In the majestic land of the Himalayas, where Mount Everest towers above the clouds, emerged a self-made billionaire who turned an everyday product into a global brand. Binod Chaudhary, Nepal’s richest man and the country’s first billionaire, built an empire worth a staggering ₹167,000 crore (USD $2 billion+), with a journey rooted in resilience, vision, and bold decisions.
From Aspiring CA to Business Tycoon
Born into a traditional Marwari business family in Kathmandu, Binod Chaudhary had early ambitions of becoming a chartered accountant. He wasn’t born in a global financial hub like New York, London, or Mumbai—he grew up in a developing nation with limited infrastructure and opportunities. However, life had other plans.
At the age of 18, Binod had to give up his studies and return to Nepal due to his father’s deteriorating health. Instead of surrendering to circumstances, he decided to take over the family’s business. That pivotal moment became the launchpad for what would become one of Asia’s most inspirational business success stories.
The Wai Wai Revolution: Instant Noodles, Instant Success
Chaudhary’s most iconic success story is the rise of Wai Wai noodles. At a time when instant noodles were relatively unknown in Nepal, he took a major risk by partnering with a Thai company to introduce Wai Wai to the Nepali market. The idea was bold, but the execution was even bolder.
Despite early skepticism, Wai Wai became a household name, not only in Nepal but also across India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Today, the brand sells over 2.3 billion packets annually and is a staple snack for millions. It is often considered Nepal’s most successful global brand.
Inspired by Ratan Tata’s Philosophy
Binod Chaudhary openly credits Ratan Tata as one of his inspirations. He admires Tata’s approach to business — one that balances profit with purpose and values-driven leadership. Like Tata, Chaudhary believes in giving back to society and has been involved in several philanthropic initiatives through the Chaudhary Foundation.
His foundation has supported education, disaster relief, entrepreneurship development, and healthcare in Nepal and beyond, especially after the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake.
A Global Business Empire
Chaudhary Group (CG Corp Global), led by Binod Chaudhary, is now a multinational conglomerate with over 160 companies in its portfolio. It operates in diverse sectors such as FMCG, banking, hospitality (including a partnership with Taj Hotels), real estate, education, and infrastructure.
With operations in more than 35 countries, CG Corp Global is a rare example of a South Asian business house that has scaled globally while being headquartered in a developing country.
Conclusion: A Himalayan Inspiration
Binod Chaudhary’s journey from a Kathmandu teenager to a global business magnate is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and fearless leadership. His life story is more than a business success—it’s a motivational blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs across the world.
In a time when instant gratification is often mistaken for success, Chaudhary’s slow-cooked success reminds us that vision, grit, and values still hold the power to change destinies—and economies.