# Losar in Nepal: Three New Year Festivals

_Published 8 September 2026_

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](/places/boudhanath-stupa) in Kathmandu
- Pokhara, for Tamu Lhosar
- Sherpa villages in the Everest region, for Gyalpo Lhosar

See our [festivals of Nepal](/blog/festivals-of-nepal) and [Sherpa culture guide](/blog/sherpa-culture-guide).

## Frequently asked questions
### What is Losar?
The new year festival of Himalayan and hill communities.

### How many Losars are celebrated in Nepal?
Three main ones: Tamu, Sonam and Gyalpo Lhosar.

### When is Gyalpo Lhosar?
Usually in February or March.

### Where can I see Losar celebrations?
At Boudhanath, Pokhara and in Sherpa villages.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/losar-festival-nepal