Originally Posted by
Pilot DAR
I infer that in this context, "STOL" refers to an approach or departure path which is more steep, or not straight in normal terms. A slight variation on the strict interpretation of the four letters, but the steep approach to a shorter runway was an operational capability of the dehavilland Canada STOL airplanes.
Indeed , to complete your answer the text below from the CAAN site gives a bit more context on how the term "STOL airport " is used in Nepal :
KTM Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international aerodrome in the country. Biratnagar, Pokhara, Gautam Buddha Airport, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj airports, as the busiest airports, are considered domestic hub airports. Gautam Buddha Airport at Bhairahawa is being upgraded to an international airport expected to be completed in 2022 and in Pokhara a new International airport is being build to be completed by end 2022 .. 21 Airports are short take-off and landing (STOL) airports with Aerodrome flight Information service (AFIS). a further 17 Airports are STOL airports but are not in full time operation . Airports not-in-use may be re-activated during emergencies after authorization by the Civil Aviation Authority