You're not alone in thinking that seeing the ball drop in Times Square on New Year's Eve is a bit of a cliche. People are increasingly opting to spend the New Year in Nepal in 2026, surrounded by jagged mountains, lush greenery, and a plethora of cultural treasures.
Nepal is gradually but slowly establishing itself as one of the world's hottest party destinations, surpassing Paris and London. All the more incentive to purchase a plane ticket and celebrate the New Year in Nepal this year! Find out about all the fantastic places and activities you can do in Nepal for an unusual New Year's celebration!
Celebrate the New Year 2026 in Nepal in these locations
We've compiled a list of the top ten ways to relax in Nepal this New Year. Fortunately for you, the country offers something for everyone.
Nepal never fails to satisfy the needs of thrill seekers while also helping you regain your inner calm. Check out the list below to get the new year started in style.
- The Annapurna Mountain Range
- Sarangkot
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Namche Bazaar
- Old Blues Bar
- Buddha Bar
- Marshyangdi
- Mandala Studio Yoga & Spa
- Taumadhi Square
- Observe the Crowds in Pokhara
- Thamel's Street Carnival is a must-see
- Mountain Biking in Kathmandu Valley is a must-do
- Bungee Jumping in Last Resort
#1. Annapurna Mountain Range
Trekking in one of Nepal's most prominent mountain ranges is a great way to ring in the New Year in Kathmandu. Annapurna is made up of many peaks of differing heights. The tallest, Annapurna I and Annapurna II, stand at 8000 meters and offer awe-inspiring, snow-capped Himalayan panoramas.
So go ahead and spice up your Nepal New Year celebrations by climbing Annapurna and witnessing the terrain change every 5 kilometres.
#2. Sarangkot
Don't worry if a 10-day intensive trek isn't your thing. Take a half-day hike from Pokhara to Sarangkot instead. The Dhauligiri range, Fewa Lake, and the Pokhara valley can all be seen from Sarangkot.
You can welcome the Nepali New Year by watching the sunrise over the Sarangkot hill or paragliding over the Himalayas for spectacular aerial views. Isn't it true that you're spoiled for choice?
#3. Pashupatinath Temple
In Nepal, make New Year's greetings to the Pashupatinath deities. The Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Nepal, is a sacred Hindu temple.
Imposing Pashupatinath Temple, a jewel of Nepalese heritage.
For around fifteen hundred years, it has drawn the attention of worshippers. See a sixth-century Buddha statue, an eighth-century Brahma figure, and numerous exquisite temples dedicated to other deities in the complex.
#4. Boudhanath Stupa
A visit to Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal's largest stupa, can only add to your Nepal New Year celebrations. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is located 2 kilometres north of the Pashupatinath Temple. In Nepal, it is regarded as the center of Tibetan culture.
The admission charge to Boudhanath is INR 156/- for foreign nationals and INR 31/- for SAARC
Beautiful view of Nepal's Largest Stupa
citizens, respectively. The stupa comes to life around Nepal's New Year when the Tibetan community gathers on the edges of the monument to dance and celebrate.
Caption: "Boudhanath Stupa a symbol of peace and Buddhist enlightenment."
#5. Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is the best venue in Nepal to celebrate the New Year. There are numerous bars and nightclubs in the area where you may have a drink. Non-drinkers might enjoy a cup of delicious coffee at one of the cafes that are reasonably priced.
Beautiful Namche city
Namche Bazaar has everything you could want – from furniture and trekking equipment to quirky t-shirts and souvenirs; this bustling market town is a shopper's paradise.
Caption:"Namche Bazaar: bustling gateway to the Nepalese Himalayas."
#6. Old Blues Bar
Old Blues pub is the place to go if you want to go to a New Year's party in Nepal. It is Pokhara's oldest and most well-known bar. Trekkers come from all over the world to listen to live music, get a drink, play pool, and relax. The Old Blues Bar has previously held several sold-out rock and metal performances.
#7. Buddha Bar
Buddha Bar tucked away in a side lane in Thamel is ideal for celebrating Nepal's New Year's Eve. It has everything you might want in a bar:
- A fantastic drink and food menu
- A cosy dance floor
- A lively audience
- An incredible choice of electronic music
Honey chilli potatoes, their hallmark dish, are a favourite for residents and visitors. The Buddha Bar is one of the few pubs in Nepal that stays up past midnight, making it a favourite destination for travellers celebrating the Nepal New Year.
#8. Marshyangdi
Why take the bus when you can raft to your desired location? White-water rafting on the Marshyangdi River is a must-do activity for anyone celebrating the New Year in Nepal.
Extreme water sports are highly suggested for thrill-seekers and adventure seekers. The majority of tour packages include lunch amid the rafting trip. It won't get any better than this!
#9. Mandala Studio Yoga & Spa
Mandala Studio Yoga & Spa is situated in Nepal's heartland. Their fully trained spa personnel and world-class yoga facilities will ensure that you make the most of the New Year. They offer a variety of packages for both short and long stays, along with engaging customer loyalty programs.
#10. Taumadhi Square
Taumadhi Square is in the middle of Bhaktapur, Nepal's cultural capital. The place is teeming with activity on New Year's Day in Nepal, as locals don their traditional attire and assemble in the square to ring in the festivities.
The most beautiful traditional meals are served at food vendors. The square contains many sites of worship, the most renowned of which is Nyatapola Temple.
New Year's Eve Activities in Nepal
There is no shortage of things to do on New Year's Day in Nepal. Take a look at this list of all the activities you can participate in this year!
- Observe the Crowds in Pokhara
- Thamel's Street Carnival is a must-see
- Mountain Biking in Kathmandu Valley is a must-do
- Bungee Jumping in Last Resort
#11. Observe the Crowds in Pokhara
Pokhara is a destination in Nepal with a lot to offer to enjoy the new year for a few more days than just the night of the 31st. One of the top sites to visit during the Nepali New Year celebrations, visitors can see the streets devoid of all types of cars.
The streets are decked out with lights, flowers, and other decorations, and revellers can be seen racing to participate in this lavish celebration. Even after the clock strikes midnight, Nepalese believe in a mass chorus of carols, resulting in a large-scale New Year's celebration in Nepal!
#12. Thamel's Street Carnival is a must-see
Thamel is waiting with arms wide open for those looking to spend New Year's Eve in the most colourful and hip way possible. Thamel, known for its many bars and clubs, is one of the best places in Nepal to spend New Year's Eve. Head to any of the numerous pubs in Thamel that remain open until well after midnight to watch Kathmandu's most exciting New Year's celebration.
Thamel is ready to welcome individuals who want to celebrate New Year's Eve in the most colourful and hip way imaginable. Thamel is one of the top spots in Nepal to spend New Year's Eve because of its abundance of pubs and clubs. To observe Kathmandu's most exciting New Year's party, go to any of the numerous pubs in Thamel that stay open until well after midnight.
#13. Mountain biking in the Kathmandu Valley is a must-do
Try mountain riding in the Kathmandu Valley if you want to spend your New Year in Nepal, get closer to Mother Nature, embrace your adventurous inner self, and escape the crowds.
Several trails offer mountain biking in the countryside around Kathmandu, one of the most unusual ways to celebrate the new year. The tracks are for experienced bikers only, as they can get tricky for some. Those who do not care for riding can always go trekking in the hills of the Kathmandu Valley.
#14. Bungee Jumping in Last Resort
Bungee jumping is another excellent way to ring in the new year in Nepal. The Last Resort in Kathmandu provides guests with an unrivalled experience that they can brag about to their friends and families. Initially, The Last Resort was a sports complex.
Those hesitant to leap from such a great height can participate in various other activities offered at this location, such as canyoning, tandem swinging, white-water rafting, and more.
