KATHMANDU, May 2 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition in the Mount Qomolangma region of Nepal, the first of its kind near the world's tallest peak, has been kicked off from this week, exhibitor confirmed.
The solo exhibition of Nepali photojournalist Purnima Shrestha, who is to scale 8,848 meters high Qomolangma later this month, is being held from base camp to the top of the peak under three different phases.
"In the first phase, I exhibited my photos in Camp I, II and III this week. The exhibition will start in the base camp today while I plan to exhibit the photos in Camp IV and the top during my summit after few days," Shrestha told Xinhua on Wednesday over phone from the base camp.
The series of 30 photographs are in exhibition under the theme "Smiling Nepali Women" featuring portraits of women from all walks of life. The photos reflect ethnicity, culture, festivals and diversity of the Himalayan country.
"The major objective of the exhibition is to promote Nepali culture and tourism of the country. It will enable the world climbers and trekkers gathering in the region to know other aspects of Nepal," 27-year-old photojournalist shared with Xinhua.
According to Shrestha, those photos were clicked during her five-year photojournalism career covering Himalaya, Hill and Terai region of the country. Currently, Shrestha is affiliated with Karobar National Daily.
The exhibition has been supported by Nepal Tourism Board, government's body to promote tourism, and Photojournalists' Club of Nepal (PJ Club).
Bikash Karki, Chairman of the PJ Club, said, "This is the first time that the photo exhibition is ever being held from the base camp to the top of the world. It's quiet challenging but a matter of pride for all."
With the onset of spring season, around 350 Nepali and foreign mountaineers will attempt to climb Qomolangma, depending upon favorable weather window later this month.
According to Department of Tourism, over 2,000 trekkers, porters, guides and mountain enthusiasts have already gathered in the base camp for acclimatization.
