Nepali Times

Ropain

Ropain, go to the fields and celebrate the rice-planting season. 29 June

Kathmandu kora, join hundreds of cycling enthusiasts and ride for 50, 75, or 100 km to raise funds for a birthing centre in Pyutar, Lalitpur. 19 July, facebook.com/kathmandu.kora

A night with Mao, fancy a date with a dead dictator? 27 to 30 June, 4 to 6 July, 5.30pm, Theatre Village, Uttar Dhoka DJ Zumba dance and stay fit as 25 zumba instructors from Kathmandu collaborate with a DJ. 27 June, 5 to 11pm Hotel Radisson

Cha cha cha, learn one month’s worth of Salsa in four days. Rs 1,000 for singles, Rs 1,500 for couples, Monday to Thursday, 7.30 to 8.30am/5 to 6pm/6 to 7pm, Salsa Dance Academy, Bhatbhateni

City Museum Kathmandu, head down to Darbar Marg’s newest gallery on the block for personalised guided tours.

Tours run daily, accommodates up to 15 people, [email protected]

Retrospective, a look back at the oeuvre of senior artist and cubism enthusiast Surendra Pradhan. Runs till 18 July, Park Gallery, Pulchok, parkgallery.com.np

Open house, featuring the work of artists Arpita Shakya, Ashuram Khaiju, and Palpasa Manandhar. Runs till 7 July, 11am to 6pm, Gallery Mcube, Chakupat

Muna Madan, Nepal's favourite epic on stage again. Runs till 16 July, Rs 100/200/300/500, Rastriya Nachghar, Jamal

Kickoff, watch all the matches of the football World Cup live. Rox Bar, Hyatt Regency, Boudha

I feel free, listen to poets Bikram Subba and Manu Manjil recite their poems. Rs 100/200, 28 June, 3pm, Gothale Theatre, Battisputali, (01)4469621

Movie time, watch acclaimed films from Israel at the 9th Israeli Film Festival. 20 June, Russian Cultural Centre, 12.30pm, 3pm, 5.30pm

Refugee stories, photo exhibition, film shows and talk programmes on the millions of refugees who have either found new lives or still yearn for home. Runs till 30 June, The City Museum, Darbar Marg

Mike’s breakfast

, huge breakfasts and an endless supply of coffee amidst a lush garden setting characterise this cafe, popular among tourists and locals alike. Lakeside, Pokhara

Embassy, positioned on Lajimpat’s embassy-laden lane, this restaurant has a menu with Nepali, Indian, Thai and Japanese dishes on offer. Lajimpat

Alfresco, for homemade pastas and other lip-smacking delights. Soaltee Crowne Plaza, (01)4273999

The Village Cafe, authentic Newari food that comes straight from the heart. Pulchok

The Heritage, escape the hodgepodge of the tourist hub as you relish delights like paella and panna cotta. Thamel

In Bruges, try out the best brews from Belgium. Grill Me, Jhamsikhel

Mulchowk, the blend of culinary expertise and charms of a bygone era. Babarmahal

Trisara, with dishes like flambeed prawns, crispy chicken, and khao soi, it would be a folly to ignore its aromas. Lajimpat

Krishnarpan, a specialty Nepali restaurant at The Dwarika’s Hotel serving 6 to 22 courses of authentic Nepali meal. The Dwarika’s Hotel, Battisputali, (01)4479488

Backyard, incredibly reasonable prices, modest and simple food have made this restaurant a favourite among Nepalis and foreigners alike. Jhamsikhel

Capital Grill, this American style diner offers a large assortment of appetisers and entrees to suit everyone’s tastes. Bhatbhateni, Gairidhara

Saigon Pho, spacious interior with authentic Vietnamese dishes. Lajimpat

Mango Tree Lodge

Mango Tree Lodge, culture walks, rafting in the Karnali, wildlife exploration, and jungle safari at the Bardia National Park. [email protected]

Monsoon madness get away from the capital this monsoon and beat the heat in Pokhara. Rs 5,555 for 2 Nights/3 Days, Shangri-La Village Resort, Pokhara, [email protected], hotelshangrila.com. (01) 4410051, (061)462222.

The Last Resort, test your limits with canyoning, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking and bungee jumping. Bhotekosi, Sindhupalchok, (01)4700525/1247

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

Dhulikhel Lodge Resort, located on a hilltop, the resort offers a magnificent vista of valleys, foothills, and moutains to the north. Dhulikhel, (011) 490114/494, dhulikhellodgeresort.com

Hotel Barahi, enjoy a great view of Phewa lake, cultural shows, or indulge in the scrumptious pastries from the German Bakery on the hotel premises. Lakeside, Pokhara, 061-460617/463526

Shivapuri Cottage, escape the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and enjoy peace, tranquility, good food, and fresh air. Rs 3,500 per person per night inclusive of dinner and breakfast. Budhanilkantha, 9841371927

Relax, a special one night accommodation package for two, including breakfast, and spa. Rs 9,000, Hyatt Regency, (01)4491234

Shastriya sangeet

Shastriya sangeet, the best of Hindustani classical every new moon night. 27 July, 4pm onwards, Battisputali

Starry Night BBQ, catch Ciney Gurung live as you chomp on your meat stick. Rs 1499, 7pm onwards, Fridays, Shambala Garden Café. Hotel Shangri-La, (01)4412999

Reggae night, get a load of jah music from Chari Amilo Kala Samuha every weekend. Rs 200, 21 June, 6pm onwards, Base Camp, Jhamsikhel

Music at Manny's, live Hindi and Nepali pop music with Shabnam Gurung and Dinesh Quartet. Manny's Eatery and Tapas Bar, Jawalakhel