Submit your Article

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.

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.

Nepal’s future depends on its youth rising as ethical, capable leaders committed to creating positive change. Their greatest responsibility is to uplift communities, defend democracy, and build local opportunities. ApEx talked to three people to find out how they think youths can bring about change in Nepal.

Ankiit Darnal, 25

When youth look beyond personal benefits and when they try to lead a life that can inspire others, they will certainly become stronger leaders and drive positive change in the country. Youths should put in conscious efforts to become better, inspire others and make positive changes in and around themselves. That will in turn create a better future. The biggest responsibility of today’s Nepali youths is to get involved in things that can bring changes in the society and country. To create real impact, we can empower the youths by checking the basics of becoming stronger academically, physically, technically, mentally, socially, psychologically and financially. The thing that youth should keep in mind is that there are plenty of opportunities here in Nepal for those who are willing to work hard. Nothing can replace hard work.

Menuka Shrestha, 29

Nepali youth can become strong leaders by gaining knowledge with practical experience through education, mentorship, and community involvement. Youth also need to take part in the decision-making process, advocate for transparency, and challenge the outdated system that blocks progress as well. Youth have to be innovators, problem solvers, and change makers who can bring in new ideas to address social, economic, or environmental challenges. Youth must also take responsibility for sustainable development, along with promoting equality and justice. By providing quality education, skill development opportunities, and access to modern technology, we can empower the youth of Nepal to create a real impact. Encouraging entrepreneurship, mentorship, and equal opportunity will give them a voice, and that will motivate the youths to take action. Nepali youths must be able to adapt to change, stay persistent, and be innovative in turning challenges into possibilities to create opportunities. They must have a long-term and strong vision to contribute to Nepal’s growth with patience and integrity.

Nirmal Dhakal, 41

Education and developing skills are key to becoming a strong leader. They should lead by example. They should actively participate in community activities, volunteer for social causes, and engage in political processes at a local level. In the 21st century, Nepal’s youth should play a multifaceted role in building a better future by being a force for innovation, social responsibility, and accountability. They can drive economic growth by starting new businesses and using technology to solve local problems. Youths have the potential to become engaged citizens who speak out against injustice, vote sensibly, and strive for harmony and advancement. But for that we must provide quality education, mentorship, job/business opportunities, and platforms for youth voices to be heard. It’s important for young people who want to stay in Nepal to remember that success and fulfillment can be found at home. They should focus on developing skills that are in high demand locally, such as in technology, agriculture, or tourism. 

Raksha Bandhan is a special occasion to celebrate the bond between siblings—particularly the relationship between brothers and sisters. It’s a day that symbolizes love, protection and commitment, not only among biological siblings but also among those who share a deep, familial connection beyond blood. The festival serves as a beautiful reminder of the strength and importance of these cherished relationships. ApEx tried to find out how people felt about this lovely festival. 

Prasuna Khanal, 23

Rakshya Bandhan, to me, is a thread that holds together every childhood laugh, every tear wiped in silence and every unbroken promise of “I’m always here”. It makes me pause and feel grateful for the people who stand by me, no matter what. In this small ritual, I feel the comfort of home and the kind of love that doesn’t need words. 

I celebrate Rakshya Bandhan with my biological siblings and my cousins, who feel just as close to my heart. For me, it's not just about blood relations but about the love, laughter and shared memories that tie us together. Whether by birth or by bond, the day is about cherishing those who stand by me like my own family. When we were children, it was all about doro and kwati and the excitement of rituals. Now, it’s also a special day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters, filled with emotion, memories and heartfelt gestures beyond just tradition.

Ashish Bisunke, 31

It’s a bond of love between siblings, a promise to be there for each other in times of need. In childhood, it’s a day to exchange gifts, but as we grow old, it’s a day to recall our childhood days and treasure our relationship. I personally celebrate it with anyone who has a bond of sisterhood with me. I have received many. It means a lot that someone finds the comfort of a family member/guardian in you. I used to prank my sister with a fake gift (a very small one) to watch her disappointment and expression. Later, the change in expression when she got the actual gift would be a precious one. Over time, the gifts and the way of wishing might have changed as we accept new advancements, but the essence has remained the same.

Nagma Kharel, 35 

For me, it’s a bond and love sharing festival between siblings in which we promise to protect one other for a lifetime.  I celebrate the day with my siblings and cousins. The bond  has always been so special as I have an eight year old cousin brother beside my biological brother and I feel so privileged to have their love and affection. My birthday falls on Raksha Bandhan as per lunar calendar, so every Raksha Bandhan is special for me. My sister and brother are abroad and I miss them during this special time but we make time to wish one another and that feels really special.