The Village of Fakali: English Edition of Writer Lekhnath Pokhrel’s Travelogue Released

Writer Lekhnath Pokhrel’s travel memoir collection, "Fakaliko Gaun" (The Village of Fakali), has been released in an English edition. The book is a presentation of Pokhrel’s observations, experiences, and feelings gathered during his travels across more than seventy districts of Nepal and several locations abroad.

The work is compiled as a collection of twenty-two segments under various titles based on travel narratives, where the author has gathered diverse anecdotes.

The book features titles such as "The Lottery of Aiselukharka," "The Madhesh I Saw," "Hunting the Luich," "The Tundal of Pashupati," "From Kharpa to Kharpa," "Meeting Lal Bahadur Shastri," "Akkum Aao," "The First Sip of Beer," "Visiting Shillong," "My First Job," "The Thrilling Journey to Olangchungola," "The Historic Mills Area," "The Village of Fakali," "The People of the Cave," "The Gorge of Tamor," "From Ilam to Singapore," "Upon Reaching Dullu," "Nepal Bandh," "From Barun Valley to Bahrabise," "The Shawl of Ridi," "Traveling to the Trans-Himalayan District," and "Visiting Melbourne." 

Through these chapters, the author presents historical facts alongside the sights and experiences of his journeys. Beginning with "My Journey on Earth," the book also touches upon the culture of Nagaland and anecdotes regarding the King of Bhutan.

Epic poet Khemanath Dahal notes that the author has presented four phases of his life—childhood memories, youthful experiences, student-life reflections, professional struggles, and post-retirement insights—in a highly interesting, informative, factual, and educational manner.

"Author Lekhnath Pokhrel has presented travel details filled with historical, geographical, cultural, political, and national consciousness in a very simple and readable style," Dahal said. "Readers will appreciate the English version just as much as the Nepali edition."

Reflecting on his effort to capture his lived experiences and travel details in this work, author Pokhrel said, "After attempting to uncover my past and sharpen my memories, a large collection of countless moments from the past gathered within me. This book was born out of the endeavor to document all those memoirs." He added that the English edition was brought to readers due to significant demand.

The Nepali edition was edited by journalist and writer Krishna Bhusal and features a preface by epic poet Khemanath Dahal. Published by Ashish Pokhrel, the 224-page book is priced at 450 rupees.