Bibek Bhandari
@bibekbhandari.bsky.social
Freelance journalist | Bylines in CNN, Foreign Policy, SCMP, Sixth Tone, The National, Al Jazeera | Past lives in Shanghai, London, Dallas. Now in Nepal.
Reposted by Bibek Bhandari
Happy to see Lonely Planet's new Guidebook, which also mentions our conservation work for pangolins & other threatened species in Nepal.
Thanks, @bibekbhandari.bsky.social, for covering wildlife conservation in this book - shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/nepal
#nepalpangolin @greenhood.bsky.social
Thanks, @bibekbhandari.bsky.social, for covering wildlife conservation in this book - shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/nepal
#nepalpangolin @greenhood.bsky.social
Nepal - Book
Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan a multi-week adventure to Nepal. Explore bustling markets, search for wild elephants and rhinos, visit beautiful hidden temples...
shop.lonelyplanet.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Happy to see Lonely Planet's new Guidebook, which also mentions our conservation work for pangolins & other threatened species in Nepal.
Thanks, @bibekbhandari.bsky.social, for covering wildlife conservation in this book - shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/nepal
#nepalpangolin @greenhood.bsky.social
Thanks, @bibekbhandari.bsky.social, for covering wildlife conservation in this book - shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/nepal
#nepalpangolin @greenhood.bsky.social
Nepal’s police has shot and killed at least 19 protestors, mostly college kids, protesting over corruption, censorship and government apathy. Some voices from the ground.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
Nepal’s Gen Z revolt turns deadly as police fire on protesters, killing 19
The government’s lethal crackdown on young protesters has deepened a crisis sparked by a social media ban and long-standing corruption.
www.scmp.com
September 9, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Nepal’s police has shot and killed at least 19 protestors, mostly college kids, protesting over corruption, censorship and government apathy. Some voices from the ground.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
I profile Nepal’s ultra-marathon star Sunmaya Budha who has taken the running world by storm. Her indomitable running spirit and journey to the top is inspiring.
www.scmp.com/postmag/cult...
www.scmp.com/postmag/cult...
Ultra-marathon sensation Sunmaya Budha blazes a trail for women to follow
Not only has she taken the ultra-marathon world by storm, Nepali running star Budha has opened hearts and minds.
www.scmp.com
June 15, 2025 at 3:05 AM
I profile Nepal’s ultra-marathon star Sunmaya Budha who has taken the running world by storm. Her indomitable running spirit and journey to the top is inspiring.
www.scmp.com/postmag/cult...
www.scmp.com/postmag/cult...
A small women-led pad factory in southern Nepal is advocating for plastic and chemical-free menstrual pads that harm women’s bodies and the environment. Researches show that it takes up 500-800 years for pads to decompose.
My latest
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
My latest
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
‘Green menstruation’: Nepal’s activists tackle pad pollution for women’s health
A factory in Nepal is challenging traditional views on menstruation by educating the public about its biodegradable menstrual pads.
www.scmp.com
May 11, 2025 at 12:53 PM
A small women-led pad factory in southern Nepal is advocating for plastic and chemical-free menstrual pads that harm women’s bodies and the environment. Researches show that it takes up 500-800 years for pads to decompose.
My latest
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
My latest
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
China is massive to experience it all in a single trip, but certain places are a must during that first visit. Here are some of the major attractions, mostly drawn from my seven years in China.
Also, this is my digital debut for Lonely Planet.
www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top...
Also, this is my digital debut for Lonely Planet.
www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top...
China: best things to do
From vibrant cities to national parks and more.
www.lonelyplanet.com
May 9, 2025 at 3:08 AM
China is massive to experience it all in a single trip, but certain places are a must during that first visit. Here are some of the major attractions, mostly drawn from my seven years in China.
Also, this is my digital debut for Lonely Planet.
www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top...
Also, this is my digital debut for Lonely Planet.
www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top...
Today marks 10 years since the 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. Took these photos while reporting that day — the pics might be a bit blurry but the memory isn't.
It's frightening to think how unprepared we still are for the next big one.
It's frightening to think how unprepared we still are for the next big one.
April 25, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Today marks 10 years since the 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. Took these photos while reporting that day — the pics might be a bit blurry but the memory isn't.
It's frightening to think how unprepared we still are for the next big one.
It's frightening to think how unprepared we still are for the next big one.
UN experts find that Bhutan’s arbitrary detention of ethnic Nepali-speaking Bhutanese political prisoners serving lengthy sentences, including life imprisonment, is illegal under international law.
My latest:
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
My latest:
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
March 21, 2025 at 5:29 AM
UN experts find that Bhutan’s arbitrary detention of ethnic Nepali-speaking Bhutanese political prisoners serving lengthy sentences, including life imprisonment, is illegal under international law.
My latest:
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
My latest:
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
Grateful to all the doctors who spoke to me for this story and commend the interns for exposing the toxic academic and work culture in the psychiatry department of one of Nepal’s leading university hospitals in Dhulikhel.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/he...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/he...
Interns expose dark side of medical training in Nepal
An explosive social media post has ignited a movement to address the grim conditions faced by Nepal’s aspiring healthcare professionals.
www.scmp.com
February 20, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Grateful to all the doctors who spoke to me for this story and commend the interns for exposing the toxic academic and work culture in the psychiatry department of one of Nepal’s leading university hospitals in Dhulikhel.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/he...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/he...
Bipin Joshi was among the foreigners and Israelis kidnapped by Hamas amid the Palestinian militant group’s attack on October 7, 2023. His family in Nepali is waiting for his return. I spoke to his father and cousin for this story.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
Nepali family hopes for hostage’s return from Gaza to end ‘excruciating’ wait
Bipin Joshi was among the foreigners and Israelis kidnapped by Hamas amid the Palestinian militant group’s attack on October 7, 2023.
www.scmp.com
February 4, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Bipin Joshi was among the foreigners and Israelis kidnapped by Hamas amid the Palestinian militant group’s attack on October 7, 2023. His family in Nepali is waiting for his return. I spoke to his father and cousin for this story.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
Reposted by Bibek Bhandari
Seit knapp drei Jahren führt #Putin einen #Krieg gegen die #Ukraine. Dafür rekrutiert #Russland mit falschen Versprechungen auch Männer aus dem Ausland, etwa aus Nepal, wie @bibekbhandari.bsky.social schildert. Bis heute warten sie auf Lohn oder Entschädigung. www.welt-sichten.org/artikel/4353...
Russlands Söldner aus Nepal
Armut und Arbeitslosigkeit treiben viele Nepalis ins Ausland. Hunderte ließen sich als Koch- oder Putzkraft für Russlands Armee anwerben und fanden sich dann nicht selten gegen ihren Willen an der Fro...
www.welt-sichten.org
January 21, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Seit knapp drei Jahren führt #Putin einen #Krieg gegen die #Ukraine. Dafür rekrutiert #Russland mit falschen Versprechungen auch Männer aus dem Ausland, etwa aus Nepal, wie @bibekbhandari.bsky.social schildert. Bis heute warten sie auf Lohn oder Entschädigung. www.welt-sichten.org/artikel/4353...
Planning to visit Nepal? I’ve got a guide for its capital Kathmandu on Cathay Pacific’s in-flight magazine this month.
www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_NP/ins...
www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_NP/ins...
www.cathaypacific.com
January 2, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Planning to visit Nepal? I’ve got a guide for its capital Kathmandu on Cathay Pacific’s in-flight magazine this month.
www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_NP/ins...
www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_NP/ins...
A new report documents the inhumane and dire situation of Rohingya refugees arbitrarily and indefinitely held in India’s detention camps. Kudos to The Azadi Project Refugees International for this important work.
My latest
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
My latest
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
‘Inhumane’: inside India’s detention camps for Rohingya refugees
A new report details dehumanising treatment and dire living conditions faced by hundreds of Rohingya held in detention camps across India.
www.scmp.com
December 17, 2024 at 6:08 AM
A new report documents the inhumane and dire situation of Rohingya refugees arbitrarily and indefinitely held in India’s detention camps. Kudos to The Azadi Project Refugees International for this important work.
My latest
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
My latest
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
On point. On why a generation of journalists are moving on.
“Instead of rewarding these things with fair pay, job security and moral support, journalism as an industry exploits their love of the craft.”
www.niemanlab.org/2024/12/a-ge...
“Instead of rewarding these things with fair pay, job security and moral support, journalism as an industry exploits their love of the craft.”
www.niemanlab.org/2024/12/a-ge...
December 11, 2024 at 6:07 PM
On point. On why a generation of journalists are moving on.
“Instead of rewarding these things with fair pay, job security and moral support, journalism as an industry exploits their love of the craft.”
www.niemanlab.org/2024/12/a-ge...
“Instead of rewarding these things with fair pay, job security and moral support, journalism as an industry exploits their love of the craft.”
www.niemanlab.org/2024/12/a-ge...
Public service in Nepal is usually associated with corruption. But Kalpana Adhikari, a senior divisional engineer at the Dept. of Roads, is aiming to change that narrative.
My latest for German magazine Welt-Sichten’s issue focusing on corruption-related issues.
My latest for German magazine Welt-Sichten’s issue focusing on corruption-related issues.
December 9, 2024 at 10:19 AM
Public service in Nepal is usually associated with corruption. But Kalpana Adhikari, a senior divisional engineer at the Dept. of Roads, is aiming to change that narrative.
My latest for German magazine Welt-Sichten’s issue focusing on corruption-related issues.
My latest for German magazine Welt-Sichten’s issue focusing on corruption-related issues.
Every five years, a temple in southern Nepal becomes the site for what is considered the world’s largest ritual animal sacrifice. I write about the tradition and the debates around the ongoing Gadhimai festival.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
Nepal’s ‘barbaric’ animal sacrifice ritual persists despite outcry
Activists estimate as many as 500,000 animals will be sacrificed at Nepal’s Gadhimai Temple this week to honour the Hindu goddess of power.
www.scmp.com
December 8, 2024 at 12:12 PM
Every five years, a temple in southern Nepal becomes the site for what is considered the world’s largest ritual animal sacrifice. I write about the tradition and the debates around the ongoing Gadhimai festival.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/li...
Reposted by Bibek Bhandari
Wolf Warriorism is dead, to the point the Chinese state are now actively trying to undo the damage.
Here's some thoughts on the CPC's recent "assertive" period. How it happened, why, and why it failed.
--Warning. May thump onto your screen--
Go make a cup of tea~ 🍵
Here's some thoughts on the CPC's recent "assertive" period. How it happened, why, and why it failed.
--Warning. May thump onto your screen--
Go make a cup of tea~ 🍵
Wolf Warriorism: China's disastrous attempt at aggressive discourse is over
Hemmed in by a stuttering economy and low foreign opinion, Beijing is trying to 'play nice' again. Phew.
open.substack.com
December 5, 2024 at 12:03 AM
Wolf Warriorism is dead, to the point the Chinese state are now actively trying to undo the damage.
Here's some thoughts on the CPC's recent "assertive" period. How it happened, why, and why it failed.
--Warning. May thump onto your screen--
Go make a cup of tea~ 🍵
Here's some thoughts on the CPC's recent "assertive" period. How it happened, why, and why it failed.
--Warning. May thump onto your screen--
Go make a cup of tea~ 🍵
Bhutan’s “Mindfulness City” is an ambitious project to boost the kingdom’s economy. But it’ll be built on the land of the evicted ethnic Nepalis. I spoke to some expelled residents, some settled abroad and others waiting to return and contribute.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
Bhutan’s ‘mindfulness city’ angers displaced Nepali-speaking Bhutanese
Bhutan’s plan for southern farmlands has sparked outrage among forced-out ethnic Nepalis, who say the megaproject would be on stolen land.
www.scmp.com
December 1, 2024 at 10:11 AM
Bhutan’s “Mindfulness City” is an ambitious project to boost the kingdom’s economy. But it’ll be built on the land of the evicted ethnic Nepalis. I spoke to some expelled residents, some settled abroad and others waiting to return and contribute.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
www.scmp.com/week-asia/po...
My Life As a Homeless Man in America
An extraordinary firsthand account.
www.esquire.com
November 29, 2024 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Bibek Bhandari
China isn’t typically associated with classism, but on some levels, it embodies it even more unapologetically than societies elsewhere actively confronting it.
www.chineseconsumers.news/p/china-migr...
www.chineseconsumers.news/p/china-migr...
‘People Like Me’: We Need to Talk About China’s Invisible Blue-Collar Workers 🦺 | Following the Yuan
China isn’t typically associated with classism, but on some levels, it embodies it even more unapologetically than societies elsewhere actively confronting it.
www.chineseconsumers.news
November 29, 2024 at 2:59 PM
China isn’t typically associated with classism, but on some levels, it embodies it even more unapologetically than societies elsewhere actively confronting it.
www.chineseconsumers.news/p/china-migr...
www.chineseconsumers.news/p/china-migr...
“You could almost smell the oil in the cologne of over 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists, who received more passes to COP29 than all the delegates from the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations combined. What was missing was the whiff of money.”
www.deccanherald.com/opinion/cop2...
www.deccanherald.com/opinion/cop2...
COP29 | No deal would have been better than the bad deal in Baku
If the downslide of international climate negotiations began in Copenhagen, when a dozen rich nations forced their agenda to deny and delay the need for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, it finally ...
www.deccanherald.com
November 26, 2024 at 7:27 AM
“You could almost smell the oil in the cologne of over 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists, who received more passes to COP29 than all the delegates from the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations combined. What was missing was the whiff of money.”
www.deccanherald.com/opinion/cop2...
www.deccanherald.com/opinion/cop2...
The Covid lockdowns led to so many deaths that could have been prevented in cities across China.
The coverage for Urumqi fire was censored, but it ultimately led to rare protests that would later dismantle the zero-Covid policy.
Remembering is important.
The coverage for Urumqi fire was censored, but it ultimately led to rare protests that would later dismantle the zero-Covid policy.
Remembering is important.
2 years today, 10 people died in a fire in a locked-down apartment in Urumqi 🕯️🕯️#neverforget
November 25, 2024 at 5:37 AM
The Covid lockdowns led to so many deaths that could have been prevented in cities across China.
The coverage for Urumqi fire was censored, but it ultimately led to rare protests that would later dismantle the zero-Covid policy.
Remembering is important.
The coverage for Urumqi fire was censored, but it ultimately led to rare protests that would later dismantle the zero-Covid policy.
Remembering is important.
In all that chaos that is Kathmandu, a moment of calmness.
November 22, 2024 at 3:54 PM
In all that chaos that is Kathmandu, a moment of calmness.
I like books, so I’m dedicating my first post to the best novel I’ve read this year, which I’ve just finished.
“Brotherless Night” is a fantastic novel set in the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s civil war. Tenderly told, achingly beautiful. Highly recommend it.
“Brotherless Night” is a fantastic novel set in the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s civil war. Tenderly told, achingly beautiful. Highly recommend it.
November 21, 2024 at 3:06 PM
I like books, so I’m dedicating my first post to the best novel I’ve read this year, which I’ve just finished.
“Brotherless Night” is a fantastic novel set in the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s civil war. Tenderly told, achingly beautiful. Highly recommend it.
“Brotherless Night” is a fantastic novel set in the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s civil war. Tenderly told, achingly beautiful. Highly recommend it.