Wining and Dining in Kathmandu
Or go Back to Nature
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Nestled in the heart of Kathmandu’s Thamel tourist district, sits two hidden jewels—one for food, coffee or wine, the other for partying with drinks. At the ground level is The Backyard, a quaint little restaurant with excellent breakfasts, lunches, or dinners. Or just take in the ambiance with a fine wine or specialty coffee. Recently opened, The Backyard features a coffee bar and indoor or outdoor dining in a quiet spot amidst the hustle of Thamel. With free WiFi, you can settle back for an American Breakfast of sausage, bacon, hashed browns and grilled tomato, or dive into a stack of Cinnamon French Toast with maple syrup. For lunch or dinner, enjoy a Tandoori pizza or some luscious grilled Basa with seasoned vegetables and potatoes. The coffee bar features a variety of espressos, lattes, and mochas, or ward off the heat with an iced coffee.
When the sun goes down, head upstairs to one of the longest-running taverns in Thamel, the Buddha Bar. Blood-stirring beats readily flow with a wide assortment of beers, wines and stiffer drinks. The Buddha Bar has long been the meeting place for partiers and socializers alike.
If your beer needs companionship, Buddha Bar offers several different kinds of snacks to whet your appetite. Its long staying power in Thamel has made it a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. The unique décor makes this an unforgettable stop whether you are just passing through Kathmandu, or hanging out for an extended time.
When the city is too much, it’s time to get Back to Nature.
Located in the hills northwest of Pokhara Valley’s Phewa Lake (just a 25 minute flight from Kathmandu), Back to Nature is a place for meditation, yoga and hiking.
Surrounded by exquisite views, visitors can simply revel in the peace and solitude of Pokhara’s hills, or explore the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Come see firsthand, local organic farming, beekeeping, and other environmentally sustainable activities.
If you plan a little ahead, you can set up a yoga retreat surrounded by the beautiful countryside.
I have the good fortune to call the Pun brothers my friends, having met them nearly two decades ago on my first trip to Kathmandu. Their business model is to make visitors to Nepal feel welcomed, and I suspect if you spend just one evening at any of these three establishments, you will feel the same!
Next time you are in Kathmandu, stop in to Buddha Bar or The Backyard in Thamel and ask for either of the Pun brothers to book your excursion to Back to Nature. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
The Backyard and Buddha Bar (click the underlined for a map): Narshing Chowk Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
Office: Chhaya Devi Complex, Shop Number 251; Thamel - Kathmandu
Telephone: 01-5252589 or visit Back to Nature on Facebook or Instagram, or The Backyard Instagram or Buddha Bar Instagram
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I am a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner, Certified Crime Analyst, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Financial Crimes Investigator with a Juris Doctor and a Master’s degree in history. I spent 10 years working in the New York State Division of Criminal Justice as Senior Analyst and Investigator. Today, I teach Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, and Digital Forensics at Softwarica College of IT and E-Commerce in Nepal. In addition, I offer training on Financial Crime Prevention and Investigation. I am also Vice President of Digi Technology in Nepal, for which I have also created its sister company in the USA, Digi Technology America, LLC. We provide technology solutions for businesses or individuals, including cybersecurity, all across the globe. I was a firefighter before I joined law enforcement and now I currently run a non-profit that uses mobile applications and other technologies to create Early Alert Systems for natural disasters for people living in remote or poor areas.