal is not just because of its natural beauty and cultural richness. The friendly people residing here are also the major reason for increasing tourism.

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