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In the Kathmandu Valley, the delivery of water jars has become a symbol of everyday life. Whether in the narrow lanes of urban cities or the quiet villages on the outskirts, large blue or clear plastic jars sit on porches, kitchen counters and shop fronts. For the rich, poor and the middle class alike, jar water is not just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. Trusted as a safer alternative to tap water, these jars are seen as symbols of hygiene and modern living. 

A recent investigation from the Lalitpur public health office has cast a disturbing shadow on the daily routine of jar water consumption. Out of 28 samples of jar water tested in the district, 11 tested positive for fecal coliform bacteria. The bacteria was also found in all water samples collected from Mahankal rural municipality-3 in Lalitpur district. Among them, five tap water samples tested positive for potentially deadly microbes.

According to a report published in Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), the Baglung provincial public health office has detected coliform bacteria in 125 out of 341 water sources tested across all 10 municipalities of the district. Dilli Acharya, a lab technician, told RSS that they found 42 out of 106 drinking water sources in Jaymini municipality contaminated. Also, 40 out of 91 sources in Galkot municipality of the district tested positive for coliform bacteria.

Acharya added that last year, coliform was found in 103 sources, which has now increased to 125. “We will expand the scope of testing in all municipalities, as coliform has been found in many sources,” he told RSS.

Dr Kiran Tiwari, medical superintendent at Dhaulagiri provincial hospital, warned that drinking water contaminated with coliform can lead to serious health issues such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, jaundice, Hepatitis B, urinary tract infections and blood infections. 

So, what is a workable solution to this problem? Water from affected sources should be boiled before drinking, said Dr Tiwari.

Harihar Sharma, deputy mayor of Jaymini municipality—which reported the highest contamination—told RSS that the municipality is “actively working” on cleaning and conserving the water sources. Fecal coliform is a type of bacteria that usually lives in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. These bacteria can come out through animal or human waste (feces) and sometimes end up in water. They are used as an indicator—meaning if these bacteria are found in water, it’s a sign that the water might be contaminated with feces, and possibly other harmful germs. Most of the time, these bacteria are not very dangerous, but their presence means that there could be other, more harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites in the water.

These samples were collected from water jars sourced from Gotikhel and Pandhere rivers, located in Godawari municipality and Mahankal rural municipality. “This contamination may be due to the rainy season and drainage system too,” according to Shree Bhadra Sharma, a lab technician at Public Health Lalitpur. “Bacterial contamination resulting from mixing rainwater with river water might have caused this. However, retests after 2-3 days found the contamination gone. The issue was temporarily settled.”

But the fact that contamination was found at all—especially in water meant for direct consumption—has raised a question across the valley. The discovery comes at a precarious time. Every monsoon, cases of cholera and diarrhea spike across the country, straining already overburdened public health systems.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population, 1,316 cholera cases were reported in fiscal year 2022-23 , the number slightly decreased to 1,016 in 2023-24 and surged to 2,373 in 2024-25. As for diarrhea, 227,485 cases were recorded in 2023-24 and 199,169 cases in 2024-25.
Not all cases can be directly linked to jar water, but the presence of fecal coliform in widely distributed drinking water raises red flags.

So, how do water jars end up in our homes? The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) is responsible for regulating and licensing water jar companies. In theory, companies must pass water quality tests and undergo site inspections before they can operate.

“We only approve the company license after a lab test of the water sample,” said Jyotsna Shrestha, senior food research officer at the DFTQC. “The site is inspected, and approval is given only after ensuring proper sanitation and source safety.”

But Shrestha admits to a key gap in the system. “We only test water quality after it reaches the market, not before packaging after giving the license.” That’s where the problem lies.

In short, companies might pass the initial test but face little routine monitoring afterward. This means water could be clean during licensing but contaminated by the time it reaches your home. Worse, many jar plants—especially smaller, unregistered ones—reportedly refill jars directly from natural sources like rivers or underground wells, often without sufficient filtration or disinfection.

The jars themselves are part of the problem. Made from polycarbonate plastic, these containers are meant to be reused multiple times—but only if they’re properly sterilized after each use. In practice, many facilities skip or rush the sterilization process. Some even reuse visibly discolored or damaged jars.

“The jar should be transparent,” said Shrestha. “That helps detect cleanliness and usage better than just counting how many times it’s reused.” But without standard labeling or usage tracking, there’s no way for consumers to know if the jar they’re drinking from has been safely sanitized—or simply refilled and resealed.

While municipalities have begun awareness campaigns, the response remains reactive rather than preventive. Testing is conducted every six months, once before the rainy season and another during the rainy season, said Sharma and “only when people raise concerns about the water.”

Tibrata Sharma from the Bhaktapur Health Office echoed similar concerns. “In Bhaktapur, we found fecal coliform in one of two companies tested. It could be due to the rainy season—or human behavior.”

Until these issues are addressed—through stricter regulation, more frequent testing and greater consumer awareness—the safety of jar water remains uncertain. Health experts now urge the public to boil jar water or use in-home filters, especially during the rainy season. It’s a precaution that could prevent illness—or even save lives. In a nation already overwhelmed by waterborne diseases, every drop should be clean.

Nepal, a landlocked nation characterized by its rugged mountainous terrain, faces significant challenges in maintaining reliable transportation networks, particularly during the monsoon season. The annual monsoon, typically spanning June to September, brings torrential rainfall, landslides, and flooding, which severely disrupt road connectivity across the country. Major highways, such as the Tribhuvan, Prithvi, and Araniko, frequently become impassable, isolating communities and disrupting the supply of essential goods. The Hetauda-Kathmandu Ropeway, a 42-km cargo transport system operational from 1964 to 1994, offers a proven solution to these challenges. Reviving this ropeway is imperative to ensure resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable transportation in Nepal, especially during the monsoon season.

Monsoon disruptions and highway vulnerabilities

Nepal’s highways are critical arteries for trade, tourism, and daily commuting, yet they are highly vulnerable to monsoon-related disasters. In Sept 2024, torrential rainfall—the heaviest since 1970—caused widespread flooding and landslides, blocking 37 highways and damaging 25 bridges across the country. The Bagmati River in Kathmandu rose two meters above its safe level, flooding the capital and disrupting key road networks. The Narayanghat-Mugling section of the Prithvi Highway, a vital link between Kathmandu and the Terai region, is frequently obstructed by landslides during the monsoon, delaying commerce and impacting the economy. Similarly, the Araniko Highway, connecting Nepal to China, and the Pasang Lhamu Highway have faced closures due to floods and landslides, exacerbating trade disruptions.  These disruptions have significant economic and social consequences. In 2024, floods displaced thousands, destroyed infrastructure, and caused over 224 deaths, with 37 in Kathmandu alone.

Historical significance of Hetauda-Kathmandu ropeway

The Hetauda-Kathmandu Ropeway, originally built in 1922 by Chandra Shumsher Rana as a 22-km cargo system from Dhorsing to Kathmandu, was extended to 42 km in 1964 with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). During its peak, it operated for 10 hours daily, transporting 220 tonnes of goods—equivalent to 24 truckloads—at half the cost of road transport. The ropeway proved its utility during crises, such as the 1993 floods and the 1988-89 Indian blockade, when highways were impassable. However, institutional mismanagement, underutilization, and a policy shift prioritizing roads led to its closure in 1994. Today, its rusting towers stand as a reminder of a missed opportunity to leverage Nepal’s topography for sustainable transport.

Why revive Hetauda-Kathmandu ropeway?

Reviving the Hetauda-Kathmandu Ropeway offers multiple benefits, particularly in addressing monsoon-related transportation challenges.

• Resilience against monsoon disruptions

Unlike highways, ropeways are minimally affected by floods and landslides. Requiring only towers and stations, they occupy little ground space and avoid the need for extensive road construction in landslide-prone areas. The 1993 floods demonstrated the ropeway’s ability to maintain supply chains when highways failed. Reviving the ropeway would ensure year-round connectivity, especially during the monsoon, safeguarding the supply of essential goods to Kathmandu.

• Cost-effectiveness

Studies indicate that building ropeways is six times cheaper than constructing roads in Nepal’s hilly terrain. The Hetauda-Kathmandu Ropeway cost half as much as the Tribhuvan Highway to build, and its operational costs were significantly lower, with goods transported at Rs 346.80 per ton compared to Rs 480 by trucks. Additionally, gravity goods ropeways (GGRs), which use the terrain’s natural undulation, cost approximately Rs 2 million per kilometer to build and can reduce transportation costs by 70 percent, as shown by Practical Action Nepal’s projects.

• Environmental sustainability

Nepal’s road-building boom has caused significant environmental damage, including deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat loss. Unplanned road construction exacerbates landslides, as seen in the Narayanghat-Mugling section, where gully erosion and unengineered slopes have triggered disasters. Ropeways, by contrast, have a minimal environmental footprint, requiring less land alteration and preserving fragile ecosystems. With Nepal’s growing hydropower capacity, electrically operated ropeways align with the country’s clean energy goals, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based transport.

• Economic and social benefits

The ropeway can boost rural economies by connecting remote settlements to markets. Practical Action Nepal’s gravity ropeways have doubled cash crop production within two years and saved over 100 person-days of travel time per household annually. Reviving the Hetauda-Kathmandu Ropeway could similarly enhance trade from the Terai to Kathmandu, particularly for goods from the Birgunj dry port to the Chobhar dry port. This would reduce economic losses from highway disruptions during festivals like Dashain and Tihar, when demand for goods peaks.

• Alignment with modern infrastructure needs

The Investment Board Nepal (IBN) has been studying the revival of the Hetauda-Kathmandu Ropeway since 2017 to transport goods from Birgunj to Chobhar. With the Chobhar inland container depot (ICD) under construction as part of the Nepal-India Regional Trade and Transport Project, the ropeway could serve as a vital link, keeping cargo vehicles out of Kathmandu and reducing urban congestion. A modernized ropeway could also integrate with Nepal’s growing tourism sector, complementing cable car projects like those in Chandragiri and Manakamana.

Challenges and solutions

Reviving the Hetauda-Kathmandu Ropeway involves several challenges. The high initial investment, need for technical upgrades, and bureaucratic delays pose significant obstacles. The original infrastructure, unused for over two decades, is irreparable, requiring entirely new construction. To address these issues, public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be utilized, drawing on private sector expertise as demonstrated by the successful Manakamana Cable Car project. The Ninth Five-Year Plan’s emphasis on private sector involvement in ropeways provides a replicable model. Additionally, international support from organizations like the World Bank, which funds the Chobhar Inland Container Depot, or technical assistance from countries like Switzerland, renowned for ropeway expertise, can help overcome financial and technical barriers. Furthermore, conducting comprehensive geological and environmental impact assessments, as advised for ropeways in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, will ensure sustainable development and reduce risks, such as those observed during the 1999 monsoon flooding caused by a poorly planned ropeway.

Policy recommendations

To revive the Hetauda-Kathmandu Ropeway, the government should implement several policy measures. First, transportation policy should prioritize ropeways over road-centric approaches, as the World Bank’s 1976 Nepal Country Report noted the high cost of road construction in mountainous terrain. Second, the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) should accelerate technical feasibility studies to evaluate the ropeway’s suitability for heavy cargo transport, ensuring integration with the Chobhar Inland Container Depot (ICD) project. Third, private sector participation should be encouraged through tax incentives and streamlined approval processes to support ropeway development. Fourth, Nepal’s hydropower capacity should be leveraged to power ropeways, lowering operational costs and environmental impact. Finally, public awareness campaigns should highlight the ropeway’s resilience, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits to promote its adoption.

Conclusion

The Hetauda-Kathmandu Ropeway, once a lifeline for Nepal’s capital, holds immense potential to address the country’s transportation challenges during the monsoon season. Its revival would ensure resilient supply chains, reduce economic losses, and minimize environmental damage compared to road-based transport. By learning from past successes, such as the ropeway’s role in the 1993 floods, and addressing modern infrastructure needs, Nepal can build a sustainable transport system that complements its rugged topography. With coordinated efforts from the government, private sector, and international partners, the revival of the Hetauda-Kathmandu Ropeway can pave the way for a more connected and resilient Nepal.

The price of land in Hanumandhoka area has been set at Rs 5m per anna, according to the Financial Act issued by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City for the fiscal year 2025/26. This is the highest land valuation in Kathmandu.

Similarly, land prices have been set at Rs 5m per anna in several areas, including New Road (from Pipalbot to the south of RB Complex), the west of the old Kathmandu Metropolitan City building, and the stretch from New Road to Khichapokhari and Dharahara. The same rate applies to land from the Keshar Mahal entrance through Thamel to Chetrapati, as well as areas covering Hanumandhoka, Indra Chowk, and the route from Asan to Bhotahiti. Additionally, land from Asan to Rastriya Nachghar, further east to Bishwojyoti Hall and Tindhara Pathshala, and from Mahendra Statue to Kathmandu Plaza has also been valued at Rs 5m per anna.

Land connected to the main road from Maitighar, Singha Durbar West Gate, Putalisadak, Hattisar, Kantipath, Jamal, Durbar Marg, and Ghantaghar to Kamaladi has also been valued at Rs 5m per anna. This same valuation applies to land along the main roads connecting Jamal, Ranipokhari, Bir Hospital, Nepal Airlines Corporation, Goshwara Post Office, and Tripureshwor, as well as land from Ratna Park, Old Bus Park, Shahid Gate to Sundhara, and Singha Durbar West Gate to Bhadrakali.

Land connected to the main roads from Putalisadak, Bagbazar, and Ratna Park has been valued at Rs 4m per anna. This valuation also applies to land from Kumari Bank, Putalisadak to Old Bus Park and Padmodaya Mode to Sahibal Chowk.

Land connected to the main roads from Khichapokhari to the south, Bhungla Marg, Ganbahal, and Bhotebahal has been valued at Rs 3.6m per anna. Similarly, land from New Road Gate to Mahabouddha Ganeshsthan, and from Chikana to Indra Chowk, has also been fixed at Rs 3.6m. The same rate applies to land from Dugam Bahil to the gate of Ranjana Hall in the west and from New Road Pipalbot to the Ranjana Hall in the north.

Land along the main road from Lainchaur Chowk, Hotel Radisson, Panipokhari, Teaching Hospital, Narayan Gopal Chowk has been fixed at Rs 3.2m per anna. This rate also applies to land from Balkumari Bridge–Koteshwor–Tinkune–Min Bhawan–New Baneshwor–Bijuli Bazaar–Thapathali–Tripureshwor–Teku to the Bishnumati Bridge.

According to the Financial Act, land along the roads from New Baneshwor Chowk to Kantipur Dental, Old Baneshwor Chowk to Gaushala Chowk, and from Maitighar Mandala to Hanumansthan via the Singha Durbar South Gate and the Archaeology Department, as well as land in front of the Kathmandu District Court is also valued at Rs 3.2m.

Land from Gaushala to Dhobikhola, connected to the Ring Road, has been assessed at Rs 3m per anna. According to the Metropolitan City’s Economic Act, land valuation across Kathmandu ranges between Rs 3m and Rs 5m per anna.

Four regular flights will operate weekly from Phaplu Airport in Salleri, the headquarters of Solukhumbu, to Kathmandu. 

Nepal Airlines has started operating four weekly flights on the route. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) informed that Nepal Airlines has run flights services on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. 

The Phaplu-Kathmandu air services that had been halted for a protracted time due to technical glitches with the aircraft, are now back in operations. 

According to senior official of CAAN in Phaplu, Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, the resumption of flights has been made possible after the maintenance of the aircraft. 

The flight that was in operation once a week was 'grounded', which resulted in suspension of Phaplu-Kathmandu services for a long time. 

According to station chief of the Nepal Airlines in Phalpu, Tenzing Sherpa, flight services on this route had remained completely disrupted since mid-December 2024 through mid-April 2025. 

Mahesh Adhikari, a local businessperson from Salleri, said, "With the resumption of regular flights, the compulsion to travel the disaster-torn 'BP Highway' to get to Kathmandu has ended. Yet, the air service must be regular and reliable, not just temporary". 

In the past, the disruption of flights caused several complications for travel, business, emergency treatment, and essential tasks. 

Karma Sherpa, senior vice president of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), mentioned that tourism business operators are elated about the resumption of flights in the tourist district. 

With the emergence of a federal democratic republic, there has also been a major change in the internal migration scenario of Nepal. As the country moved from a centralized unitary system to a federal system, people should have been attracted to villages, but on the contrary, many people have left their homes. After 10 years of conflict, peace process, and restructuring of the political system, a large population has migrated to the Kathmandu Valley and other cities permanently. 

Before the state restructuring, there were about 4,000 village development committees in Nepal. With the state restructuring, the village development committees were converted into 753 rural municipalities/municipalities. With the state restructuring, people have been leaving their hometowns and coming to urban areas in search of security and opportunities, says Dhundiraj Lamichhane, spokesperson of the National Statistics Office.

According to him, people have migrated to big cities in search of a comfortable environment, including education, health, transportation, roads, and information technology. The number of people leaving their native places in Kathmandu Valley alone is 60.3 percent. But Bhagwati Sedhai, an associate professor of population studies, says that instead of the wave of development and prosperity that should have come with political changes, people have left their native places. The federal system was developed to bring the centralized governance system and centralized development system to the villages. 

“Development did not happen according to the thinking with which this system was brought,” she says. “Even though the government reached the villages, that government could neither provide development nor employment to the people. As a result, people were attracted to the center and cities. Moreover, international migration also increased.”

Many citizens were also forced to leave their native places due to the devastating earthquake of 2015. The earthquake that occurred on 25 April 2015 caused a huge loss of Nepali property. About 9,000 people died. 300,000 houses were completely damaged, about 300,000 were partially damaged, and 3.5m citizens were left homeless. The fear of continuous aftershocks after the earthquake and the uncertainty of the settlement situation in the hilly areas have led to an increase in the trend of migration to the valley and nearby urban areas. The population growth rate is negative in 34 districts of the Himalayas and hills. Increasing international migration has increased the trend of migration.

The trend of coming to Kathmandu for opportunities and then going abroad for work and study has increased significantly in recent times. The increasing trend of internal migration has brought about changes in the demographic, social, cultural and economic landscape of the country. High labor force participation is seen in cities. The population of rural areas is drying up. Due to this, the average family base has become smaller. It has brought about changes in the role of women. The number of elderly people is increasing. This has brought about a change in the social responsibility of the government and the community.

Recently, the population in the mountainous and rural areas has been thinning. In the mountainous areas, except for the main cities such as Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan, and Pokhara, there has been a sharp decline in the population. As the population is thinning in the mountains and hills, the trend of migration to the Terai has also decreased recently. Even though transportation access has been reached in the mountainous areas, the trend of migration to the nearby semi-urban areas is increasing. 

According to the 2021 census data, 20 percent of the total population in Nepal has permanently left their original place. While this was only 4.7 percent in 2018. It seems that 18 districts have lost 20 percent of the population born in their districts. Lamichhane, spokesperson of the Statistics Office, also says that there is no situation where there is no migration from any district.

Less than 10 percent of the population has migrated to other districts from Parsa, Rautahat, Nawalparasi (East), Bhaktapur, Nawalparasi West, Lalitpur, Kanchanpur, Kathmandu, Kailali, Rupandehi, Banke and Kapilvastu. According to the 2021 census, 57.2 percent have migrated to Kathmandu. 50.2 percent in Bhaktapur and 46.2 percent in Lalitpur. This is the highest rate of permanent internal migration. Apart from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, 16 districts including Sunsari, Morang, Rupandehi, Banke, Dang, Kailali, Kanchanpur have positive net migration rates. 

A total of 2,142,363 people have migrated from one province to another in 2021. The number of women is 1,154,909. The number of men is 987,454. The number of people migrating to Bagmati Province is the highest. 1,150,626 people have come to Bagmati Province to settle permanently.

The district with the highest migration is Bhaktapur. 19 percent have come to Bhaktapur. 14.5 percent have migrated to Lalitpur and 14 percent have migrated to Kathmandu. Many people have migrated to Taplejung and Khotang, 17.4 percent have left Taplejung and 17.1 percent have left Khotang. However, Manang and Mustang are among the districts with the lowest migration. Due to their small population, Manang and Mustang are the districts with the lowest migration rate in terms of the rate of migration out of and into the district, according to the statistics office.

The data shows that migration for work opportunities has been observed in Bagmati and Gandaki. In Koshi, Madhes, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim, a lot of migration has been observed due to marriage. The report of the National Statistics Office states that marriage and dependency (55.9 percent and 17.3 percent respectively) are the main reasons for low-income or poor groups. As the income group increases, study and training and work opportunities (20.2 and 22.9 percent respectively) are the main reasons.

When comparing internal migration over a 50-year period, there has been a difference in the trend. According to the 1971 census, the rate of migration to Tarai was 71 percent and the rate of migration to the hills was 26.5 percent. In 2078, the rate of migration to the Terai has decreased, while the rate of migration to the hills, especially Kathmandu and Pokhara, has increased. By 2021, the rate of migration to the Tarai had reached 41.5 percent and the rate of migration to the hills had reached 56.2 percent. This difference in migration trends appears to be related to the state's development plans, according to the report of the Statistics Office.

Vehicular movement along the Baneshwor-Babarmahal-Maitighar area in Kathmandu has been disrupted due to the protest of teachers.

Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office spokesperson SP Deepak Giri informed that there is a traffic jam in Baneshwor-Babarmahal-Maitighar area.

The teachers have been staging protests in Kathmadu for the past few days demanding immediate enactment of School Education Bill.

Meanwhile, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party is also holding a protest in Kathmandu this afternoon, adding further woes to the already affected traffic.

The RPP has announced that it would breach the restricted area today.

A large number of security personnel has been deployed in the restricted area.

A tremor was felt in and around Kathmandu Valley this morning following a 5.0-magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in Dingze, China – which is 18-km away from the northern border of Nepal.

The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center said that  the earthquake occurred at 4.05 this morning. 

It may be noted that Nepal's Jajarkot district has experienced a series of earthquakes lately. 

According to the Center, an earthquake of magnitude 4.4 occurred at Paink in Kushe Rural Municipality, Jajarkot at 4:53 am on Tuesday. 

In the past couple of years, Kathmandu has been steadily climbing the charts of the world’s most polluted places. Recently, it topped the list with an AQI of over 280, beating India’s New Delhi which has frequently been the most polluted city in the world. Blame the forest fires, vehicle emissions, or scattered to little rainfall, the fact remains that our air quality is declining and our health is suffering. The effects of air pollution can be immediate, from runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat etc., to long-term problems like chronic respiratory illnesses or heart diseases. Though tackling air pollution needs policy level intervention, it doesn’t mean we can’t take some important steps to reduce its impact on a personal level. Here are some ways you can improve air quality at home.

Bring in the greens

Add plants to your space as these look good and work to trap pollutants and dust as well. Keep a couple of large foliage by the door and windows. Snake plants and Peace Lily are great indoor air purifiers. Aloe Vera also works really well to neutralize odor. You might not have much space to have a full-fledged indoor garden but some big pots and planters will do the job just as well. You can also hang pothos and ivy from little jars kept on shelves.

Keep it clean

Vacuuming the carpets and rugs at least once a week can help tackle dust that has settled in the house. You can also opt for hard-surface flooring like tiles and laminates instead of wall-to-wall carpeting to cut down on allergens. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean the drapes and bedding which are items that attract dust and allergens. Indoor hygiene can cut down dust and dander and reduce pollutants. And while you are at it, it would be a good idea to clear clutter as that also traps dust.

Ventilate your space

Most of us keep the windows closed to keep dust away but that’s a bad idea as stale air circulates in closed spaces and that can potentially lead to mold and dampness. Open the windows from time to time to allow fresh air to circulate. Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen while cooking to remove fumes and other vapors that could contaminate the air. If you are concerned about direct breeze, opt for light sheer curtains to have a layer of filtering on the windows.

Invest in an air purifier

Bringing an air purifier into your home is perhaps the most effective way to combat indoor air pollution. These come equipped with HEPA filters that remove as much as 99 percent of harmful particles from the air. There are many kinds available in the market these days, from small ones you can use in the car or a bedroom to larger ones that can purify the air in an entire flat. HEPA filters can even remove flu virus particles from the air making it a great investment for your overall health.

To those of us living here, Kathmandu can feel a bit mundane, especially when the sun doesn’t shine and there seems to be so much dust in the air. Which is why we at ApEx were surprised when a friend returned from India, having cut her visit short by two weeks, claiming she’d rather spend that time in Nepal. She kept raving about ‘beautiful Kathmandu’ and how she’s never been bored here. Some of the things she mentioned were such simple things that we were stunned to have overlooked them or perhaps even taken them for granted. So, we asked random strangers what they liked to do in the city and compiled a list of five of the most common answers. Here are some foreigner-backed suggestions on how to have some fun in Kathmandu even on days when you feel like there’s nothing to do.

Go pub crawling in the city

Kathmandu is home to some of the world’s best pubs and bars. We aren’t the ones making this claim but tourists we spoke to in the city swear that Kathmandu has the nicest watering holes and restaurants. They are all kinds of places too. If you want a quiet one to nurse a beer, you’ll find plenty of cozy ones to choose from. If loud music is your jam, then you will be spoilt for choice. There’s even a separate scene for cocktails if that is more your thing. Bars like Bitters and Co. in Lazimpat and Barc in Tripureshwor serve unique cocktails that you haven’t tasted anywhere. The good thing is that most of these places aren’t very pricey either. They are good value for money. But if you are on a tight budget, then Kathmandu caters to that too. There are many places in Thamel that have amazing happy hour deals throughout the week where you can buy one get one or even get discounts on bulk orders. Most bars and pubs have a nice selection of food too. So grab your friends and indulge in a delightful Margarita or a crowd-favorite titaura cocktail this weekend.

Shop for trinkets in New Road

New Road has always been a place Kathmandu residents head to for shopping, and for all kinds of shopping too. From dry fruits and spices to fabrics and shoes, you will find everything you need at New Road. No wonder it’s so crowded during the festivities and on holidays. Despite markets cropping up in all parts of town, people still like to go to New Road to get what they need. Things just feel better and cheaper there. And in recent times, New Road has gotten a makeover, thanks to the brilliant mayor Balen Shah who is determined to turn the city into the picturesque place it was always meant to be. With roadside parking off limits, the place looks wider and cleaner. Shopping is also a better experience as you don’t keep dashing into people every two minutes. Take this as a perfect opportunity to shop for things like accessories, belts, bags, and clothes among other things at the ever growing market. Don’t stick to the main streets and explore the hidden alleys as well—there are lots of shops selling curios and various other things for super affordable prices. You can get bags for as little as Rs 500 and earrings for Rs 100.

Get a relaxing massage 

If this rising pollution has you concerned and you don’t want to spend a lot of time outdoors but still don’t want to be holed up at home, we recommend you spend a day at the spa. Could there be a better way to pamper yourself and feel relaxed and rejuvenated than a spa session that includes a full body massage, a head oil, and perhaps a sauna session too? A German couple we bumped into in Kathmandu confessed that they have been getting massages every week since they have been in Kathmandu three weeks ago. They made it a point to never visit the same establishment twice as there are just so many places to choose from, they said. So far, every place they have gone to has been good and they haven’t had a bad experience. The cost is more or less the same with some popular ones charging slightly more for the services. Many spas even offer full day packages that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Ayurvedic treatments like Shirodhara and Abhyanga are also available these days and these can be therapeutic and relaxing.

Discover public spaces

One of the joys of living in Kathmandu is discovering public spaces that feel like mini excursions in themselves. Basantapur is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike and, on any given day, you will find many people just lazing around, sipping tea or iced coffee, while strolling through the market or sitting on one of the many benches or temple steps. But apart from Basantapur, there are many other places in Kathmandu, including but not limited to temples and religious sites, that can serve as places of interest—where you can simply sit by yourself, meditate, or read a book if you are so inclined. These days, many communities have taken it upon themselves to create little parks of sorts in their area where people can hang out and spend some time outdoors. Watching people go about their days and do their own thing can be incredibly relaxing and rewarding. One of the most recommended things was a stroll in your area or some place new to discover hidden gems and alleys.

Enroll in a class to learn something new

Want to learn to make tiramisu or bake bread? Or maybe you want to sharpen your dancing skills?  Enroll in a random class to add some cheer to your days and pick up a skill along the way. There are just so many random classes and workshops being held in Kathmandu these days that you are sure to find one to suit your taste and mood. Dance classes seem to be really popular these days with many institutes offering drop-in classes for all forms of dance like hip-hop, classical, contemporary etc. Macrame training or jewelry making training are also offered by small businesses that want to expand beyond just selling their products and these can be neat things to learn if you are into art and crafts. Many shops that sell Thangka and other paintings in Thamel also take in students who are eager to learn how to paint for a nominal fee. All in all, if you want to learn something new, rest assured that there’s someone willing to teach it to you and you won’t have to put in regular hours either.

When I first moved to Kathmandu from Pokhara for my studies, everything felt new and overwhelming. Away from the warmth of home and my mother’s cooking, I longed for familiar flavors. Living on a student budget meant I couldn’t indulge in culinary luxuries every day, but there was one breakfast that became my solace: ‘Haluwa-swari’, ‘jeri-swari’, paired with ‘tato tato chiya’ (hot tea) and ‘piro aalu kerau tarkari’. It was a taste of comfort in a city that felt unfamiliar.

What is haluwa?

Haluwa is a sweet semolina pudding that is rich, buttery, and fragrant. Made primarily from semolina (suji), ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and milk or water, it’s flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts and dried fruits such as almonds, cashews, and raisins. The cooking process involves roasting semolina in ghee until golden brown, then adding sweetened milk or water and stirring until it achieves a thick, smooth consistency.

Haluwa’s luxurious texture and rich flavor make it a dish of celebration, often prepared during festivals, pujas, and special occasions. However, when paired with swari, it transforms into a humble yet indulgent breakfast. The slightly grainy texture of haluwa, combined with the flaky, crisp swari, creates a delightful contrast.

What is swari?

Swari is a flaky, deep-fried flatbread that resembles puri but is slightly thicker and less oily. Made from wheat flour, a touch of ghee, and water, the dough is rolled into small discs and fried until golden and puffy. Swari has a soft interior and a crisp exterior, making it an ideal accompaniment to both sweet and savory dishes.

In the context of haluwa-swari, the swari acts as the perfect vehicle for scooping up the rich, sweet haluwa. Its neutral taste balances the sweetness of haluwa, making every bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Swari’s versatility also makes it an excellent companion for piro aalu kerau tarkari, demonstrating its importance in Nepali breakfasts.

What is jeri?

Jeri, known as jalebi in other South Asian cuisines, is a spiral-shaped, deep-fried sweet soaked in sugar syrup. Made from a fermented batter of all-purpose flour and yogurt, the mixture is piped into hot oil in circular patterns and fried until crispy. Once golden, the jeri is immediately immersed in warm sugar syrup, allowing it to absorb the syrup and become irresistibly sweet and sticky.

Jeri is often served alongside swari, creating the iconic jeri-swari pairing. The crispy, syrup-soaked jeri provides a burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the flaky, neutral swari. This combination is both decadent and comforting, making it a favorite breakfast or snack for those seeking a touch of indulgence.

What is aalu kerau tarkari?

Aalu kerau tarkari is a spicy potato and green pea curry that embodies the essence of Nepali comfort food. Made with boiled potatoes and fresh or dried green peas (kerau), the dish is seasoned with turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and mustard seeds. A touch of garlic, ginger, and fresh coriander enhances its aroma and flavor.

This dish is beloved for its simplicity and versatility. The potatoes absorb the spices beautifully, while the green peas add a burst of sweetness and texture. When paired with swari, aalu kerau tarkari becomes a hearty and satisfying breakfast. Its spicy kick is perfectly complemented by a cup of hot Nepali tea, making it a favorite among students and workers alike.

The cultural significance

This breakfast combination of haluwa-swari, jeri-swari, and aalu kerau tarkari holds a unique place in the food culture of Kathmandu Valley. Rooted in the Newar community, it represents a blend of traditional flavors and modern-day convenience. While the Newars are renowned for their elaborate feasts and unique culinary practices, this breakfast showcases their ability to create balanced and wholesome meals that are both delicious and practical.

In the bustling streets of Kathmandu, small tea shops and eateries serve this breakfast to locals and visitors alike. It’s common to see people gathered around, sipping hot tea and savoring each bite of haluwa-swari or jeri-swari, often while engaging in animated conversations. For students and young professionals, this breakfast offers a sense of comfort and nostalgia, evoking memories of simpler times.

For many, this breakfast is not just about the food. It’s about the memories it carries. It takes one back to the early mornings in Kathmandu, the warmth of a bustling tea shop, and the camaraderie of friends. It’s a reminder of the small luxuries that brought immense joy during student life—a time when every bite was savored not just for its taste but for the connection it fostered.

As a student from Pokhara living in Kathmandu, the absence of home-cooked meals often made this breakfast a cherished ritual. It was more than just sustenance. It was a moment of solace and indulgence amidst the challenges of academic life. Even today, living far from Nepal, the thought of haluwa-swari, jeri-swari, and aalu kerau tarkari evokes a deep sense of longing and pride in the culinary heritage of Kathmandu Valley.

Why hasn’t this breakfast gone global?

While Nepali momo have gained international fame, this iconic breakfast has yet to make its mark globally. One reason could be the intricacy involved in preparing these dishes, especially the perfect swari and the syrup-soaked jeri. Additionally, the breakfast’s cultural context and deep-rooted connection to Kathmandu’s street food culture make it challenging to replicate the same experience elsewhere.

However, this also adds to its charm. The exclusivity of haluwa-swari, jeri-swari, and aalu kerau tarkari keeps it special, preserving its status as a beloved breakfast of Kathmandu Valley. For those who have moved away from Nepal, the nostalgia associated with this breakfast keeps it alive in their hearts, even if it is not readily available.

Haluwa-swari, jeri-swari, and aalu kerau tarkari are a celebration of Nepali culinary artistry and a testament to the rich food culture of Kathmandu Valley. For those who have experienced it, this breakfast is a cherished memory, a taste of home, and a symbol of simpler, happier times. While it may not yet have traveled globally like momo, its significance remains unparalleled for those who hold it close to their hearts.

The author is a London-based R&D chef

The trend of setting off firecrackers in celebration has not stopped in Kathmandu Valley during this Tihar festival despite the tight supervision of the security bodies.

Especially the youths let off fireworks in celebration during the Tihar festival.

It is said celebratory explosion of fire crackers is high in the inner-alleys than on the main streets and in the outlying areas of Kathmandu Valley this time.

The pace of exploding pyrotechnics has increased since Thursday evening when the Laxmipuja rituals were observed and it will likely continue today as well.

Sharan Sharma, a resident of Chandragiri in Kathmandu said exploding fireworks non-stop has caused sound pollution in the environment while it has also increased the risk of outbreak of fire. "I could hear the sound of explosion of firecrackers up until 12 pm. It was really disturbing. I could not sleep. I can hear the loud sound of firecrackers exploding even in the morning. I think the security agencies should make their monitoring more effective to check this trend," he said.

According to him, although there is the presence of the security personnel on the main streets and core areas in Kathmandu, their patrolling is only nominal in the inner alleys and the outlying areas in the Valley.

Sharma said the smuggling of firecrackers and letting off fireworks continues due to lax monitoring by police.

However, Nepal Police has claimed that it has upped security vigilance at all the 10 transit points of the Valley and intensified checking at various places with the goal preventing the smuggling and explosion of fireworks. Nepal Police central spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki said security vigilance has been stepped up in view of the likelihood of increased gambling and explosion of firecrackers during Tihar.

He said the police will take under control and initiate legal action against anyone involved in such activities.

Spokesperson for Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Senior Superintendent Binod Ghimire said that the police has arrested and taken action against some people involved in fireworks on the charge of smuggling and letting off explosives.

Assistant Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Anil Poudel, warned of legal action against anyone involved in hooliganism and disturbing public peace, decency and security by drinking alcohol and engaging in other unruly activities during the festival. 

It will take a few days for the monsoon to enter the Kathmandu Valley.

Currently there is an influence of the monsoon system in the eastern part of the country and the local and western winds as well as a low-pressure system formed around Bihar in the remaining part of the country.

Meteorologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Sanjeev Adhikari said there are slim chances of rain in the Kathmandu Valley today.

The maximum temperature is expected to remain between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius. The weather will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly regions of the country including Sudurpaschim, Karnali and Koshi Provinces and fair in the rest of the country.

Light rain is also taking place at one or two places in Koshi Province. The weather will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly regions of Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and mainly fair in the rest of the country this afternoon.

Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted partly to generally cloudy in the hilly regions of Koshi and Gandaki provinces and partly fair in the rest of the country tonight.

Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of the hilly regions of Koshi and Gandaki provinces.

The maximum temperature is expected to hover between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius.  

Kathmandu has always struggled to manage its waste. Hopes were pinned on the city mayor Balen Shah’s plans to segregate waste at source. But around 200 vehicles still dump garbage at Banchare Danda every day. Much of the collected waste—around 1,200 tons daily—ends up in the landfill. Those who work in waste management say Banchare Danda is fated to go the Sisdol way. What we now have is only a temporary respite to the city’s trash problems as the focus continues to be on dumping. 

However, experts say this could change if Nepalis become conscious of what they throw and how. Kiran Shrestha of Action Waste Pvt. Ltd. says the weight and bulk of trash have been steadily increasing as Nepalis toss things that needn’t be thrown away. Clothes, books, utensils, and electronics, among other things, are regular items in the trash Action Waste collects from its designated areas of Anamnagar and Seto Pul in Kathmandu.

On the surface, many people seem to have adopted eco-friendly lifestyles. Millennials increasingly favor brands that promote sustainability. Though the market for eco-friendly products is yet to become mainstream, there is no dearth of businesses that promote sustainability. Unfortunately, most consumers are buying and thus throwing more stuff as they try to switch to greener alternatives.

A passing trend 

“Sustainability has become a passing trend in Nepal and that’s worsening our trash problem,” says Anjana Malla, founder of Deego Nepal, a brand that provides eco-friendly alternatives for daily use items. Malla says there’s a lack of slow and responsible consumption. People easily tire of what they have and they want something new, even though old items work perfectly well. 

“If you are throwing away, say, a water bottle just because it’s made of plastic and getting a glass one in its place, you are creating more waste. That isn’t the principle of sustainability. That’s not being eco-friendly,” she says. What you can and should do is use what you have for as long as you can and then invest in eco-friendly options when you have to replace something. 

But that is not what is happening. Rupak Parajuli, the owner of Hempko, a business that provides sustainable and eco-friendly products, says there are very few conscious consumers. Most buy things on a whim. He believes this mindset, where the emphasis isn’t on the durability of a product but rather on its attractiveness, is the reason behind the increasing volume of waste.

It’s not unusual for people to have multiples of everything. We buy things as they look attractive or they are cheap. Most of these items often sit unused in forgotten corners of our homes. The products expire or the novelty wears off and we get rid of them. Parajuli says we are driven by materialistic aspirations. The more you have, the more you want, and the more you eventually throw away. 

Intention-action gap 

“We blame the government for our inefficient waste disposal system but we must first look at our own problematic behavior,” says Parajuli. We look for an easy way out, choosing to replace something rather than repair it. We want newer models of items that we already have. It doesn’t help that the market is saturated with products of all kinds. Parajuli adds that people are aware of the importance of leading a sustainable lifestyle and the intent is there too but there is a gap between intention and action. 

Nitesh Sharma, founder of Dhaaso, an upcycling company, says people like the idea of being eco-friendly and sustainable. But they also prefer the fine finish of factory-made products and the convenience of disposable items. Dhaaso was launched eight years ago and Sharma laments that it is still difficult to educate people about the need to upcycle to keep something from being sent to the landfill. 

“Our customers know Dhaaso upcycles and that our products are made from discarded materials. It can never be as good as mass-manufactured products. But we’ve still had five order cancellations in the past week,” says Sharma, adding that there’s a disconnect between ideals and aspirations. 

As Nepal imports most things, fixing them is sometimes impossible. The required parts aren’t easily available. This also contributes to a lot of waste. At the moment, there is enough scrap in Kathmandu junkyards to last 20 to 30 years, says Sharma. Buying locally made products could change this but people tend to prefer either branded goods or cheap Chinese knockoffs. 

Kushal Acchami of Samsara Creation says we need a comprehensive approach to waste management, one that highlights the necessity of reusing what we have to serve different purposes. Manu Karki, founder of Eco Sathi Nepal, says people aren’t being creative with household items which is why every slightly damaged piece makes its way to the dumpster. 

“You can use a chipped ceramic jug or a mug as a planter. You can repurpose an old bottle into a vase. You can turn bits of fabric into pot holders,” she says. But people either don’t have the time or don’t want to put in the extra effort. “The result is a use-and-throw culture that doesn’t align with the principles of sustainability,” adds Acchami. 

The way out 

Nepal lacks the resources for large-scale recycling. There are some companies, like Doko Recyclers and Khalisisi, that provide recycling facilities but they don’t handle large volumes of waste. Raghavendra Nahto, co-founder of Doko Recyclers, says his company handles less than a percent of the waste Kathmandu generates daily. In the past five years, says Mahto, little has changed in the way Kathmandu manages its waste. 

Reducing waste at source is the only way to tackle the growing problem of waste management, he says. He believes we need a national-level campaign to make people aware of the implications of their wasteful behavior. Parajuli, on the other hand, thinks programs in schools and colleges on the importance of being eco-friendly can bring slow change in the way we shop. “We need to have more conversations on sustainability and how we can incorporate it into our current lifestyle. We need a movement,” he says. 

Three basic ways to embrace sustainability 

1. Use what you have 

According to Karki of Eco Sathi Nepal, many people think being eco-friendly means not using plastic. So, they get rid of plastic bottles and containers. The basic principle of sustainability is to prolong the life of what you have. Plastic, she adds, isn’t the villain here. Our mentality that we must get rid of them anyhow is the problem. 

Giving away what you don’t need instead of putting it in the dustbin can also help, says Malla of Deego Nepal. “We can donate the things we don’t need if they are in good condition. After all, one man’s trash could be another man’s treasure,” she says.  

2. Don’t buy single-use items

Disposable cups, water bottles, plates, and straws are all very convenient to use but they create a lot of waste. Malla says people these days use disposable plates and cutlery even when hosting parties at home. Restaurants too are wasteful. Most of them have tie-ups with various water bottling companies and serve mineral water instead of regular tap water. It generates a lot of unnecessary plastic waste at the end of the day. “Individuals and businesses both need to be mindful of this. Unfortunately, most businesses are purely commercial and not very ethical,” she says. 

3. Be a conscious consumer  

Before buying anything, ask yourself if you need it. Oftentimes, we buy stuff as we are bored or they look appealing. But a new notebook isn’t going to change your life. Neither is a new bag going to significantly uplift your ensemble. So, consider your purchases. When you inevitably have to replace something, look for eco-friendly alternatives. 

“Shopping local is one of the ways in which people can embrace sustainability. When you buy products that are made in Nepal you are already reducing your carbon footprint,” says Parajuli of Hempko.

Indra Jatra, the biggest festival of Kathmandu Valley, is being observed by worshiping Indra, the God of rains, on Thursday.

This festival is celebrated especially in the three districts of the Kathmandu Valley, and Dhulikhel and Dolakha. The annual traditional festival begins on the Bhadra Shukla Chaturdasi of Nepali month, Bhadra. It is an eight-day long festival.

The festival begins with the erection of a sacred wooden pole called Lingo with flags on its top at Hanuman Dhoka, the historic place of Nepal.

During the festival, chariot processions and typical cultural songs and dances are performed.

The erected pole with the flag is called 'Indradhwojotthan'. On the bottom of the pole, Lord Bhairav is worshiped.

The Indra Jatra festival is taken as the celebration after conquering the enemies.

The wooden pole is brought by performing tantric acts from a jungle of Nala in Kavre district.

The pole is made holy with various rituals at Bhotahiti, Kathmandu.

When the pole is erected, different cultural dances including Bhakkunach, Mahakalinach, Lakhenach, Dasavatarnach and Pulukisinach are performed in the city.

The government has also announced a public holiday today in Kathmandu Valley to celebrate the festival.  

Tootle, the pioneering ride-sharing platform in Kathmandu valley, has announced its return with a dynamic new management team and a host of exciting improvements. 

“After a brief hiatus, Tootle is back in business, reinvigorated and ready to redefine urban mobility with its revamped app and enhanced services,” said the company. “Under the banner of new leadership, Tootle is committed to delivering an unparalleled ride-sharing experience that seamlessly blends convenience, efficiency, and affordability.” 

With an eye toward revolutionizing how individuals traverse the bustling streets of Kathmandu, the reimagined Tootle is poised to exceed expectations and rewrite the rules of modern transportation, the company added.

As a new start to Tootle, the Tootle Driver App has been already available to download and register from Sept 1. The Tootle customer app will be available to download from Sept 6 to start taking Tootle rides.

What’s new with Tootle?

Sleek and intuitive app: Tootle’s redesigned app boasts a sleek interface and intuitive user experience, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free booking process.

Enhanced partner network: Our expanded network of reliable partners guarantees quicker response times and increased ride availability.

Faster and smarter: Experience expedited pickups, reduced wait times, and optimized routes for a more efficient journey.

Safety measures: Tootle remains committed to passenger safety, implementing cutting-edge safety features to ensure every ride is secure and worry-free.

“We are thrilled to reintroduce Tootle with a renewed passion for transforming urban commuting,” said Shreyas Krishna Shrestha, Owner and CEO of Tootle and Co-Founder of ZAPP. “Our new management team has meticulously crafted an enhanced experience, putting user satisfaction and convenience at the forefront. Tootle’s resurgence represents our dedication to offering a superior ride-sharing service that truly understands and anticipates the needs of our valued users.”

Tootle’s return comes with a promise to empower commuters, simplify their daily journeys, and contribute to reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact within Kathmandu valley, he says.

Two persons died and a child sustained injuries when a bus hit a motorbike in Dhungedhara, Kathmandu on Sunday.

The deceased have been identified as Anita Thapa (32) of Sangachokgadi Municipality, Sindhupalchok and Ram Kumari Bharati (32), SP Kumod Dhungel said.

Both succumbed to their injuries at the Maharajgunj-based Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital during treatment.

The fatal incident occurred when the bus (Na 5 Kha 5092) belonging to the Gorkha Daraudi Transport Company Pvt. Ltd hit a motorbike (Province 2- 037 Pa 0755) coming from the opposition direction this morning.

Nine-year-old Anisha Thapa was injured in the accident and is undergoing treatment at Manmohan Hospital, Kalanki.

Police said that they have impounded the bus and arrested its driver for investigation.