Nepali Times

Tihar ayo

17 October, Kag Tihar: Dipawali kicks off with a puja for the bird of good tidings, the crow.

18 October, Kukur Tihar: A marigold garland for man’s (and woman's) best friend.

19 October, Gai Tihar: Welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, into your home by paying respects to the cow. 

20 October, Mha Puja: The Newar community honours the physical body, while others pay homage to Gobhardhan, an avatar of Lord Krishna.

20 October, Nhudaya Bhintuna: Welcome the year 1138 in the Newari Calendar.

21 October, Bhai Tika: Sisters and brothers worship each other to ward off Yama, the harbinger of death.

26 October, Chhath: Celebrated by the people of the Maithili-speaking region of Nepal and India, Chhath lasts four days. On the third day, people worship the setting sun at Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu and on the banks of rivers or lakes in the Tarai. 

Jazzmandu, The Kathmandu Jazz Festival turns 15 this year. Jazz music will fill the air as various artists play their sets at intimate venues across the valley. Take your pick of where to go. 12-18 October, 9803516450, info@jazzmandu.org

Golden horizon, 12 artists from Nepal and India come together for a joint exhibition with underlying themes of heritage, society and culture, environment and human psychology. Until 15 October, 10am-5pm, Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, http://www.nepalartcouncil.org.np/

Rock climbing, Guage your own strength by trying your hand (and feet) at rock climbing on Astrek Climbing Wall. The package includes lunch, a bottle of water and climbing and safety gear. No previous experience required. Every Saturday, 8am-5pm, Rs5,500 per person, (01) 4419265, 9841313561, www. facebook.com/astrek.climbing

Photo contest, Submit your three best tourism-related pictures in this contest organised by the Nepal Tourism Board, SMARTH and DFID to mark World Tourism Day (27 September). Send your pictures to: dfidnepal@gmail.com to participate Deadline: 31 October, (01) 5542980, www.facebook.com/NepalDFID

Tradition subverted, An exhibition that explores self-identity and gender identification, as well as engages viewers in a dialogue about urbanisation and ecology, by artists Erina Tamrakar and Asha Dangol. 13 October-3 December, 11am- 10:30pm, Yala Mandala, Kwalkhu Road, Lalitpur, (01) 5536690,

Cellar’s Café

Cellar’s Café, Perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The only eatery in town where you can shop for the wine of your choice as you dine. Lazimpat, (01) 4410463

Dhokaima Café, Try indigenous cocktails with ai-la to mark Nepal Sambat 1138 new year at the Rukhmuni Bar. Patan Dhoka, (01) 5522113, dhokaimacafe@yahoo.com

Falcha, Give in to the twin pleasures of lemon jeera chicken and mutton handi kabab.  Jhamsikhel, 9851013475

Café Jireh, Escape the hustle-bustle of the city and enjoy firewood pizza. Bhaisipati, (01) 5592102

Yala Mandala, Spend an evening at a café in this urban artisan village. Take a tour of the gallery and handicraft workshop until your food arrives. Kwalkhu Road, Lalitpur, (01) 5536690

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

European Bakery, For patties, éclairs, Swiss rolls, cookies, doughnuts and many more Saturday specials. Chundevi, (01) 4422047

Wunjala Moskva, Treat your palette to Newari and Russian dishes in the lush garden surrounded by ancient trees and trickling streams.  Naxal, (01) 4415236

Dunga, Head down for some delicious continental food and don’t forget their signature cocktails, all served with fine hospitality in an excellent space. Lakeside, Pokhara, (061) 463321

Shivapuri Heights Cottage

Shivapuri Heights Cottage, A special package for those who want to view the spectacular display of Laxmi Puja Lights down in the Kathmandu Valley this Tihar. Budhanilkantha, 9841371927

Glacier Hotel, Good value and friendly service for travellers on the lap of Lake Phewa. Gaurighat, Lakeside, Pokhara, (061) 463722, www.glaciernepal.com

Chhaimale Resort, Enjoy the beauty of nature and a peaceful weekend. Perfect for BBQs, picnics and family hangouts. Dakshinkali, (01) 4628121, 9851181409

Balthali Village Resort, A small, cosy retreat with a bird’s eye view of green terrace fields dotted with ochre painted houses. Balthali, Kavre, 9851075818

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, peace@wellness.com.np

Milla Guesthouse, If you enjoy 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

Mango Tree Lodge, Culture walks, rafting in the Karnali, wildlife exploration, and jungle safari at Bardia National Park.  info@mangotreelodge.com Bhetani, Bardia, info@mangotreelodge.com

Pataleban Vineyard Resort, Japanese-influenced eco-resort with great views, jungle walks and picnics. Chisapani, Kathmandu, 9841679364

Jhule Mountain Resort, Resting 2,050m above sea level, the eco-resort has a farmhouse that stretches across a hill covered in fresh pine. Enjoy an organic homestay experience. Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, Lapsiphedi-3, Jhule, (01) 6212399

Live with Bipul

Live with Bipul, Long-awaited live performance by rising star Bipul Chhetri. Tickets available at Base Camp (Arun Thapa Chok), Durbar (Durbarmarg) and Calm (Tangal). 14 October, 5pm, Hotel Annapurna, Durbarmarg, Rs2,000, Rs 1,500 (pre sale), 9841226397, 9801111406, 9801057609

Adrian Pradhan live, The popular singer is back and performing live, a chance to listen to some of his biggest hits. 14 October, 5-6:30pm, Tewa, Dhapakhel Road, Lalitpur, (01) 5229054

Nima Rumba, Your favorite pop singer is here to rock the stage again. Reserve your seats.14 October, 6-11pm, Tirsara, Lazimpat, (01) 4410200

Friday night live, Unwind with a soothing musical performance by Aadrasha. 13 October, 7-10pm, Ai-La Lounge. Lalitpur, 9801018681