Latest news with #Newar
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
The Old House in Kathmandu's Durbar Marg is the newest cocktail bar by Indian mixologist Yangdup Lama
In the heart of Kathmandu's Durbar Marg — dotted with luxury shops, upscale restaurants and hotels — stands The Old House by Minaskhi Singh and Yangdup Lama. The award-winning duo, best known for Sidecar, which features on World's 50 Best Bars (2021, 2022, 2023) and Asia's 50 Best Bars (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024), has partnered with Desal Lama from Nepal for this business venture. The Old House spells nostalgia for Delhi-based mixologist Yangdup. Back in 1993, as a young industrial trainee at Hotel Annapurna in Kathmandu (then part of the Taj group), he would often pass by this old home. Decades later, he has tried to revive its memory, by reimagining it as his and his business partner Minakshi's first international bar. The bar took a year and a couple of months to shape up. When it did, it felt like a bright and welcoming space that reminds visitors of Kathmandu's Newari-style homes. Developed by the indigenous Newar people of Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, Newari architecture is characterised by elaborate wood carvings and pagoda-style temples. Minakshi explains, 'The architecture is such that it breathes life into the bar, reminiscent of the fine art, folk culture, design and the days gone by. This bar will transport you to the Kathmandu of the 1970s and 1980s, decked with woodwork, tapestry, and floor work characteristic of Newari architecture, featuring closely spaced joists (dhalin) supporting a subfloor of terracotta tiles and wooden planks, adorned with a layer of fine yellow clay. The place also features a central water feature in the courtyard, adding a sensory dimension — sound, light, reflection, and calm'. The Old House can seat 80 people and it is not just a name; it is a sentiment. Yangdup explains, in Kathmandu, all ancestral homes over 100 years old were colloquially referred to as 'old houses'. The Old House too, he recollects, has been through many changes; 'But, the banyan tree still stands,' he shares. That lone reminder, and the emotional imprint of the place, was reason enough to preserve the name and spirit of it in their new venture. Their Nepalese business partners, though not from the hospitality world, immediately connected with the vision. Desal Lama, who owned The Old House, has been roped in as one of the co-founders of the bar. 'When Desal Lama reached out to me for a business partnership, I thought it was a good time to reconnect to my memories as a trainee. Once I visited the place , I knew what had to be done,' says Yangdup. This new bar is rooted in Kathmandu Valley's Newar culture — rich in both craftsmanship and culinary heritage. Yangdup and Minakshi worked closely with a local Newari architect to design the space, leaning into the texture and storytelling of traditional homes. Think extensive wood carvings, asymmetry, and subtle echoes of pagoda architecture. The result is a place where design and drink speak the same language. The cocktail menu journeys through the mountains and plains of Nepal, using native ingredients and layered narratives to shape its 12 signature offerings. From Himalayan juniper and sea buckthorn sourced from Mustang Valley to apple orchard notes and cardamom from Makalu, each cocktail evokes a specific geography and emotion. Yangdup's attention to detail is exacting — every element has intent. One drink, Why? Why? Why?, is a whimsical tribute to Wai Wai, Nepal's beloved instant noodle. Another, Sindhuli Gadhi, is a nod to a 1970s folk song and the historical battle in which the Gorkha army triumphed over British forces. There is also Syangay ko Suntala, inspired by the famed oranges of Syangay, and Jau Jau Jau, a smoky, roasted-barley and whisky number that channels the fertile essence of the Terai lowlands. Even Nepal's iconic Bhadgaule Topi gets a toast in the form of a namesake cocktail. Food, too, plays a central role, with a meat-forward menu that reflects Kathmandu's robust palate. Guests can expect Sekuwa, the beloved Nepali-style barbecue, alongside Momoka — a Nepali twist on momo dumplings made with red meat and served with a spicy, tangy peanut sauce. It is flavourful, honest fare, meant to complement the drinks and spark conversation. For Yangdup and Minakshi, this is not just another addition to their acclaimed portfolio of bars — it is a return, a remembrance, and a celebration. In The Old House, they have captured a moment from the past and poured it into the present, creating a space that's as evocative as it is inventive. In doing so, they've not only raised the bar — they've told a story. And that, in mixology as in life, is what makes all the difference. The Old House at Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal, is open on all days from 12pm to 1am
Associated Press
09-04-2025
- Associated Press
Exploring Xizang: a journey of environmental harmony between devt and nature
04/08/2025, Beijing, China // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // In September 2023, I was honored to travel to China's Xizang Autonomous Region, as part of a group of foreign experts from Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Norway and Australia. This trip was a deeply moving and inspirational cultural, ecological and social experience, and I am grateful to share my personal insights from this unforgettable journey. Upon our arrival at Lhasa station, we were greeted by our hosts and a young man who placed a traditional Buddhist white 'hada' scarf over my bowed head - a blessing of purity, kindness and good fortune. The white silk was particularly fitting as I looked out over the Lhasa River valley, 3,650 meters above sea level. Above me, in the impossibly rich blue sky, high-altitude clouds danced like living calligraphy - iridescent hues of pearl, rose, jade and sapphire shifting like silk in the wind. In Tibetan culture, these rare 'rainbow' clouds are brief, beautiful signs of good fortune. I felt blessed to be experiencing this land of magic and wonder. Lhasa greeted me as a thriving city of over 860,000 people, spread across the valley and surrounded by high hills and mountains. As our coach swung around a busy roundabout filled with cars and trucks, I leaned against the window to see before me the monumental Potala Palace with its dozens of brick-red windows and red-and-white plaster walls, looking down the valley just as it has for centuries. At that moment, the juxtaposition of the modern city and the ancient palace struck me - a marvel of a city rich in history and culture, geographically positioned at the top of the world while embracing the 21st century. In the center of Lhasa, Jokhang Temple stands as the most important religious site in Xizang. Approaching the temple, I noticed, through the crowds of pilgrims, the scent of juniper in the air and the sound of murmured prayers all around. While I am a visitor from so far away, I feel a special connection to this place. My wife is from Nepal, China's neighbor, and her heritage is with the Newar people, whose ancestry comes from the Kathmandu Valley. Many Nepalese and Indian artists and craftsmen worked on the original design and construction of the Jokhang Temple centuries ago. The intricate wood carvings framing its entrances were the work of Newar craftsmen, whose skills left a lasting mark. Just as I was filled with the spirit and beauty of Lhasa - the cultural heart of Xizang - I embarked on a kind of time travel. We journeyed to the outskirts of the city, about 30 minutes away, to the foot of the dramatic local mountains. Here, we arrived at the Lhasa high-tech development zone, a sprawling high-tech incubator community. This vast center spans a significant area, housing thousands of students, researchers and workers. It stands as one of China's key sci-tech research hubs, taking full advantage of the region's high altitude and low humidity to support innovative technologies. The center focuses on various advanced fields, including aerospace, artificial intelligence and environmental sciences. The high altitude provides an ideal environment for aerospace research and satellite testing, while the dry climate preserves delicate equipment and supports precision technologies. This modern scientific ecosystem is a stark contrast to the traditional surroundings of Lhasa, but it perfectly demonstrates how China's forward-thinking technological aspirations are flourishing alongside its deep cultural heritage. It serves as a compelling reminder of how innovation and tradition can coexist in the nation's development. The Lhasa wetlands, often referred to as the lungs of the city, offer a serene beauty that feels both refreshing and vitalizing. The wetlands stretch across the landscape, alive with lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers and the gentle sounds of birdsong. It is an oasis in the heart of Lhasa, offering a peaceful contrast to the urban sprawl. The air here feels crisper, with the wetlands playing a crucial role in filtering and renewing the city's atmosphere as well as standing as a symbol of Lhasa's commitment to sustainable development and environmental harmony. As I sat in the highest-altitude brewery in China at 3,650 meters, I reflected on the entrepreneurial spirit of the local people and all that I had seen. As a beer-loving Australian, I could not help but imagine the possibilities. Australia is known for producing some of the finest hops in the world, and I shared the idea of collaborating with my new brewery friends to supply premium hops from Australia. Together, we could create a unique Tibetan-Australian craft beer and bring it from the Roof of the World to global markets. The thought of this collaboration, fusing two cultures in the spirit of craft beer, was an exciting prospect. As my plane flew over the foothills of Xizang, I looked out the window and saw plateaus and hills twice the height of Australia's tallest mountain. Below, the vast landscape of Xizang unfolded before me, reminding me just how unique this place is - not only for China but for the world. Xizang exists both in the mind as a place of legend and as a dynamic region embracing the modern world. Commerce, trade and tourism are its future, but its deep cultural roots will remain unshaken. Just as every home needs a roof, the earth too has its sheltering plateau - a special place. Xizang is a treasure that holds immense value. Looking ahead, Xizang has the potential to build a diverse, sustainable economy centered around its high-altitude organic produce. By supporting industries that respect the region's environment - such as eco-friendly agriculture, clean technologies and sustainable trade - Xizang can thrive while preserving its natural heritage. Equally important is the region's ability to embrace modern education and technology, exemplified by Lhasa's science and hi-tech incubator hubs, while keeping its cultural traditions intact. This balance will ensure that Xizang's way of life can continue in an evolving world. Xizang's abundant water resources place it at the heart of China's hydroelectric development. While this is necessary to meet the country's energy needs, it is vital that these projects are balanced with environmental care. China is in a unique position to manage this, using its world-leading expertise in infrastructure and environmental management. By doing so, Xizang can combine its ancient wisdom with modern progress. Xizang's deep spiritual traditions and untouched landscapes offer lessons for the world. They demonstrate the connection between humanity and nature. Its glaciers and mountains are not only natural wonders but lifelines for millions in the region. To ensure a bright future, it is important to balance development with environmental protection. Xizang is more than just a place of beauty and cultural richness. It is a place for reflection. The vast mountains and clear skies gave me a sense of peace and awe. My visit was deeply meaningful. Xizang's spiritual depth reminds us that progress is not just about material growth but about building a deeper connection with nature and each other. The author is an Australian sinologist and vice president of the publishing company Weldon's. [email protected] Company: Global Times This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
South China Morning Post
01-04-2025
- South China Morning Post
Insiders' guide to Kathmandu, 3 city states that became the Nepalese capital
Until the formation of Nepal in the 18th century, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan were independent city states. Despite all standing in the Kathmandu Valley and being inhabited mainly by indigenous Newars, each had its own royal family, and a pantheon of palaces and temples. Advertisement Since then, people from all parts of Nepal have migrated to the valley, creating a microcosm of the country as a whole. Urban sprawl has erased most signs of the borders between the city states, and today the name Kathmandu is applied not just to the historic towns, but also to the wider valley. But the intricate architecture and vibrant cultures of these ancient Newar settlements remain ripe for discovery, alongside influences from elsewhere in Nepal. To help a visitor discover this multifaceted city, we asked three insiders for their recommendations – Prashanta Khanal, a journalist and author of Nepali cookbook Timmur (2022); arts and culture professional Yukta Bajracharya; and Camille Hanesse, a French long-term resident and a co-founder of boutique accommodation agency Cosy Nepal. Stupas and squares Kumbheshwar Temple in Patan is dedicated to the god Shiva. Photo: Eileen McDougall 'The neighbourhood of Kirtipur is underrated and quiet,' says Khanal. 'You can walk through all the old Newar settlements, the beautiful temples and stupas, traditional ponds and, on the top of the Kirtipur hill, are the Bagh Bhairav and Uma Maheshwor temples. From there, the views of Kathmandu and the Himalayas are splendid.' Hanesse recommends exploring her local area of Patan. 'Particularly, Kumbheshwar Temple on Thursday and Saturday mornings [special days of worship for Shiva, the main deity of the temple],' she says. 'I never get tired of the magic that comes out of that place.' Indeed, all three insiders encourage getting lost in the lanes of Patan and ending up in Durbar Square, home to the palace and temples of the town's royal family, with most of the architecture dating back to at least the 17th century. (Note: Patan, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur all have their own Durbar Square.) The Patan Museum is housed in a former palace in Patan. Photo: Eileen McDougall 'The Patan Museum [housed in the former palace], especially the Sundari Chowk, with the royal bathtub, is lovely,' says Bajracharya, who was born in the area.
