Q 1: What can you tell me about HLF-WWK in Kathmandu, and/or about HLF-WWK’s international conferences?
A 1: White Lotus Bookstore, founded, owned, and directed by Nepalese poet and woman entrepreneur Shreejana Bhandari. World renowned Himalayan poet and relentless world traveler, Yuyutsu RD Sharma, is a fellow coordinator of the conference and festival. Yuyu’s deep roots in and knowledge of Kathmandu, and broader Nepal, offer us a rare opportunity to dig into the region—its literary and cultural history and present scene, its ubiquitous spiritual life, and the intersections that these threads create. As the founder and editor of Pratik: A Magazine of Contemporary Writing, Yuyu also offers the opportunity for participants to publish conference-generated work in an upcoming issue of this highly esteemed journal. And, together with our other partners including AWPT, NYWW, Nirala Publication, Matwala, Drunken Boat, Pratik Magazine and others we host the second Himalayan Literature Festival at the tail end of our conference.
Q 2: What might participants expect?
A 2: The May/June NYWW—K sessions begin with an orientation session on Friday May 29. The following morning, the work begins. Each day will feature panel discussions, craft-and- manuscript workshops, and free (writing and/or exploration) time. Two workshop sessions will take place in local temples. On several nights in Kathmandu, the conference will convene for readings, and/or discussions/lectures/keynotes, followed by cultural events. HLF-WWK will host one dinner (which is included in the tuition). Local and international writers will join the conference for events (readings/discussions/dinners). Local guides will be available for tours of the city (optional). We’ll also be offering photography workshops at this conference. All workshops and other activities are optional. Any and all are included in the price of the tuition. The Himalayan Literature Festival (HLF) runs from June 4 – June 5, with multiple events (panels, readings, book launches, performances) at two primary locations, the Malla Hotel and other reputed locations in Kathmandu. Numerous Nepalese and regional writers, including will participate alongside writers from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Cuba, Finland, Greece, India, Panama, Peru, Poland, Sweden, South Africa, the UK, and the US.
Q 3: What does the tuition cover, and not cover?
A 3: Tuition covers all workshop and cultural activities listed above. Tuition does not include travel. Remember, HLF-WWK can assist in locating budget options for those who request accommodations other than Malla Hotel.
Q 4: If I need to cancel, will I receive a refund?
A 4: Our REFUND POLICY is:
1. Through Oct 1
Full refunds issued until Oct 1 (and at any time should the program cancel due to
geopolitical, biomedical, or meteorological events).
2. until Nov 15
50% refund.
3. until December 1
25% refund.
4. December 2 onward
No refund.
15% non-refundable deposit on all registrations.
If wire/electronic transfer, minus $25 fee. If Paypal, minus the Paypal service charge.
Q 5: Where will we be staying?
A 5: The Malla Hotel, a 5-star facility will be our hosts all the events. These are highly reputable five-star establishments with a long history of accommodating western visitors. Food, hygiene, and space are all exemplary. https://www.themallahotel.com/
Q 6: Do you have options for those who cannot afford the tuition?
A 6: Once accepted into the program, you might be able to apply for additional funding through your school or university. We encourage you to apply early, to leave more time for exploring additional funding options.
A small number of needs-based fellowships might also be available. Please send us a brief email outlining your financial circumstances, if you would like to be considered for one.
A 20% discount off the full cost is available to students of the Faculty and verified university students, as well as Nirala authors, Pratik Magazine contributors, and members of NYWW and APWT.
Q 7: How do I get there?
A 7: For participants traveling from North America (East or West Coast), we recommend flying via New Delhi with Air India. This route is generally the most direct (with only one stop in Delhi), cost-effective, and offers the most scheduling options.
Participants coming from other regions—Australia, the EU, South America, or Africa—are encouraged to explore the best options available from their respective locations. We are happy to provide limited research assistance if needed.
New Delhi will likely serve as the primary hub for most participants. From Delhi, flight time to Kathmandu is approximately 90 minutes. If you arrive within the recommended time window (to be announced in our mid-March newsletter), you will be met at Kathmandu airport by our team and transferred to the Malla Hotel (about a 30-minute drive).
Please ensure your luggage is checked through to Kathmandu at your original departure airport.
Q 8: What do I need to know about travel in Kathmandu/Nepal? Is a visa required? What do I need to bring along?
A 8: All of these questions, and more, will be answered in a newsletter in late April. US travelers apply for visa on arrival. But for now, you might to check out this and this and this. Meanwhile, AccuWeather offers these figures for temperature expectations in May 2026.
Q 9: How about vaccinations?
A 9: You can find CDC Guidelines here: CDC Nepal. Participants should check with their physicians, get recommendations based upon particular health needs. At this point, there are no new Covid guidelines. The Nepalese consulate in NY recommends that, as a precaution, everyone travel with proof of prior vaccinations, but as of today (June 30), proof is not requested or required.
Q 10: What plans has HLF-WWK implemented in order to assure the safety of participants? Are there any travel advisories that participants should consider?
A 10: Kathmandu has long been a popular tourist destination, and Nepal’s health infrastructure is well-developed. In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, participants can be assured of access to quality care.
We actively monitor and will share any relevant U.S. State Department travel advisories, as well as updates from the U.S. Embassy in Nepal and other embassies and consulates, including those of the EU, UK, Australia, Africa, Latin America, and SAARC nations.
Kathmandu sits at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level. Altitude sickness is generally not an issue at this elevation. However, if you plan to travel toward the Himalayas—toward Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), for instance—be aware that elevation increases rapidly and proper acclimatization becomes essential.
Q 11: Other.
A 11: The conference provides local guides for most off-site activities within Kathmandu. Most inner-city transportation will be provided. If any of your questions are not answered here, you can keep returning to our FAQ section, which we frequently update with useful, important information. And you can always write to us directly at hlfwwk2026@gmail.com with cc to whitelotusbookshop@gmail.com
Namaste
