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For modern travelers, airport lounges and restaurants serve distinct but complementary roles, offering comfort and convenience to passengers. Lounges, typically reserved for premium-class passengers or loyalty members, provide a tranquil space with amenities like plush seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and often showers or business facilities. Restaurants, on the other hand, cater to all travelers and offer a wide variety of dining experiences—from fast food to gourmet meals. 

At Tribhuvan International Airport, travelers don’t have to choose between the two. Yatra Lounge and Restro offers both sides, combining the comforts of a lounge with the culinary variety of a restaurant. 

Located near the International Departure gate, Yatra Lounge and Restro has become a welcoming space for all kinds of travelers. With over 10 years of experience in airport hospitality, the owner understood exactly what tourists and travelers need before a long flight: a peaceful environment, good food, and practical amenities. 

The lounge was created with traveler feedback in mind and designed to meet the specific needs of every guest. Today, it’s a calm, clean, and beautifully designed spot where guests can relax, enjoy a meal, and freshen up. The ambience is serene, far removed from the typical crowded and chaotic airport environment. 

Previously, the area lacked basic facilities. There was no proper water service, restrooms were inadequate, and there was always a crowd. Now, guests can enjoy clean restrooms, take a refreshing shower, and unwind before their flight. For those suffering from jet lag or looking to recharge, Yatra Lounge and Restro offers the perfect place to rest and reset. 

The establishment officially opened on July 15, and while it’s already serving travelers, the official grand opening is still on the way. The delay has been due to various factors, including raw material shortages, labor challenges, and necessary documentation procedures required by the airport authorities. Despite these setbacks, the team has stayed committed to delivering a high-quality experience. 

The menu at Yatra Lounge and Restro is thoughtfully curated. The chef has placed special emphasis on Thakali cuisine, aiming to offer travelers a taste of home before departure or after arrival. This homely touch has resonated well with guests and adds to the comforting atmosphere. 

Beyond local flavors, the menu also features a diverse range of international cuisines, including Italian, Thai, and Chinese dishes. As the team continues to evolve, they are currently in discussions about introducing a signature dish that will represent the brand’s unique identity. A new menu is also in the works, with updates expected soon. 

The ambience at Yatra Lounge and Restro is designed with care and attention to detail. Greenery, soft background music, and comfortable seating create a relaxing space for travelers. There’s a thoughtful mix of open areas and private spaces, with chairs featuring traditional Dhaka fabric, adding a cultural touch to the modern setting. The lounge also includes a kids’ room, catering to families and ensuring children have a comfortable place to unwind while waiting for their flight. 

Understanding airport dynamics is key to smooth operations. Yatra Lounge and Restro is equipped with real-time flight display monitors, helping the staff stay updated on departure and arrival schedules. This foresight allows the team to prepare for peak travel hours, particularly during flight delays or weather disruptions, which are common during the rainy season. 

The management receives pre-information about potential delays, enabling them to proactively manage resources and staffing. As the management emphasizes, teamwork is essential—no one can handle such a dynamic environment alone. A coordinated effort ensures that guests receive seamless service, no matter how busy it gets. 

At Yatra Lounge and Restro, the journey doesn’t stop at just offering comfort—it’s about constantly improving. The lounge actively collects feedback through physical forms and a live online feedback system, ensuring real-time input from guests. Most feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, yet the management acknowledges that hospitality is an ever-evolving field, and there’s always room for improvement. Their openness to suggestions reflects their genuine commitment to guest satisfaction. 

Currently, Yatra Lounge and Restro offers both pre-booking and walk-in access, with the majority being walk-in customers. Looking ahead, the lounge is planning to introduce a membership or pass system, especially aimed at international travelers. Options like Privilege Pass and Priority Pass are under consideration to provide frequent flyers with added convenience and exclusive benefits. 

Although the lounge is open to everyone, the primary target includes frequent travelers who seek peace, comfort, and a quiet space to wait, relax, or refresh. As a pre-security lounge, it’s accessible before check-in, making it an excellent choice for not just travelers, but also airport staff and visitors. 

Unlike most airport lounges that are located post-security, Yatra Lounge and Restro is situated before the boarding pass check, near the International Departure gate, allowing anyone to access it, be it travelers, family members, or airport staff. With around 10,000 employees working at Tribhuvan International Airport, the lounge also provides a welcoming space for staff to dine, rest, or meet visiting relatives. For officers and personnel who can’t bring guests inside the secured zones, this lounge offers a convenient and comfortable meeting point. 

Operating 24 hours a day, the lounge runs on a well-coordinated day and night shift system, ensuring continuous service for travelers at any hour. This has also created employment for nearly 40 staff members, each trained specifically according to their role. Training is provided based on institutional standards, ensuring quality service in all aspects—from food service and customer care to hygiene and operations. 

Yatra Lounge and Restro goes beyond just offering food and a place to sit. It’s a fully equipped pre-flight retreat designed to meet the diverse needs of modern travelers. The lounge offers a range of affordable packages and combo deals that include access to exclusive facilities such as: private sleeping rooms for rest and recovery, recliner chairs for a quick nap or relaxation, massage chairs to relieve travel stress and dedicated workspaces with Wi-Fi for business travelers. 

These services can be availed individually or as part of value-added combo packages, giving guests the flexibility to choose what best suits their time, needs, and travel schedule. Whether you’re on a layover, dealing with a flight delay, or simply arriving early, Yatra Lounge and Restro offers an environment that blends comfort with practicality. 

With a vision to serve a wider range of passengers, it is also planning to extend its services to domestic travelers by providing the travel system for them. As the domestic terminal is located at a distance, this initiative aims to offer a convenient resting and dining point for domestic flyers who may arrive early or have layovers in the international section. 

In addition, the lounge is preparing to enhance the experience for first-time international visitors to Nepal by offering essential travel information through a dedicated help desk service. This will include guidance on local transportation, cultural norms, emergency contacts, and key destinations, making it easier for newcomers to navigate their journey. 

This informative feature will also be bundled into upcoming combo packages. Perfectly positioned near the international departure area and open to all, Yatra Lounge and Restro is the ideal escape before your journey—a place to enjoy a peaceful meal, get some work done, or simply unwind in comfort.

Nearly a decade after the introduction of the National Health Insurance Act, the National Health Insurance Program is facing severe operational and financial challenges, prompting the government to announce sweeping reforms aimed at ensuring its sustainability and effectiveness.

Enacted in 2017, the National Health Insurance Act was led by then Health Minister Gagan Thapa with the goal of making healthcare more accessible, affordable and equitable.

Under the scheme, a family of five was entitled to receive up to Rs 50,000 in medical services annually after paying a yearly premium of Rs 2,500. The programme was initially launched in 36 districts.

However, the insurance program is now at a critical stage. Poor management, inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of skilled human resources have significantly hampered service delivery.

Technical inefficiencies and a lack of proper resource allocation have also contributed to the growing crisis within the Health Insurance Board (HIB).
According to White Paper published by the HIB a few months ago, the board has an estimated Rs 24bn in unpaid claims, including Rs 17.5bn in dues from 2023-24. It also revealed that as of February, around 9m insurance claims had yet to be reviewed—highlighting the severe shortage of qualified staff and ineffective claim processing systems.

Moreover, the removal of the first service point, the designated government health institution where insured individuals first seek treatment, from many hospitals has drawn criticism. Several hospitals and local representatives have urged the government to reinstate this service, citing disruptions in care access and dissatisfaction among the insured public. Recently, HIB has notified that the service can be availed through 391 health offices throughout Nepal.

Government hospitals previously reported that over 90 percent of patients are receiving treatment through the insurance scheme, indicating heavy reliance on subsidized care. In contrast, paying outpatient department (OPD) numbers remain low, raising concerns about the program’s financial sustainability.

Health and Population Minister Pradip Paudel has announced plans to expand the program’s coverage. Speaking to Annapurna Post, sister publication of ApEx, he said the government has increased insurance coverage from
Rs 100,000 to Rs 200,000, with a long-term goal of reaching Rs 500,000. He also committed to enhancing benefits for the poor citizens, promising treatment coverage up to Rs 900,000 under the scheme.

While acknowledging the program’s funding gap, Paudel noted that the government has increased its allocation from Rs 7.5bn to Rs 10bn this fiscal year. “We are aware this is still not enough, but we are committed to improving the system,” he said.

In the budget speech for the fiscal year 2025–26, Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel announced a comprehensive restructuring of the national health insurance scheme. Key reforms will focus on enforcing the Health Insurance Act more rigorously, improving institutional discipline, reducing financial leakages, and enhancing service delivery.

Minister Pradip Paudel emphasized the need to create a system where all citizens are covered by health insurance, with contributions collected from salaried individuals. He suggested that 70 percent of healthcare costs could be funded through these contributions, with the state covering the remaining 30 percent.
He stated that effective resource management in the health sector begins with health insurance.

Despite the implementation of several measures, he proposed that a fixed percentage of the state’s income could be allocated specifically for health insurance. If that allocation proves insufficient, additional methods—such as an annual health insurance lottery—could be introduced to generate funds.

He acknowledged that the state’s resources alone are not adequate. However, he asserted that there are numerous ways to raise funds if there is the political will to do so.

Raghuraj Kaphle, Executive Director of the Health Insurance Board, stated that there is a lack of commitment to making the Board effective, warning that the health insurance system is at risk of collapsing if resources are not balanced. He explained that funding for health insurance comes from both the government and insured individuals, with Rs. 3.5bn currently being collected from the insured.

Kaphle emphasized the need to enhance the Board’s institutional capacity. He attributed the collapse of the health insurance system to a shortage of skilled human resources, inadequate technology, and financial instability. Kafle pointed out that while over 50 percent of people receive free healthcare services, only 46 percent actually pay insurance premiums. “Most of those who use the services  are chronically ill or patients with serious health conditions,” he added.

The government also plans to integrate multiple public health initiatives into the insurance program to streamline resources and improve efficiency. Benefit caps for insured families are set to gradually increase to ensure broader coverage and better health outcomes.

As the National Health Insurance Program approaches its 10-year mark, it stands at a crossroads. While its original vision remains relevant—ensuring accessible healthcare for all—serious systemic reforms and investments are urgently needed. Without these, the program risks becoming unsustainable, failing the millions of citizens who rely on it for essential medical care.

It is all set, but both sides have yet to officially announce the upcoming visit of Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India. Reports indicate that the visit is scheduled for 16–17 September 2025. In this connection, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is arriving in Kathmandu on Aug 17 for a two-day visit.

High-level diplomatic visits are held at mutually agreed times through diplomatic channels. When it is realized that high-level engagements are necessary, such sojourns are arranged in mutual consultation. It is worth noting that there are frequent high-level visits between the two countries. Since May 2014, there have been 17 exchanges at the level of Head of State or Head of Government. These visits occur as per requirements, and there has been no gap in the highest political communication between the two countries.

Political relations 

Nepal-India relations are underpinned by shared cultural and societal cohesion. Looking back over the seven decades of friendship between the two countries, political relations have always been maintained, even though some hitches and glitches have appeared. Even in the hardest times, there has been no disruption of the highest level of communication, which stands as a symbol of deep relations.

High-level meetings between the heads of government also take place on the sidelines of different multilateral and regional forums. On April 4, Prime Minister Oli and Indian Prime Minister Modi met during the sixth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Bangkok. Prime Minister Oli described the discussions as meaningful and constructive.

PM Oli and PM Modi also met on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on 22 Sept 2024. The two leaders reviewed the bilateral relationship between India and Nepal and expressed satisfaction at the progress made in diverse sectors, including development partnership, hydropower cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

In Nepal, visits of the head of government to India have often been overstated, over-judged and over-concerned. This is unnecessary. Frequent communication at the highest level means that visits alone are not always the sole indicator of a smooth relationship.

Nepal requires India’s cooperation to realize the national aspiration of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” set by Prime Minister Oli. Encouragingly, Prime Minister Modi has praised this aspiration and pledged India’s support to help make it a reality.

Pending issues

Pending issues between Nepal and India should be addressed amicably through diplomatic negotiations—a sentiment reiterated by both Prime Minister Oli and Prime Minister Modi.

The bilateral mechanisms have been consistently active in addressing these issues. Some matters, such as boundaries and water resources, require time to resolve. Certain issues have persisted for decades, inherited from history. Nonetheless, both leaderships should ensure that bilateral relations move forward progressively.

In the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) Report, the Indian side has maintained that it will be accepted at an appropriate time. If Nepal continues to receive this response, it should avoid raising the issue unilaterally too frequently. Established in January 2016 at the highest political level, the EPG was tasked with reviewing agreements and treaties, including the 1950 Nepal-India Friendship Treaty. It had finalized its report in 2018.

On issues like border management, both governments remain engaged and committed to resolution through diplomatic dialogue. Political leaders should provide strategic direction, but implementation should be carried out efficiently by technical and bureaucratic levels. Currently, India and Nepal operate more than 40 bilateral institutional mechanisms covering the full spectrum of relations, and these should meet regularly to resolve pending matters.

In recent years, India’s economic support to Nepal has increased. Physical and digital connectivity has expanded through the construction of border roads, integrated checkposts, transmission lines and petroleum pipelines. Major power sector milestones include the finalization of the Long-Term Power Trade Agreement, the trilateral power trade agreement between India, Nepal and Bangladesh, and agreements for the development of hydropower projects in Nepal by Indian developers, such as the 480 MW Phukot Karnali and the 669 MW Lower Arun. Key connectivity projects now facilitate Nepal’s access to sea lanes of transport and commerce.

Neighbors first

Nepal is a priority partner of India under its “Neighborhood First” Policy. In every form of support extended to Nepal and in every high-level meeting, the Indian side invokes Prime Minister Modi’s Neighborhood First policy, which also applies to India’s other neighboring states.

In this spirit, PM Modi visited the Maldives on 25–26 July 2025 as the Guest of Honour at the celebrations of the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day. During the visit, he reiterated that India has supported and will continue to support infrastructure development projects aligned with the priorities of the Maldivian people. Similarly, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka visited India on 15–17 Dec 2024. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Sri Lanka is India’s closest maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and holds a central place in the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighborhood First policy.

In Kathmandu, Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and his team have maintained warm diplomatic relations with the Government of Nepal and all major political parties. Ambassador Srivastava’s tenure has been marked by constructive diplomacy and mutual respect, helping to address and set aside earlier perceptions regarding external involvement in Nepal’s internal matters.

It appears that India has, of late, renewed its understanding with the Oli-led government in Nepal, reflecting a recognition of its shared responsibility toward a close and valued neighbour. Consequently, Prime Minister Oli’s visit to India has been scheduled, with several important agreements expected to be signed during the visit. 

Reportedly, Prime Minister Modi will visit Nepal thereafter. There is hope that this much-anticipated exchange of visits will mark a fresh chapter in bilateral relations, paving the way for a “new normal” of constructive engagement and mutual trust.

There are three famous stupas in and around the Kathmandu Valley: Namo Buddha Stupa, Swayambhu Nath Stupa, and Boudha Nath Stupa. Interestingly, the two stupas within Kathmandu share the middle name Nath (associated with Shiva), while Namo Buddha does not. According to tradition, Namo Buddha’s history stretches back some 6,000 years, while Swayambhu and Boudha are said to be around 3,000 and 1,500 years old respectively.

In the 5th century, Lichhivi King Mana Deva I is recorded as having paid homage to the tomb of Na: Ma Buddha. He is believed to have established a Guthi (income-generating trust) and appointed a Bajracharya priest for daily chanting. He also commissioned four small stupas at the corners of the tomb, which remain preserved to this day. Legend holds that in the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava visited the Hiramya Giri Gandhaman Hill to pay homage, offering a Vajra to Na: Ma Buddha. About four centuries ago, three incarnate lamas—Himetanjen Dharke, Top Ten Syakiya, and Sri—meditated at the site where Prince Mahasattva is said to have attained Bodhisattva. They depicted the scene of the prince offering his body to a tigress on a small slate-like stone, now covered by a larger image. They also built five large stupas atop the tomb. The main Namo Buddha Temple, with its central statue, was renovated in 1916 by a merchant from Ashon, Kathmandu. Local tradition claims that the Gula Baja Buddhist devotional music originated at Namo Buddha in ancient times before being adopted at Swayambhu.

According to legend, Swayambhu Nath emerged after the lotus seeds were planted by Bipaswi Buddha in Kali Daha 3,000 years ago. From them grew a miraculous shining lotus, attracting Buddhas, lamas, sages, and devotees from afar. Around that time, Mañjuśrī, visiting from Mount Wutai in China, came to pay homage to the radiant lotus and stopped at Na: Ma Buddha along the way. He is said to have drained the waters of Kali Daha, making the lotus accessible to the public. A symbolic monument was erected at the lotus site, named Swayambhu (“self-born”). Following the drainage, human settlements began, marking the origin of the Kathmandu Valley.

There are no surviving records of structures built by the earliest settler, Ne Muni, or during the Gwala (Gopalbansi) period. Tradition suggests a stupa existed during the Kirat dynasty, and around 500 BCE, Gautama Buddha visited Kathmandu during the reign of the seventh Kirat king, Jitedasti, to pay homage to Swayambhu. The Licchavis later adopted Swayambhu as their family deity, expanding and embellishing the site. King Manadeva of the Licchavis was a devoted worshipper, drawing spiritual strength from Swayambhu to guide his reign. During his time, the Guthis and the Bajracharya priestly community were organized to ensure regular chanting and ceremonial worship.

The construction of Boudha Nath is believed to have been initiated in the 4th century by a poultry farmer named Jyajima, with the approval of Lichhivi King Bhrishava Dev. After her death, her family completed the stupa. The relics (Astu) of both Bipaswi Buddha and Gautama Buddha were enshrined within, fulfilling Jyajima’s wishes.

A notable legend recounts that King Mana Deva I (404–505), seeking forgiveness for lives lost during military campaigns in western Nepal, went to worship his family deity at Swayambhu. In response to his prayers, Swayambhu instructed him to construct a Chaitya at Khasti, the present-day Boudha Stupa. Afterward, the king renounced his throne and pursued austerities and meditation at Vajrayogini in Sankhu. The Shakyas and Bajracharyas of Nepal, descendants of the Licchivis, continue to honor their family deity annually from Bhuikhel, the open ground at the foot of Swayambhu.

Swayambhu and Boudha, located in accessible urban areas, have benefitted from regular renovations over the centuries. By contrast, Nama Buddha, situated farther from densely populated regions and with fewer resources, received less attention. Even so, during the Malla period, festivals dedicated to Namo Buddha were celebrated in larger towns such as Panauti and Kathmandu. In today’s fast-paced world, more people are rediscovering the deep history and spiritual significance of Namo Buddha as a timeless source of compassion and harmony.