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There is no dearth of restaurants and bars in Kathmandu. But many options can mean you don’t know where to go when it’s time for some rest and relaxation. While some serve great coffee and cocktails, the ambiance can be a bit off-putting, especially in winter when you might want to bask in the sun or get cozy by the fire. Others might not have the mocktails and milkshakes you were looking for while being really high on aesthetics. But there are some places that get it all right. This week, we bring to you five places that are really good places to relax in and grab a drink while taking in your surroundings.

Evoke 

This popular restaurant is located in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, right opposite Hotel Vivanta. It’s a quaint little space with both outdoor and indoor seating areas. The food is great but the drinks are even better. Their coffee is just right, neither bitter nor sour. The price is also reasonable. Their garden area, with huge lush green plants, gives you a very cozy and calming vibe. House of Palettes is located in its premises so you also have the option to ‘paint and sip’ if you feel up to it and have some time to kill.

Roadhouse Cafe

Roadhouse is popular for their pizzas and pastas but a lesser known fact is that their mocktails hit the right spot. They seem to have recently revamped their menu and added some pretty cool drinks to the list. The cocktails are a bit on the stronger side so you will be getting value for money. But their range of teas and coffees and other non-alcoholic beverages are what makes us love this place. The good thing is that they have so many outlets, all around Kathmandu and Lalitpur, that you can just pop into one wherever you are.

La Terrasse 

This restaurant, bar, cafe, and bakery in Chundevi, Maharajgunj, was a relatively recent find for us. It’s a great place for hosting small events as well as basking in the sun on the terrace while sipping on some IPA. There is a range of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, with more varieties of beer than available elsewhere. Since it’s located on an inner road, it feels quiet and calm. You can choose to sit by yourself, sip on some coffee or cocktail and read or work without loud noises disturbing you.

Maak Ara

A place for great breakfast and amazing smoothie bowls, Maak Ara serves equally good drinks. The interesting names will have you chuckling and rolling your eyes but you can’t resist ordering a few. They pay attention to presentation, ensuring your drink is a visual treat as well. They don’t do very good matcha drinks but the rest are perfect. The music can be a bit loud on the weekends making conversations slightly difficult but their DJ knows how to mix music so you might not mind it all that much.

Filli Cafe

The winter weather calls for some hot tea, and there is perhaps no better place to have a cup than Filli Cafe. They have outlets in Labim Mall, Pulchowk, Lazimpat, Thamel, and even Boudha. Their milk teas are to die for and they have recently introduced a wide variety of Bubble Teas as well. You can also buy packs of tea to take back home. Their food menu is limited but the momos and sandwiches are delicious. 

The private sector serves as an essential engine of growth, acting as the largest contributor to economic development, a major employment generator, and a critical partner to the government. Recognizing its importance, the government of Nepal accelerated privatization following the restoration of democracy in 1990, privatizing numerous public enterprises. This shift aimed to enhance economic efficiency, foster innovation, and drive competitiveness.

Since then, Nepal’s private sector has played an increasingly prominent role in the national economy. However, the economic liberalization process often neglected the protection and rights of the poor in the name of fostering competition and a free market economy. As a result, a small group of individuals disproportionately benefited at the expense of the majority. Over time, corruption within the business sector has become increasingly visible, undermining the very principles of fair competition and inclusive economic growth.

Cartels and syndicates have become rampant, distorting market dynamics and consumer welfare. A key reason for these issues lies in the absence of robust mechanisms and institutional structures to uphold the ideals of liberalism and privatization. Without efficient and capable regulatory bodies, an open economy fails to deliver benefits to ordinary citizens or contribute meaningfully to national development. Corruption is widely perceived as one of the greatest threats to good governance, the rule of law, democracy, and economic prosperity. Consumers in Nepal remain highly vulnerable, often forced to accept monopolistic practices, cartels, and syndicates due to the inefficacy of regulatory bodies, which exacerbates their plight. Consequently, the private sector is increasingly viewed as a force undermining the potential benefits of a liberal economy rather than enhancing it.

Despite operating under the principle of competition, the private sector has frequently restricted fair and ethical business practices. The current business environment is particularly inhospitable for ethical enterprises, which face a stark choice: either align with exploitative practices or exit the market altogether. Yet, the private sector blames political instability, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and unfavorable government policies for creating an unfriendly business climate.

The informal and underground economies are growing unchecked, further fueling corruption and money laundering. These illicit activities are facilitated by weak internal control systems and poor corporate governance. Common forms of corporate fraud include loan misappropriation, often against inadequate or nonexistent collateral; fund embezzlement by managers, employees, and board members; and misuse of corporate funds. Banking frauds, such as the issuance of fake payment cheques, misuse of credit cards, and theft of PIN numbers, are pervasive.

The transportation sector offers a glaring example of these issues. Fully dominated by private enterprises, the sector continues to suffer from the proliferation of syndicates and cartels, which block new competitors from entering the market. Despite the significant economic potential of this sector, it remains plagued by inefficiency and poor service delivery, raising questions about why the private sector has failed to deliver improved outcomes.

Corporate fraud and insider trading are well-known crimes within Nepal’s business environment, particularly in the banking and financial sectors. Insider trading, preferential loan privileges, and other forms of corporate malfeasance are common, undermining trust in these institutions. The manipulation of financial statements to evade taxes is another widespread practice. Some companies even engage in the unauthorized use of trademarks, counterfeit goods, and the theft of intellectual property to gain a competitive edge. In construction, collusion among bidders leads to delayed and substandard projects, as participants prioritize profit over quality and accountability.

Causes of private sector corruption

A significant cause of private sector corruption is the declining level of integrity in business practices. Entrepreneurs increasingly prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability and success. This mindset often stems from individual greed, with employees, board members, and managers misusing company resources for personal benefit. In some cases, these individuals collude with competitors, leaking business plans and other sensitive information.

The informal sector also plays a complex role in perpetuating corruption. Unregulated and unseen, competition within this sector often leads to illegal activities. Meanwhile, business leaders actively lobby for favorable legislation, while politicians’ investments in private enterprises create conflicts of interest that further entrench corruption.

Theoretically, the private sector advocates for competition and a free market economy, but in practice, it frequently supports monopolistic practices, cartels, and syndicates. Such anti-competitive behaviors restrict new entrants, stifling innovation and ultimately harming the economy. Weak internal controls and inadequate monitoring mechanisms within businesses provide fertile ground for corruption, as do the inefficiencies and vulnerabilities of Nepal’s regulatory agencies. Many of these agencies lack the capacity or independence to act effectively, often succumbing to bribery and undue influence from business interests.

Consequences of private sector corruption

The repercussions of corruption in the private sector are far-reaching and severe. One of the most tragic outcomes is the loss of human life, as seen in the high rate of fatal road accidents caused by corruption in the transportation sector. Corruption also undermines shareholder confidence, driving businesses into insolvency and financial ruin.

Tax evasion is another major issue. Companies frequently manipulate financial statements, issue fake VAT bills, and engage in fraudulent accounting practices to avoid paying taxes. These actions deprive the government of vital revenue, hindering its ability to invest in public goods and services. Moreover, the sale of underweight, adulterated, or expired goods further erodes consumer trust, while driving up the cost of living and reducing overall economic efficiency.

Corruption distorts market mechanisms, undermining the values, norms, and standards that should govern business practices. It also deters foreign investment, exacerbating Nepal’s infrastructure challenges and limiting employment opportunities. Left unchecked, these issues can lead to social conflict, economic crises, and the ultimate failure of state institutions.

The manipulation of information by board members and top management further compounds these problems. In Nepal’s share market, unethical practices such as the leakage of sensitive information to colluding parties before institutional decisions have become all too common. If such practices persist, Nepal’s private sector will struggle to compete in the global marketplace.

Strategies for controlling corruption

To address these challenges, the private sector must prioritize accountability, transparency, and ethical practices. Implementing strong internal control systems and adhering to rigorous auditing standards can enhance corporate integrity. Empowering consumers and civil society to demand accountability can also play a crucial role in fostering a culture of compliance.

Promoting fairness and competition is essential. By dismantling cartels and syndicates, businesses can create an environment that encourages innovation and ethical practices. Legal reforms are equally important. Laws must be updated to address emerging challenges, and enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened to deter fraudulent activities. Regular monitoring and supervision, combined with simplified administrative procedures, can help reduce opportunities for corruption.

Transparency is another cornerstone of reform. Businesses that operate transparently earn the trust of consumers, employees, and the government, fostering a more stable and ethical business environment. Introducing anti-corruption norms, values, and standards into corporate culture can further strengthen this trust. Meaningful partnerships among civil society, businesses, government, and the international community are crucial for promoting transparency and combating corruption.

Technological innovation offers a powerful tool for reducing corruption. Online systems for administrative services, such as company registration, tax payments, and reporting, can streamline processes, reduce human error, and eliminate opportunities for collusion. Digital record-keeping ensures accuracy and accountability, while reducing overhead costs and improving service delivery.

Anti-corruption education is vital for building a more ethical business environment. Training programs on consumer rights, corporate responsibility, and the value of competition and innovation can help instill a culture of integrity. Educational institutions should integrate anti-corruption and corporate governance topics into their curricula, preparing future business leaders to uphold ethical standards. Aligning university curricula with industry demands can further support the development of a business-friendly environment.

Conclusion

Corruption represents one of the most significant threats to Nepal’s private sector, undermining its competitiveness, growth, and public trust. To address this issue, the private sector must acknowledge that bribery and unethical practices are obstacles, not enablers, of progress. By embracing corporate compliance, transparency, and ethical practices, businesses can rebuild trust and foster sustainable growth.

A collective effort is required to curb corruption and promote good governance. Businesses, the government, and civil society must work together to create a fair, transparent, and competitive environment that benefits all stakeholders. Only by upholding these principles can Nepal’s private sector fulfill its potential as a driver of economic development and social progress.

If you are tired of seeing the same kind of content on Instagram day in and day out or frustrated by influencers who seem to have it all, it’s time to rethink who you are following and what kind of content you are consuming. Instagram can be a vortex of random content that does nothing to stimulate and inspire you but by choosing the right kind of content, you can use it to your advantage. Here are seven pages to follow that can motivate you to make lifestyle changes and become a smarter, happier version of yourself.

Sarita Walsh

This page is pleasing to the eye with its mostly black and white aesthetics. Coach and mentor Sarita Walsh offers nuggets of wisdom that you have forgotten or pushed to the back of your minds. It inspires you to become a better version of yourself. Embracing principles from science, Eastern philosophy, and nature, Walsh dishes out gentle reminders of how you can live a simple, stress-free life.

Design Boom

Proclaimed as the world’s first online magazine, established in 1999, Design Bloom is all about architecture, art, design, and technology. The posts are stunning, sparking creativity and visual delight. There are gorgeous photos of buildings, interiors, and products. The page also features the latest news, trends, and innovations in the design world. With over 4.1 million followers, this page is all you need to stay updated on the architecture trends and styles.

Made by Nelson

Artist and designer, Nelson Cash, shares his illustrations with his followers through his Instagram page Made by Nelson. And this is such a happy page. It’s filled with colorful illustrations coupled with cute messages to make your day. Cash often collaborates with other artists and brands, and his work has been featured in publications like The New York Times and Wired. We recommend you pick a random one each day and let the philosophy of the illustration be your guide.

Megha Theeng

Her bio on Instagram says she’s a scientist and immediately below it reads ‘not a scientist’. It’s hilarious and shows Megha Theeng’s witty side. This perhaps 20 something girl from Darjeeling who lives in Siliguri is refreshing and makes content that will having you laughing out loud. She recently hit 100,000 subscribers on Instagram. There are only 359 posts so far but if you haven’t discovered yet, you are in for a treat. Her accent makes her endearing and she keeps it very, very real.

Inquisitive Bookworm

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of pages on Instagram dedicated to books and reading. We, at ApEx, like quite a few including but not limited to paperbackanddaisies, nonauppal, Sonali’s Book Club, and Penguin India. But the Inquisitive Bookworm has our heart. Each post is beautifully designed and shot. The book recommendations are also great. We have discovered new authors and titles from this page. All in all, it’s a fantastic page to follow if you want to be inspired to read more.

Quoting Literature

This page provides quotes from books and authors. Following this page is a neat little hack for appearing well read and fueling your mind with different author’s wit and wisdom. The admin posts something every day so there will be no dearth of content. From Albert Camus to Haruki Murakami, you will find a lot of inspiration in Quoting Literature. Our favorite is a quote by Henry Miller. It goes: The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.

Gree Yogabhyasi

Greesha Dhingra is a holistic yoga educator who teaches yoga and life skills through her Instagram page. She inspires you to do the right thing, take care of your body, and be in tune with your higher self. If you are spiritually inclined or want to get started on your spiritual journey, this is a great page to follow. You will get to learn about meditation, ayurveda, and eating well. She offers a holistic approach to wellbeing that you can learn and follow.

As the Nepal Premier League (NPL) captivates cricket fans across the nation, Sadikshya Khadka talks to three viewers. From cheering for their favorite players and teams to discussing memorable moments and areas for improvement, their perspectives highlight both the love for the game and the aspirations for Nepali cricket’s future. 

Seeta Limbu, 36

The player I like most is Sompal Kami, who plays for the Karnali Yaks. His determination on the field is impressive. Out of all Nepali cricket players, my favorite is definitely Paras Khadka. Although I don’t watch cricket very often or know too much about the game, from what I have seen and heard, I think that a lot of improvement is still needed in both the field and the overall development of the players. The most exciting part of the match so far was the clip showing a man sitting on top of a tree to watch the game. It was hilarious. The image captured how dedicated some fans are. This moment made me realize how much love and passion people have for the sport that they would risk their safety just to get a glimpse. 

Binod Singh, 23

My favorite team competing in the current league is Sudurpaschim Royals. The player I admire most is Dipendra Singh Airee, who is the captain of the team. His leadership has made a significant impact, and I believe he has the potential to lead the team to victory.  I feel that if the cricket grounds in Nepal were better, it would greatly enhance the players' performance in the current matches. Better facilities would also help in better management of the league. At the moment, all matches are taking place on just one ground. This limits the ability to host more games and larger crowds. I believe that if the Mulpani ground were also utilized for matches, with better seating arrangements for viewers, the league could grow significantly and attract more attention both domestically and internationally. It would create a more professional atmosphere, which is crucial for the development of Nepali cricket.

Jenish Bade, 20

The NPL is receiving coverage from both national and international media, which is a significant achievement. International players like Shikhar Dhawan are also participating, bringing their experience and excellence from T20 cricket. If leagues like this are sustained in the coming years, I see a promising future for cricket in Nepal. These leagues play an important role in training players, providing exposure for international matches, and increasing Nepal’s visibility on the global cricket stage. Through platforms like this, players gain recognition from audiences and recruiters, opening doors to better opportunities and brighter careers. One of the most exciting aspects of this NPL was the overwhelming enthusiasm among fans. The stands are packed and the excitement has reached such levels that officials now guard the grounds to manage the enthusiastic crowds, and some fans even watch from treetops. The public’s love and passion for the sport are truly commendable.