How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Nepal?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Saturday is Nepal's official day off, not Sunday — government offices are closed on Saturday while Sunday is a normal working day.
2What You Need to Know
Nepal follows its own calendar system (Bikram Sambat, currently 2081/2082) and its own weekly rest day: Saturday. Tourists expecting Sunday closures will be surprised to find government offices, banks, and many services fully operational on Sunday. Major festivals including Dashain and Tihar cause widespread closures for days at a time across the country. Trekking agencies, tourist restaurants, and shops in tourist hubs typically operate seven days a week during the trekking season (October–November and March–May).
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Plan any visa extensions, TIMS permit applications, or government office visits for Sunday through Friday to avoid Saturday closures.
- 2Check the Nepali festival calendar before your trip — Dashain (October) and Tihar (October/November) can affect transport, accommodation, and services for a week.
- 3ATMs and tourist-area shops remain open through most public holidays, but stock up on cash before major festival periods.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
Most shops, restaurants, and convenience stores are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Banks close on weekends.
Most shops, malls, and restaurants are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Buddhist holidays cause alcohol bans and some closures.
Singapore is open 7 days a week. Malls are open daily. Sunday is a normal shopping day. Public holidays see some closures but major malls stay open.
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