Records & People

The Gurkha Blood Myth That Even the Falklands War Couldn't Kill

Every campfire story about the kukri insists a Gurkha must draw blood before sheathing it again — actual Gurkhas, and two centuries of British Army…

By Laxman Rawal · Sep 5, 2026

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Ask a trekking guide in Nepal about the kukri and, sooner or later, you'll hear it: a Gurkha soldier who draws his curved blade is honour-bound to draw blood before it goes back in the sheath, even if that means nicking his own thumb. It's one of the best…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

What this means for trekkers

What this means for you Walk through Gurung hill villages like Ghandruk or along the Royal Trek near Pokhara and you'll meet the myth's real-world source material: retired and serving British Army Gurkhas, many from families that have sent sons to the Brigade…

Travel Himalaya Nepal · News

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