Miss Nepal 2025 | Image courtesy: @anzaankc__
Rojin Shakya | Kathmandu
The grand finale of Miss Nepal 2025 concluded in spectacular fashion at the Sunrise Convention Center, Godawari, Lalitpur, on Saturday. Outshining 24 other contestants, Luna Luitel emerged victorious and claimed the prestigious title of Miss Nepal World 2025. The crown was handed over to her by outgoing Miss Nepal World 2024, Ashma Kumari KC. This 31st edition of Miss Nepal was hosted by The Hidden Treasure, the official organizer of the pageant.
At 26 years old, Kathmandu-born Luna Luitel is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Public Health at the University of Sydney, Australia. With an academic foundation in nursing, she chose to specialize further in public health. Having moved to Australia at the age of 17, Luna began her pageant journey in 2015 as the first runner-up of Miss Teen Nepal. Beyond academics, she is also a licensed scuba diver, enjoys playing the flute, listening to podcasts, and swimming. Embracing the life philosophy of “Learn, Earn, and Return”, Luna envisions returning to Nepal to take on a leadership role in advancing the country’s public health sector.
Miss Nepal 2025 | Image courtesy: @anzaankc__
The competition also crowned other titleholders. Deepshikha Nepal was announced as the first runner-up, winning the title of Miss Nepal Cosmo 2025. The 24-year-old from Jhapa is a graduate student of Environmental Science. She is a passionate researcher and a strong voice for environmental justice, having represented youth voices at the United Nations Environmental Program in Thailand in 2023. Besides her academic pursuits, Deepshikha is also active as a presenter, singer, and avid reader.
Similarly, Urusha Bhandari claimed the crown of Miss Nepal International 2025, which was presented to her by former Miss Nepal International, Karuna Rawal. Meanwhile, Soni Ghale was crowned Miss Nepal Earth 2025, receiving the crown from former Miss Nepal Earth, Sumana KC.
Urusha Bhandari, a 26-year-old from Lalitpur, is pursuing her degree in Dental Surgery. A nature enthusiast and fitness lover, she enjoys playing guitar, swimming, and basketball. Urusha has also been actively involved in fashion modeling, having walked the runway at prominent events such as TGIF, TPJFS, and Kathmandu Fashion Week. With a long-term vision, she aims to contribute to society both through her profession in dentistry and her involvement in media.
From Dhunche, Rasuwa, 25-year-old Soni Ghale is both a sportswoman and a social activist. Known as a kho-kho player and bodybuilder, she has been campaigning for educational equality. Through her initiative “Ek Shiksha” (One Education), she is working to bridge the gap between private and government schools. Additionally, through her NGO Khusi Kopila, she continues to make a positive impact in her community.
Miss Nepal 2025 | Image courtesy: @anzaankc__
In the final round, the top four contestants Luna Luitel, Urusha Bhandari, Soni Ghale, and Deepshikha Nepal were all asked the same question: “If you could change one perception about beauty pageants, what would it be and why?” Each finalist presented their unique perspective, reflecting their personal vision and values.
The grand finale also featured several sub-title awards. Pragyika Kshetri won Miss Confident, while Urusha Bhandari secured both Miss Timeless Elegance and Real Miss Popular Choice. Saichhya Thapa received the title of Dabur Vatika Miss Beautiful Hair, and Aarti Thapa was named Miss Healthy Skin. Similarly, Jagdishwari Shah became BYD Miss Green Visionary, while Priyanka Thapa earned the title of NBO Miss Pristine.
Luna Luitel additionally won Miss DHI. Deepshikha Nepal was awarded National Life Miss Empowered Choice. Smriti Shrestha claimed both Pharmacy Face of the Year 2025 and Miss Photogenic. Shristikumari Tamang was named Ncell Miss Beauty with Purpose, while Shruti Maharjan won Kathmandu Post Miss Intellectual. Likewise, Nilima Pandey achieved the honor of Yeti Woman with Wings.
The judging panel included Ajay Ratna Shrestha (Chairperson of The Hidden Treasure), Miss Nepal World 2018 Shrinkhala Khatiwada, Himalaya Television Chairman Shyam Kandel, actress Anna Sharma, Kantipur Media Group CEO Mahesh Swar, Areta PR CEO Ruchi Pandey, Cimec CEO Sahil Shrestha, Miss Nepal Earth 2018 Priya Sigdel, Mister Nepal 2023 Samarpan Jung Karki, Dr. Shrinkhala Shrestha Prajapati, and designer Manish Rai. The meticulous three-and-a-half-hour selection process led to the crowning of the winners.
The final show was choreographed by Rachana Gurung Sharma, with contestants gracing the runway in exquisite designer collections by Women’s Planet, IIFT Nepal, and designer Manish Rai adding a vibrant fusion of fashion, elegance, and artistry to the evening.
