Kathmandu this week with food fest, a theatre play, a solo exhibition, and more

The previous week passed with a record breaking moment as Mount Everest witnessed 274 climbers scaling the mountain in a single day surpassing the previous record of 223 climbers set in 2019. Tourism around Everest has continued to spike this year despite the increase in permit fees from $11000 to $15000 since last September. And there’s also a growing concern over crowding and sustainability of the mountain environment. 

With an increasing number of mountaineers on Everest and rising temperature across the city, we’ve already stepped into a brand new week. More interestingly, there are two days of public holidays this week, so there will be an extended weekend ahead.

And with it comes a lineup of interesting events around the city this week. Here’s what’s happening:

Bikki Gurung Live Tour

Bikki Gurung, a Nepali artist based in New York is touring cities across Nepal including Kathmandu, Butwal and Pokhara from May 29 to June 6. The singer-songwriter known for popular hits like “Mari Jau” and “Dar Lagcha”, began his musical journey in 2015 following the release of his another hit, “Kewal”. Despite having no formal training in music, his music remains widely loved by the youth.

Event Details:

• Date: May 29 - June 6
• Time: 5: 00 AM onwards 
• Location: Club Nova, Kathmandu, Club Catwalk, Pokhara, Bicc Ground, Butwal (depending on places)
• Entry: Paid

Dastakhat Anuv Jain World Tour in Nepal

The week couldn’t get more musical. Anuv Jain, an Indian singer-songwriter with a massive fan following across the world including Nepal, is making a stop in Kathmandu as part of his world tour “Dastakhat” on May 30 at Club Nova. Jain is widely loved for his acoustic indie-pop sound and his simple yet heartfelt lyrics and melodies. 

Dastakhat is the latest chapter in Jain’s world tour series following Dastakhein in 2021, and Guldasta in 2023. 

Event Details:

• Date: May 30
• Time: 7 PM Onwards
• Location: Club Nova, Thamel
• Entry: Paid

Himalayan Rhythm and Festival

If you’re around Bhaktapur, get ready for a day of music, food, and culture as the Himalayan Rhythm and Festival takes place this weekend. The festival will feature live performances by artists including Purna Rai and Daju Bhai Haru, Ujan Shakya, Achal and Amicus and Pratikshya. The event begins at 12 PM at Sallaghari ground. 

Event Details:

• Date: May 30
• Time: 12 PM onwards
• Location: Sallaghari Ground, Bhaktapur
• Entry: Paid

The Founders Room

A curated mentorship and networking event designed exclusively for builders, investors and entrepreneurs is taking place in Kathmandu. The Founders Room aims to connect and discuss real startup challenges and experiences.

The event features a panel of industry leaders, including the CEO of Blanxer, co-founder of Pahadi Food/Fasto, Head of Investments at Aadhyanta Funds, and Investment Director at Avasar Equity Limited. Major highlights of the event include panel discussion, pitch sessions, networking lunch and more. 

Moderated by CA Pradeep Sigdel, the event’s key activities are set to take place within a day.

Event Details:

• Date: May 30
• Time: 1: 00 - 5: 00 PM
• Location: Apex Business Hotel, Kathmandu
• Entry: Paid

Impressions from Ghandruk

Nyano Space, an emerging creative collective art group, brings “Impressions from Ghandruk”. It is an exhibition featuring watercolor paintings,  sketches created live on the site of Ghandruk by 35 artists during an educational tour.  Hence, the artwork explores the Ghandruk village life from the perspective of the artists. 

Event Details:

• Date: May 28 - June 3
• Time: 10: 00 - 6: 00 PM 
• Location: Gallery Mcube, Chakupat, Lalitpur
• Entry: Free

Where the water falls

“Where the water falls” is a solo exhibition by Ohr Marom Munk, an Israeli artist. Inspired by Nepal’s ancient hiti water systems, journey of child monks and often unnoticed individuals sustaining everyday urban life, the exhibition explores the themes of memory, devotion, visibility, and responsibility through video, installation, and new media works. 

Based on the artist’s experiences in Nepal, the exhibition reflects on the connection between tradition and change and how societies remember, preserve, and shape their collective futures. 

Event Details:

• Date: May 30 - June 2
• Time: 11: 00 AM - 5: 00 PM
• Location: Artudio, Nakabahil, Lalitpur
• Entry: Free