When and where is the 14th International Nepal Tattoo Convention?

The event runs April 10-12, 2026 at Heritage Garden at the Old Gyanodaya School in Patan, Nepal. Patan sits in the Kathmandu Valley, approximately 30 minutes by taxi from central Kathmandu and the Thamel district.

What happens at the Nepal Tattoo Convention?

The convention includes live tattooing by Nepali and international artists, competitions in categories like traditional and blackwork, and vendor stalls selling needles, ink, and aftercare products. Attendees can watch tattoos being made, browse portfolios, or book sessions with specific artists.

How do I get tickets for the Nepal Tattoo Convention?

Tickets are typically sold at the entrance or through participating tattoo studios in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Since the event has no official website listed, check social media pages for Nepali tattoo studios or contact Heritage Garden directly for advance purchase options.

What should I bring to the Nepal Tattoo Convention?

Bring a valid photo ID for age verification if getting tattooed, cash for purchases as card payments are limited, and sunscreen for the outdoor garden setting. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for grass and uneven ground, and bring water for the April heat.

Is this event good for first-time tattoo collectors?

Yes. The convention allows you to see multiple artists working in real time, compare portfolios, and discuss designs before committing. The atmosphere is open and artists are available for consultations, making it suitable for those researching their first piece.

14th International Nepal Tattoo Convention

Name: 14th International Nepal Tattoo Convention
Start: 2026-04-10
End: 2026-04-12
Location: Heritage Garden (Old Gyanodaya School)

The 14th International Nepal Tattoo Convention is a three-day gathering of tattoo artists and collectors taking place April 10-12, 2026. The event is at Heritage Garden at the Old Gyanodaya School in Patan, located in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. This is the 14th edition of the convention, which has run annually since the early 2010s. The event brings together Nepali artists and international guests for live tattooing across multiple booths set up throughout the garden space. Attendees can watch work in progress, browse vendor stalls selling equipment and supplies, and observe competition judging for various tattoo categories. The Heritage Garden venue sits in Patan, one of the three ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley. The location is near the Patan Durbar Square UNESCO site, making it accessible from central Kathmandu via taxi or local bus. April is spring in Nepal, with mild temperatures and clear skies before the monsoon season begins. The convention floor includes spaces for both scheduled appointments and walk-up work, though availability varies by artist. Competitions typically run throughout the weekend with categories for different styles and experience levels. Vendors range from local needle suppliers to international ink brands. Nepal's tattoo scene has grown significantly over the past decade, with Kathmandu Valley artists gaining recognition for work that incorporates traditional Hindu and Buddhist iconography alongside Japanese, American traditional, and blackwork styles. The convention reflects this mix, featuring artists who specialize in religious imagery, geometric patterns, and contemporary realism. For accommodation, most attendees stay in hotels in Kathmandu or the Thamel district, which is approximately 30 minutes from Patan by taxi. The venue has limited parking, so public transport or ride-sharing is recommended. Entry tickets are available at the door or through participating tattoo studios in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Cash payments are standard, though some vendors may accept digital transfers. Bring a valid ID if you plan to get tattooed, as shops require age verification. Wear comfortable shoes as the garden setting involves walking on grass and uneven ground. Sunscreen and water bottles are practical for the outdoor April weather.