The Himalayan Literature Festival & Workshop (HLF-WWK) is an international literary conference featuring world-renowned writers, scholars, and practitioners. This transformative experience combines panels, workshops, readings, and cultural excursions, all centered around the theme of Ecstasy, Healing and Creative Writing in New World Order.
The workshop will take participants to ancient temples, shaman villages, and Buddhist monasteries to explore the art of healing through the lens of the Himalayas’ most ancient creative practices. The program culminates in the two-day Himalayan Literature Festival. Website: https://hlf.whitelotusbookshop.com/
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The Complete Package Includes:
- Eight workshops (including two in temples and Buddhist monasteries, two with
Himalayan shamans) - Eight panel discussions covering translation, voice, neutrality, and imagery
- Welcome reception with drinks and canapés
- Special 3 Dinners and 3 Lunches
- Optional cultural events and excursions
- Four readings (three faculty, one participant)
- Generous free time for writing and exploration
- Airport pickup and inner-city transportation
- Accommodations at 5-star Malla Hotel with breakfast included
REGISTRATION & PRICING
International Participants
- Early Bird (until September 30, 2025): $2,495 USD
- Full package: HLF-WWK Conference + HLF (8 days, May 29 – June 5)
- Regular Rate (after October 1, 2025): $2,895 USD
- HLF Only (3 days, June 3-5): $795 USD (Early Bird) / $995 USD (Regular)
SAARC Countries
- Full Package (May 29 – June 5): ₹85,000 / 150,000 NPR
- HLF Only (June 3-5): ₹39,000 / 60,000 NPR
Special Discounts
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We are pleased to offer a 20% discount off the price to the following groups:
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Nirala Authors & Pratik Contributors
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NYWW / APWT Members
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HLF 2024 Participants
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Students of the Faculty and Verified University Students
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ACCOMMODATION
REGISTRATION METHODS
Wire Transfer
- Bank: Global IME Bank
- Address: Kamaladi 28, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Account: 30101010001274 / White Lotus Book Shop
- SWIFT Code: GLBBNPKA
- Contact: globalconnect@gibl.com.np | +977-1-5970600
PayPal
Register at: paypal.me/yuyus166
Note: Prices do not reflect Bank or PayPal processing fees
CALL FOR PAPERS, WORKSHOPS & READINGS
Conference Theme
This year’s conference explores the dynamic cross-pollination of Western expression and Eastern
practice. How does each inform the other? What can creative writers and teachers from different
regions teach each other?
Featured Topics
- Meditation and Imagination: Where the sage meets the page
- Psychoanalysis, Shamanism, and Creative Expression: Exploring unconscious and spiritual
dimensions - Building Your Writer’s Niche: Developing voice and finding readership
- The Writer as Compassion Warrior: Writing as empathy, resistance, and healing
- Loss and Life: Writing private events into memoir
- Hindu-Buddhist Iconography and Writing: Sacred symbols in creative work
- Ancient Forms: Ghazals, sutra poems, and contemporary chants
- Folk, Oral, and Supernatural Traditions: Meta-structures in narrative
- Dream, Story, Prayer, Chant: Borders and crossings of expression
- Mapping Your World: Words and images as storytelling tools
- Searching for the Self: Geography, identity, and creative discovery
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Papers
- Duration: 6 minutes per presentation
- Format: Panel format with 3-5 panelists per panel (50 minutes total)
- Abstract: 250-300 words, 12pt font, single-spaced, anonymous
- Publication: Accepted papers will appear in Pratik: A Magazine of Contemporary Writing
Workshops
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
- Participants: 2-3 practitioners
- Proposal: 250-word abstract including title, purpose, format, audience, and qualifications
- Requirement: CV/résumé required
Readings
- Duration: 50-60 minutes
- Format: 3-5 writers, moderated with Q&A
- Proposal: 250-word abstract with writer names and recent publications
- Requirement: CV/résumé required
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025, 11:59 PM EST
- Email: hlfwwk2026@gmail.com with cc to whitelotusbookshop@gmail.com
- Format:
- Subject line and filename: LAST NAME, First Name, Title, Category (Panel/Workshop/Reading)
- File formats: PDF or DOCX only
- Font: 12pt (any standard font except Comic Sans or Wingdings)
Next Steps:
- Confirmation upon submission
- Decision notifications by October 8, 2025
- Accepted presenters must register at Early Bird rate by October 30, 2025
- Failure to register by October 30, 2025 will result in rescinded acceptance
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Email: hlfwwk2026@gmail.com| whitelotusbookshop@gmail.com
- Website: https://hlf.whitelotusbookshop.com/
- Join us in Kathmandu for an unforgettable exploration of cross-cultural literary expression and the ancient wisdom of the Himalayas.
I’m interested in attending but will confirm closer to the time
Thank you, write to hlfwwk2026@gmail.com if you have any questions.
best
Shreejana