Nepal Selection

Nestled between the plains of northern India and the towering peaks of the Himalayas, Nepal is a country where extraordinary landscapes meet remarkable cultural diversity. Although it covers only a small area, it stretches from subtropical jungles at just 60 metres above sea level to the summit of Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth at 8,849 metres. This dramatic elevation range creates an exceptional variety of climates, ecosystems, and wildlife.

Nepal is home to nearly 30 million people representing more than 120 ethnic groups and speaking over 120 languages and dialects. This rich cultural mosaic is reflected in the country’s traditions, architecture, festivals, and daily life. Hinduism and Buddhism, the two dominant religions, have coexisted here for centuries, shaping a unique spiritual landscape where temples, monasteries, and sacred sites are found throughout the country.

The country’s geography is equally diverse. Dense subtropical forests shelter iconic wildlife such as the Bengal tiger, the greater one-horned rhinoceros, and the Asian elephant, while the high Himalayan valleys are home to elusive species including the snow leopard, the red panda, and the Himalayan tahr. Between these extremes lie terraced hillsides, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

Nepal is also a land of adventure. Each year, trekkers from around the world follow legendary routes through the Everest and Annapurna regions, while climbers attempt the country’s eight-thousand-metre peaks. Yet beyond the mountains, Nepal reveals a quieter beauty through its medieval cities, traditional villages, vibrant markets, and the legendary hospitality of its people.

The photographs gathered in this gallery illustrate the remarkable diversity of Nepal, from Himalayan landscapes and wildlife to portraits, religious traditions, and everyday scenes. Together they offer a glimpse into one of the most fascinating countries in Asia, where nature, culture, and spirituality remain deeply intertwined.

2026, Encounters, Nepal Selection

Prayer at Swayambhunath, where Hinduism and Buddhism meet, Nepal

Prayer at Swayambhunath, where Hinduism and Buddhism meet, Nepal

Prayer at Swayambhunath, where Hinduism and Buddhism meet, Nepal

At Swayambhunath, one of Nepal’s most iconic sacred sites, a devotee prays before a Hindu shrine while the great Buddhist stupa rises in the background. A scene that beautifully illustrates the peaceful coexistence of religious traditions in the Kathmandu Valley.

At first glance, the viewer’s attention is drawn to the woman’s gesture of prayer. With her hands pressed together and a smartphone gently held between her palms, she continues her devotion with a sincerity that transcends everyday objects. Modern life quietly finds its place within an ancient ritual, without diminishing its meaning.

The scene takes place at Swayambhunath, one of Nepal’s oldest sacred sites. In the foreground, an intricately carved Hindu shrine welcomes worshippers, while the Swayambhunath Stupa rises in the background, its famous Buddha eyes overlooking the Kathmandu Valley.

This close architectural relationship reflects a reality deeply rooted in Nepalese culture. Hinduism and Buddhism have coexisted here for centuries, often sharing places of worship, festivals and traditions. It is not uncommon for families to naturally take part in practices from both religions, reflecting a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect that remains an integral part of the country’s identity.

2026, Encounters, Nepal Selection

On the Way to School – A Slice of Life in Nepal

On the Way to School – A Slice of Life in Nepal

On the Way to School – A Slice of Life in Nepal

Every morning, thousands of children make their way to school, whether on foot or by bicycle. In Nepal, this young schoolboy wears a bright smile as he proudly shows a small paper crane. A simple yet universal everyday scene, reminding us that curiosity and the joy of childhood know no borders.

Like every morning, this young schoolboy is on his way to school, riding on the back of a relative’s bicycle. As he notices me, he flashes a broad smile and proudly holds up the small paper crane in his hand. A spontaneous gesture, a few seconds of shared connection, and then we each continue on our way.

It is often these everyday moments that give travel its greatest meaning. They appear in no guidebook and are not tied to any famous landmark, yet they reveal far more about a country’s character than pages of description ever could. A glance, a smile, or a simple gesture is sometimes all it takes to create a lasting memory.

In Nepal, education represents a real opportunity for many children. Depending on where they live, some travel several kilometres each day to reach school, on foot, by bicycle, or using whatever transport is available. Despite these challenges, the journey to school often remains a time of sharing, carefree laughter, and hope for the future.

2026, Mammals, Nepal Selection, Tigre (panthera tigris)

The Bengal Tiger: The Lord of the Terai Plains

Bengal tiger on the lookout in the tall grass and dense vegetation of Bardia National Park in Nepal

The Bengal Tiger: The Lord of the Terai Plains

Emerging from the dense vegetation, the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) embodies on its own the raw power and mystery of Asian wildlife.

While India is home to the majority of this sub-species’ population, it is in the heart of the Terai plains, within Nepal’s Bardia National Park, that this great feline was captured. This lord of jungles and plains is the largest wild cat in the world, instantly recognizable by its iconic coat whose black stripes, unique to each individual, act as fingerprints.

Yet, the majesty of this apex predator very nearly caused its downfall. Falling victim to intensive and relentless hunting during the 19th and 20th centuries—whether for colonial trophies or poaching—the tiger saw its numbers plummet dramatically, verging on extinction across South Asia. Compounding this hunting was the massive destruction of its natural habitat, fragmenting its historical territory.

Classified as “Endangered” (EN) on the IUCN Red List, the Bengal Tiger is now at the heart of major conservation programs. Nepal has distinguished itself on the global stage through its spectacular protection efforts, managing to nearly triple its tiger population within fifteen years. Bardia National Park stands as one of the finest symbols of this wild rebirth, even though the coexistence between humans and the great feline along the edges of protected areas remains a daily challenge.

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