Annapurna: when Sundar Thapa reveals the contrast between the north and south sides
A look back at the photo exhibition held in Lyon between July 6 and 13, 2025
The Imag'in Gallery, located in Lyon, France, hosted the exhibition “Annapurna, North and South Faces, Himalayan Contrasts.” Through his photographs, the Nepalese photographer offered us a glimpse into the two faces of a giant mountain range. Two worlds, two atmospheres, two ways of living and resisting, separated by a few kilometers of rock and ice, but united by the same sacred mountain.
The north face: austerity and strength
Upon entering the gallery, visitors were struck by images of the north face. Mineral landscapes, austere villages, and in the distance, the Annapurna range, named after the Hindu goddess of food and symbolizing the energy (Shanti) needed to attain knowledge and enlightenment. Sundar Thapa Magar captured the harsh climate, the immensity and beauty of the landscapes, and also the resilience of the Tibetan Buddhist communities who live there.
The south side: the brilliance of life
The contrast was striking when moving to the south side, in the second exhibition hall. Here, the mountain is adorned with greens and reds in the evening and morning, cultivated terraces, dense forests, and torn skies. There are more villages and a greater variety of ethnic groups. The south of Annapurna is bursting with life, diverse traditions, and a milder climate.
A premiere for Sundar!
This first exhibition in France was a success, with more than 250 people coming to admire the beauty of the images and talk with Sundar. His work is a tribute to the grandeur of nature, to diversity, and to the people who inhabit these valleys. It is also a reminder of what connects these two sides, like two sides of the same coin.
Next step(s)
Some of these photos are featured in this blog. You can also admire them from October 16 to 19 in Albertville, France, as part of the documentary film and book festival “Le Grand Bivouac.”
And another photo exhibition is already planned for Lyon in July 2026!
Discover some of the photos that were presented at this exhibition below. And if you would like to purchase any of them, please contact us: magaradventure@gmail.com
Images of the North Face : Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang, Manang Valley
Images of the South Face : Pokhara, Dhampus, Mohare Danda, Muldai, Annapurna Base
