Bungamati, Nepal

10km south of Kathmandu stands a small village called Bungamati where hundreds of master wood carvers and sculpture producers live and work. Visitors often encounter the smiling teeth and welcoming hand of artisans working in their houses, offering their artifacts. Regardless of the rapid changes in lifestyle of the urban population and the globalized way of living, the Bungamati locals have remained untouched by modern waves and are living the simple, rural life that they know best.

Visiting there in the late afternoon when the light is soft and subdued is best for photography and the locals are generally very amenable for portraits to be taken as they work on their weaving or wood carvings. There is also the Temple of Macchindranath in the centre of the village which provides a central focus.

Hmong Hill Tribe Woman

Hmong (Meo) is the second largest group of the hill tribes who live largely around Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Tak Provinces and are often seen in the local night markets, selling their handicrafts, exquisite needlework, and tribal clothing. The women are notable for their bulky hairstyles, enhanced by hairpieces. Hmong, often seen on treks, divide themselves into the White and Blue subdivisions, based on the favored colors of their traditional costumes.