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Johannes Rydström Photography | profile | all galleries >> Nepal – the Land of Diversity tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Nepal – the Land of Diversity

Let me introduce you to the land of mountains & mysteries, yaks & yetis, rhinos & rikshaws. I spent the entire autumn of 2010 in Nepal doing my internship through my university for a Swedish aid organization. During my stay in Nepal I got to visit a variety of interesting areas throughout the country and I also stumbled across quite a few major culture clashes. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to become acquainted with the diverse avifauna of this small, underdeveloped, hospitable, and extremely varied country. In December, before returning back to Sweden, my dad and my brother came to visit me for a two-week adventure which included, among other things, a trek in the Annapurnas.

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Many people in Kathmandu keep small and lush gardens on their roof tops Fotball field in central Kathmandu after a heavy downpour One of the numerous monkeys at Swayambhunat looking out over Kathmandu Women making offerings at Swayambhunat in Kathmandu Monkeys are in abundance at Swayambhunat
Monkeys are in abundance at Swayambhunat Survival of the fittest Old man close to Swayambhunat Horror-filled last minutes in life Boy celebrating Gaj Jatra (Cow Festival) in Kathmandu
Boy celebrating Gaj Jatra (Cow Festival) in Kathmandu Boy celebrating Gaj Jatra (Cow Festival) in Kathmandu Man wearing a traditional Nepali hat witnessing the parade during Gaj Jatra (Cow Festival) Boy celebrating Gaj Jatra (Cow Festival) in Kathmandu Kathmandu is one of the most polluted cities in the world and many wear masks
Chicken market along one of the busiest roads in Kathmandu Guest of honor at Gaj Jatra (Cow Festival) in Kathmandu Reincarnation of the Buddha Girl at Gaj Jatra (Cow Festival) in Kathmandu Chaotic traffic in Kathmandu. One of the most polluted cities in the world
Extreme poverty is on open display in Kathmandu People run businesses everywhere. There is an amazing spirit of entrepeneurship Garbage is omnipresent in Kathmandu Women seeking shelter from a heavy downpour at Durbar Square in Kathmandu Huge gathering at Kathmandu Durbar Square
More sellers than buyers Icecream salesman at Durbar Square in Kathmandu. I thought it wise not to try any However, the icecream was enjoyed thoroughly by others An old woman at Durbar Square in Kathmandu The normal way of transportation of goods in Kathmandu
Two generations looking bored at Kathmandu Durbar Square Woman from lowland Terai visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square with her son Frantic activity at Durbar Square in Kathmandu Children playing on one of the narrow streets in Kathmandu Orchid on Phulchowki mountain
Friendly chatting between the girls at the school in Odari, Kapilvastu Plain Prinia, a common bird in Kapilvastu An old woman keeping an eye on her grazing buffalos Young Tharu girl taking a break from her arduous harvest work Black-shouldered Kite, regularly seen in Kapilvastu in southern Nepal
Children helping out with the harvest work in Kapilvastu region in south-central Nepal Tharu woman working in the fields of Kapilvastu. The Tharu people is the dominant group in the lowlands of central Nepal Children playing in one of the canals close to Jagdishpur Lesser Adjutant is globally threatened and one of the largest storks in the world. Seen regularly in southern Nepal Lesser Adjutant is globally threatened and one of the largest storks in the world. Seen regularly in southern Nepal
There is a busy market every Wednesday in Odari Tharu woman carrying home her latest harvest. The Tharu people is the dominant group in the lowlands of central Nepal Children swimming in one of the canals in Odari Jagdish Tal, the largest man-made lake in Nepal Hoopoe, a charismatic bird that has a huge range from Africa and southern Europe all the way to east Asia
Wolly-necked Storks in Kapilvastu region in southern Nepal Black Ibises in Kapilvastu region in southern Nepal Man at Odari market selling jery - a Nepali delicacy Purple Heron in Chitwan National Park Sunset in Sauraha, Chitwan National Park
Approaching storm over Rapti River, Chitwan National Park There are two species of crocodile in Chitwan, Gharial and Mugger. This is a Mugger Crocodile, by far the most common of the two River Lapwing along Rapti River Asian Pied Starling in Sauraha, Chitwan Scaly-breasted Munia, a tiny little finch
Spotted Deer is frequently seen in Chitwan National Park A young and very curious domestic buffalo eye-balling me Elephant rides are immensely popular in Chitwan since there is a good chance of spotting rhinos One-horned Rhinoceros has its second strongest population in the world in Chitwan NP, only Kaziranga NP in NE India has more. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch in Chitwan National Park
One of the students at the girl school in Odari being surveyed by the school principal Shanti citing her English homework Indian Spotted Eagle is a globally threatened species but seen regularly in Kapilvastu region in southern Nepal Asian Openbills gathering in Kapilvastu region in southern Nepal White-browed Wagtail in Lumbini
Fascinating painting in one of the temples in Lumbini Repainting the World Peace Pagoda in Lumbini Hoopoe, a charismatic bird with a huge range. It can be found from Africa and southern Europe all the way to east Asia Sarus Crane, the tallest flying bird on Earth, is globally threatened but can be seen in Kapilvastu and around Lumbini Intermediate Egret at Lumbini
Sarus Crane, the tallest flying bird on Earth, is globally threatened but can be seen in Kapilvastu and around Lumbini White-rumped Vultures being harassed by a Large-billed Crow at Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha Euphemism at work It's never difficult to get hold of a rikshaw in Nepal Since the roads were extremely muddy in Lumbini this guy chose to cycle in the canal
Some of the girls at the school in Odari heading out for some birdwatching School class in Odari Pushpa studying bird literature in Odari Some of the girls at the school in Odari preparing dinner Durga and Januka welcoming guests to the farewell party at the school in Odari
Guest children at the farewell party at the school in Odari Farewell party at the school in Odari Sarita at the farewell party at the school in Odari Lesser Adjutant is globally threatened and one of the largest storks in the world. Seen regularly in southern Nepal Tharu woman relaxing by her mud house in Kapilvastu
Rufous Treepie is quite common in the Nepalese lowlands Eurasian Cuckoo at Jagdishpur Reservoir Eurasian Cuckoo at Jagdishpur Reservoir Asian Openbills at Jagdishpur Reservoir in Kapilvastu Sunrise in Odari
Little Green Bee-eater at Jagdishpur Reservoir It's always nice to be able to get something but dhal bat to eat when you're in Nepal Old Tharu woman harvesting in Odari Patterns at Kapan Monastery in Kathmandu View from Kapan Monastery in Kathmandu
Peregrine Falcon being harassed by a large-billed Crow at Kapan Monastery in the Kathmandu Valley Peregrine Falcon at Kapan Monastery in the Kathmandu Valley A buddhist monk beholding the chaotic city of Kathmandu The use of this renewable energy is spreading across Nepal Poor and deformed people are numerous in Kathmandu
There are many interesting holy men (sadhus) at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu There are many interesting holy men (sadhus) at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu When you cannot afford toys you will have to be innovative Washing of the dead before cremation at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu The immensely polluted Bagmati river is not only used to carry the ashes of the cremated dead but also for washing and dishing
Children swimming in the chockingly dirty Bagmati River in Kathmandu The immensely polluted Bagmati river is not only used to carry the ashes of the cremated dead but also for washing and dishing Only in Kathmandu. People feeding street cows with bananas out of their trunks A little girl in Kathmandu with a great responsibility A friend's sister taking a nap
Tickell's Leaf Warbler in bushes along the Bagmati River Military parades and diplomatic spectacle worsened the already chaotic traffic in Kathmandu Military parades and diplomatic spectacle worsened the already chaotic traffic in Kathmandu Military parades and diplomatic spectacle worsened the already chaotic traffic in Kathmandu Military parades and diplomatic spectacle worsened the already chaotic traffic in Kathmandu
Extreme poverty is on open display in Kathmandu Military parades and diplomatic spectacle worsened the already chaotic traffic in Kathmandu More sellers than buyers Celebrations at Dakshin Kali Temple during Dasain Festival Hundreds, if not thousands, of animals are sacrificed at Dakshin Kali Temple during Dasain Festival
Woman having enjoyed her lunch at Dakshin Kali Temple during Dasain Festival Girls riding a ping, the special swing constructed for the Dasain Festival each year Chestnut-headed Tesia on Phulchowki, a real skulker Rufous-vented Yuhina, one of the more common Timaliidae species on Phulchowki mountain Lizard crossing my path on Phulchowki
Black-throated Parrotbill, an absolute stunner that can be seen on Phulchowki mountain in the Kathmandu Valley Red-billed Blue Magpie in Godavari On the road to Langtang National Park you pass through a number of small villages Dhunche, on the way to Langtang National Park. The lower elevations are mostly covered with terraced cultivation The forest around Lama Hotel in Langtang Natioal park is absolutely stunning
Most of the people at the higher elevations in Langtang National Park are Tibetan Coal Tit, same species as in Sweden but a different subspecies Most of the people at the higher elevations in Langtang National Park are Tibetan White-browed Fulvetta close to Langatng Village Most of the people at the higher elevations in Langtang National Park are Tibetan
One of the peaks surrounding Langtang Village View towards Kyanjin Gompa from Langtang Village Exploring child in Langtang Village Many carry a heavy work load Blue-fronted Redstart in Langtang Village
Snow Pigeons are quite easy to see around Langtang Village Beautiful Rosefinch was seen in large numbers in Langtang National Park in October Winter Wren, same species we have in Europe but a much darker subspecies Morning view from Langtang Village Ibisbill on breeding ground close to Kyanjin Gompa at an elevation of 3900 metres
After having reached the summit of Kyanjin Ri at 4773 metres above sea level. In the background Langtang Lirung at 7221 metres Tibetan Snowcock at an elevation of 4300 metres when climbing Kyanjin Ri in Langtang National Park Being thoroughly satisfied after reaching the summit of Kyanjin Ri View from Kyanjin Ri in Langtang National Park People on Kyanjin Ri with Langtang Lirung in the background
View from Kyanjin Gompa Lammergeier, one of the largest birds of prey in the world. Scanning the valley at Kyanjin Gompa in Langtang National Park Lammergeier, one of the largest birds of prey in the world. Scanning the valley at Kyanjin Gompa in Langtang National Park Woman in Langtang Village taking care of the dishes Langtang village at dusk
Old woman in Langtang Village gathering yak dung for fuel Streaked Laughingthrush, one of the most regularly seen laughingthrushes in Nepal Boy welcoming the morning from the staircase of his typical Langtang house You are likely to come across curious children with severe colds everywhere One of numerous yaks in Langtang Village
You are likely to come across curious children with severe colds everywhere These Langurs can be seen as high up as 3200 metres above sea level. Here at Goda Thabela in Langtang National Park Rufous-fronted Tit, a gregarious and charismatic species of the Himalayan mountain forests Large-billed Crow of the smaller tibetan race at Goda Thabela in Langtang National Park Small stream at Lama Hotel
Rufous Sibia is one of the most abundant birds in montane forest in Nepal Curious boy at Dhunche in Langtang area Women celebrating Tihar - festival of light - in Kathmandu Evening chaos in Thamel, Kathmandu Group of children welcoming me to Jyamrung in Ganesh Himal
An old woman cocking in her Spartan kitchen in Jyamrung, a small village in Ganesh Himal Ibisbill at a wintering site in Ganesh Himal. One of the most spectacular shorebirds on the planet Wintering ground for Ibisbill at Jyamrung Village in Ganesh Himal Village girl in Jyamrung Village girls in Jyamrung
School children in Jyamrung in Ganesh Himal School boy in the small village school in Jyamrung School girls at the small village school in Jyamrung The only means of transportation to cross the river at Jyamrung Greay-headed Lapwing along Bagmati River
Getting culturally enriched at Bhaktapur Every window in Bhaktapur is a marvellous piece of art The alleys in Bhaktapur are extremely narrow Patan Durbar Square There are many grotesque statues and decorations in Patan Durbar Square
An old woman thinking about the meaning of life at Patan Durbar Square Adult Steppe Eagle along Bagmati River Juvenile Steppe Eagle along Bagmati River Juvenile Steppe Eagle along Bagmati River Morning view from Nagarkot
Morning view from Nagarkot Morning view from Nagarkot Green-backed Tit at Nagarkot Grey-hooded Warbler at Nagarkot Nepal Fulvetta at Nagarkot
Meat market in Asantole in Kathmandu Vegetable market in Asantole in Kathmandu Street children living along one of the busiest roads in Kathmandu Steppe Eagle along Bagmati River Indian Pond Heron at Taudaha Lake
My dad and my brother have just arrived and we celebrate with some Everest beer and some momo Busy workshop in Kathmandu Prayer wheels spinning at Swayambhunat My younger brother Sebastian being stunned by the food market in Asantole Fish market at Asantole in Kathmandu
Festival at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu Festival at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu Cremation at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu Festival at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu Festival at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu
Sadhu at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu Cremation at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu People performing their daily chores along the Bagmati River in Kathmandu Sebastian and I enjoying a lassi at Boudhanath Flying fox at Lainchur in Kathmandu
Pokhara and Machhapuchhre from aeroplane window Woman gathering firewood close to Tikkedhunga in Annapurna Conservation Area You will come across a lot of donkey caravans during a trek Crested Kingfisher, a true giant of the Himalayan mountain streams, close to Tikkedhunga Crested Kingfisher, a true giant of the Himalayan mountain streams, close to Tikkedhunga
You have to have strong knees in order to be a porter here Lammergeier patrolling the terraced slopes at Ulleri Lammergeier patrolling the terraced slopes at Ulleri Small girl with an attitude at Ulleri The forest between Ghorepani and Ulleri reminds you of Lord of the Rings
One cannot stop being amazed by the huge packages handled by the porters The forest between Ghorepani and Ulleri reminds you of Lord of the Rings Drop-dead view of Dhaulagiri from our accomodation in Ghorepani Drop-dead view of Annapurna South from our accomodation in Ghorepani This was how all sleeping was carried out during the December trek, fully equipped
Pre-sunrise view from Poon Hill in Annapurna Conservation Area. My dad, myself and my brother View at sunrise from Poon Hill in Annapurna Conservation Area Morning view of Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill Local woman collecting water from the hot springs at Tatopani in Annapurna Conservation Area Caravan of goats coming down from their alpine summer pasture
White-capped Water Redstart between Tatopani and Ghasa Women looking at a crashed car in the river bed of Kali Gandaki gorge Wallcreeper between Tatopani and Ghasa Donkey caravan with Tukche Peak in the background Sebastian crossing a stream close to Tukche
Dad and Nilgiri Peak in Annapurna Conservation Area Tukche Village at dusk Lammergeier considering to have us for lunch Breakfast in Kagbeni. Breakfast was usually the best meal of the day Suspicious children close to Jharkot
Chukar Partridge at Jharkot Red-billed Chough at Jharkot View of the valley between Kagbeni and Muktinath in Annapurna Conservation Area Red-fronted Serin at Jharkot Streaked Rosefinch at Jharkot in Annapurna Conservation Area
My dad and I. The village of Jharkot truly has a medieval feel to it Children at Jharkot Village Black-throated Thrush at Muktinath in Annapurna Conservation Area White-throated Redstart at Muktinath in Annapurna Conservation Area White-winged Redstart at Muktinath in Annapurna Conservation Area
White-winged Redstart at Muktinath in Annapurna Conservation Area Pre-dawn view of Dhaulagiri and Tukche Peak from Muktinath My brother and I being very proud after having reached an elevation of 4500 metres between Muktinath and Thorung La Enjoying a nice cup of lemon tea at Thorung Phedi Altai Accentor at Thorung Phedi in Annapurna Conservation Area
Alpine Accentor at Thorung Phedi in Annapurna Conservation Area Robin Accentor at Muktinath in Annapurna Conservation Area Severtzov's Tit Warbler at Muktinath in Annapurna Conservation Area Solitary Snipe at Muktinath in Annapurna Conservation Area Crested Serpent Eagle at Bis Hajar Tal
Himalayan Flameback at Bis Hajar Tal Stork-billed Kingfisher at Bis Hajar Tal Grey-headed Fish Eagle at Bis Hajar Tal Oriental Darter at Bis Hajar Tal The swamp forest at Bis Hajar Tal certainly has a prehistoric feel to it
Ruddy Shelduck in Chitwan National Park Ruddy Shelduck in Chitwan National Park Ruddy Shelduck in Chitwan National Park Better beware of rhinos when hiking through this high phanta grass in Chitwan National Park Jungle Myna in Chitwan National Park
Red-vented Bulbul in Chitwan National Park The fleet of dug-out canoes at Sauraha, Chitwan Recording a sleezy Bollywood movie by Rapti River in Sauraha One-horned Rhinoceros along Rapti River in Chitwan National Park Experienced woman going upstream on Rapti River
Nice guides in Chitwan, Ramesh and Padj Jungle Babbler in Chitwan National Park Common Stonechat in Chitwan National Park Zitting Cisticola in Chitwan National Park

comment | share
John G Reed PM reply 01-Apr-2012 16:16
Awesome gallery. Best. J. (v)
Mats Ottosson 05-Jan-2012 18:27
Det här var inspirerande att se. Jag ska till Annapurna sanctuary i november och blir mycket peppad av att se dessa imponerande bilder. Snyggt jobbat.
/Mats
Jonas Bonnedahl 04-Dec-2011 19:27
Genuint imponerad av dina bilder Johannes. Fantastiskt!
Søren Kristoffersen PM reply 25-Oct-2011 20:34
Great gellery from a spectacular spot on earth!
AnteKarlsson PM reply 25-Mar-2011 11:44
Riktigt grymt galleri Johannes. Färgerna är suveräna.
Blandine Mangin PM reply 18-Feb-2011 11:01
very beautiful gallery ! v
Mattias Nordlund 17-Feb-2011 13:05
Fantastiska bilder från ett land jag en dag hoppas besöka
Thomas Bernhardsson PM reply 10-Feb-2011 19:13
Helt fantastiskt galleri! Det måste ha varit en otroligt häftig resa. V
/Thomas
Rob de Heer PM reply 07-Feb-2011 12:16
Nice work..
Guest 06-Feb-2011 14:33
Thankyou for this site reminded me my beautiful homeland and people,
Buba Jafarli PM reply 28-Jan-2011 14:35
Wonderful collection! Well done, Johannes, my compliments! V.
Kent Ab PM reply 26-Jan-2011 17:40
Enastående vackert och mycket intressant galleri.
Måste ha varit en fantastisk upplevelse. V
Mvh// Kent
joseantonio PM reply 25-Jan-2011 10:02
Beautiful gallery
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