Dashain and Tihar are two of the biggest and most celebrated festivals in Nepal. During this festive season, families reunite, people travel back to their hometowns and some many take the opportunity to visit relatives or explore different tour destinations across the country.
With thousands of people travelling at the same time, public transportation can become crowded and difficult to manage. Buses fill up quickly, tickets become harder to find, and fixed schedules may not always match your travel plans.
For families, groups, and travellers looking for more comfort and flexibility, renting a private vehicle in Nepal can be one of the most convenient ways to travel during Dashain and Tihar.
Why Rent a Car During Dashain and Tihar?
One of the biggest advantages of renting a car in Nepal during the festive season is flexibility. Instead of depending on bus schedules or waiting for public transportation, you can plan your journey according to your own timetable. This is particularly useful during Dashain, when many people travel to their ancestral homes, visit relatives, or make long-distance journeys outside Kathmandu.
During Tihar, families may also require transportation for gatherings, shopping, celebrations, and short trips. With a private rental vehicle, you can travel at your own pace, stop whenever necessary, carry your belongings comfortably, and enjoy the journey with your family.
Why You Should Plan and Rent Your Car Early
Planning ahead and booking your rental vehicle early is one of the best ways to make travelling during Dashain and Tihar easier. The festive season is one of the busiest travel periods in Nepal. As the holidays approach, demand for cars, SUVs, jeeps, vans, and professional drivers increases quickly.
Roads can also become busier, especially on popular routes between Kathmandu and other parts of the country like Pokhara, Chitwan etc. Waiting until the last minute may mean fewer vehicle options, limited driver availability, and potentially higher rental costs.
Benefits of Booking Your Rental Car Early
By booking early, you have a better chance of choosing a vehicle that suits your group size, luggage, destination, and travel plans. For example, a small family may prefer a comfortable car like BYD or Nexon K3 EV, while a larger family or group may need a van or bigger vehicle.
If you are planning a long-distance or multi-day journey, booking ahead can also make it easier to secure an experienced driver for your rented car.
Important Details to Plan Before Booking
Planning early gives you time to organise important details such as:
- - Your travel dates
- - Pickup time and location
- - Number of passengers
- - Amount of luggage
- - Suitable vehicle type
- - Whether you need a driver
- - Your main route and destination
- - Overnight stays, if required
- - Your expected return date
Having these details confirmed in advance helps the rental company prepare the right vehicle and driver for your journey. Most importantly, early booking gives you peace of mind. Once your transportation is arranged, you can focus on preparing for Dashain or Tihar and spending time with your family instead of worrying about finding a vehicle at the last moment.
Why Car Rentals Can Be More Expensive During Dashain and Tihar
Travellers may notice that car rental prices are generally higher during Dashain and Tihar compared with regular days. One of the main reasons is increased demand and limited supply which drives the price a bit higher. A large number of people travel during the festive season, while the number of available rental vehicles and professional drivers is limited.
However, there is another important factor that travellers should understand. Dashain and Tihar are important family celebrations for drivers too which limits the availability of drivers. However understanding the public need we at Travelkendra has always been at your service and will be available at your difficult times.
Increased Demand During the Festival Season
While many people are spending the holidays at home with their families, rental drivers who continue working may have to sacrifice part of their own festival celebrations to help customers reach their destinations.
Drivers may spend long hours on the road, travel far away from home, stay overnight in different locations, and work during public holidays. For this reason, festival-season rental costs may include additional allowances or compensation for drivers who are working instead of celebrating with their families.
Additional Costs for Long-Distance Trips
Long-distance trips may also involve additional expenses such as:
- - Driver meals
- - Driver accommodation
- - Overtime
- - Fuel
- - Overnight allowances
Therefore, higher prices during Dashain and Tihar are often connected to both increased demand and the additional effort required to keep reliable transportation services available during the holidays. For example, Car rent from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Kathmandu to Chitwan Car rent costs more compared to Car Rent Around Kathmandu.
Why Renting a Car With a Driver Is a Great Choice
For many travellers, renting a car with a professional driver around Kathmandu is one of the most comfortable options during Dashain and Tihar. Instead of focusing on traffic, directions, parking, and road conditions, you can simply enjoy the journey.
This is particularly valuable when travelling with family. You can talk with your loved ones, enjoy the scenery, take photos, rest during the drive, or simply enjoy your holiday without having to concentrate on driving for several hours.
Professional drivers can also be helpful when travelling on unfamiliar routes. They may already be familiar with highways, local roads, traffic conditions, fuel stations, rest stops, and alternative routes. This experience can make long-distance travel more convenient.
A Driver Can Help When Unexpected Problems Occur
Another major benefit of hiring a vehicle with a driver is having someone experienced with the vehicle throughout your journey. Even properly maintained vehicles can occasionally experience unexpected issues during long trips. This could include a flat tyre, battery problem, overheating, or another mechanical issue.
When you are travelling alone in a rented car, dealing with such a problem in an unfamiliar location can be stressful. With a professional driver, you have someone who may be able to identify basic vehicle issues, change a tyre, communicate with the rental company, locate a nearby mechanic, or coordinate assistance.
This extra support can be especially valuable when travelling with children, elderly family members, or a large group. Instead of worrying about the vehicle, passengers can focus on enjoying their trip.
Avoid the Festival Transportation Rush
Public transportation in Nepal can become extremely busy before and during Dashain and Tihar. Bus stations are often crowded, tickets on popular routes can sell out, and travellers may have to adjust their plans depending on available transportation.
With a private rental vehicle, your journey can begin from an agreed pickup location and continue directly towards your destination. This can be particularly convenient for families travelling with children, elderly relatives, or large amounts of luggage. For a small family you can rent jeep in Nepal for comfortable travelling around hilly zones.
More Space for Luggage and Festival Shopping
Festival travel often involves more luggage than an ordinary journey. People may carry clothes, gifts, food items, festival supplies, and other belongings when visiting their families.
Choosing the right rental vehicle gives you enough space to carry your belongings more comfortably. For larger families and groups, renting a bigger vehicle like Micro Van or Bus can also allow everyone to travel together instead of separating into different vehicles.
Travel to Your Hometown Comfortably
Dashain is one of the busiest periods of the year for people travelling from Kathmandu and other major cities to their hometowns. A private rental vehicle gives you more control over when you leave and where you stop.
During a long journey, you may want to stop for meals, tea, rest, sightseeing, or simply take a break from the road. Unlike fixed public transportation schedules, a private rental gives your family more flexibility throughout the trip.
Things to Check Before Confirming Your Rental
Before booking your vehicle, it is always helpful to understand what is included in the rental arrangement.
Check details such as:
- - Vehicle type and seating capacity
- - Rental price
- - Driver charges
- - Festival allowances, if applicable
- - Fuel arrangements
- - Pickup and drop-off locations
- - Distance or kilometre limits
- - Driver food and accommodation
- - Overnight charges
- - Travel duration
- - Cancellation terms
- - Additional charges for long-distance journeys
Asking about these details before travelling helps avoid misunderstandings and unexpected expenses.
Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Trip
The best vehicle depends on your destination, group size, luggage, and road conditions.
Small Cars
A small car may be suitable for couples or smaller families travelling on major roads.
SUVs and Jeeps
SUVs and jeeps can provide additional space and may be more comfortable for longer journeys or destinations where road conditions are more challenging. For instance a Scorpio Rent on Pokhara can be best option if you are willing to explore town or reach upto Mustang or Lomanthang.
Vans and Larger Vehicles
Vans and larger vehicles can be useful for bigger families or groups who want to travel together. Discussing your destination and passenger requirements with Travel Kendra before booking can help you choose a suitable option.
Travel Safely During the Festive Season
Roads can become especially busy around Dashain and Tihar, so safety should always remain a priority. Allow enough time for your journey rather than rushing to reach your destination.
During long trips, regular rest breaks are important for both passengers and drivers. Weather and road conditions can also change, particularly on longer routes, so checking conditions before departure can help you prepare properly. Even if you are from Kathmandu and planning to hit Kalinchowk Tour Package between this Dashain and Tihar, you must give a quick weather check as well as road condition check during that time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental During Dashain and Tihar
1. Should I book a rental car early for Dashain and Tihar?
Yes. Vehicles and drivers get booked quickly during the festive season, so early booking is recommended.
2. Why are rental prices higher during Dashain and Tihar?
Demand is higher, and drivers may work during holidays instead of celebrating with their families, which can increase overall costs.
3. Is it better to rent a car with a driver?
Yes. A driver handles the road, traffic, and parking while you relax and enjoy the journey.
4. How early should I book?
Book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, especially for busy festival days.
5. Can we stop during the journey?
Yes. Private rentals usually allow flexible stops for meals, rest, or sightseeing.
6. Is car rental suitable for families?
Yes. It offers more comfort, privacy, luggage space, and flexibility for family travel.
7. Can I book at the last minute?
You can, but availability may be limited during Dashain and Tihar, so early booking is better.
Conclusion
Renting a car during Dashain and Tihar can make your festive travel more comfortable, flexible, and convenient, especially when travelling with family or over long distances.
Since demand for vehicles and drivers is high during the festival season, booking early can help you secure the right vehicle, avoid last-minute stress, and plan your journey more smoothly.
Choosing a rental with a professional driver also allows you to relax and enjoy the trip while the driver takes care of the road and any unexpected vehicle issues.
With Travel Kendra Car Rental Service, travellers can arrange suitable transportation in advance and enjoy a safer, easier, and more enjoyable journey during Dashain and Tihar.
