Bhupal Rai (; born December 29, 1960) is a Nepali poet, lyricist, writer, editor, and the chancellor of the Nepal Academy. Rai has advocated for the rights of the Kirati people through his writing. His work blends Marxist philosophy with the socio-cultural pragmatism of the indigenous Kirati community.
Bhupal Rai was born in the Bastim village of Bhojpur (also known as Maajh Kirat), a district in eastern Nepal. After graduating highschool, he moved to Kathmandu for his higher studies.
Rai began writing as a student. In 1997, he published his first poem, titled "Aama ko Samjhana", in Chhahara Daimashik, a semi-monthly newspaper in Nepal.
Rai has authored six books, and worked on various publications, which include: