Ep:383| Nepal in the 70s: Hippies, Hashish & Hidden Stories |Wolfgang Korn | Sushant Pradhan Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Wolfgang Korn, a German architect and author who played a significant role in documenting Nepali architecture history. He shares his journey of skipping German army service, which led him to Nepal, and his experiences with the Kathmandu hippie trail in the 1970s. Wolfgang discusses Kastamandap and Boudhanath, the challenges of measuring Nepali architecture, and how Sukul houses were built without nails. His insights into Bhaktapur history and culture provide a fascinating look at traditional Newar architecture. We also dive into his personal experiences, including his first hashish experience in Nepal, how he found a way to politely reject Nepali food, and his encounter with Aila. He recalls the time when the Nepal government controlled marijuana and shares stories of hippie culture in Kathmandu. Beyond architecture, Wolfgang talks about Nepali sports history, his role in training Nepal’s first female football team, and a surprising meeting with Dev Anand in Nepal. Join us as we explore Hanuman Dhoka heritage, Nepal’s water resources, and how Wolfgang’s work has helped preserve Nepal’s architectural legacy.