Kishor Kayastha is a celebrated photographer of the country, a recognition he earned through years of dedication and a deep passion for his art. His journey began at the age of nine when he first picked up a camera, inspired by the photographic legacy of his parents, both accomplished photographers. Over the years, Kishor has explored every facet of photography. Currently, he is immersed in his long-awaited exhibition, ‘Mustang – A Two Decade Odyssey’, a personal project that reflects his intense connection to the rugged beauty and cultural richness of Mustang, a place he’s documented over the last 20 years. With his keen eye for detail and innate storytelling, he transcends the visual, drawing the viewer into his world.
Kishor Kayastha’s journey through Mustang, one of Nepal’s most remote and mystical regions, is a story not just of photography but of personal transformation. For over two decades, he has captured the essence of Mustang – its landscapes, people, and spirituality – through his lens, now producing an exhibition and limited-edition book that reflects both his artistic evolution and profound connection to the place.
“I’ve always felt dissatisfied with my work, constantly seeking new ways to express myself through photography,” says Kishor who has explored a diverse range of genres from fashion and portraiture to landscape and photojournalism. But it wasn’t until he visited Mustang in 2004 that he discovered a location that would forever change his creative journey.
Mustang, known as ‘The Forbidden Kingdom,’ with its remote beauty and rich culture provided the perfect canvas for his art. Access to Upper Mustang was restricted until 1992, and even now, a hefty $500 entry fee limits tourists. But for Kishor, this sense of exclusivity only fueled his desire to capture Mustang’s essence. “I wasn’t just photographing a place; I was spiritually drawn to it,” he explains. “Mustang felt like a place where time had stood still, offering both a creative and personal healing.” The photographer describes how his first visit left him with a sense of awe and humility.
“When I reached Mustang, I realised how small I really am,” he says. “It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of fame and success but when you experience something so grand and untouched, it reminds you of the bigger picture.” It was here, in this tranquil, Tibetan-influenced landscape, that Kishor began to reflect on life, spirituality, and his path as an artist.
The landscape, he notes, change with every season, every shift in light. “The place is so vast and dynamic that no two visits are ever the same,” he says. “Each time I go, I discover something new, a different angle, a new energy.” His pictures reflect this sense of discovery, capturing the raw beauty of Mustang’s terrain, from snow-capped peaks to moonlit skies.
One of the most poignant moments of his Mustang journey occurred in 2004, shortly after he returned from his first trip with regrets about not reaching the remote town of Lo Manthang. While traveling back, he met a group of people, including a visually impaired man who would change his perspective forever. “I asked him how he experienced the landscape without being able to see it,” recalls Kishor. The man replied, “I can smell the earth,” an answer that stayed with him, offering a lesson in perception that would guide his work for the next two decades.
His exhibition, which features 29 of his most iconic images, from over the years, is not just a showcase of beautiful landscapes but a celebration of Mustang’s spiritual and mystical energy. One of the most memorable stories behind his photos comes from a period in 2019 when Kishor and his assistant, Prakash, were stuck in Mustang for a month due to heavy snowfall. With little to do but wait, Kishor took the opportunity to photograph the snow-covered landscape, trying to capture the perfect shot despite the challenging conditions. One afternoon, as the sun unexpectedly broke through the clouds, he was able to capture a rare moment – the sun shining through the snow just long enough for him to snap the perfect photo. “It felt like a blessing,” he says. “It was as if nature itself had opened up for me.” This picture, one of many from his travels, will feature prominently in the exhibition. Kishor’s work is not just about beautiful images; it’s about sharing the essence of Nepal, and particularly Mustang, with the world.
“We go around the world to travel, but we haven’t fully explored our own motherland,” he notes. “I want people to see Nepal through my lens and feel proud of our country’s beauty.” In addition to showcasing his photos, Kishor’s exhibition seeks to promote the lesser-known Mustang of Nepal. “When you Google ‘Mustang’ right now, you mostly get pictures of Mustang, the car,” he says. “I want people to come to the exhibition, use hashtags, and help promote Nepal’s Mustang so that the next time someone searches for it, they see the real Mustang.” This call to action speaks to his desire to change the narrative around Nepal’s cultural and natural treasures, encouraging both locals and tourists to rediscover the magic of Mustang.
For the artist, photography is not just a career but a lifelong love story. “People often think photography is easy, but to truly perfect it, it takes years of hard work and dedication,” Kishor explains. “You have to live and breathe it.” His dedication to his craft is evident in the breathtaking photos he has captured over the years. But he also sees his exhibition as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Nepali photographers. “I want to show that we can create something at an international level right here in Nepal,” he says.
The exhibition, which features 29 photos from Kishor’s two-decade journey through Mustang, is just one part of his broader vision to share his experiences with the world. Alongside the exhibition, he is releasing a limited-edition book containing 50 of his photographs, further chronicling his journey. The exhibition itself will also have a unique twist. For one day each, the exhibition will be held in the streets of Basantapur and Bhaktapur, offering a different kind of vibe to engage with the local community.
As Kishor reflects on his decades-long journey through Mustang, he says, “Mustang recharged my batteries. It’s a place that feels timeless, a place that makes you feel young again, no matter how old you are.” Through his photographs, he hopes to transport viewers to this magical place, inviting them to experience the power, beauty and spiritual clarity that has shaped his artistic vision and personal growth.
For those who haven’t yet explored Mustang, Kishor’s work offers a powerful invitation to do so – not just through the eyes of a photographer, but through the soul of an artist deeply moved by a place that has, in many ways, shaped his very being.
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