Events

Kite-flying, bring your own aerial paraphernalia and join others for an afternoon of friendly competition. 20 October, 1.30 pm, Dhulikhel, 9841766465

Art in many colours, an exhibition of works by artist David Douglas who has been painting in Nepal for over 30 years. 5 to 19 October, Red Dingo Restaurant, Jawalakhel

Saturday bird watching, take a morning walk to the largest national park in Kathmandu Valley and see if you can spot rare species of birds like the Spiny Babbler. 20 October, 7 am, Shivapuri National Park, 4381214, 4381425

Kathaa Bagaicha ko, installation art by artist Milan Rai featuring a collection of thousands of earphones used by famous and unknown personalities. 14 to 18 October, Patan Darbar Square, 9808058913

Writing for film, filmmaker Murray Kerr will help you hone your raw ideas into a polished script ready for the big screen. Rs 2,500, 1 to 10 November, 11 am to 2 pm, 9813485716, 01-5523486, [email protected]

Abstract photography, a collection of abstract photographs by participants of a photography workshop. 15 to 29 October, 10 am to 5 pm, Galleria CUC, Maharajganj

All fall down, witness the grimy side of Kathmandu's road-expansion project. 19 to 27 October, Caf� Mitra, Thamel, 9851048598

WCN nature and wildlife photography competition, take photos of flora, fauna, landscape, macro, and human interaction with nature to promote awareness and interest in conservation. Deadline 31 October, forms available at www.wcn.org.np

The mountains that unite us, an exhibition by Russian photographer Ivan Kozorezev. 9 to 30 October, 10 am to 5 pm, Russian Culture Centre, Kamal Pokhari, 01-4416650

A little off the beaten path, slideshow on Himalayan guide, author, and photographer Gary McCue's recent travels in Asia, and book sale. Trekking Tibet. October 16, 6.30pm, Indigo Gallery, Naxal, 01-4413580

Tres Flamencas, internationally renowned dancer Clara Ramon introduces the Spanish Flamenco for the first time in Nepal. Rs 1200, 8 to 9 November, 6 to 8 pm, Russian Cultural Centre, Kamal Pokhari, 9813930267

Dining

Dechenling, the place to head for Bhutanese and Tibetan cuisine, its pleasant and spacious garden is ideal for big gatherings. Thamel

Byanjan, enjoy great food at an affordable price. Shrimp cocktails, grilled fish, and desserts are favourites among guests. Lakeside, Pokhara

Sarangkot Fordays Restaurant, have a Sarangkot special breakfast while enjoying spectacular views of the mountain ranges. Sarangkot, Pokhara, 061-696920, 9817136896

Tamas-laya, promises a refined dining experience, try its prawn tempura, fisherman's fish, and Balinese chicken satay. Naxal, Kathmandu

Him Thai Restaurant and Bar, for authentic Thai cuisines in town. Lazimpat, 01-4418683

Dragon Caf�, enjoy momos, sizzlers, and vegetable coins at the most reasonable prices. Kumaripati

Everest Steak House, an old-school joint for everything steak, indeed a sanctuary for meat-lovers. Thamel, near Chhetrapati Chowk, 01-4260471

Kotetsu, authentic Japanese dishes that cater to your needs and taste buds. Lazimpat

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

Getaways

Haatiban Resort, tucked away near a jungle at the side of a hill with a 270 degree view of the Valley. Pharping, Kathmandu,01- 4371537, 4371561

Charikot Panorama Resort, enjoy mountain views and local culture in the historic town of Charikot. Special packages on offer. Charikot, Dolakha, 01-5529463, [email protected]

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

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

Hotel Heritage, enjoy the exquisite architecture and traditional ambience, but make sure to book your rooms online with NepalSutra. Bhaktapur, 01-6611628, [email protected]

Hotel Landmark, made entirely from traditional Nepali brick and woodcraft, this hotel is rich not only in heritage, but also in services and boasts an award winning restaurant, the Hungry Eye. Pokhara, 061-462908/463096/464897, www.landmarkpokhara.com
Pokhara Grande, a swimming pool to escape from the sweltering heat, a massage parlour and spa to loosen up, and a gym to release stress, all in all a great place to unwind. Lakeside, Pokhara

Fulbari Resort, enjoy the scenic view of Pokhara as you pamper yourself with tennis, golf, drinks, and dinners. Rs 6500 per person for 2 nights and 3 days, Call 01-4461918, 01-4462248

Raniban Retreat, situated at the other end of the Phewa lake and nested inside the Raniban forest and the World Peace Stupa, this retreat has one of the best views of the Annapurna range, Phewa lake, and Pokhara. World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara, 977-61-692136, 9841382053

Watch Out

Major departmental stores will remain closed during Dasain festivities. So stock up your fridge with at least a week of supplies. Also don't bother looking for fresh bakery items or dairy products during the festival because bakeries, dairies, and grocery stores will remain shut for at least three days from Monday onwards.

You should also make careful choices when going out to dine. Almost all restaurants will be closed from 22 to 24 October, so calling up your favourite restaurant before heading out is a good idea. An exception is the Red Dingo Restaurant in Jawalakhel which will remain open throughout the holidays.

Visit www.foodmandu.com for information on restaurant timings and availability.