[1][2] Having worked in the Central Department of Physics for 34 years, he is now an emeritus professor at Tribhuvan University.

As a working professor, he taught mathematical physics, General relativity and cosmology to graduate students.

Khanal is also a prominent science writer in Nepal, having written articles for Kantipur,[3] Annapurna Post, and Himal Khabarpatrika.

His articles tend to communicate science and its importance to a wider general Nepali populace.

Khanal has been the recipient of numerous national and international awards; some of which include:[4] Dr. Khanal has appeared several times in Nepali Television sets as well as public forums where he discussed about science and try to solve popular misconceptions prevailing in Nepali Society.