EVENTS

13th Floriculture Trade Fair, with spring in the air, beautiful flowers from all over are gathered in one location for your convenience. Choose from over 50 stalls displaying their best specimens. Bhrikuti Mandap, 10am-6pm, 1-5 April.

Any One of Us: Words from Prison, re-run of the adaptation of Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues first staged at Nepal Academy on the occasion of International Women's Day. Sunday 4 April, Kamal Mani Theatre, Patan, tickets Rs 200, discount for students

Chaitya & Silent Flow, works of Kailash Shrestha and Sushma Shakya made during their one-year residency sponsored by the Australian Himalayan Foundation. Opens Sunday 4 April, Siddhartha Art Gallery, 4218048

Khariko Ghero (The Caucasian Chalk Circle), a Berlolt Brecht play about a peasant girl and her adopted son set against our recent politically turbulent history. Directed by Max Webster and Mia Theil Have at Rimal Theatre, Gurukul, performances resume from 6 April-1 May, 5.30pm, everyday except Mondays, 4466956

American Voices: Broadway-focused workshops, five-day long workshop for theatre enthusiasts that will end with a joint performance with 'American Voices' performers this weekend. Saturday, 3 April Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Jhamsikhel, 4491234

Infiltration of Darkness, an exhibition of paintings by one of the most promising young artists of Nepal, Sunil Sigdel, 26 March-18th April, Kathmandu Contemporary Art Centre, Jhamsikhel

Painting for peace and harmony, mural painting with Andorran artist Jordi Casamjor on the south perimeter wall of Hyatt Regency Hotel, presented by The Himalayan Children's Foundation of Kathmandu, 1-7 April

Spring Camp 2010, organised by Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, open to children aged 3 to 12 to discover the joy of dance, music and theatre. Runs till 9 April. Reservations at 5013554 or info@katjazz.com

music

Disco party and tapas festival, seems like an unlikely combination but the disco itself will be a good change from the trance-y oblivion that is Thamel. And we are told Christine will be serving tapas all night long. Friday, 2 April, 8pm onwards, Délices de France Restaurant, Ganesh Man Singh Building, Thamel, 4260326, dress appropriately

Moksh Rock Festival, workshops and performances by a who's who of Nepali rock music scene. Expected guests: Mukti Shakya of Mukti and Revival, 1974 AD, Hari Maharjan, and more. 10-13 April, 5pm onwards, Moksh, Jhamsikhel

Albatross live at Lakhey, they brought the house down with their first reunion gig at the House of Music last Friday. If you are new to the band, we suggest you print out the lyrics of their songs because everyone will be singing along. Wednesday 7 April, 7pm, Lakhey Bar, Darbar Marg

Kalakarmi, launch of Hari Maharjan Project's debut album, Kalakarmi. The album will be one to watch because Hari Maharjan has been labelled the best guitarist in Nepal. Saturday, 3 April, Nepal Music Center, Pingalsthan, 4465463

JSC Quartet, bringing you live smooth jazz through the night at Comfort Zone. Hang around with the cool cats and enjoy the cool breeze of the night with a rooftop view. Thamel, rooftop of Bank of Kathmandu, every Friday, 7-11pm, 9841364368

Jatra ladies night, one free cocktail to all the ladies and mesmerising Sufi and Nepali music with Dharmendra Shwan. Sounds like a win-win. Every Wednesday at Jatra Bar, Thamel

DINING

The Oriental Tearoom at Pipalbot has rather complicated opening hours but a mouth-watering spring menu. Try sake-cured salmon for lunch and twice-cooked caramelised pork belly for dinner. Wednesday to Monday for lunch, and Thursday to Saturday for dinner, Babar Mahal Revisited, 4267657, bookings preferred

Everest Steak House, an old-school joint for everything steak. A sanctuary for meat. Thamel, near Chhetrapati chowk, 4260471

Summit Hotel, posh Western-style dining area with candlelight and a romantic night view of the city. Get really busy with the succulent ribs basket, and add the finishing touch with a hot Dutch apple pie. Jhamsikhel, 5521810

Jazoo, a quiet place ideal for beer and relaxing conversation. Bring a friend and enjoy their special barbeque set for a mix of everything, Jawalakhel (near the zoo), 5538321

Hadock, big compound with ample parking space, their Western and Thakali dishes are done to perfection. Jhamel, 10am-10am, 5546431

Lhasa Bar, enjoy a beer or a splash of cocktail at this springboard for excellent young musicians starting out on the Thamel circuit. Thamel, 985101043

Buddha Bar has been an establishment since the days of the hippies and offers a warm and cozy space for intimate conversations over a large selection of drinks. Happy hour 4-7pm, Thamel, 9851053235

Mike's Breakfast, huge breakfasts and a never-ending supply of coffee amidst a lush garden setting characterise this café, popular among tourists and locals alike. Naxal, 4424303

GETAWAYS

Mountain Bike Festival, go for an exhilarating downhill ride on a mountain bike at the festival organised by Initiative Outdoor, then relax with food and drinks from the stalls. Saturday, 3 April, Gyanodaya Residential School, Khokana, 2pm till late, 9851014586, www.initiativeoutdoor.com

NexGEN Adventure Program, rock climbing and canyoning in Sundarijal: a pleasant respite from the rising temperatures with a bit of adventure thrown in. Daily departure, 016914541, www.canyoninginnepal.com

Paragliding picnic, head towards Godavari on your favourite off-road bike, take a tandem paraglide flight with one of the experienced pilots, and finish off with a picnic in Godavari Botanical Garden. Pick up also available, booking and info at5536863, ktmparagliding.com