Whether you’re dreaming of trekking the Himalayan Mountains or submerging yourself in its diverse culture and ancient history, Nepal is a place to read up on before visiting. The country is most known as the birthplace of Buddha and the home to Muna Madanhome, the famed Mount Everest. However, there are many more layers to Nepal’s rich heritage, vibrant society, and flavorful cuisine.

This list features a blend of Nepali native and foreign authors who will give you a well-rounded perspective of the country’s traditions and way of living.

Here are our top picks for books about Nepal:

Sirish Ko Phool or Blue Mimosa

by Parijat

The book is set in Kathmandu and Japan and revolves around the story of Suyogbir, a World War II Army veteran who fought against the Japanese and all the mental, physical and emotional repercussions that come after experiencing such a tragic moment in time. The story unfolds with him getting over and dealing with the horrors from his past and opening up to falling in love. A beautiful story of love and loss that will make you want to visit this beautiful country. Written by a female Nepali writer under the pen name Parijat, but whose real name is Bishnu Kumari Waiba.

The Tutor of History

by Manjushree Thapa

This social saga is written by Canadian-Nepali writer, Manjushree Thapa. This compelling novel examines the contemporary society of Nepal through its four main characters during a significant election campaign. The story examines the friction between the younger and older generations, the issues of being part of a growing world economy and issues like gender equality. If you want an education and cultural glimpse of Nepal, this is a great way to start. Manjushree Thapa is a Nepal-born, growing both there and in the US and Canada. She is the author of several other books and wrote the Nepali chapter of the acclaimed documentary Girl Rising.

Kathmandu

by Thomas Bell

Thomas Bell is a British journalist who moved to Nepal, living there for more than 20 years. He experienced and saw the 2001 massacre of the royal family, the decade-long Maoist insurgency, the end of the war, the building of the republic, and the 2015 earthquake. Bell’s memoir gives us a glimpse of contemporary Nepal with such a different touch it helps you understand the hardships its people have gone through, all the while remaining a lovable, calm, and happy place.

Muna Madan

by Laxmi Prasad Devkota

The story revolves around the life of Madan, a young man who moves to Lhasa to earn a living for him and his family, to do so he has to leave them for a long time. This story will teach you about love, sacrifice and all the struggles that go behind trying to do what’s best for the people you love. It is a great read that will help you reflect on your own struggles and sacrifices. Great to enjoy while envisioning the beautiful Nepali scenery and day-to-day life. Written by who is considered to be Nepal’s greatest poet and given the honorific name Maha Kavi. The book Muna Madan was also the basis of a 2003 film that was entered into the 76th annual Academy Awards for the Best Foreign Language Film.

Jeevan Kaada Ki Phool

by Jhamak Ghimire

Jhamak Ghimire was born with cerebral palsy and she wrote this book as an autobiography to relate all the struggles she had to endure and overcome in the Nepalese literature industry due to her disability. As a child, she was discriminated against and double doubted by almost everybody, even her family and friends. If you need some empowerment and inspiration, this powerful book will teach a lesson on struggles and perseverance. Some refer to Jhamak Ghimire as the Helen Keller of Nepal.

Battles of the New Republic

by Prashant Jha

Prashant Jha, a Nepali journalist, and editor of The Hindustan Times decided to go back in time to understand the present in The Battles of the New Republic. He became very active journaling after Nepal’s civil war ended in 2006 and his access to many political and influential figures helped him gather the insight needed to create a well-researched socio-political account of Nepal in modern times. This book is great for readers looking to understand the synergy between Nepal’s topography, its people, its history, and its politics.

The Bullet and the Ballot Box: The Story of Nepal’s Maoist Revolution

by Aditya Adhikari

You might have noticed that most of the contemporary books about Nepal’s society touch on the Civil War to some degree. When the Maoists started their violent and armed uprising in 1996, the group didn’t receive public support. However, just a couple of years after the end of the war and Nepal officially became a republic, the Maoists took control of the Kathmandu government. This book is solely dedicated to this civil war and recounts the remarkable chain of events that took place in this turbulent time.

The Royal Ghosts

by Samrat Upadhyay

Samrat Upadhyay was the first English writing author from Nepal to be published in the West. The Royal Ghosts is a collection of short stories revolving around the 2001 royal massacre in Kathmandu. In these stories, you’ll gain insight into Nepali society including arranged marriage, the caste system, generational differences, and the Maoist insurgent history. Samrat Upadhyay has also written several other books including Arresting God in Kathmandu and The Guru of Love as well as his latest book Mad Country and now lives in the United States.

The Snow Leopard

by Peter Matthiessen

The story of Matthiessen and George Schaller a biologist, and their two-month adventure in Nepal looking to study the Blue Sheep and hoping to finally see the Snow Leopard. They trek the Himalayas and experience some unique moments in the wilderness. Matthiessen is able to relate the story so vividly, it will feel like you’re part of the journey too. This book will give you a great insight into the country and the Himalayas and what's like to trek in Nepal.

What books are on your reading list for Nepal?

Drop us a line and let us know!

WANT TO DISCOVER NEPALI CULTURE ON YOUR OWN?

CHECK OUT OUR NEPAL ITINERARY WHERE YOU WILL VENTURE THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS & JUNGLES OF THE LAND OF THE HIMALAYAS WITH ADD-ONS AVAILABLE TO SEE MT. EVEREST, BHUTAN, AND SRI LANKA.

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