Thirty years ago, Sangharsha Bista left Nepal for the United States, driven by his dream of becoming a pilot. His ambition was to serve Nepal in the aviation sector, but fate had a different plan—one that allowed him to contribute to his country in a unique and impactful way.
Bista eventually set aside his dream of flying and returned to Nepal, honoring his parents’ wishes. They encouraged him to take over the family’s traditional tourism business instead of pursuing a career in aviation. Over time, he established himself as a leading tourism entrepreneur, earning widespread recognition in the industry.
Now, his eldest daughter, Arnagya Bista, is fulfilling the dream he once had. Just a few days ago, he sent her to the United States to train as a pilot—an emotional moment that brought back memories of his own journey. Reflecting on his past, Bista shared, “Thirty years ago, I was in the U.S. for pilot training. During a break, I missed my parents terribly and decided to return to Nepal. When I came back, they told me, ‘If you become a pilot, you will travel far and wide. We need you here to take care of our family business.’ In the end, I followed their wishes and dedicated myself to tourism.”
While many parents encourage their children to become doctors, engineers, or pilots—professions associated with social prestige—the Bista family prioritized their ancestral business over status. Sangharsha, respecting his parents’ desires, chose to carry forward their legacy.
True to his name—Sangharsha, meaning “struggle”—he worked tirelessly to build a successful career in tourism. As the central president of the Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal (REBAN), he has played a key role in shaping Nepal’s hospitality industry. “Success after struggle brings true joy,” he said. “I am happy because I have been able to make a difference while staying in Nepal. I don’t have grand dreams—I just want to contribute to my country.”
A Journey of Sacrifice and Success
Bista’s decision to return to Nepal has a heartfelt backstory. His family, residing in Koteshwor, longed for his presence. They would often gaze at planes flying overhead and wonder, “When will our son return from America?” His parents even made a prayer at the Dakshinkali temple, promising to offer a black goat if he came back. When he eventually returned, he fulfilled their vow at the temple.
“I gave up my dream of becoming a pilot for my parents,” Bista admitted. “I once envisioned having breakfast in Nepal, lunch in Europe, and dinner in America. But in the end, I put my parents’ dreams above my own.”
At times, he struggled with this unfulfilled dream. In 2003, just a month after getting married, he traveled to the U.S. without informing anyone except his wife. There, he underwent paragliding training, and after nine months, he became Nepal’s first licensed paragliding pilot. Before him, Narayan Parajuli and Rajesh Bamjan had trained in paragliding, but they had not obtained licenses.
“I found partial fulfillment of my pilot dream through paragliding,” he said. “But I take pride in living in Nepal—a country of rich culture, diverse ethnicities, Mount Everest, and the birthplace of Buddha. Running a tourism business here and becoming self-reliant gives me immense happiness.”
Bista’s relentless work ethic sees him dedicating 12 to 14 hours a day to his profession. For him, success is not just about personal achievements but also about sacrifice and contribution. “Training young people, creating job opportunities, and supporting Nepal’s economy bring me true joy,” he shared.
A Strong Support System and Passion for Culture
A crucial pillar in Bista’s journey has been his wife, Pratishtha Amatya (Bista), a woman of remarkable achievements. In 2004, she became the first Nepali to be listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for her exceptional memory skills. She is also a talented singer and lyricist with several released albums. Today, she actively supports her husband in the tourism industry.
Beyond business, Bista is deeply involved in sports and social service. A former runner, he holds a black belt in martial arts and has set records in cycling, paragliding, and swimming.
Promoting Culture Through ‘Nepali Chulo’
‘Nepali Chulo,’ a popular restaurant in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, has become a hub for authentic Nepali cuisine. The restaurant blends traditional food with cultural performances, offering visitors a taste of Nepal’s diverse heritage. “We are combining fine dining with cultural showcases to promote Nepal’s tourism,” Bista explained.
He also leads ‘Northfield Cafe’ in Thamel, a restaurant that has served Indian, American, Mexican, and Continental cuisine for 30 years. His ‘La Bella Cafe’ in Thamel specializes in Italian-Continental dishes. Over the years, Northfield Cafe has become a favorite among tourists.
As a tourism entrepreneur, Bista has provided opportunities to many individuals who have now reached high positions in various fields. “It fills me with joy when I see those I have supported succeed,” he said. His contributions extend to sports as well—he was a paragliding instructor for the Ninth National Games and served as a former vice president of the Nepal Cycling Association. He has also coordinated the ‘Buddha Was Born in Nepal’ campaign and held leadership roles in initiatives like Tour de Lumbini and the Thamel Tourism Development Council.
Vision for the Future
With the rapid expansion of Nepal’s restaurant and bar industry, especially in urban areas, Bista believes the country must focus on increasing international and domestic tourism. “The future of the restaurant and bar business depends on attracting more tourists,” he emphasized.
Through perseverance, adaptability, and innovation, Sangharsha Bista has shown that dreams may take different forms—but with dedication, they can still lead to extraordinary success.
