THARUS OF NEPAL
Portraits of Indigenous Identity by Gautam Dhimal

The Tharu community—an indigenous group native to the Terai plains of Nepal—is known for its vibrant traditions, distinct attire, and deep-rooted cultural identity. Through his lens, Gautam Dhimal captures the soul and spirit of these communities with empathy, precision, and visual elegance.

As one of Nepal’s most respected cultural portrait photographers, Gautam has an uncanny ability to connect with the people he photographs. His portraits of the Tharu people—whether elders in ceremonial dress or children immersed in daily life—offer an intimate and dignified look into one of Nepal’s most important ethnic groups.

With his Fujifilm GFX medium format system, natural light mastery, and respectful approach to storytelling, Gautam documents more than faces—he tells stories of heritage, resilience, and pride.

This project is ideal for:

• Cultural heritage preservation campaigns

• Editorials on indigenous communities in Asia

• Documentary photography series for NGOs, museums, exhibitions

• Coffee table books on ethnic diversity, identity, and tradition

• Global media features on native tribes of South Asia

Shot across villages and settlements in Nepal’s southern belt, this series forms part of Gautam Dhimal’s broader mission: to spotlight underrepresented communities with the nuance and beauty they deserve.

Available for global cultural photography projects in Nepal, India, Bhutan, South Africa, UAE, and beyond.