our HISTORY

// pos 0 = front, pos 1 = middle, pos 2 = back // rot: resting rotation for each stack position // cards[0] = top/front, cards[2] = back // ─── Drag state ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── const rot = dx * 0.055; // drag-based rotation, starts from 0deg (front card) // ─── Arc-to-back ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── // End state: this card lands at pos 2 (back), with rot -4.5deg const endRot = endP.rot; // -4.5 // ── Z-indexes swap INSTANTLY on release ── cards[1].style.zIndex = String(POS[0].z); // card 1 → front cards[2].style.zIndex = String(POS[1].z); // card 2 → middle // Arc animation on released card // Cards 1 & 2 animate to new positions (including their rotation) cards[1].style.transform = posTransform(POS[0]); // 0deg (front) cards[2].style.transform = posTransform(POS[1]); // 4.5deg (middle) // After arc: lock final state, reorder array top.style.transform = posTransform(POS[2]); // -4.5deg (back) // ─── Events ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

The story of Monalisa Thakali begins in the mountain village of Tukuche, Mustang, where founder Usha Sherchan first learned the art of authentic Thakali cooking from her mother. In their village, her mother’s cooking was legendary—neighbors and visitors alike praised the traditional dishes that came from her kitchen, and young Usha absorbed every technique, every secret, and every tradition.

When the Nepalese civil war disrupted life across the region, Usha stood beside her mother to open Usha Lodge in their beloved village, bringing comfort through food during uncertain times. Life soon took her on a new journey when she married and moved away, and for four years, she worked as a school teacher, dedicating herself to education.
But the pull of her true passion was undeniable. Seeking fulfillment beyond the classroom, Usha made a bold decision—she moved to Pokhara and opened Valley Lodge, returning to the craft she loved most. Four years of dedication, late nights, and unwavering commitment followed. Through perseverance and the authentic Thakali recipes passed down through generations, Usha finally realized her dream: Hotel Monalisa.

Word spread quickly. High-profile guests began arriving, drawn by the reputation of her exceptional Thakali dishes. Visitors praised the authenticity, the flavors, the care in every meal. What started as a young girl learning from her mother in a mountain village had blossomed into Nepal’s finest Thakali restaurant—a place where tradition, passion, and exceptional hospitality come together in every dish we serve.

Today, Monalisa Thakali continues Usha’s vision: preserving the authentic flavors of Thakali cuisine while sharing the warmth and traditions of Mustang with every guest who walks through our doors.

our values

At Monalisa Thakali, our mission extends beyond serving meals—we are custodians of a rich cultural heritage. We are committed to preserving and continuing authentic Thakali traditions through time-honored cooking methods and ingredients sourced directly from the Thakali region of Mustang.

Our purpose isn’t driven by profit, but by passion—a deep responsibility to keep these centuries-old culinary traditions alive for future generations. Every dish we serve honors the legacy of our ancestors and the authentic flavors of our homeland.

Faces behind the legacy

usha sherchan

Founder

Founder's Note

This restaurant is my tribute to my mother, whose legendary cooking inspired this journey. It’s my promise to future generations that they will know what real Thakali food tastes like. It’s my gift to our guests who seek genuine experiences in a world of imitations.

When you dine with us, you’re not just a customer—you become part of our mission to preserve Thakali culinary heritage. You’re supporting our commitment to authenticity. You’re honoring the same traditions that my mother honored, and her mother before her.

Thank you for believing in what we do. Thank you for choosing authenticity. Thank you for being part of the Monalisa Thakali family.