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With the onset of monsoon, the arid landscapes of Nepal begin to turn green. Rain-soaked hills come alive with a splash of color, as wildflowers briefly bloom, painting the countryside in hues that exist only in this season. Traveling has always been my passion. Driven by wanderlust, I longed to venture into uncharted places, and trekking during the monsoon had always been on my bucket list.

There is a saying: everything has its time, and everything is beautiful in its time. On June 21, 2024, as I was sitting with friends at Boudha, my phone rang. A friend was planning the Kori Danda trek and asked if I wanted to join. Without hesitation, I said yes. I too had been searching for a group to travel with during the rains. Our team would include three Nepalis and two Norwegians.

We knew the rains would test us, but the lure of lush forests, swelling rivers, and monsoon scenery was irresistible. According to plan, we left Kathmandu at 6 am, stopping at Naubise for breakfast. The Prithvi Highway up to Muglin was in rough shape, but beyond that, the road smoothed out, carrying us to Pokhara, the lake city.

After lunch, we headed towards Khaukhola and reserved a jeep for Sikles.

Perched at 1,940 meters, Sikles is Nepal’s second-largest Gurung settlement, with around 300 households resting under the shadow of the Annapurna and Lamjung peaks. On the way, we passed cascading waterfalls and small hamlets before reaching Chipli, another Gurung village.

The paved road ended there, and the journey turned into an off-road adventure. After three hours, we finally reached Sikles. Remote and untouched by urban sprawl, the village felt like a step back into a gentler time.

That evening we stayed at Namaste Guest House. Over barbecue, chatter, and laughter, the group bonded. The next morning, the mountains revealed themselves in the golden light, smiling like a newly married bride. It was a moment to cherish.

After breakfast, we began our trek. Monsoon trekking is not easy: trails become slippery, landslides loom, and rivers swell. Yet, the rains also breathe new life into forests and rivers, making everything feel freshly born. Around 10 am, we left Sikles, descending steeply for an hour and a half to Madkyu Bridge. The locals had warned us: from there to Tasa, the first station, the climb would be steep and grueling. They were right.

The uphill trail tested us under the searing sun. After two hours, we reached Marley Cottage, where we rested and ate noodles. Soon after resuming, rain poured down, and we trudged on in drenched raincoats. By 3 pm, we reached Tasa, shivering from the cold. The teahouse owner lit a fire for us, and one by one, other trekkers arrived. That night, we shared stories and laughter before falling into deep sleep.

The following morning, one of our Norwegian friends felt too weak to continue. We urged her to rest, and eventually, she decided to move along slowly. The trail offered no mercy: steeper climbs, denser forests, and constant drizzle. The Kori trail, being relatively new, had few trekkers, adding to the sense of wilderness. As the rain pattered on pine leaves, the forest shimmered in fresh green. The only unwelcome companions were leeches, clinging to shoes and legs, but we pressed on.

After six hours, we reached Deurali at 3,800 meters, just 15 minutes shy of Kori Danda. Our exhaustion melted away at the sight of the pristine surroundings, rolling hills, alpine meadows, and a horizon dominated by Himalayan giants. Reaching Kori felt like placing a final stone on a heavy load, a release of body and spirit.

That night, we huddled around the fire again, drinking in the warmth while rain poured outside. There is no water source between Tasa and Kori, so carrying bottles is essential for anyone attempting the trek. Many others had been waiting there for days, hoping for clear skies.

When dawn broke, fortune favored us. As we stepped outside, the sky unveiled its masterpiece: Annapurna and Lamjung glowing under the first light, wildflowers carpeting the pastures, and horses grazing against the backdrop of peaks. It was surreal, like a painting come to life, or as if the sky itself had blessed the mountains with a kiss.

We soaked in the moment, took photos, and then reluctantly packed to return. The descent was punishing, and by the time we reached Madkyu Bridge, our legs were trembling. We called for a jeep and drove back to Pokhara, tired but fulfilled.

For the Norwegians, the trek had been a dream fulfilled: to see the Himalayas up close in their raw beauty. For me, it was more than just a journey through nature. Like all voyages, it was a mixture of challenge and joy, of learning and renewal.

The Kori Danda trek, also known as the Toni Hagen Trail, is not for the faint-hearted. Its steep climbs and monsoon risks demand preparation and resilience. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the reward is unforgettable.

As the monsoon sets in, Parthenium hysterophorus, an aggressive annual herbaceous plant, bursts into full bloom. Its invasive nature has allowed it to spread rapidly across open lands. Commonly known as Santa Maria feverfew, this deceptive weed resembles Gypsy, a popular ornamental flower used in decorations, bouquets, and even bridal hairstyles. Because of its appearance, many admire or even cultivate it, overlooking the serious threats it poses. Beyond damaging ecosystems, it poses risks to the health of all mammals. Classified as a noxious weed, its key traits include being non-native, poisonous, and unpalatable to herbivores.

Research shows that Parthenium seeds have an extremely high survival rate. On the soil surface, they can last for more than a year, and in the substratum, up to six years. They endure a wide range of temperatures and can germinate even in minimal water conditions. With longer droughts becoming common due to climate change, this species thrives while native plants struggle to germinate. A single plant can produce nearly 25,000 seeds, creating a substantial seed bank in the soil. Wind pollination (anemophily) makes dispersal even easier, as the seeds are extremely light. Though adaptable to most soil types, it is especially vigorous in alkaline, clay, and loam soils.

The blooms may appear attractive, but they are far more harmful than anticipated. Infestation can cause up to 40 percent crop loss and reduce forage production by almost 90 percent due to its allelopathic properties. The impact is particularly severe in rain-fed ecosystems and non-cropped areas. In urban centers such as Kathmandu Valley, it dominates roadsides and open lands. Prolonged contact with Parthenium is linked to dermatitis, naso-bronchial allergies, and allergic rhinitis from pollen exposure. In India alone, treatment of Parthenium-related health conditions is estimated to cost around Rs 8bn.

Parthenium hysterophorus is no longer just a weed; it has become a multi-million-dollar problem worldwide. Native to South America, it has spread aggressively to countries like India, Australia, and across North Africa, creating near-crisis situations. Complete eradication is highly unlikely; control is the only realistic option. Management strategies fall into four categories: mechanical, biological, chemical, and cultural. Among these, cultural control involves habitat management practices such as grazing regulation, prescribed burning, and physical habitat modification.

Unlike Mikania micrantha, which can be suppressed by repeated cutting, Parthenium resists such measures because of its deep carrot-like root system. No single method of control is sufficient. Success requires an integrated strategy, coordinated at the national level. Unfortunately, public awareness remains low, and existing policies, while promising on paper, lack clear and actionable measures. The absence of a coordinated system and genuine stakeholder participation has hampered progress.

Parthenium management must therefore be recognized as a national priority. Stakeholder participation, including communities, local governments, researchers, and policymakers, is crucial to address this silent but serious ecological and health threat. Citizens often resort to blame-shifting when problems arise, but meaningful change begins with advocacy and action. At a time when we already face widespread allergies and health concerns, ignoring this weed’s dangers would be reckless.

What is urgently needed is an action-oriented movement: raising awareness, acknowledging the scale of the threat, and mobilizing collective effort. A hopeful tomorrow can only be secured through a prepared present, and that means immediate dialogue with local authorities and full participation of all stakeholders.

Want to learn how to draw or paint but don’t know where to start? There are some really cool Instagram accounts that can help. With tips and tricks hidden in these pages, we guarantee you will soon no longer be intimidated by a paintbrush anymore. 

@watercolor_tutorials 

Though the page doesn’t have new posts (there has been none for a while), there are plenty of old posts (over 1,800 to be exact) that offer step-by-step watercolor lessons. The posts are mostly nature-inspired so you will enjoy the calmness it brings to the exercise as well.

@pamelagroppeart

Free content doesn’t get better and more accessible than this. It’s a great place for beginners and especially if you want to learn to draw and paint flowers. There’s also a website and a YouTube channel if you want to explore more. 

@drawing.collection

If you want to take things slow and build a skill, you could benefit greatly from this page that offers drawings tips and tricks, and for free too. You will learn how to sketch a face, draw water, and how to paint hands among others. The tutorials are simple to follow and master. 

@dream2draw

With over 18k followers and over 700 posts, this page is perhaps all that you need to become really good at sketching, especially if you want to learn how to draw people. It might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but rest assured the tutorials will guide you perfectly into mastering the art of portrait drawing. All you need is a mechanical pencil, paper, and patience. 

@watercolor_luftmensch

Run by a self-taught Nepali artist, this page will make you pause and wonder if painting with watercolor really is as easy as she makes it out to be. The artist says you have to let the color and water guide you. Some of her posts will show you exactly what she means. The process is simple but it takes a lot of practice and this page will motivate you to give it your best shot. 

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.