From September 26-28, Kathmandu Valley experienced its highest rainfall in fifty-four years, leading to catastrophic floods and landslides. The death toll reached 219, with many missing. Destruction affected homes and infrastructure, prompting rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Organizations like HAMI NEPAL are mobilizing support and donations for affected communities.
Tiger Mountain Pokhara offers stunning views of the Annapurna range and serves as an ideal accommodation for trekkers and triathletes alike. The lodge encourages disconnection from technology, promoting deep conversations and appreciation for nature. Guests enjoy farm-to-table meals and breathtaking scenery, creating a unique and memorable experience in a historic setting.
ASC360 offers essential travel insurance for adventurers in Nepal, covering high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp and Mera Peak. They provide cashless emergency evacuations, medical coverage for altitude sickness, and local partnerships for effective rescue operations. Their plans prioritize rapid claims, ensuring safety and confidence in rugged terrains.
Bhutan, known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and hospitality. A trip from Nepal offers stunning Himalayan views and a unique blend of tradition and modernity in cities like Thimphu and Punakha. Hiking to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery is a must, alongside experiencing Bhutan’s vibrant nightlife and delectable cuisine, making it a memorable destination.
The author's recent two-week trek to Mera Peak, guided by Thamserku, was both challenging and rewarding. Despite the relentless rain and tough climbs, the journey offered stunning views and warm hospitality from local tea houses. The summit at 6,474m was exhilarating yet exhausting, culminating in a helicopter ride back to Lukla for a celebratory day.
The Five Films for Freedom event in Kathmandu showcased LGBTQIA+ stories through selected short films, including Dragfox and ARKESTA. Curated by the host, the event featured discussions with speakers about storytelling and representation. The turnout of over a hundred attendees highlighted the need for greater visibility and creation of queer cinema in Nepal.
LOUD OUT 2025, the UK’s premier Nepali music festival, returns to Rushmoor Arena on August 30. From 1 PM to 10 PM, expect a vibrant celebration featuring top Nepali artists like Bipul Chettri and Sabin Rai. Enjoy street food, beer, and community atmosphere. Tickets are limited; secure yours now!
The audio streaming platform SPOTIFY only launched in Nepal in February 2021 but listeners have been busy! Spotify exclusively shared that "Nepal has listened...
The Sustainable Startup and Entrepreneurship Conference 2025, organized by MIT Group Foundation and UNDO, focused on diaspora investments in Nepal's sustainable economy. Key discussions highlighted the need for skill development and mentoring within Nepal. The Future Roots Award recognized innovative startups, underscoring the potential for further diaspora collaboration in fostering economic growth.
Over 60% of Nepal's terrain is hilly, increasing landslide risks. The Pratibaddha II initiative aims to strengthen disaster response by utilizing bio-engineering strategies for slope stabilization while fostering community collaboration. My visit to Lamche Dhunga highlighted successful local efforts, supportive technology, and ongoing projects addressing natural disaster preparedness and community resilience.
Dr. Chitra Mabo's MUKKUMLUNG recently concluded its nineteen-day performance at Shilpee Theatre, showcasing the Kirati people's traditions through a community-driven narrative. The play highlights the conflict between indigenous preservation and commercial development, urging a recognition of the cultural significance of sacred sites like Mukkumlung. Development must respect indigenous connections to the land.
From September 26-28, Kathmandu Valley experienced its highest rainfall in fifty-four years, leading to catastrophic floods and landslides. The death toll reached 219, with many missing. Destruction affected homes and infrastructure, prompting rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Organizations like HAMI NEPAL are mobilizing support and donations for affected communities.
From September 26-28, Kathmandu Valley experienced its highest rainfall in fifty-four years, leading to catastrophic floods and landslides. The death toll reached 219, with many missing. Destruction affected homes and infrastructure, prompting rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Organizations like HAMI NEPAL are mobilizing support and donations for affected communities.
Tiger Mountain Pokhara offers stunning views of the Annapurna range and serves as an ideal accommodation for trekkers and triathletes alike. The lodge encourages disconnection from technology, promoting deep conversations and appreciation for nature. Guests enjoy farm-to-table meals and breathtaking scenery, creating a unique and memorable experience in a historic setting.
ASC360 offers essential travel insurance for adventurers in Nepal, covering high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp and Mera Peak. They provide cashless emergency evacuations, medical coverage for altitude sickness, and local partnerships for effective rescue operations. Their plans prioritize rapid claims, ensuring safety and confidence in rugged terrains.
Bhutan, known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and hospitality. A trip from Nepal offers stunning Himalayan views and a unique blend of tradition and modernity in cities like Thimphu and Punakha. Hiking to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery is a must, alongside experiencing Bhutan’s vibrant nightlife and delectable cuisine, making it a memorable destination.
The author's recent two-week trek to Mera Peak, guided by Thamserku, was both challenging and rewarding. Despite the relentless rain and tough climbs, the journey offered stunning views and warm hospitality from local tea houses. The summit at 6,474m was exhilarating yet exhausting, culminating in a helicopter ride back to Lukla for a celebratory day.
The trek to Tilicho Lake through Manang Village offers stunning landscapes, challenging terrains, and memorable experiences. Starting in Kathmandu, the journey includes scenic drives, acclimatization treks, and visits to Chingdi Lake and Green Lake. The completion of the trek is rewarding, culminating in a return to Kathmandu after a fulfilling adventure.
The Five Films for Freedom event in Kathmandu showcased LGBTQIA+ stories through selected short films, including Dragfox and ARKESTA. Curated by the host, the event featured discussions with speakers about storytelling and representation. The turnout of over a hundred attendees highlighted the need for greater visibility and creation of queer cinema in Nepal.
LOUD OUT 2025, the UK’s premier Nepali music festival, returns to Rushmoor Arena on August 30. From 1 PM to 10 PM, expect a vibrant celebration featuring top Nepali artists like Bipul Chettri and Sabin Rai. Enjoy street food, beer, and community atmosphere. Tickets are limited; secure yours now!
The audio streaming platform SPOTIFY only launched in Nepal in February 2021 but listeners have been busy! Spotify exclusively shared that "Nepal has listened...
The Sustainable Startup and Entrepreneurship Conference 2025, organized by MIT Group Foundation and UNDO, focused on diaspora investments in Nepal's sustainable economy. Key discussions highlighted the need for skill development and mentoring within Nepal. The Future Roots Award recognized innovative startups, underscoring the potential for further diaspora collaboration in fostering economic growth.
Over 60% of Nepal's terrain is hilly, increasing landslide risks. The Pratibaddha II initiative aims to strengthen disaster response by utilizing bio-engineering strategies for slope stabilization while fostering community collaboration. My visit to Lamche Dhunga highlighted successful local efforts, supportive technology, and ongoing projects addressing natural disaster preparedness and community resilience.
Dr. Chitra Mabo's MUKKUMLUNG recently concluded its nineteen-day performance at Shilpee Theatre, showcasing the Kirati people's traditions through a community-driven narrative. The play highlights the conflict between indigenous preservation and commercial development, urging a recognition of the cultural significance of sacred sites like Mukkumlung. Development must respect indigenous connections to the land.
From September 26-28, Kathmandu Valley experienced its highest rainfall in fifty-four years, leading to catastrophic floods and landslides. The death toll reached 219, with many missing. Destruction affected homes and infrastructure, prompting rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Organizations like HAMI NEPAL are mobilizing support and donations for affected communities.
I regularly update my ‘Books’ story highlight on Instagram with what I am reading. In the past, I’ve been part of Book Clubs via work and with friends. I’ve enjoyed the conversations I’ve had with people when we’ve found reads in common. To extend that, I am going to do my best to share my monthly reads on my blog. Happy Reading!
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What a time to be reading a book on climate and finding sustainable solutions for the crisis that the world is currently facing! This book by Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland, starts at a time when the US is threatening to pull out of the Paris agreement, that very first time, and fast-forward to 2025; I was reading a book while Donald Trump was once again on his way to becoming the President of the US.
Since then a lot has happened in the world of climate and climate funding from the US.
This further highlighted the importance of this book by Mary. While some might argue that it over-simplifies stories of climate champions, it was digestible. It’s a light read full of stories that give hope – something Mary needed at a time when she had just had her grand-child. I don’t have children or young people around my family… so I may not share that same emotional sentiment that prompted Mary to write the book but of course, I want future generations on this planet to have a good quality of life.
While I do not know how things will be 100 years later, I can certainly see how difficult it is already for millions right now. That alone is enough a prompt for us all to do more to tackle the climate crisis and increase our support for women and girls, who are often the first ones to experience its ills.
The BYD Hi-Tech Week offers automobile enthusiasts a chance to see the latest innovations in electric mobility! From jaw-dropping displays and demonstrations to never-before-seen BYD vehicles, the Hi-Tech week aims to offer something for the whole family.
Did I mention that Nepal is the first country to host the BYD Hi-Tech week after China! Now that’s saying something. In a short-span, BYD has gone onto become a popular favourite and a trusted brand for electric vehicles in the country. After experiencing and seeing all that BYD has to offer, I am impressed at how BYD is pushing the bar!
Did you know that BYD was the first Chinese lithium-ion battery supplier to Nokia back in 2002! That’s iconic! Seeing the different BYD products and innovations across the world such as the BYD SkyRail – gives me hope that the company is here to stay and will bring much more to make lives easier, efficient and energy-friendly for people living in Nepal.
Battery is a hot-topic when buying an EV and BYD goes all-out to demonstrate their industry-leading battery advancement status with a nail penetration test, often referred to as the Mt Everest of Battery Testing! If you have seen my reel then you’ll see what happens to a tradition lithium-ion battery!
While Nepal currently only has the BYD Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal and the M6, the Hi-Tech Week offers you a chance to see Yangwang U8, Fangchenbao Bao5, Denza Z9 GT, Denza D9 and the BYD Shark 6. From a car that can float in water for thirty minutes, park itself automatically to performing the compass and tank turn, the new batch of BYD cars on display can do it all!
The BYD Hi-Tech week runs until Sunday 2nd March at the Everest Hotel with tickets priced at Nrs 250 on eSewa (free entry for students with a valid ID card).
To ensure the best experience, the event will take place in three designated slots:
🕚 Slot 1: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
🕜 Slot 2: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
🕓 Slot 3: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Disclaimer: This is a promotional post written with the intent to advertise BYD. #Promo #Ads Â
Over 60% of Nepal is covered by hills, making it a country that is uniquely susceptible to natural disasters like landslides. To cover the Pratibaddha-II initiative, I travelled with a team to Lamche Dhunga 2 in Uttargaya, Rasuwa District to see for myself the different approaches being deployed to prevent landslides in different parts of Nepal.
PRATIBADDHA II
Pratibaddha II has been working with all levels of government to strengthen disaster response systems. The two-days spent at Lamche Dhunga was insightful, hearing from local beneficiaries, ward chair and municipality staff about how they are working together to ensure that the community receive vital emergency information they need as well as to better support them to live alongside natural disasters.
The specific site we saw was identified as Category II medium landslide risk area through a geohazard assessment. While Category I means less risk, Category III requires movement of settlements (with grants provided for the resettlement). The assessment for the site in Lamche Dhunga 2 showed that bio-engineering could significantly reduce the landslide risk.
Bio-Engineering
The initiative’s key strategy is to use nature-based solutions to prevent landslides. With deforestation and clearing land for construction resulting to empty slopes vulnerable to landslides; bio-engineering supports the risk-site through five levels of planting for slope stabilizations. In Lamche Dhunga, bio-engineering is blended with the retaining wall which local authorities had planned much before.
While these interventions do not guarantee the end of landslides, it was reassuring to hear that solutions by Pratibaddha II is helping locals live better in the area, with less fear and more awareness.
Filming
The course of the video-making journey also revealed a strong close-knit community that supported each other. Observing locals while busy during the harvest season was a highlight! Like many villages across Nepal, residents of Lamche Dhunga also help each other to ensure that they are completing the harvest before the change in season. Dai’s and didi’s also shared how the weather updates they receive through the Viber group help them plan-ahead! Hearing about how the Pratibaddha II team visited the popular Dharan-Dhankuta road was great – apparently that is a good example of where bio-engineering has taken place.
Our journey is captured in a brief six-minute long video but I know that I returned learning a lot more. From speaking to ward officials – Gau Palika Upa Adakshya Chameli Gurung to Wada Adakshya Tuku Prasad Subedi, an engineer employed at the Nagar Palika to Binod ji who works at the emergency desk of the palika; I could see that when people sync together – things happen! As many have identified problems emerging from rural road construction, it was great to know about the Rural Road Construction Guideline that has been developed. It’s never too late when livelihoods are concerned.
The journey to Lamche Dhunga in Uttargaya saw us travel from Basundhara Chowk in Kathmandu through the Tokha road to Battar in Nuwakot. After a quick-break, we proceeded towards Uttargaya which is in Rasuwa district. From Nuwakot, it took us just over an hour to reach Lamche Dhunga. After crossing a river or two, we proceeded with an uphill drive. Traversing these stunning landscapes was a beautiful experience for me. However, I recognize that these very landscape may pose a danger to people, nature and culture that live in it.
This blogpost is a thank you to the people who welcomed us, shared with us, videographers, on-ground support, the experts such as Santosh Panthi who continue to learn and implement, government representatives who are listening to different voices and doing the best they can to serve their community and lastly to the European Union who financed Pratibaddha II and People in Need who implemented the programme in Uttargaya.
Interventions by Pratibaddha II to help communities prepare for and tackle natural disasters can be located in a number of sites beyond Lamche Dhunga 2 in Uttargaya and also in Sindhupalchowk.
I regularly update my ‘Books’ story highlight on Instagram with what I am reading. In the past, I’ve been part of Book Clubs via work and with friends. I’ve enjoyed the conversations I’ve had with people when we’ve found reads in common. To extend that, I am going to do my best to share my monthly reads on my blog. Happy Reading!
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This was another book that I picked up, recommended by the librarian in-charge at the Junkiri Feminist Library in Basantapur. Parityakta by Bhuwan Dhungana ranks as one of my more difficult Nepali reads. Firstly, the title itself is quite a big word and I realised that it was not only tough for me but also for fellow colleagues at work who saw the title in passing. Thankfully, it was a colleague from India who shared that the word could mean forsaken or abandoned.
Initially, I thought the book was a collection of ten stories but only towards the end of the book I gathered that maybe it wasn’t. The jalebi metaphor comes and goes in each chapter but due to my own challenges in reading – I may have missed the true beauty of this writing. The parts when Banares, India, was mentioned, and the writing is in Hindi – the challenge increased for me. Reading this book took a lot of concentration that I only managed to read and not necessarily understand. Does that happen to you?
Having said that I could piece that the book centered on the challenges of being a girl; from being neglected, the unwanted girl child, to always allowing others to take space and leaving ones own feelings and desire on the back burner. Touches on themes from sexuality, to motherhood and what freedom means for a woman.
After I completed the read, I wanted to get an idea of views of others! While I browsed other reviews, I learned that this book which came out in 2020 is the first novel by Dhungana and was shortlisted for the prestigious Madan Puraskar. No wonder I struggled with the reading.
I regularly update my ‘Books’ story highlight on Instagram with what I am reading. In the past, I’ve been part of Book Clubs via work and with friends. I’ve enjoyed the conversations I’ve had with people when we’ve found reads in common. To extend that, I am going to do my best to share my monthly reads on my blog. Happy Reading!
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I picked up Difficult Women on my first visit to the JUNKIRI Feminist Library in Basantapur. This book is by the well-known author Roxane Gay and my very first read from the writer. Without much thinking, I took it home to read over the next few weeks.
Difficult Women makes quite a read! I don’t know if the women are difficult but some of the stories in the book can be quite difficult to read. The characters, some, at the receiving end of endless trauma, in midst of bad circumstances or… decisions, tend to be in difficult situations. That does not always translate to an easy read.
While reading, it’s hard to find hope and a way forward but somehow these difficult women find a way to continue. I don’t think it’s a life or living, many women are surviving one day at a time.
I spoke to a fellow Instagram friend who shared that they couldn’t finish the book as they found it too dark and difficult. I managed to finish the book, but they were right. So, please read this knowing that there will be difficult issues and subjects. Plenty of warning!
I regularly update my ‘Books’ story highlight on Instagram with what I am reading. In the past, I’ve been part of Book Clubs via work and with friends. I’ve enjoyed the conversations I’ve had with people when we’ve found reads in common. To extend that, I am going to do my best to share my monthly reads on my blog. Happy Reading!
I am back after a bit of a gap! Let’s just say November was pretty full-on. Thankfully, I could immerse myself in the writing of Thomas Bell as he journeyed across Nepal for Human Nature, his latest book. Described as “a walking history of the Himalayan landscape”, the book served as an introduction as well as a deep-dive to learn and understand Nepal more.
At times it felt like reading a journalistic, documentary piece. Highly informed about communities, people or parts of Nepal which many books would probably not delve into much. The journey that Thomas goes on, especially the first chapter which follows his walk in Eastern Nepal, feel familiar and very normal. He’s not raving about the mighty Himalayas or snow-capped mountains. It’s the people and how they make community and a living in Nepal that is the main focus of Human Nature.
The next Nepali friend who messages me asking for a recommendation on books to learn about Nepal more will receive this book as my answer!
The LGBTQ+ movement in Nepal is over twenty years old and much of the people who led the movement in early 2000’s are now approaching their middle-ages, yet it seems much work remains to understand the ageing queer population and their needs.
The WOW Festival, Women of the World, was back this year taking place right here in Kathmandu. I had the honor of moderating a session titled “How Queer is Your Love†where I spoke to Kanchi Maya Tamang, Sukmaya Magar and Sarswoti Pun Magar, all women above the age of fifty. Our hour-long session saw the queer Nepali elders talk about their lives, shared experiences revolving around love and ageing.
As I embrace my thirties, I am often reminded by many about how I am getting older. Let’s also add, that I am very much single. Much of the conversation and focus of the Queer movement centers around education, health and mainly younger people. We’re forgetting to prepare society on how best to support queer elders.
Ageism is rife across different groups and much more for queer women. It is very much felt within the queer community. Sarswoti didi highlighted repeatedly about the challenges to obtain a citizenship certificate as a queer woman. That set her back when it came to employment and not being able to earn means not having financial security for the present as well as the future.
All the ladies on the panel highlighted the importance of financial security for the later years and future planning. As I sat there, knowing I am in a comfortable position than most, I knew that future planning and financial security is something that we all should prioritise and keep as an exercise to repeat every so often.
Having a family of your own, a partner for life and children to do your funeral rites is so heavily emphasized in our society. As the didi’s mentioned about being alone, I had to matter-of-fact ask them who they think will be the ones at their funeral one-day. It sounds insensitive but then again, isn’t much of how we talk in the Nepali language that way? A lot of us may be single for life or even when partnered, we may choose to not have children or simply cannot. So, these are very real questions.
I would never make a good subject on panels such as these because I frankly don’t care who comes to my funeral, because I am dead. But I realise a lot of people struggle to sleep wondering about death… there’s a lot of socio-cultural-religion attached to this.
Coming back to the topic, it is important that we prepare healthcare systems and professionals to be queer friendly as they reach their elder years. Queer elders may benefit from support groups, and this is something organisations working for this population may already be thinking about. Finance remains a huge issue, and it seems we’re already running out of time on working for solutions on this matter.
For the Gen-Z’s and Millennials’ who maybe growing up with more opportunities, whether it be finances, work or support systems; it’s important that we plan, look after all aspects of ourselves from our mental, physical as well as financials.
FROM LEFT – Kanchi Maya Tamang, Sworsati Pun Magar, Sukmaya Magar
Kanchi Maya Tamang, 57 – from the gender and sexual minority community resides in Hetauda, Makwanpur. As physical labor becomes harder with age, she sustains her livelihood by weaving. LGBTIQ+ elders like her face ageism, workplace harassment, and wage discrimination, often overlooked by the movement that advocates for their rights. Kanchi Maya urges activists to recognize and support older community members, calling for age-friendly employment and a strong support system, especially as many lack familial ties.
Sworsati Pun Magar faced many challenges growing up without formal education or family support after her mother’s passing. For years, she struggled to obtain citizenship. She had to resign from working at Sudur Paschim Samaj due to the lack of citizenship. After a five-year struggle, she successfully received her citizenship in 2079. Currently, she works at Respect Home, though her position ends in December 2024.
Sukmaya Magar, 53, is a lesbian woman from Devghat, Tanahun. She met her partner, Samjhana Guurng, while working in the textile industry; they fell in love, got married and shared over three decades of their lives together. Despite social acceptance, Sukmaya now faces challenges alone after Samjhana’s passing. Due to Nepal’s lack of legal recognition for same-sex marriages, Sukmaya is denied certain benefits available to single and widowed women. Nevertheless, she remains hopeful, determined to find economic support and live with dignity.
Thank you to The Open Institute for Social Science for putting together this panel and the British Council for organising WOW Festival.
I regularly update my ‘Books’ story highlight on Instagram with what I am reading. In the past, I’ve been part of Book Clubs via work and with friends. I’ve enjoyed the conversations I’ve had with people when we’ve found reads in common. To extend that, I am going to do my best to share my monthly reads on my blog. Happy Reading!
–
I’ve been a little caught up but I am back! I bought The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde when I was in Dublin in September. I thought it would be good to visit the family home where Oscar Wilde grew up and also pick a book on my way out. I feel like I may have come across him during my years studying Human Geography but this was actually my first book I read written by him.
It made a fascinating read especially with Wilde using Dorian Gray and Basil Hallward’s unlikely friendship so strong. Probably a mirror to the feelings and desire that he held towards other men. Unfortunately, that was a period when Oscar Wilde had no liberty to publicly act on his desires. The book was even more interesting with its emphasis and almost unhealthy obsession with beauty. While much has changed today, here remains a huge part of society fixated on beauty.
For quite a simple character, Dorian is complex. Maybe it’s him not knowing his worth and value; his purpose in the world that ultimately made his life a web of mess. Or maybe its society and how it views beauty… that we simply do not dig deep! Maybe we created the mess that is Dorian Gray?
Glad I picked this up in Dublin! Onto the next now!
In February this year, I was in Pokhara for the Nepal Literature Festival. I looked to add adventure to the work trip toying between either a trek to Mardi Himal or Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). I decided to head to Annapurna Base Camp as I preferred the five-day duration over the much shorter Mardi Himal.
With my engagement at the Literature Festival over on Sunday, I decided Monday would be the start of my five-day ABC trek.
DAY 1: POKHARA TO UPPER SINUWA
I managed to get a driver’s number from a friend who owns a hotel (Hotel Mountain Top) in Lakeside and called the driver first thing in the morning around 5am, asking for a seat to Jhinu Danda. I reached Hari Chowk in Pokhara around 6am or shortly after! After waiting around for 30 to 40 minutes, the driver managed to get enough bums on seats, and we were off to Jhinu Danda.
The last time I ventured these parts, we were a group walking from Naya Pul to Ghandruk. We also walked to Jhinu Danda. I guess a lot has changed now that I can hop on a jeep for Nrs 1000 and reach Jhinu Danda. I believe it took about 3.5 hours, I reached at 10.45am. After munching on some toast, I started the trek at around 11.20am.
With the sun shining, the walk was quite hot and of course plenty of steps uphill. It was nice to pass by and see the pretty villages and sights of Chomrong village, Buddhist stupas to the lush green hills. I reached Upper Sinuwa at 3.10pm, just under four hours.
I stayed at Sinuwa Lodge, at Sunita didi’s. I didn’t know didi until we started chatting and I soon realized, I know her brother via UK Nepali connections. Didi’s lodge is highly recommended especially if you like to venture out of the Nepali dal-bhat diet. I had kimchi ramen noodle soup! It was SO good.
DAY 2: UPPER SINUWA TO DEURALI
Today, I left around 8.40am and the weather did not look great. Thankfully, I managed to borrow a rain cover from didi at the lodge. So, note – if you haven’t got one then please do carry one. Mind you, this is not the best season to be trekking. It was a long day of walking… you’ll see more on the YouTube vlog.
I reached Deurali at 2.20pm and decided to stay here because the weather looked like it may not hold up so well and of course, trekking to Machapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) would mean covering quite some height in just a day! Well, most important reason for me was to just slow down… so why rush.
DAY 3: DEURALI TO ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP
After receiving news about heavy snow at MBC and ABC, fellow trekkers, guides and porters were all a little concerned about the travel for the day. However, a Korean group of forty-two trekkers started the journey up to MBC. So, the rest of us followed. That was until, we had to overtake them anyways because a group of forty-two is a lot!
The trek up to MBC was stunning! It was incredible to see all the snow and the dramatic mountain scape surrounding the trails. However, things quickly started getting tricky after MBC.
Fortunately, I grouped together with two fellow solo-trekkers as we started our hike up to ABC. The last stretch, maybe 1-2km was really challenging! We were caught in a snowstorm and with thigh-deep snow, it was impossible to know where the route was. Thankfully, two porters helped show the way! So yeah, this was quite the experience!
Once we reached ABC, we just chatted and stuck in a group for as long as possible because everything on my body was pretty much wet and cold. These are the parts of trekking that’s never ideal! This is the highest point of the trek at 4,130m above sea level.
I reached ABC at 1.30pm. It was about four hours walking today. I had set off at 8.40am from Deurali.
DAY 4: ABC TO UPPER SINUWA
I woke up to incredible views of the Annapurna mountains. The sky was clear! What a reward to see such stunning scenes. I quickly forgot yesterday afternoon’s battle to reach base camp.
After a quick walk to the viewpoint, countless photos and videos, I made my way down. When I say I, it feels like a we! Pretty much all of us left at the same time and while we were in proximity for the initial few hours, we soon started spacing out and then it felt like I was on a solo trek once again.
This was the longest day of walking. I had set off around 8am but didn’t note down what time I reached Upper Sinuwa.
DAY 5: UPPER SINUWA TO JHINDU DANDA, THEN POKHARA
I spent the night at Sunita didi’s lodge again. I picked up all the extra things I didn’t take up with me and started my walk down to Jhinu Danda in the morning. I said Bye to Zoe, a fellow solo-trekker I met along the way who was staying back to experience the Jhinu Hot Springs. I had visited the very hot springs back in 2011.
I got to Pokhara around 2-3pm, quickly checked into a hotel in Lakeside and fell asleep for quite some time. I had no energy for a Friday night! Haha! So much for coming back to Lakeside just-in-time.
I didn’t note all my spending during this trip but I think from the top of my head, I spent around or less than Nrs 12,000. Spending was mainly on lodge and food. I spent more on snacks, coffee, fizzy drinks and energy drinks – which I am a huge sucker for. I know, not a good example.
If you want to see my trip in video, then watch the YouTube vlog or view the Reel/Shorts!
Enjoy the photos! Remember, say YES to adventure! If you don’t have anyone to go with, go by yourself.
SOME TIPS
Maps.ME is a great tool for offline maps, as well as GuruMaps.
ABC route is quite straightforward. Same way up and down.
Keep your rubbish with you!
Carry a water bottle.
PS. If you’re after a shorter hike that is closer from Kathmandu and even more affordable then check out my solo trek to Panch Pokhari!
This afternoon I sat in a packed auditorium to watch Behuli From Meghauli, which is currently on its second week of screening! I am pretty sure it was sold out. I have never sat so close to the screen, second row, just to give you an idea. This is more my rambling about the film than a review. You have been warned about spoilers.
I went to the cinema to see this film as I wanted to watch an entertainer, a cinema that’s light, bright and easy. Something that did not require too much thinking. If you’ve seen Nepali cinema over the past year there have been a handful few indie films that have come and though they excel in certain areas, they’re not the lightest of viewing. Of course, there’s another section of Nepali cinema that frankly is best left unseen. I say that with no regret because I have supported Nepali cinema for the longest.
The fun catchy songs, vibrant colours, Swastima’s likeable on-screen presence got me and my cousins to the cinema. Unsurprisingly, the film looks great. Meghauli in Chitwan is one of my favourite localities and the makers have captured it well! The song Udayo Mann has started popping up on my social media, yet I still hadn’t got around to watching the music video. I loved it. I already shared it to a friend! The actors have done a good job. I cant fault or say I expected more from any actor onscreen. Swastima Khadka is someone who’s delivered well and her charm, wittiness has carried the film. However, there are many characters that stood out for me including Bijay Baral, Simran Khadka’s role packs a punch and the actor who plays father to Swastima, who I am sure is very much a veteran senior actor, has warm presence.
Funny one-liners here and there help create light moments but Swastima Khadka’s character Meena desperately trying to woo her love back till the very end of the film, even after he (Nischal Basnet) has told her that he does not marry her, was frankly tiring to watch. Towards the first part of the second-half, I just sat there and thought, Meena… I think you are the problem. You are twenty-nine years old; mature enough to let go. Yes, be heartbroken but when someone walks out; move on. The story and how it pans out makes Meena seem desperate, with no purpose but to marry the man who she had been waiting for seven years. For this very reason, I was so happy to see the role of Basna Timilsina who plays the lawyer cousin. She recently went through a divorce and also moved out of her home, maita, because – she’s a total girl boss!
I fully recognise that there are probably more Meena than the lawyer girl in Nepal. Additionally, staying true to the title the film is obsessed with marriage and especially getting Meena married because she’s one year away from turning thirty. This is all very much a mirror of Nepali society and Nepalis (even outside of Nepal ha).
If you’ve read till this point then you probably have got a glimpse more of my views on society & love, marriage and having a purpose. Getting back to the film, I was pleased to see the film end with a focus on Meena having her own voice; her own agency even though it was pretty uncomfortable to watch her make such a scene till the very end to fight for a man who had clocked out within the first few scenes of the film!
It’s still entertaining and watchable.
As we left the cinema and went for our ice-cream, I asked my bainis what they thought of the film. They really liked it. I asked what they felt about Meena being so hooked and going to such lengths for a guy that had no love for her. Thankfully, that part, they also mentioned they were not fond of. Phew.
Congratulations to the Behuli From Meghauli team, a win is a win! Enjoy!
Dr Chitra Mabo’s MUKKUMLUNG recently completed its nineteen day run at the Shilpee Theatre in Kathmandu. The production based on Dr Mabo’s story was directed by Pavitra Rai with the concept and playwright developed by Rajan Mukarung. The 1 hour 35 minute long production tells the story of Kirati people who live in the Eastern hills of Nepal. It uses community and people as vehicle to inform the audience about the different indigenous traditions and knowledge.
Today, Mukkumlung is a site that generates contrasting opinions. While some Limbu groups, indigenous activists and certain communities continue to advocate for the preservation of the sacred site, overzealous business groups inch towards the construction of a cable car connecting Kaflepati to Mukkumlung which today is popularly known as Pathibhara in Taplejung. The name Pathibhara came a lot later. While some may argue, what’s in a name… There is, a LOT and that probably warrants a separate blogpost, conversation.
“Mukkumlung is the sacred site (holy place) of Yakhtung (“Limbu”) Indigenous Peoples that lies in the hill of Taplejung district, eastern Nepal – a part of the ancestral lands of Yakthung (“Limbu”) Indigenous Peoples.” – LAHURNIP
While development is encouraged, we need to respect and recognize the groups that have always been part of the land. We cannot simply go over and construct something and imply that it will result to the upliftment of the communities there. We must recognize indigenous knowledge and their spiritual connection with the land.
On that note, read my blogpost about my visit to Mukkumlung in 2023 below!
I am absolutely ecstatic about Prabal Gurung announcing the release of his memoir Walk Like A Girl. The celebrated fashion designer spoke exclusively to Vanity Fair about his memoir, the presidential elections in the US and his global upbringing.
If you have kept with this blog for a long time then you probably have come across many posts about Prabal Gurung, celebrities wearing him and his various visits to Nepal. Of course, Prabal revealing about his sexual orientation was another MOMENT!
In the recent interview with Vanity Fair, Gurung shared about the title Walk Like A Girl saying “It is, personally, everything that I stand for. Even before I understood the word patriarchy or matriarchy, I was surrounded by female power and energy. To grow up in a household where there was such strong female energy, and then to walk into a world where that was something to be ashamed of—for women to have ambition was almost looked down upon—it was such a shock.”
The memoir will release May 13, 2025, with pre-order available on leading retailers from Amazon, Target and Walmart. The hardcover is currently priced at $32. For fans who have previously purchased his coffee book, I think this memoir will be a great addition.
Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa documents the story of a woman who has faced many storms in her life. When I watched the Netflix documentary, I was moved watching the many obstacles that she has had to face. While mountains play a big part in this film, there are equally captivating stories of people around Lhakpa. Not all is rosy in this film and Lhakpa knows it. At times, as a viewer, I was nervous about how things would play out.
Lhakpa is not like social media driven mountaineers that we see today. Her story remains largely unknown. I knew very little about her story apart from reading a few articles. It had made me curious about how this woman has such a regular ordinary life and successfully summits Everest countless times. Yet, I never went beyond to search her on Facebook and Instagram. So, the background was completely new.
If her story was a book, I am sure it would be a very big one. There are so many moving parts to her life and that makes this viewing so capturing. The relationship she has with her children carry this film forward and it is wonderful to see her daughters finding their own voice as the story unfolds.
She has weathered many storms and that is probably due to her defiant nature. At times I wondered whether it was good to be so defiant. Some issues that we see unravelling in the film, is hard to comprehend. How would her life have played out had there been changes in her personal circumstances earlier on; to alleviate the suffering she was facing.
For a viewer, many questions arise. It is a film! There’s enough drama and it can unsettle some.
Thankfully, the film ends on a high. A positive tone where Lhakpa has the freedom to pursue life as she wants, for her loved ones; with them. This is what she deserves, all along.
If you’re looking for something powerful to watch then head over to Netflix and watch this incredible lady’s film!
I regularly update my ‘Books’ story highlight on Instagram with what I am reading. In the past, I’ve been part of Book Clubs via work and with friends. I’ve enjoyed the conversations I’ve had with people when we’ve found reads in common. To extend that, I am going to do my best to share my monthly reads on my blog. Happy Reading!
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I completed the Yakthung Mundhumlore – Stories from Mundhum in August. This is a book that has twenty tales from the Mundhum, which has been compiled, narrated and edited by Sandhya Subba Singzango. I previously read Yakthung Civilization by the same mentioned author. This is my attempt to know more about my Limbu heritage and history and I cannot thank researchers like Sandhya enough – for making it accessible, easy and digestible to read. I worry sometimes that because we all want easy information, that nobody puts in the work anymore. Even to read…
The Mundhum is an accumulation of religious narrative text that consists of mythological stories, legends, prehistoric accounts, pragmatic and philosophical exhortations, and so on in oral form. The existence of Mundhum, thus, rests on its performativity owing to its oral tradition. The Mundhum is recited or narrated by Limbu ritual/religious actants in cultural/ritual observations, that is, rituals pre-birth to after death. Mundhum as a performance culture best represents everyday-life activities of the Limbus, a constitutive of Limbu culture, history and religion. – Ramesh K Limbu
While reading the collection of stories, I pictured a magical world where anything was possible… a place of fantasy and epic tales, not limited by what we know in the current world we occupy. For someone who is a beginner in learning about Limbu history, this book makes a great read. Most chapters are standalone stories from the Mundhum and are only few pages long. It feels too brief at times.
The chapter on Yuma Papo was brilliant. Growing up, I’ve been told by my parents and have met people that have shared their different dietary restrictions and it often made me wonder what the bigger, deeper question was. While this chapter speaks specifically on the Papohang clan, it certainly provided an insight into all the conversations I’ve had previously. Maybe there are stories like Yuma Papo for each clan. In brief, the chapter addresses the process of rebirth of some members as the Papongna fish hence there being a warning to the descendants of the Papohang clan to not consume the Papongna fish.
The Dhan Nach/Naach is a dance that I’ve grown up hearing from my grandparents and elders… so and so met someone, their loved one, their eye-candy, when they went to the mela and they were locked, holding hands in a dhan nach. A portrayal of a dhan nach was performed beautifully in the 2023 blockbuster JAARI film. This book also talks about the origin of the dhan nach, which is Ya:langma. Surprisingly, it was never about potential love-birds meeting but an activity to chase away birds. So, ya means paddy and lakma means to dance or step in.
The Limbu peoples’ story is deeply intertwined with nature, wildlife, water and the land. Another case is The Forbidden Tale of Tilling Clan who do not eat squirrel meat fearing the curse and warnings from their ancestors. While at present day, I am not aware of Limbu groups eating squirrels (lokharke) but I assume that this like many other things were common in the days of hunting and gathering.
When reading tales of the Mundhum, I believe it’s important to read with an open-mind and without judgement. The collection of stories here provided me an insight and another confirmation of the deep connection of the Limbu people and the natural world.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology had issued a heavy rainfall warning for the entire weekend, September 26-28 and soon after; Kathmandu Valley recorded its highest rainfall in fifty-four years. Additionally, twenty-five other locations across the country broke its rainfall record. It didn’t just rain, with it came the destruction.
Water found its way inside housing communities, swept recently constructed bridges and took along highways that act as a lifeline for travellers going East and West. As I write this, The Kathmandu Post has the death toll at 219. That is 219 people who have lost their lives due to the rain-induced floods and landslides. Social media reveals new point-of-view footage by the hour, homes falling into raging rivers, people standing atop shaky structures and being swept away. It’s painful to see how much disaster and uncertainty that Nepal and people living here have to face. Nothing is fair.
The ten photos here are all from Roshi village in Kavre district. These photos capture what remains of the settlement by the Roshi River. They were all taken by photographer Prabin Ranabhat on Monday 30th September. Many people are still missing and rescue and rehabilitation efforts are picking pace in areas beyond Kathmandu Valley.
It has been an intense weekend for some more than others. Sadly, the rain affects certain groups of people more… There are some telling info-posters from Harin Nepal.
These are times when one can feel helpless. Currently there are many organisations, individuals and recently-formed groups who have sprung into action. If you are looking to donate then here’s some information on HAMI NEPAL who are once again, on the grounds, delivering support where possible.
To contribute from anywhere around the world, visit their GoFundMe page.
Visit their website which is under construction but it will still give you an idea of what they do or view their Instagram which is pretty active, equally their Facebook! You will find information about donating from Nepal via their QR codes on their Instagram.
In late August, content creators teased a big reveal on their social handles. A CGI footage of a helicopter dropping a black box in the Sherpa Mall courtyard was shared by many including yours truly. This was followed closely with the launch of the sleek black BYD ATTO 3 2024, Nepal’s first sporty electric SUV at the Hardrock Cafe in Durbar Marg.
Since arriving in Nepal, it’s fair to say that BYD has brought a wave that has translated to curiosity and excitement among drivers in Nepal. The car company is rising in popularity and the latest 2024 version of the ATTO 3 is set to cement the company’s status even further. The latest edition of the ATTO 3 has several exciting upgrades and new features including a larger infotainment screen that’s 15.6 inches, high-performance Continental tyres, rebranding of the rear badge from “Build Your Dreams” to a sleek “BYD” insignia, Camping Mode and the introduction of the BYD APP!
The BYD App will allow users to:
– Monitor vehicle range and power levels.
– Check tire pressure.
– Confirm whether doors and windows are closed.
– Locate their vehicle remotely.
– Activate the air conditioning system.
– Control the vehicle’s horn and lights.
The launch event was attended by the brand ambassador Hari Bansha Acharya and also saw the handover of keys to Anil Keshary Shah and Wangden Sherpa! If you’re thinking about a BYD ATTO 3 2024 then you maybe pleased to hear that the BYD ATTO 3 Advanced is priced at Nrs 56.90 Lakhs and the BYD ATTO 3 Superior is priced at Nrs 67.80 Lakhs.
If only I waited a few months!! This Cosmic Black is definitely a sexy look. Nonetheless, BYD ATTO 3 is a car that keeps surprising you with the features that it has. With good weather around the corner, I hope drivers get the opportunity to test out Camping Mode and enjoy their BYD in the nature!
With the recent torrential downpour, if any BYD owners require support please get in touch with the team via their hotline 9802331177.
Disclaimer: This is a promotional post written with the intent to advertise BYD. #Promo #Ads
As someone who regularly frequented charity shops on the UK high street, I was delighted to accept an invitation to visit Sukhawati charity store. Founded in 2016, Sukhawati at present has three Kathmandu stores and one in Pokhara. Like leading charity shops globally, Sukhawati also operates through generous donations of clothes, bags, shoes, books, toys, furniture and kitchenware. The items are received, sorted, upcycled if needed and then tagged for resale!
In recent years charity shops have grown in popularity in the UK with almost 48% of people in England and Wales shopping more or considering due to the rising cost of living! Charity shops such as Oxfam have consistently improved their service, launching exciting campaigns such as Second Hand September to attract the fashion savvy to opt for Oxfam instead of their regular fast-fashion brands.
Just like customer perception, even the London fashion scene challenged itself for something different as pre-loved clothing from Oxfam made it to the catwalk through the runway show Style for Change at this years London Fashion Week. With many fashion events taking place across Kathmandu, let’s hope that we will also see Sukhawati’s pre-loved clothes on the runway.
Sukhawati provides a space for people to buy affordable clothes as well as for people to pass on their clothes. As city folks head towards over-consumption and enjoy fast-fashion, stores like Sukhawati challenge the prevailing trend encouraging people to reflect on their shopping habits and impact on the environment.
Sukhawati hosting a school visit
The store’s objective is to contribute in job creation and environmental protection by promoting the culture of giving and sharing and reuse of unused materials as much as possible. Between 2016-2023, Sukhawati received over 1,11,263kg donations, a figure that contributes to the 3R principle of reduce, reuse and recycle!
Shoppers can visit their stores in Banasthali, Jhamsikhel, Nepaltar and Power House – Birauta in Pokhara, and find donation drop-off points in Thamel, Tangal, Thasikhel – Lalitpur, Hattiban, Nakhipot, Bansbari, Chandol and Boudha in Kathmandu Valley and Baidam, New Road, Hallan Chowk and Power House in Pokhara.
The recent episode of Herne Katha has taken many Nepalis in the UK by surprise. In Belayatka Gham-Joon Haru, Bidhya Chapagain has traded uneven hilly terrains or the plains of Terai to the gentle life of Nepalis in Aldershot. The town which has historically been the home of the British Army is often dubbed as the home of Gurkhas or Nepali town. NepAldershot is a popular term among non-Nepali taxi drivers. The near-hour long episode features the lives of elderly Nepalis, baje and bojus, who have swapped their life in Nepal for Aldershot. Chapagain does well to find out the reasons and circumstances that have brought the bajey and bojus to the UK.
In the video, we are quickly able to understand the meaning of Aldershot and surrounding towns such as Farnborough for the elderly Nepalis. For many parts of Aldershot provides a chautari, a place to meet and chat; it provides a place where they can get by with just their mother tongue. Even the vendors in the market are heard speaking in Nepali. The vendors go further, stressing how businesses such as theirs are supported and sustained by the Nepali community. This is not surprising.
From jewellery shops, convenience stores, event venues, places of worship; Nepalis have comfortably ventured into all these avenues and more! There’s even a Nepali barbership, salon and a tattoo parlour.
There are some themes that really come through. Many of the elderly Nepalis came to the UK to get what they felt they truly deserved all along… justice. While we don’t see any active clips of protests, we are told about how things are far from equal for large section of the retired Gurkhas. At present, many elderly Nepalis are making do’ with their state pension. Some for them, some for their loved ones and some to buy Gold. After all, it’s the Nepali boju baje’s sustaining the gold shops in Aldershot as one boju tells Chapagain.
Some baje’s and boju’s share stories of the jobs they took up shortly after arriving in the UK. From cleaning, making momos to childcare, Mangali Magarni boju from Myagdi steals the show with her stories. Her strong demeanor and ability to laugh at lifes hurdles is powerful. Widowed at twenty-five, things have never been smooth for Mangali boju and it’s great to see her get her moment through Herne Katha.
Loneliness is something that comes through here and there but it’s not something that we as community are comfortable talking about.
The Nepalis that reside in Aldershot, many of whom are or have links with the Gurkhas, have actively worked to preserve the story of Gurkhas. They’ve gone further with the recent statue of Kulbir Thapa VC, which stands tall in the heart of Aldershot – forever to tell the story of the brave Gurkhas. I cannot help but wonder whether we are missing that storytelling of Gurkhas right here in Kathmandu. Till today, I find myself having to explain the Gurkha history and the story of the present-day Gurkhas… right here in Kathmandu.
Maybe that’s something we can work on…
If you have watched this episode, let me know your thoughts.
Gai Jatra is a festival met with singing, dancing and laughter! This is the time of the year when various comedy shows hit the big stage or have televised performances. Today is also a day when Nepal’s LGBTIQ+ community come together, from Province 1 to Province 7, to remember loved ones they have lost. If you do a quick research behind Gai Jatra, you will learn that it’s a celebration that takes place with much gusto in the Kathmandu Valley to commemorate the death of loved ones.
Now putting two and two together, you may be able to assume how the link between Nepal’s LGBTIQ+ population and Gai Jatra emerged. When I spoke to the very early founders of Blue Diamond Society, the group that started the remembrance celebration, they highlighted the sole purpose of Gai Jatra being the reason why the LGBTIQ community picked the day.
Blue Diamond Society chose Gai Jatra to honour friends they had lost, to remember, reflect and celebrate them and the community.
The early years of the LGBTIQ movement in Nepal sounds tough from what I’ve been told… excess force by the police often grabbed front page headlines, many LGBTIQ+ people struggled alone with their health or emerging conditions and sadly, many friends were lost to suicide.
Till this day, the questions come annually regarding why LGBTIQ+ people celebrate and organise the parade on the day of Gai Jatra. I guess this is a forever question. Thankfully there are festivals and parades organised by Queer groups at different times of the year now… and I say, bring on more! However, I wanted to write today to reiterate that there’s meaning behind LGBTIQ+ community picking Gai Jatra. Of course, that may come as a surprise because I realise there may not be meaning behind all that we see or do. Sometimes let’s let life surprise us.
Personally, my first time attending the parade by Blue Diamond Society was back in 2011 when it took place in Bharatpur. Now that’s a good thirteen years ago! Just saying that makes me feel old. A lot of differences then to now… I wasn’t out about my sexual orientation but I guess I was brave enough to go there, film the people on the day and document it as part of my Lex in Nepal youtube video. I cannot bring myself to watch the video because I just shudder thinking about how I’ve probably used all the incorrect terminologies… I guess life is a journey of learning and I continue to learn!
As I marched alongside friends, familiar faces and the new, I waved the non-binary flag that was handed over to me by a friend at BDS. The learning continues and I am here for it; to challenge my own assumptions and to be more curious and ensure that there’s space for everyone.
Unfortunately, we are at a time where it seems that majority of the population are yet to harness the power of critical thinking. Equally, those of us that write, share content and have thousands or even millions in reach fail to provide much context when we share news updates. When photos of LGBTIQ+ people marching on the day of Gai Jatra is shared without much context then it quickly stirs people, ignites comments from people that fail to wonder or do their own quick research.
Then again, this is the story of so many things right now. If you’ve read this far then maybe you and I are in the minority that actually read. I am unsure where we are heading… what we are thinking! Maybe it’s better that way but before I leave, I hope the next time you hear someone wonder why the gays have picked Gai Jatra, you can tell them.
Till next time.
Candlelight ceremony at the end of the paradeMiss Pink Nepal 2024 winners, (L-R) Aarohi Basnet, Anmol Rai, Sarosy Neupane
In the recent few years, Pride month is being celebrated in Nepal with much fanfare. Talking specifically, it is Kathmandu which sees the most activities and events. However, this year I have learned that there have been many more cities and towns across the country that have hosted their own Pride celebrations through parades, gatherings and static events. Make-up artist, model and trainer Nilam Poudel also continued her initiation “Nilam’s Award” this year with an event at the Yog Movie Garden in Sorhakhutte, Kathmandu on June 28th.
Nilam, who hails from Itahari knows very well the challenges of making it in the capital. Since her early days of supporting Nepali cinema actors, she has built on her skills and shares her expertise whenever she can through personal initiatives such as free make-up classes for LGBTIQ+ people. From being a make-up artist to a model herself, she’s turned things around for herself as well as winning the adoration from many including her own family. Poudel started the Nilam’s Award to recognize people from the LGBTIQ+ community and allies that have played a significant role in the year to challenge society’s perceptions, those who advocate and work in awareness and those that support people from the queer community.
The award event in late June had the presence of Karishma Manandhar as Chief Guest, an icon in her own right. She was joined by several special guests, actress Pooja Chand, actress and businessperson Shweta Khadka, director Renasha Rai Rana, TV host Bina Shrestha, Miss Universe Nepal Sophiya Bhujel, Master Chef Santosh Shah to name a few!
There were performances by Muskan from Bhairahawa, Yog Movie Garden team who danced in three songs as tribute to Karishma Manandhar, Pooja Chand and Shweta Khadka and Pranisha Thama Magar from Butwal.
The Achievement Awards were awarded to Anmol Rai – Miss Pink Nepal 2024, Sarosy Neupane – Miss Pink Nepal First Runner Up and Aarohi Basnet – Miss Pink Nepal Second Runner Up. Nilam shared how in her earlier years when she also participated Miss Pink Nepal, there were hardly any opportunities and interest shown towards the title winners and she felt it important to recognise the three ladies through the Achievement Awards for their participation and winning the respective titles.
Anmol Rai – Miss Pink Nepal 2024Sarosy Neupane, Miss Pink Nepal First Runner-UpAarohi Basnet – Miss Pink Nepal Second Runner-Up
The Excellence Awards went to Sonam Subba Limbu and Sanjita Baral. The two designers received this award for their continuous support to LGBTIQ+ people and wider community through their fashion, crafts and mentoring. Both designers are noted to be a friend of the community, often supporting LGBTIQ+ models.
Sonam Subba Limbu and Sanjita Baral
The all-important province awards were received by LGBTIQ+ individuals working on rights, awareness and advocacy of the community. The process of selecting the winner for these categories was led by Nilam and a close-jury team.
A winner was announced for each pradesh (province):
Pradesh One = Dev Narayan Chaudhary
Pradesh Two = Abdul Shahmad (Nagma)
Pradesh Three = Kiran Thapa
Pradesh Four = Rajani Thakali
Pradesh Five = Resham Neupane
Pradesh Six = Anjali BC
Pradesh Seven = Raju Lama
Province Winners
Nilam’s Award was presented by Kramasha Entertainment and sponsored by Nepse Bulls, Berries + Blues, Shot Station Thamel, Shanti Spa and Wellness, Potato Creation and Sandy Photography!
I was very pleased to be part of the event and see the recognition and the mic that Nilam was passing over. Some of us are lucky to have some form of a platform and a reach that a lot of young people may aspire to have themselves; so, it’s important that those of us that can – support hard working individuals on their journey and provide encouraging examples from the LGBTIQ+ community.
