The winners of the open photography competition, organized by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Environment in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board, were recently announced by Bikas Lamsal, minister of Industry, Tourism and Environment of Gandaki Province. The competition was divided into two categories: Tourist activities and destinations. 

Merit Maharjan was awarded the first prize under the first category. Dev Dangol secured the second position followed by Aditya Chanda who came in third. The second category prize was awarded to Prakash Budha, Ummid Shakya, and Gehendra Gurung who secured the first, second and the third positions respectively. There were a total of 458 entries which were submitted online. 

The panel of judges for the competition included Diwakar Poudel, assistant secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Environment, Surya Thapaliya, head of Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara, Bikash Karki, president of Photo Journalist Club (PJ Club), Krishna Mani Baral, former president of Nation Photo Journalist Club, Kaski, and Bijay Gajmer, photo journalist at Nepal Republic Media.  

Speaking about the competition, Karki, the president of PJ Club, said, “We selected the best ones out of a lot of really good entries.” He further added that they are planning to publish a book including the best 50 entries which will eventually help in bettering tourism prospects of the Gandaki Province. 

Here we have the winning photographs of the competition that showcase Gandaki in all its glory.

A group of night photographers pitch their tents at the Australian Base Camp near Pokhara. This place is great for star gazing and night photography as it has very less pollution. (Second Prize - Activities) Photo: Dev Dongol

A shot taken during  the Yartung Horse Festival in Upper Mustang. With all its gaiety, dancing and incredible athletic prowess, the festival is celebrated as a send off to summer. (Third Prize - Activities) Photo: Aaditya Chand

Skiing at the foothills of Hiunchuli (6441m), near the Annapurna Base Camp. Skiing is gaining popularity as an adventure sport in Nepal despite being quite expensive. (Honorable Mention - Activities) Photo: Dev Dongol

Brakha Monastery in Manang as seen on the way to Ice lake. (First Prize - Our Destination) Photo: Prakash Budha

The play of lights and shadows on the village of Jharkot as seen from Ranipauwa on the way to Muktinath. (Second Prize - Our Destination) Photo: Ummid Shakya

Kori is one of the most beautiful places of Province 4. It’s situated in Madi Rural Municipality in Kaski. From here, one can see the Annapurna Himalayan range, beautiful villages, hills, Pokhara valley and many more alluring sights. (Third Prize - Our Destination) Photo: Gehendra Gurung

The village of Phu in Manang District. (Honorable Mention - Our Destination) Photo: Sirish B.C.

 
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