Having lived together in Kathmandu on and off since 2003, you couldn't call this an expedition, but some of our most interesting discoveries have been here at 'home'... Kathmandu holds a very special place in our hearts, and we share with you some of our photos, stories and secrets. If you're after tales of Ganesh at Mac Cyber or Lauren's Nava Jeewan adventures, check out the sidebar links.

Kathmandu Delicacies
In addition to our blue list suggestions of staples like daal bhat, treats like keshar milk and walking food such as fresh strawberries, here are some of the other foods we've enjoyed!

A warm and tasty sweet shop... long live sugar!

Tastiest Ways to Survive Winter in Kathmandu
(Previously a blue list on the Lonely Planet website)

Sweet Nepali Chiya

Start the day the local way with a steaming cup of sweetly spiced Nepali tea. Guaranteed to thaw your fingers, you can treat your tastebuds for only Rs 5 (US$0.1) per cup!

Streetcart Aloo Paratha

Behind the colourful markets of Assan is a booming local family business. For only Rs 5 (US$0.1), feast on Roti mixed with potatos, cooked before your eyes and served with a tomato curry. The cheapest way to fill any stomach!

Fresh Strawberries

Sandwiched between bustling New Road and the cultural Durbar Square, sit the local strawberry sellers. Take a paper cone full for only Rs 10 (US$0.15) to wet your mouth after a full days exploration and shopping.

Keshar Milk

Next to the King's Palace, a 10 minute walk from Thamel sits the Nepal Dairy. Winter may be too cold to sample their wide variety of ice cream, but you can share Keshar Milk in a bottle with the locals and let the milk purify your skin!

The Roadhouse Special

Arguably the bext pizza in Nepal, and a haven not only for tourists but also for young Nepalese. Get there early to get the best seats in the house (couch corner) or wait until later to catch up on local chatter. A feast for all your taste buds!

Momos

A Tibetan treat, steamed dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken or buffalo meat. Eaten in a traditional momo house, these will be served with a heavily spiced soup that will cure any sniffles from cold. A bargain at only Rs 20 (US$0.2) per plate.

Chinese Market Bakery

Between Assan and New Road, the fake Chinese market houses not only very cheap DVDs, but also a western style bakery. If you've had enough rice, warm up with a cinnamon roll or a piece of apple pie, while you check out the latest gadgets available.

Fresh Juice

Though the nights can be less than 1 degree C, the days can reach get as high as 28 degrees C! Cool down in the afternoon with an apple, pineapple and ginger juice (or any combination of your choice) for Rs 35 (US$0.50) at a local juicery.

Indian Sweets

Around the corner from China town, above the enormous Bluebird department store is a brand new Angan Sweet Shop. A sparkling salvation from the outside noise and dust, sample one of many exquistely presented delicious sweets. Gift boxes available.

Daal Bhat Tarkari

No journey to the Hindu Kingdom would be complete without sampling the national dish. Rice, lentil soup and vegetables. The standards (and costs!) vary widely, but the tastiest way to eat this dish is at a Nepali home, with your fingers!

Cheapest Thrills in Kathmandu
(Also previously a blue list for Lonely Planet)

Get snapped at by a Cobra

Walk towards the King's Palace from Thamel to be greeted by traditional snake charmers at work. These snakes are not well trained and snap at passers by! But be warned, if you take a photo and don't hand over Rs 500 you will be cursed! Cost: free

Watch Openair Cremations

Visit Pashupatinath Temple, the largest in Kathmandu, to see bodies cremated in open air, people getting high off the fumes, a man who has locked himself in a cage and lived on milk alone for 20 years and lots of monkeys eating icecream! Cost: free

Learn Nepali

Impress the locals and your friends by learning a few phrases before you arrive. Feel part of the family as you are rewarded with tea and smiles for your efforts! Checkout dobhase.com for online translations. Cost: Internet Access

Dress up in National Dress

For as little as Rs 150 (US$2) you can get a piece of clothing tailor made just for you! Feel like royalty as you parade the streets in colourful and ezquisite beaded outfits (boys too!), and don't forget to send a photo home! Cost: from Rs 150

Ride a Rickshaw

Give a rickshaw drivers legs a break and pedal instead - a great way to see the valley and work off all the sweet tea you've been drinking! Pick up some locals to earn your lunch if you can handle it! Cost: earning potential

Write for the Newspaper

See your name in print by checking out the latest weekly question at thehimalayantimes.com and send them a short paragraph with your opinion. Don't forget to buy a copy to take home! Cost: Internet Access (Rs 10-40ph) + the Paper Rs 3

Volunteer

Boost your self confidence and make lots of new friends by teaching a class at a local school or orphanage. Play a game or two and you will have 30+ friends for life! (Make sure you keep all promises you make though) Cost: free

Meet the King

Line up with all the local well wishers to meet the King on his birthday. How many other chances will you get to meet royalty? Cost: time spent queuing and a gift (flowers normally)

Participate in a Festival

From pot smoking ShivaDay to the festival of lights there are few places you will find a celebration almost everyday that you are welcome to join! Our favourite is Holi (March) where you will be covered in water and colour from head to toe! Cost:free

Watch a Film

Join the locals laughing uproariously, crying, screaming and throwing things at the screens. The plots are usually easy enough to follow (boy meets girl and falls in love) and fellow moviegoers reactions are an added bonus. Cost: Ticket Rs 50