Baisakh: the beginning of the Nepalese New Year is a great time for a visit. This day marks the start of the week-long Bisket Jatra celebration in Bhaktapur. A tug-of-war contest determines which direction the great chariot of Bnhairav will travel through the streets which are thronged with people.

Bhoto Dekhaune: Patan’s biggest festival is well worth a trip to this interesting town. The sacred jewelled waistcoat is displayed to the royal family in a timeless ritual, after which an image of the protector deity of the valley is paraded through the town to ensure adequate rainfall.

Baisakh Poornima: the triple events of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death are celebrated by Nepal’s Buddhist community. Temples such as Swayambhunath and towns such as Lumbini see processions and interesting rituals carried out.