The Himalayan Literature Festival & Writers Workshop (HLF-WWK) 2026 invites applications for a limited number of Student and Emerging Writer Scholarships to participate in this unique literary and cultural immersion program.
Kathmandu, Nepal
May 29 – June 5, 2026
Theme: Ecstasy, Healing, and Creative Writing in the New World Order
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
HLF-WWK is an international literary conference and workshop bringing together world-renowned writers, scholars, and practitioners. Participants will have the extraordinary opportunity to work with distinguished faculty, including Tracy K. Smith (Pulitzer Prize winner and 22nd U.S. Poet Laureate, 2017–2019), Paul Muldoon (Pulitzer Prize winner and former Oxford Professor of Poetry), Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai (internationally bestselling Vietnamese novelist and poet, author of the acclaimed novels The Mountains Sing and Dust Child), Yuyutsu Sharma (Rockefeller Fellow & celebrated Himalayan poet, author of award-winning collections Annapurna Poems and Lost Horoscope, and editor of Pratik), Tony Barnstone (award-winning poet, translator, and educator), Tina Chang (first woman Poet Laureate of Brooklyn and co-editor of the acclaimed anthology Language for a New Century), and many other esteemed international literary voices.
Over 8 transformative days, participants will experience:
- Eight immersive workshops (including sessions in temples, monasteries, and with Himalayan shamans)
- Eight panel discussions on translation, voice, imagery, neutrality, and more
- Four readings (faculty + participants)
- Cultural excursions to ancient temples, shaman villages, and Buddhist monasteries
- Networking and community building with global literary voices
- Performance opportunities to share your work with the international community
- Publication consideration in Pratik, one of South Asia’s finest literary journals
The workshop culminates in the Himalayan Literature Festival, a two-day celebration of literature featuring readings, panels, and cross-cultural exchange.
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
The HLF-WWK Student and Emerging Writer Scholarship is designed to support emerging writers, scholars, and students of literature who show exceptional promise and commitment to creative practice.
What the Scholarship Covers:
Full Scholarships
- One fully funded scholarship for a SAARC student, including registration, accommodation, transportation, excursions, and select meals with festival poets
- One fully funded scholarship for an international student, including registration, accommodation, transportation, excursions, and select meals with festival poets
- 100% waiver on the Nepalese student registration fee
Partial Scholarships
- Finalists and semi-finalists will be considered for partial waivers of registration fees
- All scholarship recipients receive access to workshops, panels, readings, and excursions
- Festival participation certificate
Eligibility
- Students (undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral) enrolled in literature, creative writing, cultural studies, or related fields
- Emerging writers who have not published a book and do not have a book under contract
- Writers below the age of 35 (exceptions may be considered)
- Demonstrated interest in creative writing, healing traditions, or cross-cultural expression
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please submit:
- A short statement of purpose (300–400 words) outlining your interest in the festival, how it aligns with your academic or creative goals, and how the scholarship would support your participation.
- A sample of creative work (up to 5 pages of poetry, prose, or hybrid writing).
- A CV or résumé (maximum 2 pages).
- For students: Proof of current student enrollment (ID card or letter from institution).
For emerging writers: Brief statement confirming no published books or books under contract.
DEADLINE
October 24, 2025, 11:59 PM EST
Submit your application via email: hlfwwk@gmail.com
Subject line: SCHOLARSHIP – LAST NAME, First Name
Successful applicants will be notified by November 15, 2025.
CONTACT
Website: hlf.whitelotusbookshop.com
Email: hlfwwk@gmail.com | whitelotusbookshop@gmail.com
Join us in Kathmandu and be part of a global literary dialogue rooted in the wisdom of the Himalayas.
