Oct 18, Kathmandu - Nearly half a million people have left the Kathmandu Valley to celebrate Dashain, according to traffic police.

From Ghatasthapana through Ashwin 31, a total of 496,323 passengers traveled out of the valley on public transport.

Nar esh Raj Subedi, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, said departures have been underway since October 25. The number of travelers leaving today has fallen compared with the previous two days.

Heavy passenger traffic has been reported at Gongabu’s New Bus Park, Machhapokhari, Kalanki, Balkhu, Koteshwor and Gaushala. Travelers have been leaving through routes including Pharping, Nagdhunga, Thankot, Bhimdhunga, Tinpiple, Sankhu, Jagati in Bhaktapur and Bhattedanda in Lalitpur.