Events

Bato ko cinema, six movies, six screenings, six fabulous opportunities to watch amazing documentaries on the streets of Patan. 6 to 21 December, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm onwards, Patan, 9813485716, (01)5523486

Birdwatching, catch a glimpse of one of the 34 species of globally threatened bird species who call Nepal their home. 15 December, 7am, Phulchoki, departure from Godawari Bus Park, 9841330576

Leadership in Southasia, diplomat, writer, thinker, and former governor of West Bengal, Gopalkrishna Gandhi will address chronic issues that continue to affect and ravage Southasian societies. Open to all,
18 December, 3pm, Hotel Annapurna, Darbar Marg, (01)4472807/5547279

Katha-kuro, opportunity for young aspiring writers to learn the art of narrative storytelling at this feature-writing workshop with journalist, blogger, and aspiring filmmaker Pranaya Rana. Rs 1,000, 15, 16, 22 and 23 December, 10am to 2pm, Ting's Tea Lounge, Lajimpat,
editor@ventzine.com

Adolescent girls in Nepal between tradition and modernity, an exhibition of Thomas Kelly's works which reveal the risks and challenges faced as well as the opportunities available to young women in Nepal. 7 to 16 December, 8am to 6pm, Indigo Gallery, Naxal, (01)4413580

Rode microphone seminar, learn with Greg Simmons to use microphones correctly and effectively for your private recording sessions. Rs 1,500, 15 December, 10am to 5pm, Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, (01)5013554,
info@katjazz.com

Piano lessons, a month-long tutelage under Thomas Duvigneau who shall be teaching rhythm, sight reading, scales, simple and advance harmonisation, piano solo, and comping. 9 December to 9 January, 5 classes a week, (01)5013554, info@katjazz.com

Music

KCM inter-college music competition, rock the living daylights out of your competitors, and win up to Rs 145,000 in cash and kind. Rs 5000 registration fee, 15 December, 10am to 7pm, Fun Park, Bhrikuti Mandap, (01)5201997
Live at Café 32, live music, and delicious food every Friday. 6pm onwards, Café 32, Battisputali, (01)4244231

Dining

Salt & Pepper Restro Lounge, espresso, mocha, latte, frappuccino, cocktails, liquor, beers and flavoured shishas, with an outdoor lake-view terrace. Lakeside, Pokhara, (061)463484, 9846210568, www.saltandpeppernepal.com

Café Du Temple, famous for its delicious food, warm ambience and a beautiful roof top view. Patan Darbar Square, (01)5527127

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

Cosmopolitan Cafe, located in the heart of Basantapur, this cosy cafe offers arguably the best chicken sizzler in town. Basantapur (along Kathmandu Darbar Square), (01)4225246

Peri Peri, home of legendary Portugese flamed grilled chicken, enjoy dishes served with the trademark Piri Piri sauce. Jhamsikhel, 9808563803

Yin Yang Restaurant, east meets west as you choose from a variety of Thai and continental dishes. Add a little spice to your life with the pad thai or green curry. If you can't handle the heat, fall into the safety net of its western dishes. Thamel, 10am to 10pm, (01)4701510

Dragon Chinese Restaurant, try the Kung Pao Pork if alone and the Mai Cao if with company. Lakeside, Pokhara

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

Public Cave, while its pizzas, sizzlers, and spring rolls are a hit among customers, the main attraction is karaoke. Dihikopatan, Pokhara, 9856032958

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

No Name Restaurant, friendly ambience with palatable dishes, try its delicious momochas. Putalisadak

Fuji Bakery, tucked in Chakupat this bakery offers homemade goodies like apple pie, pain du chocolat, and banana cake. Chakupat, Lalitpur

Chopstix, savoury Asian food cooked in true Chinese fashion sure to charm and impress. Try the famous drums of heaven. Kumaripati, 5551118

Getaways

Winter camp at Borderlands, send your kids packing into the jungle where they get to develop their leadership, communication, and basic life skills while taking part in outdoor and extracurricular activities such as tent crafting, rock climbing, canyoning, abseiling, cooking and art, music, and dance lessons. 5 to 12 January, Borderlands Resort, Bhotekoshi, (01)4381214, 9802025666, www.borderlandsresorts.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

Mindfulness Meditation, join Jharna Bajracharya for a deeply enriching journey into your mind.
Rs 1,400, 16 December, 10am to 4pm, Pranamaya Yoga Studio Boudha, Pipal Bot, register via info@pranamaya-yoga.com, 9851002920

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

Hotel Heritage, enjoy the exquisite architecture and traditional ambience, but make sure to book your rooms online with NepalSutra. Bhaktapur,
01-6611628, info@nepalsutra.com

Changing childhood

Well-known photographer Thomas L Kelly gives us a rare insight into the world of young Nepali girls and boys as they navigate their way through different kinds of Nepal: the traditional and modern, the privileged and deprived. Organised by the German aid agency GIZ, the exhibit Adolescent Girls in Nepal: Between Tradition and Modernity displays photos of girls carrying heavy loads on the fields, girls who dream of becoming football stars, nurses, and teachers, and girls whose certificates from religious schools are not accepted. Each potrait reveals the challenge of being a young female in today's Nepal, but also their strong will and desire for a better future.

7 to 16 December, 8am to 6pm
Indigo Gallery, Naxal
(01)4413580