Fall Festivals East of Everest

This trip offers a spectacular yet accessible opportunity to experience the richest celebration of Himalayan culture among dramatic peaks, away from other travelers, in a region where local people will welcome you with an open candor only seen in such little-visited areas. Bring your camera to capture the amazing photo ops you're sure to encounter!

The trip is planned around Dashain (pronounced "Dah-sai"), the biggest and most widely-celebrated national festival of Nepal. The 15-day celebration is a time for family reunions and rejoicing around themes of the conquest of good over evil.  The main deity worshiped during Dashain is the goddess Durga (Kali), the divine mother. 
The giddiness of the festival is heightened by the ideal weather of the season and the anticipation of the imminent rice harvest. This is a pleasant time for trekking in the lush, green hills, a season when clear weather typically allows breathtaking views of distant Himalayan peaks. Makalu, in particular, will be a constant feature of the horizon along your trail.

Your trek will also take you through hill bazaar towns during their weekly bazaar days, allowing you to enjoy the spirit of the market and see different cultural groups in their finest traditional dress. The mighty Himalayas serve as a backdrop for the Arun Valley’s distinctive culture, flora, and fauna, making this an unforgettable trekking experience for anyone up for the challenge. The trip is also a photographer's dream. Average daily trekking time is 4-7 hours, and daily trekking distance is 5-8 miles. No technical climbing experience or equipment is required.