Himal Southasian is a monthly newsmagazine of commentary, reportage, criticism, opinion, review, fiction and poetry, based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Published and distributed by The Southasia Trust, Himal Southasian is an independent, non-nationalist and pan-regionalist magazine, offering stories for the entire region of South Asia. The editor and publisher of the magazine is Kanak Mani Dixit.
Himal defines South Asia differently than the typical political blocking of countries. In its designation, it includes the nations of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and the autonomous region of Tibet. Other distinctive choices in terminology include its favouring of 'Southasia' as one word, and its use of 'Burma' instead of Myanmar.
The magazine debuted in 1987 as the bimonthly 'Himal', with a focus on the Himalaya region. 'Himal' became the monthly 'Himal Southasian' in 1996, shifting focus to include a broader definition of South Asia. Through this Himal Southasian intends to promote understanding and peaceful cooperation in South Asia.
Despite its regional focus, Himal Southasian has a global readership, distributed across South Asia, as well as Europe and the USA. The magazine content can also be accessed from the website www.himalmag.com.