Dashain usually means returning home, meeting family and enjoying familiar traditions. But the long festive break can also be a chance to discover a side of Nepal that still feels wonderfully remote.
If crowded destinations are not your idea of a holiday, Karnali Province offers wild landscapes, quiet trails, ancient settlements and journeys where getting there is part of the adventure.
With clear autumn skies and pleasant trekking conditions, Dashain is an excellent time to explore some of Karnali’s extraordinary corners.
Nepal’s largest lake, Rara Lake in Mugu, is surrounded by forests, hills and Himalayan scenery. During the clear autumn days around Dashain, the lake can appear intensely blue. For an even bigger adventure, hike to Murma Top for panoramic views over Rara and its surrounding landscape.
The turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake offer one of Karnali’s most dramatic Himalayan experiences. The journey through Dolpa combines challenging trails and extraordinary landscapes with Tibetan-influenced culture and settlements such as Ringmo. For adventurous travellers, it is a Dashain journey far removed from crowded holiday destinations.
For those who truly want to go remote, Limi Valley is hard to beat. Reached through a demanding journey from Simikot, the valley is known for spectacular landscapes, Tibetan cultural influences and centuries-old monasteries, including Halji Monastery. It is ideal for travellers who want Dashain to become a genuine expedition.
Sinja Valley in Jumla adds history to the adventure. Associated with the ancient Khas Kingdom and the origins of the Nepali language, the valley features traditional settlements and a landscape deeply connected to Karnali’s past. Exploring it during Dashain adds another layer of meaning to a festival centred on heritage and tradition.
With a reported height of around 381 metres, Pachal Waterfall is one of Karnali’s most impressive natural attractions. Reaching this remote part of Kalikot means leaving the mainstream tourist trail behind and experiencing the raw geography of the province.
Dashain is also a season of worship and blessings, making Panchakoshi in Dailekh a meaningful addition to the journey. Known for its sacred sites and naturally burning flames, the area attracts pilgrims seeking spiritual connection and blessings.
The historic Jajarkot Durbar brings architecture, history and local culture into a Karnali itinerary. Its centuries-old heritage offers travellers another way to connect with the traditions of western Nepal during the festive season.
For a quieter ending, visit Syarpu Lake in Rukum West. Surrounded by hills and rural scenery, the peaceful lake provides a relaxing contrast to Karnali’s tougher trekking adventures.
This Dashain goes beyond the usual. From Rara and Phoksundo to Limi, Sinja and Pachal, Karnali offers something increasingly difficult to find adventure, solitude, culture and the feeling of discovering Nepal beyond the familiar.
