Where to Travel in March: Nepal and Holi

Adventuring into Kathmandu Nepal: Traveling Nepal

If you're looking for a March Getaway that is lively and festive, but you don't want to go to the usual spring break places, look no further and lets talk about traveling Nepal!

The city of Kathmandu in Nepal is an absolutely perfect March vacation spot for those who want to experience life to the fullest. The best time to visit is during the colorful festival of Holi. Throughout the world, Holi is a festival focused on love, happiness, summer, and human connection. The festival occurs on the 1st full moon of March each year, so plan your vacation time accordingly!

Why Travel Nepal?

Holi has become a worldwide festival. So, you might be asking yourself why you'd hop on a plane to Nepal to revel in the street covered in colored powder. The answer is simple: the Himalayas! Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal, is a metropolis gateway into the Himalayas which are home to famous Mount Everest.

With the city and surrounding hills at an elevation of at least 4,600 feet and up to 8,340 feet you'll be able to find stunning views of the legendary mountain. For dedicated adventurers, Kathmandu is a great spot to start the hike to the Everest Base Camp. You can travel with a tour group, or even fly to the Base Camp. Just imagine starting your trekking adventure up Mount Everest by participating in the festival meant to bring happiness, love, and summer! But don't forget all the instagram opportunities.

View of Everest while flying East from Kathmandu, photo by calflier001
What You Should Bring to Nepal

March is a lovely time to be traveling Nepal, and you'll be able to pack for warm weather with averages around 80 Fahrenheit during the day. It's wise to bring a few layers to ward off the brisk nights. Of course pack much more to keep you warm if you decide to trek through any of the Himalayas.

For the Holi festival days, be sure to pack clothes that you don't mind getting very dirty. During the morning and early afternoon hours, it's a generally accepted rule that anyone out on the street is fair game for being doused with color. So, keep your clothes simple and keep an eye out for color powder, colored water squirt guns, and even water balloons that may come flying through the air.

Powder for sale in before Holi, Photo by Knut-Erik Helle
Make Sure to Explore the City

Outside of experiencing Holi in Nepal or trekking the Himalayas, you'll be able to keep yourself busy wandering around the historic sights of Kathmandu.

Three such sights are found at the various Durbar squares which are house many of the historic temples and palaces of Nepal. Kathmandu Durbar Square, in old city Kathmandu, is one of the most striking locations. Home to the Golden temple and next to the Kumari Ghar palace, you'll have plenty of historic places to visit, and lots of shops and markets to see on your way around the square!

Visiting any of the Durbar squares is also a great way to continue the giving spirit of Holi. In 2015, many of the buildings were damaged by a large earthquake. Tourists are able to assist in the renovations of the damages by paying the square's entry fee and participating in tourist attractions!

Kathmandu Durbar square from above. No attribution

Seeing More of the Himalayas

For one of the best views of Everest and the Himalayas, head up to Chandragiri Hill. On the south-west side of the Kathmandu valley, this spot has one of the highest elevations in the city limits. Allowing you to get the best glimpses of the even taller Himalayas. You can hop on the local cable car to help traverse the area. Or my suggestion is to take one of the hiking trails that have opened in the valley.

Bhaleshwor Mahadev, a temple on the Chandragiri hills, with a view of the Himalayas in the background. Photo by @naya CC BY 4.0

Explore Nepal’s Culture

By traveling Nepal and participating in a cultural festival such as Holi, it's easy to completely embrace the spirit of learning about the culture you're being immersed in. One great way to learn more about a group of people is to look at their art. Kathmandu is a city rich in art of all mediums. From sculptures on the streets, to beautifully adorned temples, to three different art galleries in the city. You won't find yourself missing any visual stimulation after the initial color throwing of Holi has passed.

Intricately carved stone makes a fountain in Kathmandu

A second great way to learn about culture, is to grace museums with your presence. Kathmandu is home to The National Museum, The National History Museum, a famously large library, and more. At the museums, you'll learn about the land, culture, and history of the nation; before moving onto the library which has books in many languages, some of which are thought to be over 1,000 years old. You'll be able to scan Sanskrit, browse some Nepal Bhasa, and read till your hearts content in this historic gem

The National Museum of Nepal, located in Kathmandu. Photo by clemensmarabu CC Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

If you’re thinking about creating an unforgettable adventure during the month of March. Traveling Nepal and enjoy the festival of Holi. With unending colors, spontaneity, and some views of the earth’s most stunning natural wonders. Trust me you’ll be transported to a new world of wonder and happiness.