Q1: What can you tell me about HLF-WWK in Kathmandu and/or about HLF-WWK’s international conferences?
A1: White Lotus Bookstore was founded and is owned and directed by Nepalese poet and entrepreneur Shreejana Bhandari. World-renowned Himalayan poet and relentless world traveler Yuyutsu Sharma is the co-coordinator of the conference and festival. Yuyutsu’s deep roots in and knowledge of Kathmandu, and of Nepal more broadly, offer participants a rare opportunity to explore the region—its literary and cultural history, its contemporary literary scene, its ubiquitous spiritual life, and the intersections these threads create.
As the founder and editor of Pratik: A Magazine of Contemporary Writing, Yuyutsu also offers participants the opportunity to publish conference-generated work in an upcoming issue of this highly esteemed journal. Together with our other partners, including AWPT, Nirala Publications, Pratik Magazine, and others, we also host the Himalayan Literature Festival (HLF) during the final days of the conference.
Q2: What might participants expect?
A2: The HLF-WWK 2027 sessions begin with an orientation on the morning of Saturday, May 29, followed by a general workshop and a walk around the city.
During the first six days of the conference, each day will include workshop sessions in the morning, followed by guided outdoor excursions each afternoon. These excursions will introduce participants to Kathmandu’s rich literary, cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage while providing opportunities for writing, observation, and informal conversations.
Each day also features panel discussions, craft and manuscript workshops, and free time for writing and/or exploration. Two workshop sessions will take place in local temples. On several evenings in Kathmandu, the conference will convene for readings, discussions, lectures, or keynote presentations, 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 readings, discussions, and dinners. Local guides will also be available for optional tours of the city.
We will also offer photography workshops. All workshops and other conference activities are optional and are included in the tuition.
The Himalayan Literature Festival (HLF) runs from June 4–5, with multiple events—including panels, readings, book launches, and performances—held at the festival hotel and other renowned venues throughout Kathmandu. Numerous Nepalese and regional writers will participate alongside writers from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Cuba, Finland, Greece, India, Panama, Peru, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, the UK, and the US.
Q3: What does the tuition cover, and what does it not cover?
A3: Tuition covers all workshops and cultural activities listed above, as well as eight nights of accommodation. Tuition does not include travel expenses.
Q4: If I need to cancel, will I receive a refund?
A4: Our refund policy is as follows:
Through October 1
- 75% refund.
- Full refund at any time should the program be canceled due to geopolitical, biomedical, or meteorological events.
- Cancellation bank charges apply.
October 2 – November 15
- 50% refund.
November 16 – December 1
- 25% refund.
December 2 onward
- No refund.
A 15% non-refundable deposit applies to all registrations.
For wire or electronic transfers, refunds are subject to a US$25 processing fee. Payments made via PayPal will be refunded minus the applicable PayPal service charges.
Q5: Where will we be staying?
A5: We will be staying at a reputable hotel in the heart of Kathmandu, which will also host many of the conference events. The hotel has a long history of accommodating international visitors. Food, hygiene, comfort, and hospitality are of a high standard.
Q6: Do you have options for those who cannot afford the tuition?
A6: Once accepted into the program, you may be able to apply for additional funding through your school or university. We encourage you to apply early to allow more time to explore funding opportunities.
A small number of need-based fellowships may also be available. If you would like to be considered, please send us a brief email outlining your financial circumstances.
A 15% discount on the full tuition is available to students of the faculty and verified university students, as well as Nirala authors, Pratik Magazine contributors, and members of AWPT.
Q7: How do I get there?
A7: 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 greatest scheduling flexibility.
Participants traveling from Australia, Europe, South America, Africa, or elsewhere are encouraged to explore the best options available from their respective locations. We are happy to provide limited assistance with travel planning if needed.
New Delhi will likely serve as the primary hub for most participants. From Delhi, the flight to Kathmandu is approximately 90 minutes. If you arrive within the recommended arrival window (to be announced in our mid-March newsletter), you will be met at Kathmandu Airport by our team and transferred to the hotel (approximately a 30-minute drive).
Please ensure that your luggage is checked through to Kathmandu at your original departure airport.
Q8: What do I need to know about travel in Kathmandu and Nepal? Is a visa required? What should I bring?
A8: These questions—and many more—will be answered in a newsletter that will be sent in late April.
U.S. travelers may obtain a visa on arrival. In the meantime, you may wish to consult the resources linked here, here, and here.
Meanwhile, AccuWeather provides historical temperature information for Kathmandu in May 2027.
Q9: What about vaccinations?
A9: You can find the latest CDC guidelines here: CDC Nepal.
Participants should consult their physicians for recommendations based on their individual health needs.
At present, there are no COVID-related travel requirements. The Nepalese Consulate in New York recommends that, as a precaution, travelers carry proof of previous vaccinations. However, as of today, such documentation is neither requested nor required for entry.
Q10: What plans has HLF-WWK implemented to ensure the safety of participants? Are there any travel advisories participants should consider?
A10: Kathmandu has long been a popular destination for international travelers, and Nepal’s healthcare infrastructure is well developed. In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, participants can expect access to quality medical care.
We actively monitor and share relevant travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Nepal, and other embassies and consulates, including those representing the EU, the UK, Australia, African nations, Latin America, and SAARC countries.
Kathmandu sits at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level. Altitude sickness is generally not a concern at this elevation. However, if you plan to travel into the Himalayas—for example, toward Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest)—be aware that elevation increases rapidly and proper acclimatization becomes essential.
Q11: Other
A11: The conference provides local guides for most off-site activities within Kathmandu. Transportation for most activities within the city is included.
If your questions are not answered here, please continue to check our FAQ page, which is updated regularly with useful and important information.
You are also welcome to write to us directly at hlfwwk2026@gmail.com, with a copy to whitelotusbookshop@gmail.com.
Namaste.
