Nepali Times

Bagmati River festival

Bagmati River festival, Get ready for rafting, a heritage cycle rally, raft decoration challenge, horse and rickshaw riding, arts competition and much more at the 17th Bagmati River festival. 19 August, 7am-7:30pm, Bagmati Bridge, Kupondole, (01) 4361995

Biointensive gardening, Everything Organic Nursery (EVON) will be offering its basic 3-day course in Nepali biointensive gardening. 5-7 September, 10am-5pm, For reservation: 9849325002, www.everythingorganic.org

Comic con in Nepal, Fans of Marvel, DC, Anime, games and the comic genre are in for a treat. The event will also host international cosplay artists from Japan, the Philippines and India. 9 September, 10am-8pm, Heritage Garden, Sanepa, (01) 5013096

Vocal workshop, Register to learn singing techniques from renowned jazz vocalist Diandra Danieli, hosted by Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory. 5 July-30 August, (01) 5013554 http://www.katjazz.com.np/vocal-teacher-diandra-danieli/

The connection, Participate in this charity event to support handicapped dogs. Collected money will be used to build a home for incapacitated and elderly dogs. 1 September, 7pm onwards, The Heritage Garden, Sanepa, Rs3,000, 9860130928

Obstacle race, Be adventurous and test your strength in Nepal’s first obstacle race. 9 September, 6am, Godavari Football Ground, Rs1,000, free for ultra run.

Become a photographer, Register for a 10-day photography workshop. August, 7-9am, Artudio, Chhauni Hospital Road, Fee Rs5,500, 9803779777, 9851180088, [email protected]

Women circle, Participate to hear amazing stories of women from all folds. It is a common platform for women to share their dreams and talk about the situation of women in Nepal. 20 August, 2-4pm, Ambassador Garden Home, Thamel, (01) 4700724, [email protected]

Healing power, Register if you are keen to learn about the connection between mind and body. Venerable Lobsang Namgyel will be teaching the profound practice of the medicine Buddha to help heal destructive states of mind. 16-17 September, 10am-4pm, Himalayan Meditation Centre, Narayan Chaur, Naxal, 9808296590, [email protected]

Cellar’s Café

Cellar’s Café, A perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The only place in town where you can shop for wine as you dine. Lazimpat, (01) 4410463

Prazada, A new pick in town. Spend the weekend with good food and draft beer. Baluwatar, 9801120222

Barista Lavazza, The Valley’s best European inspired coffee-culture cafe serves excellent mochas and lattes. Don’t forget to try their grilled chicken sandwich. Jawalakhel, (01) 4005123, [email protected]

Ventures Café, Stop by for the best fusion menu and all local favourites and enjoy the breezy outdoor seating. A great venue for beer connoisseurs. Baluwatar, 9851228014

Monsoon Sundays, Food connoisseurs can relish a succulent barbeque with a choice of African, Arabic or Mediterranean specialties, along with access to the swimming pool. 23 July onwards, 12:30-3:30pm, Rs1,999 per person, Hyatt Regency www.kathmandu.regency.hyatt.com

Café Jireh, For a peaceful evening and the best firewood pizza. Bhaisipati, (01) 5592102

Mezze by Roadhouse, Spot a superstar at one of Kathmandu’s most popular restaurants. Mercantile Plaza, Darbar Marg (01) 4223087

1905, Heritage boutique suites with garden dining, 1905 Suites and Restaurants is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nagpokhari, Naxal, For more information: 9860374450

Tasneem’s Kings Kitchen, A charming restaurant serving the unique flavours of distinctive Bohra Muslim Food. Jhamsikhel, 9801282727, (01)2239532

Kasara Resort

Kasara Resort, A luxury resort located in the lush setting of Chitwan National Park. For those who value their privacy and prefer a more secluded stay, Kasara offers two private villas with their own pools. Chitwan (01) 4437571 / 4438570, kasararesort.com

Shivapuri Heights Cottage, Treat yourself to a 90-minute ayurvedic massage at Neema’s Spa, followed by a healthy lunch at the Cottage. Shivapuri Hills, Bhudanilkantha, 9841371927, Rs5000 per person, advance booking essential. Transport available on request at extra cost.

Park Village Resort, Yoga, detox and ayurveda treatment in a quiet corner of Kathmandu. Himalayan Peace and Wellness Center, Park Village Resort, Budhanilkantha, (01) 4370286, [email protected]

Rupakot Resort, Get pampered in the lap of luxury amid stunning views of the Annapurnas. Maidan-6, Rupakot, Kaski, (61) 622660 / (01) 4004687 /9856038043, www.rupakotresort.com

Temple Tree Resort and Spa, A peaceful place to stay, complete with a swimming pool, massage parlour and sauna. It’ll be hard to leave once you enter. Gaurighat, Lakeside, (61) 465819

Club Himalaya, For amazing mountain views and refreshing weekend escapades, special package available. Nagarkot, (01) 4410432

Gokarna Forest Resort, A numinous paradise that relaxes your breathing and encourages meditation, just a 20-minute drive from Kathmandu. Gokarna, (01) 4451212, [email protected]

Milla Guesthouse, If you prefer the quiet and admire a mix of old and new, this is the perfect place to stay. Not too far from the city, yet miles apart. Bhaktapur, 9851024137

Music for a cause

Music for a cause, Your favourite band B-8EIGHT and singer Sweta Singh Hamal will perform live to support the students of Palanchok Bhagwati Secondary School. 26 August, 6pm onwards, Titos Pub and Lounge, Jhamiskhel, 9841647747

Fusion Friday, Spend the weekend with your favourite band Panchamrit at your favourite place: Attic Bar. 18 August, 7-9pm, Attic Bar, Tangal, (01) 4442615

KantadAbdAb, Book your seats for a musical night with Nepali fusion trio KantadAbdAb. 18 August, 5:30pm onwards, Base Camp: Outdoor Lifestyle, Jhamsikhel, Rs500, 9841226397

Soulful Sufi, The Sumiran band will be performing great sufi songs this weekend. 18 August, 5:30-11:59pm, The Crust Pizza, Mid Baneswor, (01) 4483383, 9861977675

Divine live, Popular Indian hip-hop singer Divine will perform live in Kathmandu for the first time. 18 August, 6pm onwards, The Factory, Thamel, (01) 4701185

Acoustic night, Enjoy a three-course meal (includes a glass of wine or a cocktail) for just Rs1,499, with artists Priyadarshani Shrestha and Aabhiskar KC. 18 August, 7-10pm, Empire Restaurant & Bar, Kupondole, 981-3967032