An ancient Hindu manuscript describes Kathmandu, Nepal as the “Land of Gods surrounded by beautiful mountains”. The capital of modern Nepal is nestled in the middle of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, in a valley surrounded by gentle, green terraced hills, ancient temples, shrines and red tiled-roofed houses. The Kathmandu valley hosts three districts that were previously part of different empires. Bhaktapur is the “City of Devotees”, filled with ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious sites; Patan or Lalitpur is the “City of Beauty”, famous for its wood and stone carvings and bas-reliefs; Kathmandu is the “City of Temples” – with its famous Durbar Square, which is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city, filled with exquisite monuments, sculptures and temples. 

After Kathmandu valley we enter Bandipur, an ethnic local village with panoramic mountain views. Next up Pokhara, where your eyes will behold snowy mountain landscapes. You will pass through little hamlets and villages on the way that will give you some deep insights into Nepal’s rural lifestyles. Finally you reach Pokhara, a beautiful scenic lake town where nature is amplified with the views of majestic peaks almost at touching distance, and clean water lakes with boating and canoeing. You will also see some natural wonders of nature in waterfalls and gorges and at dusk when the sun dips behind the mountains, and glimpses of twilight lighten up the skies that herald the end of day.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. We cannot think of a better location to express your creativity than the exotic country of Nepal.

Photographic Highlights of the Trip – People and close-up composition photo opportunities.

1. Photography tour around the City of Kathmandu: The largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal is Boudhanath and the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva - Pashupatinath - Photo shoots of People (offering prayers in and around the temple), Stupa, Monks, “Sadhus”, Holy Men, “Yogis”, Street vendors and shopkeepers.

2. City of Artisans –Patan, Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan. Photo shoots of Local artists / artisans, Local Vendors plying their trade on the streets, unique cultural identity of Newari community, people in their traditional attire.

3. Pre-arranged photo shoot with the “Tamang” community, people to capture their unique lifestyle and cultural identity.

4. Experience the village life of a Home Stay.

5. Lifestyle of the Nepali people following the traditional and the modern way.

7. The beautiful ethnic village and panoramic mountain views of Bandipur.

8. The majestic sights of snow-capped mountain peaks and exquisite beauty of Pokhara.

9. Sunset view from World Peace Stupa and sunrise view from Sarangkot, Pokhara.

10. Boating in Serene Phewa lake and visiting the amazing Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake.

Group Size

4-8 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers

DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras

Moderate schedule

Travel by car or minibus

Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking (hiking optional)

(non-photographers also welcome)

Photographer | Guides

Ian Robert Knight and Michael Chinnici  |  October 5-14, 2018

Ian Robert Knight  |  October 4-13, 2019

Weather | Sun

October - Temps 65-74/50-59 F  19-23/10-15 C  Sunrise 5:58 | Sunset 5:46 (17:46)

Includes

Travel, landscape, architecture, people, nature and photography

Professional photographer | guide

English speaking guide and driver

Small group size (4-8 guests)

Photo walks & discussions

Fine Accommodations (Home Stays in remote locations)

Breakfasts

4 Lunches and 4 Dinners

Local transportation

Entry fees

Accommodations

Kathmandu - Dwarika’s Hotel, Hyatt Regency  or similar

Bhaktapur - Milla Guest House, Hotel Heritage or similar

Panauti - Panauti Community Home Stay

Bandipur - Old Inn or similar

Pokhara - Fishtail Lodge or similar

Travel Information

Arrival & Departure Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM)

Our adventure begins at 2 PM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.

Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out.

Price

NEPAL 10-DAY PHOTO & CULTURAL ADVENTURE

Photo Adventure Vacation | October 5-14, 2018:  $7,295

Photo Adventure Vacation | October 4-13, 2019:  $7,995

Single Supplement:  $1200

(Optional) Early Arrival Hotel Room:  $350

(Optional) Late Departure Hotel Room:  $350

Deposit:  $1000

CLICK TO CONVERT CURRENCY

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

NEPAL 10 DAYS

Day 1 | Arrive Kathmandu

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. We will pick you up at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival. Our driver and guide will escort you to our hotel. We suggest you arrive one day early to avoid jet lag and settle into our hotel. Day one will begin at 2 PM in the lobby of our hotel. We begin with informal discussions on what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles and techniques. We’ll discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” as well as our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique. Afterwards we explore the city for an afternoon of photography followed by our “Welcome Dinner” celebration at one of our favorite Nepali restaurants. (D)

Day 2 | Pashupatinath - Bouddhanath

We depart early just after sunrise to make our way to Pashupatinath. The most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva “Pashupatinath” is one of a kind, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Pashupatinath is home to many Sadhus (known as Holy Man) and many Hindu Pilgrims from all around the world come here to pray. There are many small shops, street vendors set up around so that they can buy items for offering. After Pashupatinath, we will drive to Boudanath, which is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. Surrounded by Tibetan restaurants and Tibetan handicraft shops Boudanath can also be called as a Tibetan social hub. Being a Buddhist monument you can sight many monks praying in the area and it would be a great destination to shoot the pictures of Tibetan street vendors, Monks and many Buddhist people visiting for evening prayer in the premises of the Stupa. After we drive back to our hotel in Kathmandu. (B)

Day 3 | Patan Durbar Square - Changunarayan - Thimi - Bhaktapur

Morning drive to Patan. Patan is regarded as the richest culturally and historically of the three Durbar Squares. It offers a wide array of wooden arts in the form of monumental historic edifices that reflects the architectural influence in the city during ancient and medieval times. The creative wooden carvings depicting the sutras of Lord Kamadeva (God of Human love or desire) are scattered throughout the pagoda style temples in the backstreets. Patan, the city of Artists, offers many visual treats for your camera. We drive to Bhaktapur, the city of Devotees. Along the way we stop in Thimi, one of the ancient, cultural and historical places, famous for its Pottery and Paper Mache Masks. After Thimi we make our way to the ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. The temple was surrounded by forest with champak tree and a small village, known as Changu Village. The area is not much developed and people there depend on agriculture and small business run in the shops near the temple. One can find a few examples of rural Nepal in this place. Later on we make our way towards our final city for the day which is Bhaktapur. The Durbar Square is not just a historical place but also a place for the local people to earn their livelihood. The area is surrounded with small shops and local business and perfect for street photography. Handicraft, pottery is famous in this area and tourists are allowed to see the making process upon request. Since we will be staying overnight in one of the Guest House’s in the Durbar Square area, we will do an evening photo walk and capture the local lifestyle. (B) (L)

Day 4 | Dhulikhel - Panauti

After breakfast we transfer to Dhulikhel, one of the most popular destinations to observe the high Himalaya. From the edge of the ridge, a stunning panorama of peaks unfolds, from Langtang Lirung in the east, through Dorje Lakpa to the huge bulk of Gauri Shankar and nearby Melungtse (23,560 ft / 7181 m) and as far as Numbur (19,505 ft / 5945 m) in the east. The old town escaped the 2015 earthquake with little damage. There's more to Dhulikhel than breathtaking views though. This is a real Newari town, with a temple-lined village square and a life outside of exposing tourists to the views. In Dhulikhel, you can capture the amazing picture of Himalayan range, traditional local culture and life. Later on we will transfer to Panauti village for a Home Stay experience. You will be engaging with the local family where you will be welcomed with “tika and garland” followed by a welcome speech and welcome drinks. After lunch our local guide will take us for a tour of old Panauti, as well as involve you in seasonal activities so that you can interact with the locals. In the evening you get to learn about Nepali food which has been prepared for you with the family. Overnight at our Home Stay. (B) (L) (D)

Day 5 | Tamang Village - Panauti

Early in the morning a host of the home stay will take us to view the sunrise. Soon after breakfast we will head to Chamkharka village (a Tamang village) where you will be able to observe the Tamang lifestyle. A photo shoot of the Tamang people will be the highlight of the day for you as a pre-arranged photoshoot. In the evening you can enjoy a dancing and singing program while tasting local wine and ending your day with a Nepali meal. Overnight at Homestay. (B) (L) (D)

Day 6 | Tamang Village - Bandipur

The next morning will begin the day with some daily puja with our family, followed by breakfast. After we drive to Bandipur, a hilltop village and charismatic settlement lying in the center of Kathmandu Pokhara highway in the Tanahu district. Situated at an altitude of only 3297 ft / 1005 m from sea level, Bandipur has the Marshyandi River flowing beneath it. The place is dominated by the Newar and Magar ethnic groups. We will explore around the village where you will find many photographic opportunities. From the ridge of the Bandipur town, one can capture an amazing panoramic mountain views, artistic houses, visit pagoda roofed temples and more. (B)

Day 7 | Siddha Cave - Pokhara - World Peace Pagoda

Early morning, a walk to the largest cave of the country “Siddha Gupha” which is made up of stalactites and stalagmites. After exploring a beautiful ethnic village and the largest cave, we drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is Nepal’s famous tourist area which is the mixture of adventure as well as leisure travel. It is a gateway for trekking in Annapurna region with plenty of entertainment for all the travelers from young to old. You can experience trekking, boating, hiking, paragliding, cycling, sightseeing or simply relax at one of the lakes near the city with the stunning Annapurna mountain range at the background. After reaching Pokhara we visit World Peace stupa which is the Buddhist Pagoda style monument balanced on a narrow ridge above Phewa Lake. (B)

Day 8 | Sarangkot - Pokhara - Seti Gorge - Davis Falls - Phewa Lake

Pokhara, a charming city and one of the most famous tourist destinations in Nepal, offers fabulous scenic views. We will take a short hike to Sarangkot, located at an altitude of 5223 ft / 1592 m. It is the highest point on the Pokhara valley rim. From here you can see the whole Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna ranges (Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machhapuchure, Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Lamjung Himal). In the afternoon we explore Pokhara which includes Seti Gorge, Mahendra Cave and Davis Falls. In the evening we will go on a boat ride on Phewa Lake and visit Barahi Temple situated in the middle of the lake. (B) (L)

Day 9 | Kathmandu 

In the morning we fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. This day is a free day for you to have a leisure time or return to a place you would like to recapture. Or we can add an alternate activity or photo shoot upon your request. In the evening we prepare for our festive “Farewell Dinner”, discuss the events of the trip, share our favorite photos and enjoy the fun and laughter. (B) (D)

Day 10 | Kathmandu 

After breakfast our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. We urge you to extend your stay in Asia and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. (B)

NOTE: This adventure is followed by our Kingdom of Bhutan Photo Adventure. Combine both for 19 amazing days in the Himalayas.

May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

Private Guided Tours & Adventures

We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through Travelex. The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to get a free quote.

Blog & eNews

Gift Certificates

Private Online Lightroom & Photoshop Tutorials

We offer private online Lightroom and Photoshop photo editing tutorials for individuals who would like to improve their post-processing skills. Each is customized to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. We provide you with one-on-one discussions using online connectivity. Many of our Photo Adventure guests select our online post-processing as an extension to their trip. Click here for more information.

Combination Tours

You can SAVE by combining two or more back-to-back photo adventures. Call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Loyalty Club**

All registered guests on 6 day or longer Photo Adventures are automatically enrolled in our Loyalty Club. You will receive a $200 discount on your next Photo Adventure. After attending just 3 Photo Adventures, you’ve reached “Gold” status and a $300 discount good toward future Photo Adventures. After attending 6 Photo Adventures, you’ve reached “Elite” status and a $500 discount good toward future Photo Adventures. Elite status guests also receive other benefits such as additional discounts, special offers, room upgrades (when available), and more. Click here to learn more.

**LOYALTY CLUB: Loyalty discounts only apply to 6 day or longer Photo Adventures. The discount is applied to the Photo Adventure fee when booked directly through our website, and cannot be added to or combined with any “pay in full”, “pay in advance” or “discounted specials”. This discount cannot be combined with any other offer. Your discount will be applied to your final payment. Only one discount per person, per adventure. This discount has no cash value. Polar Adventures are excluded from this offer. Loyalty Club status will be eliminated after 3 years of inactivity.  

NOTE: We reserve the right to change hotels based on availability and pricing. Not included in your rate are alcoholic beverages, unscheduled meals, travel to and from our destinations, airport transfers, travel insurance and any optional excursions you may choose to book on your own or as a group. Breakfast is usually included unless it is not offered in our hotel package. As is standard in the travel industry, all accommodations are based on double occupancy. Please choose the private room / single supplement option if you prefer your own room. Double occupancy can only be offered if you are traveling with a guest. We reserve the right to change events and schedules throughout the itinerary due to adverse weather conditions or complications that may arise that are out of our control. Our number one priority is always the safety of our group.

For more information Email us or call us at 1-888-834-0288     

© 2008 - 2017 Photo Workshop Adventures LLC    All Rights Reserved.   Website design by Red Octopus

Americas

Europe

Cuba

Asia

Southeast Asia

Middle East

Africa

Oceania

About Us

Team

Schedule

FAQ

Guest Showcase

Reviews

Press

Gallery

Videos

Register

Make A Payment

Gift Certificates

Travel Insurance

Loyalty Club

Terms & Conditions

Contact Us

THINK ORANGE Blog

THINK ORANGE eNews

PWA Facebook

PWA Instagram

PWA Pinterest

PWA Vimeo

PWA Twitter

Private Guided Tours

Photo Day Tours

New York Aerial

Non-Photo Tours