©
David Debrincat
Nepal Travel Guide
©
David Debrincat
After the terrible earthquakes which struck Nepal in April and May 2015, the country is being rebuilt bit by bit. This article was written before the disaster.
Admit it, it's really difficult to name a single Nepalese celebrity known worldwide before you go to Nepal. Their fame is generally only national.
One thing is certain, there's very little chance that you'll hear the name of a Nepalese person who is known here in Europe. Once there, during your trip to Nepal, you'll definitely hear people speak about Ram Baran Yadav, who had the honour of becoming the first president of the country's federal democratic republic.
If, during your stay, you delve into the local papers, you'll learn a little more about the local political life. So some names will become familiar to you. For example Paramanand Jha who became the first vice-president of Nepal's federal democratic republic. Jhala Nath Khanal filled the position of prime minister before being replaced by Baburam Bhattarai.
Amongst the most visible politicians in the local news, you'll maybe hear about Bhim Bahadur Tamang, Gagan Thapa, Pampha Bhusal, Upendra Yadav, or Hisila Yami.
Before becoming a republic with a president, Nepal was a kingdom ruled by a king. The last king was removed in 2008, Gyanendra Bir Bikram. This family was also at the head of the kingdom from 1816.
A long time ago Chandra Bahadur Dangi and Khagendra Thapa Magar put Nepal on the map for the same reason. For the same record. If we say 67 centimetres, or even 54 centimetres, have you guessed it? Both have appeared in the Guinness World Record book for being the smallest men on the planet.
In another field, Ram Dayal Rakesh is known for his studies on the history of folklore in Nepal.
For 8 months, Ram Bahadur Bomjon meditated at the foot of a tree in the village Ratanapuri. The media were quick to compare him with Siddartha Gautama. Nicknamed the Buddha Boy, he received thousands of visitors, pilgrims from all over the world.
Cinema fans have perhaps seen the works of Subarna Thapa. He currently lives in France and has filmed in Paris and Nepal.
