The Gehendra Dhimal Foundation, in partnership with the US Embassy Kathmandu, is organising ‘MUSTANG Nostalgia: A Two-Decade Odyssey’, a panoramic photo exhibition. This exhibition will showcase a collection of 30 photographs by lens-based artist Kishor Kayastha, which captures the beauty and transformation of the Mustang region over the last two decades.

Kayastha’s two-decade-long exploration of Mustang is reflected in his panoramic photographs. With roots in the culturally rich city of Bhaktapur, Kayastha’s work embodies a deep connection to Nepal’s landscapes and heritage, serving as a poignant record of the region’s changing climate, urbanisation, and the endurance of Mustang's ancient traditions within its rugged and spiritual environment.

The exhibition will also feature photos of the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) project sites in the Mustang region. AFCP has played a pivotal role in restoring and preserving monasteries and chortens in Mustang and other temples, monuments, and cultural sites throughout Nepal. Through AFCP, 28 cultural heritage restoration/preservation projects have been awarded funding totalling over $4.54 million over the past two decades.

Michael Harker, chief of public affairs at the US Embassy in Kathmandu, said, “The AFCP’s work in Mustang demonstrates the United States’ commitment to preserving Nepal’s cultural heritage. This exhibition brings the timeless beauty of Mustang to a wider audience, promoting greater appreciation and understanding.”

Gautam Dhimal, chairperson of the Gehendra Dhimal Foundation, expressed the broader significance of the event: “This is not just an exhibition; it is a bridge that connects travellers, photographers, tourists, students, and nature lovers to the heart of Mustang. By documenting the region’s landscapes and its challenges due to climate change, this exhibition encourages reflection on the delicate balance between progress and preservation, inspiring future exploration and conservation efforts.”

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MUSTANG Nostalgia: A Two-Decade Odyssey

Where: Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu

When: January 7 to January 14, 2025

Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm daily