24 Most Famous People from Nepal

24 Most Famous People from Nepal 

*Originally published by Lillian in October 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in September 2023 and Updated by Beatrice J on March 2024

Try not to pass judgment on Nepal by the size length of its lines all things being equal, judge it by the level of its mountains. Nepal is home to eight of the ten world’s most noteworthy mountains, all inside just 143,000 sq km region. Amazing as this might appear to be, Mount Everest, the most elevated pinnacle of the world lies in Nepal, and thus does Tilicho Lake, the most noteworthy lake on the planet. A landlocked precipitous country, Nepal proffers voyagers with its staggering scene, charming mountain tops, and hypnotizing lakes.

Be that as it may, there is something else to this wonderful nation besides its shocking regular magnificence – its nationals. Nepal is home to incredibly gifted people who are the genuine gems of the country. These nationals have through their work and life assisted Nepal with acquiring a significant situation on the world guide.

In this article, we will explore the 24 most famous people from Nepal.

1. Gautama Buddha

Image: Buddha. By Unknown. Wikimedia Commons

Gautama Buddha, otherwise called Siddhārtha Gautama, Shakyamuni, or the Buddha, was a sage on whose lessons Buddhism was established. A local of the old Shakya republic in the Himalayan lower regions, Gautama Buddha showed principally in northeastern India. Buddha signifies “stirred one” or “the illuminated one.” “Buddha” is likewise utilized as a title for the primary stirred being in a time. In most Buddhist practices, Siddhartha Gautama is viewed as the Preeminent Buddha of our age.

Gautama showed a Center Way between erotic extravagance and the serious parsimony found in the Sramana development normal in his locale. He later educated all through areas of eastern India like Magadha and Kośala. Gautama is an essential figure in Buddhism, and records of his life, talks, and ascetic guidelines are accepted by Buddhists to have been summed up after his passing and retained by his supporters.

Different assortments of lessons credited to him were passed somewhere around oral practice and first dedicated to expounding on 400 years after the fact.

2. Nirmal Puja

At 18 years of age, Nims accomplished his experience growing up with a fantasy about joining the Gurkhas. It was the beginning of a recognized 16-year vocation in the military, which included 10 years with the UK Exceptional Powers (SBS) – one of the world’s tip-top military units.

From that point forward, he has proceeded to turn into a genuinely surprising mountain climber with various records in his possession, and in 2019 he finished ‘Venture Conceivable’ – an overwhelming mission to ascend the world’s fourteen most elevated tops in barely a half year. His experience is the subject of another Netflix narrative: 14 Pinnacles: The sky is The limit.

Maybe his most prominent accomplishments have been the lives he has saved in the mountains, where he has put his security and goals aside to help other people at many events.

In 2018, Nims was delegated as an Individual from the Request for the English Domain (MBE) by Sovereign Elizabeth II for his exceptional work in high-height mountaineering.

3. Mira Rai

Viewed as one of the world’s best female ultrarunners, the tale of Mira Rai is just as momentous as her brandishing accomplishments.

Brought up in the distant Himalayan lower regions of Bhojpar, Mira’s life as a youngster was spent rushing to school and conveying supplies for her family coincidentally ready for her to overwhelm the ultrarunning scene, however, the excursion was nowhere near straightforward.
During the Nepalese Nationwide conflict, she was enrolled by the Socialist Faction as a youngster warrior, at the time of only 15. At the point when the conflict finished two or after three years, she got back to her town and attempted to acclimate to life, ultimately moving to Kathmandu in 2014.

An opportunity meeting for certain warriors while running handled her a spot in a 50km ultramarathon, where she came in the first spot, beating an all-male field simultaneously. From that point forward, she has secured herself as one of the world’s best ultrarunners, winning various tip-top races and moving age of Nepalis simultaneously.

In 2017 she was the champ of the 2017 Public Geographic Globe-trotter of the Year.

4. Anuradha Koirala

Image: Anuradha Koirala with CNN Hero award. By Unknown. Wikimedia Commons

Tenderly known as Dijju (senior sister) in Nepal, Anuradha Koirala is the pioneer behind Maiti Nepal – a non-benefit association devoted to safeguarding ladies and battling against sex dealing.

Starting around 1993, her endeavors have assisted incalculable ladies with getting away from perilous circumstances and enabled numerous little kids to accomplish a more promising time to come. Maiti Nepal has developed from a little confidential house in Kathmandu into a compelling and universally perceived undertaking.
She has gotten 38 public and worldwide honors for her commitment to society, including the CNN Legend Grant in 2010.

5. Dr. Sanduk Ruit

Dr. Ruit is a fellow benefactor of the Himalayan Waterfall Undertaking and has made it his life’s main goal to give individuals their vision back, whether or not they can bear to pay for the treatment.

Brought into the world in distant eastern Nepal, family misfortune drove him to prepare as a specialist, in the long run gaining practical experience in ophthalmology and concentrating on Australia. He turned into a profoundly talented specialist and, on his re-visitation to Nepal, he set about figuring out how to perform significant level eye tasks at low-level expenses, and without the requirement for a laid out metropolitan clinic.

For right around 20 years, Dr. Ruit had been working at his Tilgaga Eye Center and giving the endowment of sight to individuals from remote pieces of Nepal and across the Himalayas, frequently working without charge.

It is assessed that he has reestablished sight for more than 130,000 individuals across Asia and Africa to date.

6. Birendra of Nepal

Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev was the eleventh Lord of Nepal and a South Asian legislator. The child of Lord Mahendra, whom he prevailed in 1972, he reigned until his passing in the 2001 Nepalese illustrious slaughter. He is the most universally notable Nepalese ruler in present-day history.

7. Mala Sinha

Image: Mala Sinha. By Unknown. Wikimedia Commons

Mala Sinha is a Nepali Indian entertainer who has worked in Hindi, Bengali, and Nepali movies. Perceived for her ability and magnificence, she proceeded to turn into a well-known driving entertainer in Hindi movies from the mid-1950s until the last part of the 1970s.

Sinha has featured in more than 100 film creations: well-known ones incorporate Pyaasa, Dhool Ka Phool, Anpadh, Dil Tera Deewana, Gumrah, Hariyali Aur Rasta’, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Jahaanara, Aasra, and Aankhen.

8. Ani Choying Drolma

Ani Choying Drolma, otherwise called Choying Dolma and Ani Choying, rose to distinction through her novel voice and melodic ability and is credited with carrying Tibetan Buddhist serenades and tunes to standard crowds

Brought into the world in Nepal to Tibetan exile guardians, she got away from a troublesome childhood and found shelter in a Buddhist cloister where she would turn into a religious recluse at 13 years old. Here, she found her enthusiasm and ability for music, as well as a profound longing to devote her life to helping other people.

Drolma has proceeded to make various philanthropic activities to assist oppressed individuals in Nepal, including care for the old, the schooling of little kids, and the arrangement of clean drinking with watering, as well as advancing environmentally friendly power and focusing on road canines in the Kathmandu Valley.
In 2014 she was decided to be the primary Public Diplomat for UNICEF Nepal.

9. Kiran Chetry

Kiran Carrie Chetry is a Nepali-conceived American transmission writer anchor who, until 2011, was a linked reporter for CNN’s initial morning program. From 2001 to 2007 she detailed – and afterward secured – link news at Fox News. She is as of now not filling in as a columnist.

10. Manisha Koirala

Image: Manisha Koirala is seen in a Nepal village as UNFPA Ambassador. By HimsNepal. Wikimedia Commons

Manisha Koirala is a Nepalese entertainer, as well as a UNFPA Generosity Representative and social dissident. Koirala has fundamentally worked in Hindi films, however, she has shown up in a few Nepali, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films too. She is additionally a cultivated Bharatnatyam and Manipuri artist.

Brought into the world to legislator Prakash Koirala and Sushma Koirala in the politically unmistakable Koirala group of Nepal, she made her acting presentation in the Nepali film Pheri Bhetaula. After a year, Koirala made her Bollywood debut with the top-netting show Saudagar. She proceeded to lay down a good foundation for herself as the main entertainer.

11. Tashi R Ghale

Despite the well-known and difficult circumstances facing Nepal’s endangered snow leopards, one man has contributed more than others to the preservation of these elusive animals.

Tashi R. Ghale is a successful photographer who also runs a hotel. He is well known for his aesthetic and gorgeous photographs of Nepal’s people, animals, and landscape. His work to protect snow leopards, though, is what made him well-known on a global scale. Tashi, a native of Manang in the Himalayas, a region close to the leopards’ natural habitat, has likely observed more of these secretive creatures in the wild than any other person on the planet. Because of this, he has devoted a significant portion of his life to the preservation of these animals.

12. Pushpa Basnet

Basnet, one of Nepal’s most well-known social workers, made it her life’s mission to help children whose parents are incarcerated and are living in prisons with them.

In order to protect the rights of jail children and offer a nursery, she established the Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) in Nepal in 2005. She also established the Butterfly Home residential house so that older kids may live outside of the prison and be under her supervision. The ECDC has given a better chance at life to countless children throughout the years by assisting with medical treatment, housing, nourishing food, and school enrollment. Basnet received the CNN Hero of the Year award in 2012, and in 2016 she won the CNN SuperHero award.

13. Mahabir Pun

सरोज कुमार ढकाल, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mahabir Pun, a teacher, scientist, social entrepreneur, and the creator of the Nepal Wireless Networking Project, has made significant contributions to enhancing the chances and quality of life for kids living in isolated communities throughout the Nepalese Himalayas.

Pun returned to his home village of Nangi with a goal after receiving a scholarship to study there and earning a master’s degree in education. He built a new school for the neighbourhood. The school’s emphasis on computer science and other skills that can be used to generate cash will serve as a model for a more innovative type of education in rural Nepal.

14. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa

Krish Dulal, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first woman to conquer Mount Everest, has inspired a generation of young women in Nepal and beyond and has helped to change how society views women.

She spent her adult life climbing mountains in Europe and the Himalayas despite the fact that women were not traditionally thought to be capable of such feats. She was born into a family of mountaineers. In 1993, she successfully scaled Everest on her fourth attempt, but as her party descended the South Summit due to bad weather, she unfortunately perished. She became well-known throughout Nepal and will always be regarded as a heroine who inspired young women to believe that everything is possible.

15.Baburam Acharya

Born in 1888, Baburam Acharya rose to become a pillar of Nepalese history and literature. Acharya delved deeply into the study of ancient Nepalese inscriptions, acting as a pioneer in this field and unlocking significant knowledge about the nation’s early years.

His most prominent accomplishment, however, lies in his four-part biography of King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal. This comprehensive work serves as a cornerstone for anyone seeking to grasp the historical foundations of Nepal. Furthermore, Acharya played a crucial role in shaping the Nepali identity associated with Mount Everest.

16.Rajesh Hamal

Rajesh Hamal stands as a towering figure in the landscape of Nepali cinema, revered for his indelible mark on the industry over several decades. Since his cinematic debut in 1991 with Yug Dekhi Yug Samma, he has captivated audiences with his magnetic presence and versatile performances.

Renowned for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from romantic leads to action heroes, Hamal has become synonymous with excellence in Nepali film. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Hamal’s influence extends far beyond the silver screen.  His contributions to the entertainment industry have not only entertained audiences but also helped shape the trajectory of Nepali cinema, paving the way for new generations of talent.

17.Dayahang Rai

Dayahang Rai is a celebrated figure in Nepali cinema, renowned for his exceptional acting prowess and his significant contributions to the industry. Born on April 13, 1980, in Bhojpur, Nepal, Rai’s journey to stardom is a testament to his talent and dedication.

He rose to prominence with his compelling performances in a diverse range of roles, captivating audiences with his authenticity and depth. Rai’s acting career took off with his debut in the critically acclaimed film Anagarik in 2006, where he showcased his raw talent and versatility. Since then, he has garnered widespread acclaim for his portrayals of complex characters in films such as Kabaddi, Kabaddi Kabaddi, and White Sun.

18.Gagan Kumar Thapa

Gagan Kumar Thapa, born in 1976, is a prominent figure in Nepali politics, currently serving as the General Secretary of the Nepali Congress. He holds the position of Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives, Nepal, representing Kathmandu since 2008.

Thapa’s journey in politics began during his student life. He held significant positions within the student union, eventually becoming the General Secretary of the Nepal Students Union from 2002 to 2004. During the reign of King Gyanendra, Thapa emerged as a vocal advocate for democracy, actively opposing the royal regime and calling for the establishment of a republic.

He played a crucial role in mobilizing youth participation in the movement for democratic restoration. Following the reinstatement of democracy, Thapa entered the political arena and was elected to the First Constitutional Assembly in 2008.

19.Arjun Narasingha K.C.

Arjun Narasingha K.C. is a prominent figure in Nepali politics and an influential leader in the Nepali Congress party. K.C. rose to prominence within the Nepali Congress party due to his unwavering commitment to the party’s ideals and his leadership abilities.

He has held various leadership positions within the party, including serving as the General Secretary and a member of the Central Working Committee. Throughout his political career, K.C. has been a vocal advocate for democratic reforms and has played a significant role in shaping Nepal’s political landscape.

20.Rajesh Hamal

Rajesh Hamal is a cinematic icon in Nepal, fondly addressed as Maha Nayak by his fans. Reigning supreme in the Nepali film industry during the 1990s and early 2000s, he continues to hold numerous box office records. His charming persona and acting prowess have captivated audiences for over three decades.

Hamal’s career trajectory is marked by several milestones. His debut in 1989 with Yug Dekhi Yug Samma laid the foundation, but it was the 1991 film Deuta that catapulted him to stardom. He carved a niche for himself in romantic comedies, action thrillers, and dramatic portrayals, captivating hearts with his versatility.

His influence extends beyond the silver screen, with several chart-topping music albums and his dedication to social causes, including his role as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF Nepal.

21.Bimalendra Nidhi

Bimalendra Nidhi is a prominent political figure in Nepal known for his contributions to the country’s political landscape. Born on March 15, 1961, in Kathmandu, Nidhi has been actively involved in Nepali politics for several decades.

He has held various high-ranking positions within the government and has played a significant role in shaping Nepal’s democratic transition. Nidhi’s political career began in the 1980s when he joined the Nepali Congress party, one of the major political parties in Nepal.

Throughout his career, he has held several key positions within the party, including General Secretary and Vice-President. He has also served as a Member of Parliament multiple times. One of Nidhi’s most notable contributions came during Nepal’s transition to democracy in the early 2000s.

22.Sher Bahadur Deuba

Sher Bahadur Deuba, a well-known political figure in Nepal, was the country’s Prime Minister for several times. He is a senior leader of the Nepali Congress party, one of the major political parties in Nepal. Deuba’s political career began in the 1970s when he actively participated in student politics.

He rose through the ranks of the Nepali Congress party and became a Member of Parliament in 1991. Subsequently, he held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs. One of Deuba’s most significant roles came when he served as Prime Minister of Nepal on multiple occasions.

He first assumed office in 1995 and subsequently served three more terms as Prime Minister in 2001, 2004, and 2017. During his tenures, Deuba faced numerous challenges, including political instability, natural disasters, and constitutional crises.

23.Tenzing Norgay

Tenzing Norgay, also known as Tenzing Sherpa, was a legendary Nepali mountaineer who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, achieved the historic first ascent of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, on May 29, 1953.

Tenzing’s journey to becoming one of the most celebrated mountaineers in history was characterized by perseverance, resilience, and unwavering determination. He honed his climbing abilities through years of experience as a porter and guide in the Himalayas, participating in several expeditions to Everest before his historic summit with Hillary.

24.Pushpa Kamal Dahal

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, better known by his alias Prachanda, is a central figure in Nepal’s recent political history. During his life he is known as a revolutionary who brought about positive changes, and others criticizing the human rights violations that occurred.

Following the insurgency’s end and the abolishment of the monarchy in 2008, Prachanda’s path took a remarkable turn. He transitioned from rebel leader to politician, becoming the first Prime Minister of the newly formed Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

He has held the office two more times, solidifying his position as a key figure in contemporary Nepali politics. Prachanda’s journey embodies the significant political transformations Nepal has undergone in recent decades, leaving a complex and contested legacy that continues to be debated.

From legendary mountaineers and pioneering activists to celebrated artists and inspiring athletes, this list showcases the diverse range of individuals who have brought fame and recognition to Nepal. Their achievements not only represent their own remarkable journeys but also illuminate the rich tapestry of Nepali culture, resilience, and talent on the global stage.