Last Updated on October 6, 2026 by alizni
Dashain, the grandest and most widely celebrated festival in Nepal, is just around the corner. As hundreds of thousands of people prepare to leave the Kathmandu Valley to celebrate the festivities with their families, the government has made a crucial announcement to facilitate smooth travel. The Department of Transport Management (DoTM), in coordination with transport entrepreneurs, has officially decided to open advance ticket bookings for medium and long-route public vehicles starting from Ashoj 23.
This decision aims to manage the massive influx of travelers and prevent the chaotic situations that typically arise at major bus terminals during the peak festive season. With Dashain being a time of mass migration within the country, early planning is essential for anyone looking to travel back to their home districts.
The Decision Behind Dashain Advance Bookings
The decision to open the Dashain advance ticket booking was finalized during a high-level meeting held at the Department of Transport Management. Key stakeholders, including Rajiv Pokharel, the Director General of the DoTM, and Punya Prasad Sitaula, the President of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs (NFNTE), along with other representatives, gathered to discuss the logistical challenges of festive travel.
Every year, the coordination between the government and private transport operators is vital to ensure that there are enough buses, microbuses, and jeeps to accommodate the millions of passengers leaving the capital. By opening the booking counters on Ashoj 23, authorities hope to distribute the passenger load evenly over the days leading up to the main festival, reducing long queues and panic buying.
Key Dates and Travel Routes Covered
Starting from Ashoj 23, travelers can book their tickets for all long and medium-distance routes across Nepal. Medium-distance routes generally refer to journeys lasting between four to six hours, while long-distance routes cover overnight travel to far-flung districts in the eastern, western, and far-western regions of the country.
The Kathmandu Valley sees a significant drop in its population during Dashain as students, professionals, and families head back to their ancestral homes. Transport operators have assured the public that additional vehicles will be mobilized on highly demanded routes to ensure that no passenger is left stranded in the capital. However, travelers are highly encouraged to secure their tickets as early as possible once the booking opens.
How to Secure Your Tickets and Avoid Scams
With the opening of advance bookings, major transport hubs like the Gongabu New Bus Park, Kalanki, Koteshwor, and Gaushala will see a surge in visitors. To make the process smoother, authorities are planning to set up dedicated ticket counters and information desks at these key locations. Here are some tips for a hassle-free booking experience:
- Use Official Counters: Only purchase tickets from official, authorized booking counters. Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized individuals or middlemen hanging around the bus parks.
- Check Ticket Details: Ensure that the date, time, bus number, seat number, and fare are clearly printed on your ticket before leaving the counter.
- Explore Digital Booking: Many transport companies now offer online booking services through their websites or dedicated mobile applications. Checking online platforms can save you a trip to the crowded bus terminals.
- Report Fares Above Government Rates: The government regulates transport fares. If any operator demands more money than the officially designated rate, report them immediately to the help desks or nearby traffic police.
Government Measures for Safe and Smooth Festive Travel
Passenger safety remains a top priority for both the government and transport entrepreneurs. Given the post-monsoon road conditions in Nepal, traveling along hilly highways can pose significant challenges. The DoTM, in collaboration with the Nepal Police and traffic authorities, will be setting up checking points along major highways to monitor vehicle conditions and prevent overloading.
Transport operators have been directed to ensure that all vehicles undergo thorough maintenance checks before hitting the road. Additionally, double-driver systems will be mandatory for long-route night buses to prevent driver fatigue, which is a major cause of highway accidents during the festive rush. Help desks featuring representatives from the traffic police, consumer rights groups, and transport associations will also be active at major exit points of the Kathmandu Valley to assist travelers in real-time.
Conclusion
The opening of the Dashain advance ticket booking on Ashoj 23 is a welcome relief for thousands of people planning their journey home. By planning ahead, keeping track of official announcements, and purchasing tickets through legitimate channels, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and joyful journey back home. Let us all travel responsibly and celebrate a happy, safe, and prosperous Dashain with our loved ones!
