May 27, Kathmandu – A photography exhibition featuring images captured by journalist Jeevan Lama has been inaugurated in Kathmandu to promote Cherdung Hill Station (3,690 meters). The exhibition, showcasing photos from the Jiri Valley and Suri village areas, opened on Thursday at Umoja Coffee in New Baneshwor.
Titled “Photos from Cherdung Trek,” the three-day event is organized by Explore Nepal Network and displays 31 photographs clicked by Lama.
The collection includes images of the Gaurishankar Himalayan range, local lifestyle, Jiri Valley, Jyangku village, cycling, and indigenous culture.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Ang Chiring Sherpa, the Honorary Ambassador of the International Mountain Climbing Federation and a tourism expert. Sharing his experience with Cherdung, he expressed confidence that the exhibition would showcase the beauty of Cherdung to all.
At the opening ceremony, Hirakumar Thokar, Chairperson of Melung Rural Municipality; Chandrashekhar Karki, President of the Environment Journalists Group; and tourism journalist Amrit Bhadgaunle extended their best wishes.
Journalist Lama expressed his commitment to continue his dedicated efforts toward his birthplace.
About Cherdung
Located in Dolakha district, Cherdung is a confluence of nature and spirituality. From here, breathtaking views of the Himalayas can be observed, along with mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets. Gazing at the Gaurishankar Himal from Ridd, one experiences a celestial sensation that offers relief from stress, pain, and hardships.
Cherdung spans four wards of Jiri Municipality and two wards of Gaurishankar Rural Municipality. It affords panoramic views of the Himalayan range stretching from west to east. The eastern region reveals peaks such as Bramsh: Numbur, Ramdung, Chekigo, Dhare Melungtse, Lakpa Dorje, Tashi Lapcha, Gaurishankar, Ama Bhome, Ganesh, and Gorkha Himalayas, with the Gaurishankar range particularly prominent.
From a religious perspective, Cherdung is a shared pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist communities. Atop the hill stands the Cherdungeshwar Mahadev Temple. Nearby, there is a large stone marked with the footprints of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).
Hindus offer tridents while Buddhists honor Rinpoche by flying prayer flags called Dhajyu and Lundar.
Worshiping at Cherdungeshwar is believed to prevent illness and protect both domestic and wild animals from harm. Traditionally, fairs are held here during the Chhadi Purnima festival.
According to Buddhist accounts, Guru Rinpoche came to this Himalayan region to propagate Buddhism and meditated here. A shelter for meditators has even been constructed at Ridd.
