Is Losar a Public Holiday in Nepal? Everything You Need to Know

When planning a trip or managing a schedule in the Himalayas, the question “Is Losar a public holiday in Nepal?” is one of the most frequent queries. The answer is a resounding yes, but with a unique twist that reflects Nepal’s immense cultural diversity. Unlike many countries that celebrate a single New Year, Nepal officially recognizes three distinct Losar holidays, each celebrated by different ethnic communities.

Understanding the holiday status of Losar is essential for travelers, as it affects bank hours, government offices, and local transportation. In this guide, we break down exactly how the Government of Nepal categorizes these holidays for 2026 and what you can expect during these festive periods.

1. The Official Status: Yes, It’s a National Holiday

To answer the primary question: Is Losar a public holiday in Nepal? Yes, the Government of Nepal recognizes Tamu Losar, Sonam Losar, and Gyalpo Losar as official public holidays. On these days, government offices, schools, and banks across the country are generally closed.

However, because these festivals are tied to specific ethnic groups (Gurung, Tamang, and Sherpa/Tibetan), the “feel” of the holiday can vary. In the Kathmandu Valley and mountain regions, the impact is highly visible, with massive public gatherings and closed shops. To understand the cultural weight of these events, one must look at Interesting Facts About Losar Festival You Probably Didn’t Know.

2. 2026 Losar Public Holiday Dates

Because the Losar festival follows lunar and solar calendars, the dates change every year. For 2026, here are the official public holiday dates you need to mark:

Holiday Type	Community	2026 Date (Gregorian)	Nepali Calendar Date
Tamu Losar	Gurung	December 30, 2026	15th Poush, 2083
Sonam Losar	Tamang	January 19, 2026	5th Magh, 2082
Gyalpo Losar	Sherpa/Tibetan	February 18, 2026	6th Falgun, 2082

 While Gyalpo Losar is the “Tibetan New Year,” in the 2026 calendar, it falls very close to other major festivals like Maha Shivaratri (Feb 15), creating a long week of cultural activity in Nepal.

3. Is Losar a Public Holiday for Everyone?

While the government declares these as national holidays, their observance can be categorized into two types:

• National Holidays: Generally, Sonam and Gyalpo Losar are treated as nationwide public holidays. This means everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, gets the day off from formal work and school.

• Community-Specific Holidays: In some years, the government has experimented with making certain Losars “ethnic holidays” (only for those belonging to that community). However, in recent years, the trend has shifted back to declaring them full national holidays to honor Nepal’s secular and inclusive identity.

For travelers, this means you should expect limited banking services and closed government departments on these specific dates. Knowing that Is Losar a public holiday in Nepal? is “Yes” helps avoid administrative headaches at the immigration office or local banks.

4. Is Losar a Public Holiday in Nepal?How the Holiday Affects Travel and Services

Knowing that Is Losar a public holiday in Nepal? is a reality, you should prepare for the following:

• Banks and Offices: Expect all major banks and government administration offices (like the Department of Immigration) to be closed.

• Transport: Long-distance buses usually run, but local transport in Kathmandu might be less frequent as drivers take the day to celebrate with their families.

• Trekking Permits: If you are heading to the Everest or Langtang regions, try to secure your permits before the holiday starts to avoid delays.

• Shops and Restaurants: Most tourist-centric restaurants in Thamel or Pokhara stay open, but local shops in residential areas may close for the day.

5.Is Losar a Public Holiday in Nepal? Why Are There Multiple Holidays?

The reason behind the multiple dates is one of the most interesting facts about Losar festival history. Each community migrated at different times and brought distinct calendar systems from Tibet.

• Tamu Losar is based on the solar calendar and the winter solstice.

• Sonam Losar follows the eastern lunar calendar (often coinciding with Chinese New Year).

• Gyalpo Losar follows the Tibetan lunar calendar.

This diversity is why the question “Is Losar a public holiday in Nepal?” often requires a follow-up: “Which one?” To understand these differences better, you can explore our detailed post on the different types of Losar in Nepal.

6. Is Losar a Public Holiday in Nepal?Public Celebrations: Where to Go?

Since it is a public holiday, the streets come alive!

• Tundikhel (Kathmandu): The massive open ground in the city center hosts cultural fairs for Tamu and Sonam Losar. You’ll see traditional dances, ethnic food stalls, and people in vibrant costumes.

• Boudhanath Stupa: This is the heart of Gyalpo Losar. The stupa is draped in new prayer flags, and the atmosphere is electric with spiritual energy.

• Local Monasteries: Almost every monastery will have public rituals. If you’re wondering how to behave, read what tourists should know before attending Losar celebrations in Nepal.

7. Traditional Foods and Feasts

One cannot discuss the question Is Losar a public holiday in Nepal? without mentioning the food. Since it is a day of rest for many, families spend hours preparing:

• Khapse: Deep-fried pastries shaped in intricate designs.

• Guthuk: A special soup containing nine ingredients, including dough balls with “surprises” inside.

• Changkol: A warm beverage made from local rice beer.

For a full list of delicacies, check out traditional food prepared during Losar festival in Nepal.

8. Is Losar a Public Holiday in Nepal? The Economic Impact

While many celebrate, the holiday also has an economic side. Tourism peaks during these times as travelers flock to see the “masked dances” (Cham). Local markets see a surge in sales for traditional attire like the Bhangra and Ghalek. The surge in activity proves that Is Losar a public holiday in Nepal? is a question relevant not just to culture, but to the national economy as well.

9. Comparing Losar with Other National Holidays

In the broader context of Losar vs Dashain vs Tihar, Losar is more community-focused and monastic. While Dashain involves massive national movement, Losar is a more localized but deeply spiritual experience. Regardless of the scale, the answer to Is Losar a public holiday in Nepal? remains consistently positive across all three versions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to book hotels in advance for Losar?

If you are traveling to the Solu-Khumbu (Everest) region during Gyalpo Losar, yes. Many locals return home to celebrate, and tea houses can get busy. In Kathmandu, it is less of an issue.

2. Are domestic flights canceled on Losar?

No, domestic and international flights operate on their normal schedules. Airlines are private entities and do not close for the holiday.

3. Is there a specific food I should try on the holiday?

Absolutely! Since it’s a public holiday, many food stalls will serve Khapse and Guthuk.

4. How long do the holidays last?Is Losar a Public Holiday in Nepal?

While the government usually provides a one-day official public holiday for each Losar, the actual cultural celebrations in villages can last for 15 days.

5. Can I visit monasteries during the holiday?

Yes, monasteries are open to the public and are the best places to witness the spiritual side of the Losar festival.

6. Is alcohol allowed during the celebrations?

Traditional homemade brews like Chhaang and Aila are a central part of the celebration, though they are consumed respectfully during rituals.

7. Does the weather affect the holiday?

Since Tamu and Sonam Losar fall in winter, outdoor celebrations in the mountains can be cold. Kathmandu is usually sunny but brisk.

8. Is the Tibetan border open during Losar?

Border crossings can be slow or temporarily restricted during major festival periods; it is best to check with a travel agency.

So, Is Losar a Public Holiday in Nepal? It certainly is, and it is one of the most joyous times to be in the country. By planning around the 2026 dates, you can ensure your travel remains smooth while getting a front-row seat to some of the world’s most ancient and beautiful New Year traditions. The recognition of these days as national holidays highlights Nepal’s commitment to its diverse heritage.

Whether you are enjoying the “First Water” ritual in a mountain village or watching the masked dances in a Kathmandu monastery, the Losar holidays offer a window into the soul of the Himalayas that you won’t find at any other time of year.