Russian photographer visits Nepal 32 times to capture the majestic mountains

By Phadindra Adhikari,Pokhara,  Sept,29: In Hindu society, the age of 84 is traditionally marked by the 84-year ceremonial worship known as Chaurasi Puja, symbolising a time for relaxation and being with family.

At the age when most people are content with a quiet life, 84-year-old Yuri Rodichev from Samara, Russia, continues to pursue his passion for the Himalayas with unwavering enthusiasm.

Rodichev, who has visited Nepal 32 times to photograph and observe its majestic mountains, has released his book, ‘The Himalayas’, in Pokhara on Saturday.

Speaking to The Rising Nepal, Rodichev shared his deep connection with the Nepali people, emphasising that he sees himself as a friend, not merely a guest.

“I am not just a guest in Nepal; I am a friend,” said Rodichev, reflecting on his deep connection with the country.

As he prepared for his solo photo exhibition and book release on World Tourism Day, he reminisced about some of the thrilling moments he captured on camera in the Nepali Himalayas.

Rodichev’s fascination with photography began at the age of 14, inspired by the works of renowned Russian artist and photographer Nicholas Roerich.

After graduating as an electronics engineer, he dedicated his life to capturing the beauty of the Himalayan region.

This journey has taken him to some of the most remote and challenging terrains, including a climb to the 7,045-metre-high Lakpa Ri in Tibet at the age of 63. His purpose was to take commercial photographs of Mount Everest.Rodichev recalled his memorable experience from 2017, when he waited for seven days in Tibet to capture a clear view of Mount Everest.

“On the seventh day, the weather cleared, and I finally took the picture,” he said. However, not all expeditions have been smooth. In 2004, a severe storm left him and his team stranded in the mountains for three days without food or water. “I thought I would not survive,” he remembered. Accompanied by his wife, Anna Makarova, who shares his passion for photography, Rodichev views his visits to the Himalayas as a spiritual journey. “In the mountains, he sees God’s creation, and it broadens his perspective,” Anna shared.

Supported by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Friends Adventure Team, Holy Himalayas, and Nepal Tourism Board, ‘The Himalayas’ is a 184-page photographic book edited by Manjari Shakya and published by Map House Kathmandu.

It will be available for Rs. 3,500. An exhibition showcasing 42 photographs from March 2003 to March 2024 will also be held in Pokhara. Rodichev’s work has been exhibited 181 times in 161 cities across Russia, attracting over 800,000 visitors. 

His life’s work, which includes 14 published books on photography, art, and nature, with four more in the pipeline, is a testament to his passion for the Himalayan region.