Several of Nepal's Himalayan and hill communities celebrate their own new year, called Losar or Lhosar, with dances, feasts and monastery rituals. All three main Losars are public holidays.
Quick answer: Tamu Lhosar is the Gurung new year, around late December; Sonam Lhosar is the Tamang new year, in January or February; and Gyalpo Lhosar is celebrated by Sherpa, Tibetan, Hyolmo and other communities in February or March. Dates follow lunar calendars and change every year.
Tamu Lhosar
The Gurung new year falls on 15 Poush in the Nepali calendar, around 30 December. Gurung communities gather in traditional dress, with dances and food, including large celebrations in Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Sonam Lhosar
Celebrated by the Tamang community, often with gatherings at Boudhanath and in Tamang villages around Kathmandu.
Gyalpo Lhosar
The Tibetan new year, celebrated by Sherpa and Tibetan communities. Monasteries hold masked dances and rituals, and Boudhanath is especially festive, with families making offerings and hanging new prayer flags.
Where to see Losar
- Boudhanath in Kathmandu
- Pokhara, for Tamu Lhosar
- Sherpa villages in the Everest region, for Gyalpo Lhosar
See our festivals of Nepal and Sherpa culture guide.