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.
A team undertook a journey across different regions of Eastern Nepal, from Pachthar to Solukhumbu; documenting the unique sound, dance and the vivid costumes and jewellery and they returned with TARAANGA. In the directors very own words, Leena writes “The movie explores the diverse yet disappearing ethnic music of East Nepal through meaningful storytelling that intertwines with people’s identity”. TARAANGA travels from Terai, Pahad and close to the Himal to capture some beautiful visuals and sound.
Although the viewing requires much patience, the film is a microcosm to the diversity that Nepal has. The team have done an excellent job. I only wish this is viewed by more and shared by more.
Director Of Photography: Ujjwal Gurung, Soni Limbu and Kireet Rajbhandari
Production Manager: Pratistha Maharjan
Photographer: Saif Tuladhar
Sound Designer: Elin Thapa
Edit: Victor Lascar Bahneanu
Audio: Kireet Rajbhandari
After the success of Pashupati Prasad, director Dipendra K Khanal and actor Khagendra Lamichhane teamed up to create another hit that is DHANAPATI. The film and namely the protagonists ability to take the viewers on a journey of hardship and survival has managed to captivate audiences across Nepal. Hoping to receive the same level of appreciation, the duo Dipendra K Khanal and Khagendra Lamichhane will be travelling to the UK with producer Rojina Sitaula for the screening of DHANAPATI in Aldershot and London.
The social drama will screen at The Empire in Aldershot on Friday, 18th of August from 6.30PM onwards and Safari Cinema in London Harrow on Saturday, 19th of August from 5PM onwards.
Barsha Karmacharya, known as K-RAIN has returned with Aakash Ko Tara, an airy song featuring stunning visuals of San Francisco. While at parts, whispery and breathy, the song Aakash Ko Tara has a particularly strong chorus. With the one and only, Hercules Basnet behind lyrics and composition, you can guess that this song has what it takes to get stuck on your head. The music video by Dhiraj Adhikari adds to the song. Perfect to the eyes, even for those that may not particularly be a big fan of this genre of music.
The official 1974 AD after party FRIDAY FEVER just got better with the announcement of Jay Author and AIZEN who will be performing at the Electric in Brixton on Friday 18th August. The after party will see the Juice x Bacardi singer Jay Author perform several songs off his debut album Summer Interlude as well as AIZEN who may perform well-known covers. AIZEN’s Shape of You Nepali remix has over 470,000 views on YouTube as I write this.
The FRIDAY FEVER after party will have DJ CVA, DJ PHAT and DJ S KAZI! If your birthday falls between 14th to 22nd August then you my friend, will go free! The event as always is strictly an 18+ affair.
With just few days ahead of the album release of Satan In Your Stereo, metal band UNDERSIDE have released ENEMY WITHIN ME. In a matter of hours, the band have received nothing but praise for the song from die-hard fans all over. The band recently performed at the Rock Altitude Festival and will be performing at the Boston Music Room in London on Saturday, 19th August. The day will also see the band performing many new songs off their new album Satan In Your Stereo!
With support from the band ENIGMATIK, tickets are already on sale! BUY HERE!
Over the past few months we’ve come across some good, many average and some downright embarrassing songs that have made us cringe to the point where we’ve found ourselves gritting our teeth like no tomorrow. Thankfully, Juice x Bacardi is by far the freshest track that I’ve heard from a Nepali musician recently. Farnborough based Jay Author has shown brilliance from his early days dating back to 2010. His album Summer Interlude which became available across a range of streaming platforms from July is a testament of his gift and ability to bring songs that are very 2017 and beyond.
After adding the album on my playlist, Juice x Bacardi instantly became my favourite! It has a great vibe and when you listen to it, you can easily imagine this to be on the BBC TOP 40 or even the Billboard Hot 100. He’s onto Gold with this song and this song also deserves so much more. I really cannot wait for the video to drop!
A man carries his cattle on his shoulder as he moves to safer ground in Saptari,Nepal,12 August 2017. (NARENDRA SHRESTHA)
Heavy monsoon rainfall in the past few days has led to many towns and cities being under water in Nepal. The rainfall has also triggered several landslides along different roadways, led to a major bridge along the East-West highway to sink and all of these devastation has already taken the lives of over 40 people across the country. Photos of Biratnagar Airport and the new Shree Airlines completely flooded and destruction of livelihoods and communities are sweeping across our timelines right now.
Many active citizens have been putting their heads together and asking what they can do to help others in the flood-hit areas. With access to the areas limited due to poor roadways and flight cancellations, people have been actively seeking organisations and individuals from the areas so they can establish relations to address their needs. Active social media user and businessman Shree Gurung wrote on Facebook earlier today “Dear friends Since there are no access of roads or flights to flood hit zones, let’s focus on collecting money from our own circle and support the local volunteers by sending money to nearby cities (Dharan, Chitwan, Butwal and many other nearby towns) via banks/IMEs to buy the most required items. (Note: I will be collecting money and if you trust me you can personally handover to me. You can also copy and put this as your status) P.S. starting from myself Rs 20,000)”.
Founder of Carpool Kathmandu, Sumana Shrestha has also been actively seeking ways to manage volunteers, required resources and logistics. Her detailed Facebook post is a great destination for those wishing to help or to see how they can best utilise their skills and strength during this time.
Similarly, the very well known story sharing platform Stories of Nepal also shared their flood appeal where you can find more detail through the poster below.
Now here’s some good news from Nepal! The age-old practice of Chaupadi which sees women and girls taking shelter in a shed during menstruation and after childbirth has been criminalised. Individuals found forcing women to take shelter in a shed could now face three months jail time or a Nrs 3000 fine or both. This is certainly a positive move and is better than nothing. What we also need is more awareness campaigns and activism in the mid to far-West rural communities where Chaupadi is common in practice. Quality educating is, everything.
Just fining and jailing the individuals who engage in these activities is not enough. It is our responsibility to educate and discourage them from keeping up with this practice which sadly is killing women every year. I wonder if the passing of this law will lead to more reports of Chaupadi. We shall have to wait and see.
The 14th International Pride Festival was marked on GAIJATRA on 8th of August in Kathmandu by Blue Diamond Society. The march which started off from Thamel and concluded at Basantapur saw participation of up to 2000 LGBTIQ people from across the country according to Pahichan. The festival which is marked annually on Gaijatra is celebrated in the memory of family and friends who have passed away in the past year. The 2017 International Pride Festival remembered transgender Mamata CK, director Nilu Doma Sherpa and Gilbert Bekar amongst many others.
With the theme being ‘My family and my friends are proud about me’, this years rally was officially inaugurated by Minister for Women, Children, and Social Welfare Asha Koirala. The Insta Queen Malvika Subba also attended the event and shared some snaps on her profile! Meghna Lama is looking amazing as usual.
In a very fascinating move, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation in Nepal is likely to make it possible for citizens of the country to purchase their personal private jet aircraft or helicopters. If the new law is passed then we might soon see new personal jets and choppers owned by the wealthiest in the country.
The regulations which have yet to be passed will soon be sent off to the Ministry of Law for approval and implementation. Nepal, aye! Anything is possible! I mean, poor Tribhuvan International Airport, having to deal with so much already and the prospect of private jets and private choppers…. damn. How about speedy work on a second airport etc!
The story of a common man Dhanapati warmed the hearts of the audience in Folkestone. The film which stars Khagendra Lamichhane and Surakshya Pant is currently being screened by 32 Box Ltd in association with G9 Entertainments in the UK. Dhanapati will next be screened in Aldershot on Friday, 18th August at The Empire from 6PM onwards followed by a London screening on Saturday, 19th August at the Safari Cinema from 5PM onwards.
When Aayush Rimal asked Priyanka Karki what type of Karki she is, I actually thought he was trolling her and asking what type of ‘Car Key’ she has. I was expecting to hear “Toyota Car Key”! LOL! Amusingly, that was a proper question. However, the Carpool With Priyanka Karki by YouTuber Aayush Rimal is anything but serious. Priyanka cleverly continues the joke about loving USA and America for different reasons and also gets quizzed about the type of mango she likes! If you keep up with the countless meme and troll pages then you’ll know where these jokes are coming from.
Of course, Priyanka seems to be in on the joke as she reveals her favourite troll pages with the YouTuber. Priyanka and Aayush are the perfect pair for the troll and meme pages, they’re both heavily covered by everyone and bring huge engagement whether you’re a fan or not. The interview takes a twist as the duo prank call comedian Sandeep Chettri and Facetime Aayushman DS Joshi.
Nepali metal band UNDERSIDE are having a summer we can only dream of. The band just finished performing in Barcelona, Spain over the past weekend and now they will be co-headlining Rock Altitude Festival in Switzerland on August 11. After their date in the highlands, UNDERSIDE will be making their way to London for a special gig which will also see the release of their album SATAN IN YOUR STEREO! The gig at Boston Music Room will take place on Saturday, 19th of August. The band will be supported by Enigmatik! Tickets are officially on sale on the venue site for £15. BUY NOW!
Well! Ahead of their big date with London, I managed to ask a few questions to the UNDERSIDE Guys to get an idea behind their writing process and their relation with London. Fans in Nepal can catch Underside at the Asian Metal Fest at the Purple Haze in Kathmandu in mid September.
LEX:Â Firstly, Underside will be back in London again but this time it’ll also mark the release of your album Satan In Your Stereo. For a band that has a strong following in Nepal to many countries beyond, why London of all the places?
UNDERSIDE:Â London has been really kind to us so far… We love performing here and it feels very homely and we wanted to do something special for our friends, family and fans here, also we have a lot of people outside of the Nepali community keeping an eye out for the band so we think it’s a good move for the band. We will have a Nepali release shortly after the tour as well, we can’t forget our people back home.
LEX:Â Earlier this year, the band released a song called Right To Hate. The lyrics are powerful to say the least and provokes attention possibly towards the system and the self too, with lines such as ‘we need to fight back’, what was going through the process of writing when it came to writing ‘Right to Hate’?
UNDERSIDE:Â The thought process lyrically was definitely very intense during this song… it deals with internal struggle and external as well, the fight is against ourselves and the system too but as who we are and musically, this song is a high tempo angry little monster. It’s definitely the most aggressive track on this album, can’t wait to play it in London.
LEX:Â On a general note, the album ahead, what are the things that have been discussed lyrically?
UNDERSIDE:Â Avishek here, I write the lyrics and they all come from a very personal level but always come out bearing the socio-poilitical factors cause we are a part of this society at the end of the day, other then that I wrote for this album during a very dark and troubled time of my life… coming out of treatment and everything. It’s on a very personal level but I hope people can relate to it in many ways. With this album I think I’ve found closure in a way and now I can move forward and experiment more in terms of writing.
LEX:Â With less than few weeks till the release of Satan in your stereo, what will the Underside get up to from now till then?
UNDERSIDE: We’ve just done a couple of dates in Europe, from Vienna to Barcelona and we have more dates in Europe as part of the European invasion tour. Gradually we will be releasing more tracks from the album from this week and we’ll be doing some press, promoting the album inviting the people and media and all that regular stuff. But yeah we’re definitely very excited for the release and performing in London.
Monika Shahi, a transgender woman officially married Ramesh Nath Yogi on 25th July, 2017 in Dadeldhura, Nepal making it the first registered transgender wedding in the country. Shahi also happens to be the first transgender person to receive a passport under ‘Others’ category. Monika and Ramesh’s recent wedding has definitely given hope to the LGBTIQ community in Nepal. The country still has no laws legalising same-sex marriage.
Nepalese activist Sunil Babu Pant wrote a critical article on Shahi and Yogi’s marriage and the attention that it has generated from different avenues. Pant has highlighted on the importance of using the correct terms when talking about the marriage, emphasising that ‘same-sex marriage’ not be used in this case.
I totally agree with that. Ramesh is a man and Monika is a transgender woman. Lastly, as Pant has written, I hope Nepal is able to recognise same-sex marriage sooner rather than later.
PS. The 14th Gaijatra festival celebrated by Blue Diamond Society takes place on 8th August!
Nima Rumba‘s pop classic BLOCK HEEL SHOES has got quite a 2017 makeover! The electrifying cover by The Midnight Riders is a celebration of Rumba’s hit song. The original song and the video was everything – from that glare, Rumba’s sex appeal to the catwalk along the busy New Road street. The Midnight Riders cover features the Instagram IT Girl Sanna Gurung as the model! Looking cute there Sanna!
I actually enjoyed this cover for it brought back great memories of Rumba’s golden hit!
Pop singer Anil Singh burst into Nepali Pop stardom with hits from Engine Gadima, I Love You, Prem Patra to Dubna Deu in the early 2000’s. The singer loved to sing about falling in love, being in love and the ultimate heartbreak! His distinct voice stood him out from the many pop singers at the time. While we can still enjoy his music and videos from a click of a button through YouTube and various streaming sites, the singer had different feelings about YouTube and the system of music royalties in Nepal. The singer wrote a lengthy status from his personal Facebook on 5th August showing frustration over music royalty fees from his music from websites such as YouTube and the many FM’s and TV channels that continue to play his music in Nepal. Anil started the status with “Aatmahatya Garne Soch!!!”.
It’s truly saddening to read his experience… the creative soul invest so much of their energy, hardwork to turn their dream into a reality, their passion into a purpose and when they face obstacles such as this which presents challenging questions about life, survival and living, it’s disheartening. As Anil suggests, this may be the story of so many other Nepali musicians. I am with Anil and as Anil suggests, I hope fellow musicians form a unity and demand for a return on their investment.
One of Anil Singh’s songs that I loveee! The video has been directed by Alok Nembang and stars Jharana Bajracharya and Tsujil Karmacharya.
Whilst the intro hook started off on a good tone, a stronger chorus for BABA G would have elevated the song. Unlike many videos where we see, rappers, friends and club scenes, the video for BABA G surprisingly comes across natural and there isn’t that overwhelming cringeworthy display of swagger as often seen in many NepHop videos appearing on the timelines from across the globe.
Observing the Nepali Hip Hop music being made outside of Nepal is always a fascinating scene. Whilst we have the likes of Swami D and PSPN from USA, equally there are rappers such as BZ AND BHA2 who have a more rough and real approach to be frank, from USA as well… and then across the pond in the UK, the hip hop music coming from young Nepalese is on a whole different shift, bringing different cultural influences.
It’s an interesting time and more interesting to see the global influences that are constantly shaping and reshaping the idea of Nepali Hip Hop music.
The co-founder of U INSPIRE TV Dinesh Roka is currently busy prepping for the DYG Experience 2017 event. With DYG being short for Discover Your Gifts, the fundraising event claims that it is born out of necessity and desire. The event will have the super savvy Sristi KC, the founder of Blind Rocks in attendance. When Sristi speaks, she has the ability to uplift the mind of the listener. She can take people on a journey through her words and make them realise and question their purpose.
The event will also have performances from aspiring rapper Sudhan Gurung and singer Manish Rai. Speaker and life coach Dinesh Roka will, I am sure, have plenty of wonderful insight and inspirational lines to deliver.
The DYG Experience takes place at the Wavell Hall in Lynchford Road, Farnborough on August 12 between 10AM to 8PM.
1974AD #thenewlineup are all set to perform in London on August 18th at The Coronet! The event by The Signaturee and D&G Entertainment have recently announced an after party ‘Friday Fever’ at the Electric in Brixton. Fans will have an exclusive opportunity for a Meet and Greet with the band at Harrow’s CLUB KTM on Saturday 19th August. CLUB KTM will host the meet and greet with the iconic band from Nepal. The venue’s very own Rishall Brothers Band will be playing live music as well as an appearance by the singer of Musu Musu Hasi Deu Na and Ananda Karki.
The Meet & Greet will be followed by a DJ set at CLUB KTM! Make sure you get your tickets soon – 07760927288 / 07565 528246.
