Although rich in all its cultural and natural glories, the mid-west is beset by the lack of infrastructures and its own remoteness, which places the region at the rear end of Nepal’s development index.

Sprawling over 42,378 square kilometres, and home to about 3,546,682 people, according to the census of 2010, the mid-west still largely remains an unexplored land. Although districts like Surkhet—the headquarter of the region—are relatively prosperous, the hilly and mountainous parts of the region are very backward, but that’s where the promises lie.

If only the Mid-west was given the attention it deserves, it could well be developed into a veritable hotspot for tourism.

Featured are vignettes that capture the life and landscapes of the mid-west and are currently on display at Nepal Tourism Board in Bhrikutimandap. The exhibit will continue until Sunday.

A traditional settlement on the Khaptad-Rara trekking trail.

Rara Lake at the break of the dawn.

The ruins of Pancha Deval in Dailekh.

Bahrasinghe deer at Banke mini-zoo.

Tharu women singing in Madhima, Dang.

A panche baaja ensemble in Dailekh.

Locals perform the Khaijadi Dance, a popular culture, in Bajura.

Women weave pakhi, a local fabric, in Limatang, Humla.

Tourist set up a tent near the Reling Gumba, in Humla.

Travelers muse over the vast, unbridled landscape.