Most travel guides recommend visiting Kathmandu in autumn or spring for clear mountain views. Food lovers have extra reasons to think about timing.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is the most popular season, and for food it is hard to beat.
- Festivals: Dashain and Tihar bring feasts, sweets and special dishes.
- Chyangra: mountain goat meat is easiest to find around Dashain.
- Fresh harvest: new rice and plenty of vegetables.
- Gundruk season: families start fermenting greens as the harvest leaves pile up.
The weather is dry and pleasant, perfect for walking between food stops in Thamel and Patan.
Winter (December to February)
Cool, clear days and cold nights. This is the season for warm, rich food.
- Soups like thukpa and jhol momo.
- Dried meats and preserved vegetables.
- Hot milk tea and chiya breaks.
Spring (March to May)
Rhododendrons bloom in the hills and the city warms up. Lighter food comes back into favour.
- Fresh greens and seasonal vegetables.
- Spicy snacks like sadeko and choila with a cold drink.
Monsoon (June to August)
Rain most afternoons, quieter streets and lush green hills. It is a good time for comfort food. Read our monsoon comfort food guide for ideas.
- Hot dal bhat and refills of dal.
- Kwati soup around Janai Purnima.
The constant: dal bhat
Whatever the season, a Thakali set is always on the menu. It is the meal that connects every time of year in Nepal.
Plan your visit
Thulo Thakali is open every day in Thamel. See our menu, how to find us and book a table for busy festival evenings.
