The Nepali Gurkhas of Aldershot

A history of the Nepalese community in the UK

Hundreds of thousands of Nepalis have served Britain as Gurkha soldiers for almost 200 years. And, from the first quarter of the 19th century, many serving in the British army lived in the UK with their families. However, it was only in 2004 that the Nepalese population really shot up in Britain, as it was then that Gurkhas who had retired before 1997 were allowed to settle in Britain. Many took up the chance to settle, and claim British citizenship.

Apart from the immigration of Gurkhas and their families into the UK, other Nepalese individuals have been migrating to the UK as professionals, overseas students, refugees and asylum seekers for many years. In 1965, the first settlement of London’s Neopalese was made at 145 Whitfield Street in Camden, and today a commemorative plaque now stands on the site. Office for National Statistics estimates suggest that 62,000 Nepalese-born people were resident in the UK in 2016.

The Gurkha settlement in Aldershot

As we’ve already noted, the Gurkhas have had a long association with the British army. Fighting for Britain, in a number of wars, they’ve lost more than 50,000 men - and earned 26 Victoria crosses, the highest award for gallantry.

The Gurkha Brigade moved its base to Aldershot in 1997, when Hong Kong, its previous home, was handed back to China. In 2009, it was made law that all those Gurkhas who had served for four years, or more, in the British Army before 1997 had the right to settle in Britain. This followed a high profile campaign, figure-headed by the actress Joanna Lumley. Since then, the number of Nepalese-born people in Britain has more than doubled to 65,000. To honour Aldershot’s long history and friendship with the Gurkhas, a life-size bronze statue was erected in 2021 in Princes Gardens, Aldershot. It depicts Kulbir Thapa Magar - the first Nepalese Gurkha recipient of the Victoria Cross - carrying an injured soldier off the battlefield during World War One.

From momos to thukpa: Nepalese food in Aldershot

Not surprisingly, Nepalese delicacies are never far from a menu in Aldershot. Theses two dishes are both Nepalese classics:

• Momo - a type of steamed dumpling with filling. It’s become a traditional delicacy in Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim, as well as among Nepalese and Tibetan communities in Bhutan - and among the people of Ladakh, Northeast India and Darjeeling regions of India, too.

• Thukpa - Tibetan noodle soup originated in the eastern part of Tibet. ‘Amdo thukpa’ is a famous variant among Tibetan people and Himalayan people of Nepal.

Here are a few Nepalese restaurants well worth a visit:

• Gurkha village

• Momo station

• Nanglo Cafe & Restaurant

Nepali festivals and traditions in the UK

The culture of Nepal is rich and unique and has evolved over the centuries. This multi-dimensional heritage encompasses diverse ethnic, tribal, and social groups, and manifests itself in music and dance; art and craft; folklore and folktales; languages and literature; philosophy and religion and, of course,  festivals and celebration Here are two such festivals that are celebrated in the UK:

Nepali Mela

Organised by the Tama Dhee, a charitable Nelaplese association in the UK, Nepalis Mela is an annual festival. It’s a platform for all Nepalese ethnic communities to come together and showcase their unique colourful dress, dance and culture to a wider British audience. It is not to be missed.

This year will be the 14th Nepali Mela - taking place on 27th August at Kempton Park, from 12am.

Sakela-Ubhauli Festival

The Nepalese Sakela Festival is a celebration of nature. It's held every year in May at the start of the spring season. The Sakela dance is the main dance that is performed, and reflects the movements of trees, plants, flowers, animals and birds. In the UK, thousands attend the festival .

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At WorldRemit, our mission is to empower and celebrate migrants, and help tell their stories. Take a look at our recent profile of Gaumaya, a proud Nepali providing eye care health in the UK and Nepal.

We hope this article about the Gurkhas in Aldershot (‘Little Kathmandu') and the Nepalese generally in the UK has been entertaining. For more insights about migrant life, head over to our blog. You’ll find a selection of helpful and informative articles put together especially for people living and working abroad.

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