EVENTS

The Himalayan Arts Project, exclusive open day and launch party with two new collections from print and jewellery ranges. 29 July, open all day, launch party: 5.30pm to 8pm, Imago Dei, Nagpokhari

Research Seminar Series, in Martin Chautari on Chaitanya Mishra's Badalindo Nepali Samaj, Speakers: Pratyoush Onta, Rajendra Maharjan, Bhim Prasad Bhurtel. 31 July, Sunday, 3pm, Martin Chautari, Thapathali

Poetry Recitation, organised by Himalayan Readers' Book Club. 30 July, 3pm to 4.30pm, British Council, Lazimpat, 9849100300

TEDx Kathmandu, an independently organised TED event featuring speakers Ani Choying Dolma, Anil Chitrakar, Prabhas Pokhrel, Salil Subedi and Sunil Babu Pant. Event is restricted to 100 attendees only who will be selected through application process. Forms can be downloaded from www.tedxkathmandu.com. 30 July, Nepal Tourism Board, Exhibition Road

Kafka: Ak Adhyaaya, a Nepali play based on the life of German writer Franz Kafka, to be staged by Actors Studio. 30 July, 6.30pm, Moksh, Jhamsikhel

Biodiversity Conversation in Nepal, a talk program by Rajendra Narsingh Suwal, organised by the Indian Cultural Centre. 29 July, 5.30pm, Durbar Hall, Bal Mandir, Naxal, 4412715, invitation only San Miguel Beach Party, Insomnia creates a beach setting complete with wind surf boards, sails, sand and even an artificial sun, don't miss out on the fun. 29 July, 7pm onwards, Insomnia Lounge Bar, Durbar Marg, Ticket: Rs 500 inclusive of a can of San Miguel

Funky Fresh E.L.E.M.E.N.T.S, a youth empowerment program for young hip hop enthusiasts above the age of 13 to harness their skills to become independent hip hop artists. 23 to 30 July, 10am to 6pm, Sattya Media Arts Collective, Jawalakhel/ Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Jhamsikhel, fee Rs1000 (Scholarships available), Application deadline 21 July

Nepal Cine Symposium, a South Asia focused international film network and promotion platform for cinema which includes a film festival 'Something like a film festival' organised by DocSkool. Till 22 November, Submission open until 30 August, www.cinesymposium.com, [email protected], 4471104

Arbitrary Constant, DJ session, live music, creative bartenders and a fashion show all wrapped into one exclusive night. 29 July, 7pm to midnight, The Tantra, Paknajol, 9841687184

MUSIC

Lyrics Andy and Albatross live in House of Music. 4 August, 10pm to 11.30pm, Thamel, 9841904105

Mukti and Revival in concerts. 29 July, 6.30pm onwards, Cafereena, Durbar Marg. 30 July, 7.30pm onwards, The Tantra Restaurant, Paknajol, 4257171

DINING

OR2K, One of the few vegetarian restaurants in the Valley, their Middle Eastern platter is delicious and their cocktails robust. Mandala Street, Thamel, 4422097

9th Annual Wine Festival, Kilroy's monsoon wine festival will feature 15 varieties of exquisite wines from six different countries. 1 July to 15 September, Kilroy's of Kathmandu, Thamel, 4250440

Chopstix, savoury Asian food cooked in true Chinese fashion sure to charm and impress. Begin your feast with the Dragon Chicken, it's one-of-a-kind. Kumaripati, 5551118.

Cafe Hessed, for those with a sweet tooth, offers a delicious range of cupcakes and doughnuts . Jhamsikhel

Lazy Gringo, fail-safe Mexican restaurant. The lemonade with refills is what won us over, but the food is mighty fine. Jawalakhel

Hankook Sarang, serves up the incredible tastes of Korea, including superlative steamed rice to anchor meals fit for kings. Thamel, near Roadhouse Caf�

Picasso, for its authentic take on French cuisine. Jhamsikhel, 5009076

Dhaba, for an excellent range of North Indian delicacies, try their unbeatable Kashmiri Gosht. Thapathali

Yin Yang Restaurant, east meets west as you choose from a variety of Thai and continental dishes. Get a little spice in your life with their pad thai or green curry. If you can't handle the heat, fall into the safety net of their western dishes. Thamel, 10am-10pm, 4701510

Himalayan Java, this Thamel establishment, more known for its coffee, serves excellent sandwiches too. Picks � BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomtato) and tuna cheese, Tridevi Marg, 4422519

Casa Toscana, varieties of yummy pizzas to try and other Italian delights. Casa Toscana, Pulchok

Tamarind, a multi-cuisine restaurant, offers a decent range of drinks and food. Jhamsikhel

Cinnamon Grill Lounge, offers delicious food and good music, added bonus- live performance by Ciney Gurung every Saturday. Jhamsikhel

GETAWAYS

Weekends Treks Out Package, for expat and locals, 3 Days Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trek (Kathmandu/Lankuri/Balthali/Namobuddha/Kathmandu), includes 2 overnight stays in Lankuri and Balthali with meals, guide and drop & pick-up services. Hima Nepal Tours and Treks, Lazimpat, [email protected], 9841766561, 012081099

Monsoon Getaway at Gokarna Forest Resort.

The Dwarika's Himalayan Shangri- La Village Resort, overnight package with accommodation, dinner and breakfast. Dhulikhel, Rs 3,500 (single), Rs 5,000 (double), 10 per cent service charge extra, call 4479488 for reservations