My journey began in the remote village of Bhalche, tucked away in the hills north east of Kathmandu, Nepal. Life in Bhalche was simple, yet extraordinary in a way that only those who have lived under the gaze of the Himalayas can truly understand. The mountains were more than just a backdrop to our daily lives—they were our guardians, shaping the rhythm of our existence and instilling in me a deep, abiding respect for the natural world.

As a child, I was captivated by the raw beauty that surrounded me. The towering peaks, whispering forests, and serene rivers spoke to me in ways I couldn't fully grasp then, but I knew they were calling me to something greater. I spent countless hours exploring the hills near our village, drawn to the vastness of the landscape and the mysteries it held. These early experiences sowed the seeds of a lifelong passion for nature—a passion that would come to define my life. At the age of fourteen, my world expanded dramatically when I moved to Kathmandu.

The city, with its ceaseless energy and bustling streets, was a stark contrast to the peaceful life I had known in Bhalche. The transition was overwhelming, but it also awakened within me a deep yearning to reconnect with the mountains. This longing eventually led me back to them, not as a child seeking solace, but as a trekking porter navigating the very landscapes that had shaped my childhood. I eventually became a trekking guide, leading others through the mountains. The work was grueling—carrying heavy loads across rugged, unforgiving terrain—but every step brought me closer to the peaks I had always revered.

However, as I ventured deeper into the Himalayas, I began to notice the scars left by human negligence. Litter and waste marred the pristine beauty of the mountains, and it pained me to see the wilderness I loved treated with such disregard. Though I lacked the means to document or share what I was witnessing at the time, the idea of using photography as a tool for environmental advocacy began to take root, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford a camera at that time.

In 2004, political instability in Nepal forced me to leave my homeland and seek a new life in the United States. I settled in California, where the diverse landscapes—from the rugged coastline to the expansive deserts—offered a new kind of beauty to explore. It was here that I finally had the chance to pursue photography in earnest. With a camera in hand, I began to capture the world around me, using each frame to express my deep connection to nature and the landscapes that had always called to me. But my journey didn't end with photography. The pull to give back to the country that had given me so much grew stronger with each passing year. I turned my attention to improving education in remote villages in Nepal, working tirelessly to raise funds and build schools—three in total: an elementary school, a high school, and a college. These schools have become beacons of hope, providing children in remote areas with opportunities I could only have dreamed of as a child.

Looking back, I see my life as a journey that has taken me from the quiet beauty of Bhalche to the bustling streets of Kathmandu and to the vast, varied landscapes of California. Along the way, I have held onto the passions that were born in those early years in the mountains—a love for nature and a commitment to travel more and capture the beauty of the country we live in and share with the world. Through photography, I strive to capture and inspire people to preserve the beauty of the world. My story is one of connection—connection to the land, to the people, and to the idea that with every step we take, we have the power to shape the world for the better.

https://www.marinij.com/2018/12/24/mill-valley-humanitarian-builds-college-for-nepal-villagers/ Marin Magazine https://marinmagazine.com/people/be-free-2/