The monsoon is the busiest season in Kathmandu for rice planting and maize harvesting. Due to urbanization, only a few farming fields are available for rice planting, although cultural and traditional rituals are celebrated similarly to how they were years ago. Kathmandu Valley is transformed into a lush, green paradise, with a moderate temperature and an enchanting festival vibe, which offers a wonderful travel experience. Most travelers avoid the rainy season due to the rain, but if you travel to Kathmandu Valley during monsoon, the rewards of cultural traits will pay you. The misty landscapes, cloudy hills, the dark green thick forests, the cool mountain breeze, and the serene atmosphere of the Valley make this Kathmandu valley festival tour memorable. At the end of summer, Kathmandu Valley witnessed a month-long Rato Machhindranath festival completed at Patan City. The deity Machhindranath returned to the residence at Bungmati town. The beginning of the monsoon follows different festivals and is associated with agriculture. Gunla Parva, Nagpanchami, Gai Jatra (Cows festival), Janaipurnima, Krishnajanmasthami, Haritalika Teej, and Indra Jatra are a few vibrant festivals celebrated in the Valley.
A few reasons to visit Kathmandu Valley during the monsoon
- Serene Environment & Abundant Greenery
Kathmandu Valley is surrounded by hills and forests, and it becomes stunning during the monsoon. These hills are suppliers of drinking water, fresh mountain air, and a balanced ecology of the valley. During the first week of June, monsoon in the Kathmandu Valley brings a soothing environment perfect for exploration around Kathmandu. The rice planting Kathmandu agro tour is organised during this time for volunteers, students, and researchers at Panauti village or in Khokana village. - A wonderful and Colorful festival
A month-long chariot procession of the Machhindranath rath jatra concludes in late May, sometimes in June also which is based on the lunar calendar. The vibrant Chariot procession, musical dance, adds more color to the festival. During the months of monsoon(June to September), iconic festivals are celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal Photography tour is suitable during the monsoon season since it covers wonderful and colorful festivals. The following are a few festivals that occur during the monsoon season:
- Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley to honor the snakes for protecting crops from rats and other small reptiles. It is a traditional Hindu festival that occurs during the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Lunar month of Sawan(July-August). Snakes hold a respectful place in Hindu mythology as snakes were used as an ornament by lord Shiva and bed(Sheshnag) by lord Vishnu. In this day, people clean their homes, draw snake images on the wall, and offer milk, fruits to the idol of the snake. - Gunla Parva
Kathmandu Valley’s Newar Buddhist community celebrates Gunla Parva, which falls during the month of Gunla based on the lunar calendar of Nepal Samvat. A month-long festival is spiritual, marked by devotion, every morning, with musical processions around the Buddha Stupa. This festival is the commemoration of the rains retreat, Gunla Bhajan (music), and is performed around Bouddhanath Stupa, Swoyambhunath Stupa, and many other parts of the Valley. - Gai Jatra
Gai Jatra is one of the colorful and humorous festivals celebrated in Nepal during August. Gaijatra is mainly celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley and its surrounding periphery, where the Newari community has a significant influence on culture and traditions. The Gai Jatra festival tour is suitable for a Kathmandu Valley street photography tour and understanding the significance of such festivals in the Newar community. The festival is celebrated in remembrance of loved ones who died in the previous year, and children are dressed as cows and parade in the street to honor the deceased. During this day, the streets of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan become vibrant with music, laughter, and poignant remembrance. - Janaipurnima/Rakshya Bandhan
One of the holiest festivals of Hindus in Nepal and India. In Kathmandu valley, a sacred thread called Janai is exchanged by fulfilling the ritual with a priest. At the same time, sisters tie Rakhi to their brothers for protection and prosperity. The Gosainkunda Lake tour is done in this holy festival by Pilgrims from around the world. The huge crowd gathered in pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu valley and outside Kathmandu, such as Panchpokhari and Bhairavkund in Sindhupalchok district. - Krishna Janamashtami
Krishna Janamashtami has higher significance in the Hindu religion, especially to those who follow lord Vishnu. The day is celebrated in the Krishna temple around the world. The 21 pinnacle stone temple of lord Krishna in Patan Durbar Square is the main attraction on this day for the people of Kathmandu Valley. Patan Durbar Square and the narrow alleys of Patan are suitable for a street photography tour. The celebration continues till midnight. - Indra Jatra
The eight-day-long festival dedicated to lord Indra is Indra Jatra, which is especially celebrated by the residents of Kathmandu Valley, honoring lord Indra for the timely rain for rice planting. The festival usually falls in September, which marks the end of the Monsoon in Kathmandu Valley. The celebrations include several street shows and a chariot procession of the living goddess Kumari and the lord Bhairav chariot. To know more about Indra Jatra, please read our blog article Indra Jatra: Honoring the King of Gods and Celebrating Harvest in Nepal.
- Nag Panchami
- Less crowded & Authentic experiences
The monsoon is infeasible for trekking and hiking due to the risk of landslide and flooding. The tourists are lesser in number compared to Spring and Autumn. The tour to heritage sites is easy to explore without crowds. - Spiritual & Cultural Immersion
Monsoon is a time of deep spirituality in Nepal. Even people do tantra sadhana during these months. Temples and stupas are adorned with oil lamps, and the sound of prayers mixes with the rhythm of rain. The musical parade and colorful attire are interesting to watch. - Budget-friendly tour offer
Due to the off-season, restaurants, hotels offer discounts and surprise packages. The tour will be truly budget-friendly and interesting too. The heritage of Kathmandu Valley, along with these vibrant festivals, makes the journey to the ancient city fruitful. - Places to visit during the Monsoon Festival tour
Within Kathmandu Valley, there are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely three Durbar Squares, each in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, and two Hindu shrines, Pashupatinath temple and Changunarayan temple. And remaining two are Swoyambhunath Stupa and Bouddhanath Stupa. Besides these, Pharping, NamoBuddha, Sankhu, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Panauti, Kakani, and many other sites are available to explore and enjoy.
Final note
A monsoon festival tour is suitable for anyone who loves to learn about different cultures and traditions. Even though Monsoon rain may slow down your pace of travelling, you can grab an umbrella, embrace the rhythm of the rain, and hold your camera and capture the precious moment for life lifetime. Finally, bring waterproof shoes, a raincoat, and quickly drying clothes. Try local cuisine and local transportation for independent travel. For a package tour, we are there to assist you in every step. Happy Monsoon festival tour to Nepal.
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