The festival is organised by the Pokhara chapter of the Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal and has run for nearly three decades, normally from 28 December to 1 January. For five days the main Lakeside road is closed to traffic, and restaurants and hotels set up stalls along its length, serving Nepali, Newar, Thakali, Tibetan, Indian and international food. Craft sellers, local producers and sponsors fill the gaps, and the whole strip becomes one long walking street from the morning until late at night.
The opening day usually features a parade of cultural floats and dancers from Nepal's many ethnic communities: Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Newar, Tharu and others in traditional dress. Through the week there are music and dance stages, folk duet performances, art and photo exhibitions, talks on tourism, and lake events such as boat races on Phewa and fun competitions like waiters' races and tug-of-war. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly in the day and lively at night.
The festival builds to the countdown on 31 December, when Lakeside is packed with visitors from across Nepal and India and the party continues past midnight. Hotel prices rise and rooms sell out for the last nights of December, so book early. Exact dates and programmes are announced each year by the organisers, so check current status before you travel. Nearby streets are also busy, so allow extra time for transfers.
Tips
- Book Lakeside hotels at least two months ahead for 30 and 31 December, when rooms sell out.
- Walk the festival in the late afternoon for food and floats, and return after dark for music.
- Keep valuables secure and agree a meeting point with children, as crowds are very dense on New Year's Eve.
Questions travellers ask
When is Pokhara Street Festival?
It is usually held from 28 December to 1 January every year along Lakeside Road beside Phewa Lake, ending with New Year celebrations. Dates and the programme are confirmed each year by the organisers, the Pokhara chapter of the Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal, so check current status before you travel.
Is Pokhara Street Festival good for families?
Yes, during the day and early evening. Food stalls, cultural floats, dance stages and lake events are fun for all ages, and the road is closed to traffic. Late nights, especially 31 December, get very crowded and noisy, so families with small children may prefer to watch from a hotel terrace.
Is there an entry fee for Pokhara Street Festival?
No. The festival is free to enter and spread along about 3.5 km of public road at Lakeside. You pay only for food, drinks and anything you buy at the stalls. Some special events or concerts at private venues may charge separately.
Do hotel prices rise during Pokhara Street Festival?
Yes. Lakeside hotels are in high demand from about 28 December, and the last two nights of the year often sell out with higher rates and minimum-stay rules. Our New Year packages need early booking. Damside and Pardi hotels can be easier to find at short notice.
