Losar 2027 in Kathmandu: Celebrating Sonam and Gyalpo Losar at Boudhanath

Losar 2027 comes twice to Kathmandu: Sonam Losar, the Tamang new year, on Sunday 7 February, and Gyalpo Losar, the Tibetan and Sherpa new year, on Tuesday 9 March. Both are public holidays, and both bring colour, music and prayer to Boudhanath Stupa, the heart of Himalayan Buddhism in the valley. This guide explains what Losar is, what you will see and how to enjoy it as a guest.

What is Losar?

Losar means new year in Tibetan. Different Himalayan communities count the year with different calendars, so Nepal celebrates three Losars. Each one is a time to clean the house, hang new prayer flags, visit monasteries, wear traditional dress and share food and drink with family and friends.

Gyalpo Losar at Boudhanath Stupa

Gyalpo Losar is the biggest Losar celebration in Kathmandu, and Boudhanath is where to see it. In the days before, families replace the prayer flags strung from the stupa's spire. On the day, crowds circle the stupa clockwise from early morning, spinning prayer wheels and lighting butter lamps, and the monasteries around the square hold prayers and ceremonies.

• New prayer flags fluttering from the top of the stupa.
• Families in traditional chuba robes and their finest jewellery.
• Offerings of barley flour (tsampa) thrown into the air for good luck.
• Monks chanting, with horns and cymbals, in the surrounding monasteries.
• Cultural programmes with songs and dances, often on the days around Losar.

Sonam Losar in the Kathmandu Valley

Sonam Losar is celebrated by the Tamang community, one of the largest groups around the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. Expect cultural programmes, Tamang selo music and the damphu drum, traditional dress and family feasts. Public celebrations are usually held in large open grounds in the city, and Boudhanath again fills with visitors.

How to enjoy Losar respectfully

• Walk clockwise around the stupa and other Buddhist monuments.
• Spin prayer wheels with your right hand, clockwise.
• Ask before photographing people, especially monks and families at prayer.
• Be careful near butter lamps; the square is crowded.
• If you are invited into a home, accept a little of what is offered; refusing everything can seem rude.

Getting to Boudhanath from Sacred Trails

Boudhanath is easy to reach from our homestay by car, and earlier is better on Losar. We can book a driver for a morning visit and bring you back to the quiet of Budhanilkantha in the afternoon. Boudhanath is also part of our Kathmandu City Tour.

Where to stay for Losar

Sacred Trails is a family homestay in Budhanilkantha, with en-suite rooms from $35 a night with breakfast. February and March bring dry days and good views, and our rooftop is perfect for a sunny afternoon after the crowds.

Book direct and offers combine: 5% off stays of 3 nights or more (6% for 7 nights or more), 5% off when you book 14 or more days ahead (6% for 30 or more days), and an extra 1% in big festival months. The booking form adds every offer you qualify for.