Ghodejatra: also known as the Festival of Horses, this is one of Kathmandu’s most exciting events. Horse races and other sports take place at Tundikhel, while other parts of the capital parade images of various deities around on chariots.

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.