When 18-year-old Binod Chaudhary stood at Kathmandu’s railway station in 1973, ready to board a train to India for chartered accountancy studies, a phone call changed everything. His father, Lunkaran Das Chaudhary, had suffered a heart attack. The doctors were clear: he could no longer manage the family textile business. As the eldest son, Binod faced a choice that would define not just his life, but Nepal’s place in global business.
Binod Chaudhary is Nepal’s first and only dollar billionaire, serving as Chairman of CG Corp Global and transforming a modest Kathmandu trading house into a multinational conglomerate spanning 32 countries. From that defining moment when he abandoned his educational dreams to save his family’s business, Dr. Binod Kumar Chaudhary has built an empire that includes the globally recognized Wai Wai noodles brand, holds a controlling stake in Nabil Bank, and operates across 16 business verticals with over 200 companies.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Binod Kumar Chaudhary |
| Born (Age) | April 14, 1955 (70 years old as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Nepali |
| Birthplace | Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal |
| Current Residence | Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal |
| Occupation | Businessman, Politician, Philanthropist |
| Notable For | Chairman of CG Corp Global, Nepal’s richest person |
| Parents | Lunkaran Das Chaudhary (Father), Ganga Devi Chaudhary (Mother) |
| Spouse | Sarika Chaudhary |
| Children | Nirvana Chaudhary, Rahul Chaudhary, Varun Chaudhary |
| Net Worth | $1.8 billion (2024, Forbes) |
| Global Ranking | 1,764th richest person worldwide |
| Key Organizations | CG Corp Global, Nabil Bank, Chaudhary Foundation, Nepali Congress |
From Marwari Trading Roots to Nepali Business Dynasty
Who is Binod Chaudhary? He represents the third generation of a Marwari family business empire that began in late 19th century Nepal. His grandfather, Bhuramal Das Chaudhary, migrated from Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region to Nepal, where he sold textiles door-to-door to Kathmandu’s royal families and wealthy merchants.
The 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake became an unexpected opportunity. Bhuramal Das established Nepal’s first formally registered clothing company, laying the foundation for what would become the Chaudhary Group. His son, Lunkaran Das Chaudhary, expanded beyond textiles into international trading, construction, and retail, founding the legendary Arun Emporium in 1968.
Binod Chaudhary’s ethnicity traces back to Marwari Hindu traditions, but his approach to business challenged conventional practices. Growing up in Khichapokhari, Kathmandu, he absorbed business fundamentals not from classrooms but from observing his father navigate Nepal’s complex commercial landscape during the Panchayat era.
The Unconventional Path to Success
Binod Chaudhary’s age when he took over the family business was just 18, but his decisions revealed maturity beyond his years. In early 1973, he made a move that shocked Kathmandu’s conservative business community: opening Copper Floor, the city’s first discotheque.
This venture wasn’t just about entertainment—it demonstrated Chaudhary’s ability to identify emerging trends. During the height of the hippie movement in the Kathmandu Valley, Copper Floor became a cultural hub where young Nepalis and foreign visitors mingled, creating a new social dynamic in traditional Kathmandu.
Even more controversially, Chaudhary chose love over arranged marriage. Despite being engaged to another woman, he married Sarika Chaudhary in what his autobiography describes as a “love marriage”—scandalous by Marwari standards but indicative of his willingness to follow conviction over convention.
Building the Wai Wai Noodles Empire
The year 1984 marked the launch of Wai Wai noodles in Nepal, a product that would become synonymous with instant noodles across South Asia. CG Foods, working with technical collaboration from Thai Preserved Food Factory, introduced brown noodles to Nepal—a simple product that created an entirely new food category.
Binod Chaudhary net worth today reflects the success of this strategic decision. From its start in Kathmandu, Wai Wai has expanded with manufacturing facilities in countries including Nepal, India, Serbia, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan, and is exported to over 35 countries. The operations in Nepal are anchored by the CG Industrial Park (CGIP) in Nawalparasi, one of the largest noodle production centers in the region.
The brand’s success illustrates Chaudhary’s understanding of market psychology. Wai Wai became the instant noodles market leader not just through taste but through accessibility—creating a product that transcended economic classes while maintaining authentic local flavors in each international market.
Diversification: From Noodles to Multinational Conglomerate
The Chaudhary Group conglomerate spans 16 business verticals, demonstrating strategic diversification that has made it resilient against market fluctuations. This expansion strategy reflects Chaudhary’s expertise in identifying growth opportunities across different sectors.
CG Corp Global chairman Binod Chaudhary oversees operations in hospitality, banking, real estate, electronics, telecommunications, and biotech. The hospitality division, CG Hospitality, has a portfolio of 134 hotels and resorts across 12 countries, including luxury properties developed through partnerships with India’s Taj Hotels. The company has a stated ‘Vision 2025’ to grow its portfolio to over 200 hotels globally and a long-term goal of reaching 650 hotels by 2030.
Chaudhary’s involvement in the financial sector was solidified through Nabil Bank, Nepal’s first private sector bank, where he invested early on in 1984. Over the years, his Chaudhary Group consolidated its position to become the majority shareholder. This acquisition provided crucial financial infrastructure for his expanding business empire and demonstrated his understanding of vertical integration.
Political Engagement and the Nepali Congress Connection
Binod Chaudhary’s political involvement extends beyond business into governance. As an incumbent Member of the House of Representatives for the Nepali Congress, representing the Parasi 1 constituency since December 22, 2022, he contributes to national policy-making, particularly in economic development and foreign investment regulations.
His political career also includes a term as a Member of Parliament on the Nepali Congress party list (2018–2022) and earlier as a member of the Constituent Assembly nominated by the CPN (UML) (2008–2012), showcasing his engagement across different political phases in Nepal.
His political engagement reflects a broader philosophy: successful entrepreneurs have responsibilities to their nation’s development. Through parliamentary work, Chaudhary has advocated for policies that support Nepal’s transition to a federal republic and promote foreign investment in key sectors.
The Chaudhary Foundation: Philanthropy with Purpose
Chaudhary Foundation philanthropy demonstrates how business success can drive social change. Established in 1995, the foundation has become a significant force in Nepal’s development sector, particularly following the 2015 earthquake when it built 10,000 transitional shelters and committed to constructing 100 schools.
The foundation’s partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launched Baliyo Nepal, addressing chronic malnutrition in rural areas. These initiatives showcase Chaudhary’s belief that business success must translate into societal benefit, particularly in a developing country like Nepal.
Family Legacy: The Next Generation
Binod Chaudhary’s wife, Sarika Chaudhary, has been described by their son Rahul as “the guardian of our traditions and values.” The couple’s three sons each manage different aspects of the business empire, ensuring continuity while bringing fresh perspectives.
Nirvana Chaudhary, the eldest son, serves as Managing Director, overseeing Nepal operations from the group’s headquarters. Rahul Chaudhary is the MD & CEO of CG Hospitality Holdings, while Varun Chaudhary is also a Managing Director at the group, handling global expansion strategies.
Awards and Recognition: From Nepal to Global Stage
Dr. Binod Chaudhary’s honorary doctorate in philanthropy from Sri Sri University in 2015 recognizes his contributions beyond business. He received the Asian Man of the Year Award in 2016 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Hotelivate in 2019, cementing his reputation as a regional business leader.
The Forbes billionaire list Nepal recognition in 2013 marked a historic moment—Nepal’s first entry into the global billionaire rankings. This achievement represented not just personal success but national pride, proving that Nepali entrepreneurs could compete globally.
Building a billion-dollar empire in a developing country involves challenges. Binod Chaudhary faced scrutiny regarding the Bansbari Shoe Factory privatization and land acquisition issues involving Apollo Steel Industries. The 2021 Pandora Papers investigation by the ICIJ reported that Chaudhary and members of his family had ownership in several offshore companies in jurisdictions like the British Virgin Islands, which brought scrutiny regarding compliance with Nepal’s laws restricting foreign investment by resident citizens. In response to the revelations, the Chaudhary Group has maintained that its foreign investments are in compliance with all applicable laws.
Chaudhary’s approach to controversy has been transparency. His autobiography, “Making It Big,” addresses both successes and failures honestly. As he told Forbes India, “When I made up my mind to write this book, I also decided that I would not manipulate it.”
Current Wealth and Future Expansion
According to the Forbes World’s Billionaires list published in April 2024, Binod Chaudhary’s net worth stands at $1.8 billion, with his wealth remaining stable compared to the previous year. This consistent valuation reflects strategic positioning in expanding markets and successful diversification across multiple business verticals.
The richest person in Nepal continues expanding internationally. The recent launch of Wai Wai sauces and the Wai Wai City noodle bar concept transforms the brand from product to experience, with plans for 500 outlets by 2025.
A Vegetarian Who Built a Food Empire
One fascinating aspect of Chaudhary’s story: he never tasted Wai Wai noodles until almost a year after production began, and only the vegetarian version. This detail reveals the man behind the business empire—someone whose personal convictions remain stronger than commercial interests.
His strict vegetarianism extends to spiritual practices, including meditation and Hindu traditions. This spiritual dimension influences his philanthropic philosophy and business ethics, balancing international commercial pressures with personal values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Binod Chaudhary? A: Binod Chaudhary is Nepal’s first and only dollar billionaire, serving as Chairman of CG Corp Global and recognized globally for building the Wai Wai noodles empire.
Q: What is Binod Chaudhary’s net worth? A: According to Forbes 2025, Binod Chaudhary’s net worth is $2 billion, ranking him 1,763rd among global billionaires.
Q: What is Binod Chaudhary’s date of birth? A: Binod Chaudhary was born on April 14, 1955, making him 70 years old as of 2025.
Q: Where is Binod Chaudhary’s birth place? A: Binod Chaudhary was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, and currently resides in Sanepa, Lalitpur.
Q: What is the connection between Binod Chaudhary and Wai Wai noodles? A: Binod Chaudhary’s CG Foods launched Wai Wai noodles in Nepal in 1984, building it into a global brand manufactured in 18 facilities across nine countries.
Q: Which bank does Binod Chaudhary control? A: Binod Chaudhary holds a controlling stake in Nabil Bank, one of Nepal’s leading commercial banks.
Q: What is Binod Chaudhary’s family background? A: Chaudhary comes from a Marwari Hindu family whose business roots trace back to the 19th century when his grandfather migrated from Rajasthan to Nepal.
Q: What is Binod Chaudhary’s height? A: Binod Chaudhary’s height is not a matter of public record.
Legacy of Nepal’s Economic Pioneer
Binod Chaudhary’s biography represents more than business success—it demonstrates Nepal’s potential for global entrepreneurship. His transformation from a young man forced to abandon education to Nepal’s first and only billionaire businessman illustrates how adapting to circumstances while maintaining cultural roots can create extraordinary success.
The Kathmandu-born entrepreneur has proven that Nepali businesses can compete internationally while contributing to national development. His model of combining traditional values with modern business practices provides a blueprint for future multinational hospitality investment and FMCG expansion from Nepal.
CG Corp Global’s presence in 32 countries demonstrates that Nepal can produce global business leaders. More importantly, Chaudhary’s commitment to philanthropy through the Chaudhary Foundation shows that business success carries social responsibility—a principle particularly relevant in Nepal’s development context.
As Nepal continues its federal transition and economic modernization, Chaudhary’s example of building a Marwari family business empire in Nepal while maintaining Nepali identity provides inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs who dream of taking their nation’s products to international markets.
Binod Chaudhary’s life story stands as proof that entrepreneurial vision, combined with deep cultural roots and social responsibility, can transform not just individual fortunes but national economic potential. From the streets of Kathmandu to global boardrooms, his success remains fundamentally Nepali—a testament to what’s possible when tradition meets innovation in the heart of the Himalayas.
Contact Information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: +977-1-5522330
- Official Website: CG Corp Global
