Lhosar means new year, and Gyalpo, or king's, Lhosar is the version celebrated by Sherpas and Tibetans, falling on the first day of the first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, usually in February or early March. Preparations start days before: houses are cleaned and whitewashed, old prayer flags replaced on rooftops and passes, and families cook special foods such as khapse, fried pastries in twisted shapes, and brew chang, the local barley beer.
On the first days of the new year, families visit monasteries to make offerings and receive blessings, then go from house to house visiting relatives, exchanging white khata scarves and eating together. In the evenings, villagers gather for circle dances called shyabru, singing call-and-response songs while stepping in rhythm around the courtyard. Celebrations continue for several days, and many Sherpas who work in Kathmandu return home to the Khumbu for the holiday.
For trekkers, Lhosar falls at the end of winter, when the trails are quiet, skies are often clear and lodges have plenty of space, but nights are very cold and passes may be snowbound. Namche, Khumjung and Pangboche are good places to be. Some lodges may close for family celebrations, so check ahead. Dates follow the lunar calendar and shift each year; check current status before you travel.
Tips
- Bring a white khata scarf to offer if you are invited into a Sherpa home during Lhosar.
- Expect some lodges and shops to close for a day or two while families celebrate.
- Pack for winter: nights at Namche fall to around −10 °C in February, colder higher up.
Questions travellers ask
When is Lhosar in the Everest region?
Sherpas celebrate Gyalpo Lhosar on the Tibetan new year, usually in February or early March. The main celebrations last about three days, with family visits continuing for up to two weeks. Exact dates change each year, so check current status before you travel.
Is it a good time to trek during Lhosar?
It can be. Trails are quiet and skies often clear, and you may see dancing and monastery prayers in Namche, Khumjung or Pangboche. But it is late winter: nights are very cold, high passes may be closed by snow and some lodges shut briefly.
What do Sherpas eat at Lhosar?
Families prepare khapse, crisp fried pastries in twisted shapes, along with meat dishes, rice, sweet tea and chang, a home-brewed barley beer. Guests are offered food and drink in every house they visit, so pace yourself.
Can tourists join Lhosar celebrations?
Visitors are often welcome to watch dances and monastery prayers, and lodge families sometimes invite guests to share food. Dress modestly, accept offerings with your right hand and ask before taking photographs inside homes or monasteries.
