By the time Nepal will open for trekking and mountaineering ( starting from 17 October 2020) ,the vibe s of Dashain would have already started. Dashain is not only the biggest festival of Nepal (starting soon from mid October), It is also the longest festival of Nepal which will most probably be celebrated for a couple of weeks. Dashain is the time of kites and the skies of Nepal has already seen many of them. The time of celebration is coming and so is the adventure for the tourists as trekking is soon to resume in Nepal.
What to know for Dashain and trekking in Nepal?
As many tourists have already shown their interest in traveling to Nepal for the adventure of trekking and mountaineering despite the Covid-19 concerns. The tourism activities has been smoothly running throughout the country with the domestic tourism and it seems there is no turning back from the decision to resume tourism from 17 October for Nepal Government. So well it is actually happening, the international tourism will be starting after 10 days now.
The Dashain on the other hand creates a whole new environment throughout the country. Being the biggest and longest festival of Nepal, it definitely creates a mood of celebration and different vibe. As a tourist what you should know before you arrive to Nepal after 17 October is that it will be the time of Dashain. During this time of the year, every Nepalese return back to their homes and native places to celebrate with their whole family. These are the holidays and times of celebration, so the offices are shut down, many organisations are shut down throughout this period as a holiday which makes Kathmandu and different other cities less crowded.
In fact, Dashain is the only time when you will see empty roads and quiet environment in Kathmandu. The streets and areas which used to crowded suddenly becomes peaceful, no traffic jams and less pollution. This will give you a chance to explore different places in a reasonable environment as a tourists in Nepal.
Now for the trekking from 17 October, as many Nepalese return back to their homes and their native places, there will be less density in capital and Kathmandu will become less crowded, the public buses and vehicles will not be crowded as before. There will be very less number of passengers traveling and using public vehicles at this time.
Tourism service and experience will not be affected due to Dashain.
However, the tourism services and infrastructures will not be limited. The travel agents, hotels, resorts and restaurants will be in operation despite the holiday season, so you do not have to worry about the services. On the other hand, I can not promise you but you might get a chance to experience the traditions and culture of dashain festival during your journey to Nepal. Well, you might also miss the chance to experience the festival during this Dashain due to Covid-19 concerns but if you choose a homestay for your accommodation during your trip to Nepal then there is a chance.
Homestay in Nepal and the local experience.
Talking about homestays, Nepal Government has given permission to operate homestay services after a crazy hiatus. Homestays are one of the top places to stay in Nepal if you want to explore and experience the local culture. Homestay services has gained quite a popularity among the international tourists in recent years. Well, you will not get a five star service at a homestay but it will definitely give a lifetime experience that is worth your time. While many homestays have upgraded their services and facilities, there are still a handful of them which provides a pure local experience. However, both of them are will still provide you the homely environment of Nepal. You will get to experience the local traditions and culture while staying in homestay one way or another.
As far as the safety is concerned, homestay is a local place which are mainly operated by local families. The family homestay can be totally safe as you will be staying with a family but you might need to show a PCR negative report before you get the service. The government on the other hand, has been providing training for the operators of the homestay service for a long time now and as far as the Covid-19 is concerned, the homestays will have to follow all the health and safety protocols as well.
Or choose the best hotels in Kathmandu for the best service during the time of pandemic.
On the other hand, you can choose some of the best hotels in Kathmandu for your time being in Nepal. Well you will have to stay on the hotel service for quarantine anyway upon your arrival to Nepal. However, the quarantine hotels will not be used as other regular hotel services as of now. So you can choose some of the best hotels in Nepal like Hyaat Regency, Dwarika House, BabarMahal Villas, Hotel Yak and Yeti, Soaltee Crwonee Plaza, Radisson Hotel and many more. These top hotels of Nepal might be one of the best places to stay during your travel to Nepal for your trekking trip after 17 October but the services however might be limited at the moment due to Covid-19 concerns.
Well be prepared for your trip to Nepal, also check my other articles for the latest of the tourism in Nepal.
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