Events

New Expressions on the Block, an exhibition of paintings by eleven artists. 21 December to 17 January, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, 4218048, 4438979, www.siddharthaartgallery.com

Hamro Shorts, celebrate this December with short Indie films. 1 December to 29 December, Street side food court, Times Square mall, Durbarmarg

KIMFF 2011, don't miss out the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival which features films, photography and books about mountains. 8 to 12 December, Rastriya Sabha Griha (City Hall) and Nepal Tourism Board Auditorium, http://www.kimff.org/

Finale for Nepal, promoting Nepal as an extreme sports destination, with live performances by 1974 AD, Supersonic featuring Subani Moktana and choreographic artist Antoine Le Menesirel showcasing his talents. David Mamet's Oleanna directed by Deborah Merola will also be staged. 3 December, noon onwards, Moksh, Jhamsikhel. Call 9841486967

3-On-3 B-Ball Tournament, watch teams battle it out in Fr. Donnelly Open Men's and Women's 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. 4 December to 9 December, Godavari Alumni Association, Thamel.

Burns Violence Survivor, join the activism for gender based violence now. 25 November to 10 December, musical program on 4 December, 1905 restaurant, Kantipath

2nd International Dance Festival, dance workshops by international instructors, shows, hip hop battles and parties. 8 December to 11 December, Shangri-la Hotel. Call 9803192370

Kathmandu International Mountain Festival (KIMFF) 2011, attend the screening of 52 films representing 22 countries or participate in one of the many exciting workshops and discussions. 8 to 12 December, Rastriya Sabha Griha and Nepal Tourism Board, Exhibition Road

KJC winter camp 2012, ten days winter camp for children of age 6-13 years oragnised by Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory. 2 January to 13 January. Contact 5013554

Music

Nabis and the Anarchies, liven up your Saturday with a host of musical bands. 3 December, 4pm onwards, The Tantra, Chettrapati, 9841596971

Baja Gaja, playing live every Tuesday 7: 30pm onwards at Mosksh, Pulchowk. Call 5526212

Live music at Jazzabella Café. Every Wednesday and Friday 6pm onwards, Jazzabella café, Jhamsikhel, Patan. Call 2114075

Dining

Upstairs Cafe, a delicious range of Vietnamese cuisine to sample. Maharajgunj, near the US embassy
Bench Burger, be it a fish or a steak burger, Bench Burger offers many types and tastes for your palate. Krishnagalli, Patan

Cinnamon Grill and Lounge, mouth watering delicacies with live music. Try the grilled tenderloin steak and quiche lorraine with fresh fruit salad. Jhamsikhel, 5521339

The Factory, a trendy restobar for a refreshing stopover in the chaos that is Thamel. Great food and drinks, with zesty music. Don't miss out on their cheesecake, it's a must. Mandala Street, Thamel

Dhokaima Cafe, exquisite ambience, friendly service, cozy bar, place to see and be seen at. Patan Dhoka, Yala Maya Kendra, 5522113

Irish Pub, for the simple reason that the place actually feels like a bar. Don't miss out on their Irish coffee. Lazimpat, Ananda Bhawan, 4416027

The Ghangri Café, A quiet and relaxing place with delicious food. Although known for their open momos, their Chef Salad is equally scrumptious. Pulchowk, 5528703

Him Thai Restaurant and Bar, for the most authentic Thai cuisines in town. Lazimpat, 4418683

Just Baked, a cozy café with amazing pastries and friendly ambience. Old Baneshwor

Buddha Bar, offers a warm and cozy space for intimate conversations over a large selection of drinks. Thamel, 9851053235

New Orleans, offers a wide variety of western dishes that are scrumptious yet healthy. Jhamsikhel, 5522708

Attic, newly transformed lounge/bar ideal for Friday night drinking before hitting the dance spots. Uttar Dhoka, Lazimpat, 984161476

Getaways

Holiday at Grand Norling Hotel, Gokarna. One night and two days at Rs 4500and two nights and three days at Rs 7000. Call 447948

The Last Resort, be a part of the Bungy or Swing Jump Event over the Bhote Khosi river 160 metres below or mountain biking up to the Tibetan border. Fees: Rs 2700 per person for one day or Rs 4500 per person for an overnight stay, valid until December, the Last Resort Sales Office, Mandala Street, Thamel, 4700525