On March 15, 2007, twenty-eight vehicles with more than 100 representatives on board from the SAARC countries set out to circumnavigate the region. Eight participants from Nepal started off their journey from the beautiful bays of Bangladesh and ended up at the tropical islands of Maldives on April 14.

The event titled, SAARCARALLY 2007 bridged gaps between the nations and helped cement the friendship. The photographic odyssey of sports journalist, Sundar Shrestha who represented the Nepali delegate was exhibited at The Bakery Café, Sundhara on Saturday, July 5, as part of Photo Circle's monthly photo exhibit.

The other presentation included pictures from the Langtang region taken during a documentary production by Suresh Maharjan. Sundar Shrestha works for Kamana Prakasan Samuha whereas Suresh Manandhar is currently associated with Nepal Samacharpatra daily and Tourism Development Endeavors (TUDE).

Shrestha was chosen by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) to partake in the rally. He showcased the pictures of his month-long tour. The pictures were an array of cultural collage captured in a digital format.

His pictures evoked the exuberance of South Asian region. The journey seemed to incorporate both the adventure and exploration. "As we traveled through the steep and narrow roads of Bhutan, it was frightening, yet an opportunity to have been able to do that", Shrestha shared to the enthused attendees.

He further stated that the amount of reception that they garnered from the people around the region was simply heartwarming.

From Bangladesh they traveled to the dragon kingdom of Bhutan and from there, they made their way to Nepal. "Sadly, Nepal showed the least enthusiasm and government seemed indifferent too", he further added.

After a brief stop in Kathmandu and a boat race in Pokhara, the team left for India and visited many rural places and urban landmarks of the largest democracy in the world. The team also made a historical achievement by crossing into Pakistan via India without being ransacked.

According to Shrestha, the moment was a landmark for Indo-Pak relationship and an immense achievement of the rally. From there the team headed to Sri Lanka and from there to the islands of Maldives.

After the pictures of the rally were presented, Suresh Maharjan's pictures from the majestic Himalayan region of Langtang were screened. The pictures were taken during a program organized by TUDE titled "Learning while Traveling". The main objective of the program was to educate youths and students about the impacts and benefits of tourism through practical measures.

The picturesque beauty of one of the most beautiful trekking route of Nepal was captured perfectly by Maharjan's lenses. The glaciers, shimmering mountains and the mystical landscapes were stunning and seemed frozen in time.

Photo Circle organized the event and themed its latest presentation around “Adventure and Exploration”.


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