Nepal: Majestic, Mountainous, Mystical!

Join us on our 10-day Nepal Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure to experience, according to an ancient Hindu manuscript, the “Land of gods surrounded by beautiful mountains”. Kathmandu, the capital of modern Nepal is located 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.

We will embark on a photography tour through the streets of Kathmandu which pulsate with spirituality. We will focus on Nepal’s largest Buddhist Stupa (dome-shaped shrine), Boudhanath, where fluttering prayer flags hang down from the Stupa’s spire like a Buddhist maypole and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha gaze upon the robed monks circling the mighty spherical structure. Next, we will seek to capture the devotion of locals offering prayers at Pashupatinath, an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Frame your shots with “Sadhus” in their colorful attire in varying shades of marigolds, yogis, monks, and everyday worshippers. 

Near Patan and Bhaktapur, our main photographic focus will be capturing the spirit of trade and craftsmanship in these areas. The streets teem with local artisans and vendors showcasing their wares, such as pottery, paper mache, and woodwork. One of the most magical experiences we will have in Nepal will be immersing ourselves in village life through a homestay in Panauti. Here, we will document the warmth of village hospitality, the routines and rituals of local families that change with the seasons, and the small, intimate moments that mark daily life. The next day, we will enjoy another heartwarming homestay in the Chamkharka village, home to the Tamang people. After a pre-arranged portrait photo shoot, our cameras will focus on telling the stories that shape Tamang culture, where we will sing, dance, and dine with the locals. 

Heading away from Kathmandu Valley, we will visit Pokhara, a scenic town with views of majestic peaks that almost seem at touching distance, clean water lakes, waterfalls, caves, and gorges. We will photograph this area at dusk when the sun dips behind the mountains and during the tranquil twilight that heralds the end of the day. We also will set sail on a boat ride to capture the ethereal beauty of the pagoda-style Barahi Temple, an island of spirituality and culture amidst the calming waters of Phewa Lake. 

This 10-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it is an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you will refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You will also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. 

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Nepal, with its heavenly Himalayan landscapes, ancient villages, and beautiful people, is the perfect muse for you to craft an unforgettable visual narrative. Your photographic odyssey starts here!

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.
6. The beautiful ethnic village and panoramic mountain views of Bandipur.
7. The majestic sights of snow-capped mountain peaks and exquisite beauty of Pokhara.
8. Sunset view from World Peace Stupa and sunrise view from Sarankot, Pokhara.
9. Boating in Serene Phewa Lake and visiting the amazing Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake.

We will embark on a photography tour through the streets of Kathmandu which pulsate with spirituality. We will focus on Nepal’s largest Buddhist Stupa (dome-shaped shrine), Boudhanath, where fluttering prayer flags hang down from the Stupa’s spire like a Buddhist maypole and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha gaze upon the robed monks circling the mighty spherical structure. Next, we will seek to capture the devotion of locals offering prayers at Pashupatinath, an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Frame your shots with “Sadhus” in their colorful attire in varying shades of marigolds, yogis, monks, and everyday worshippers. 

Near Patan and Bhaktapur, our main photographic focus will be capturing the spirit of trade and craftsmanship in these areas. The streets teem with local artisans and vendors showcasing their wares, such as pottery, paper mache, and woodwork. One of the most magical experiences we will have in Nepal will be immersing ourselves in village life through a homestay in Panauti. Here, we will document the warmth of village hospitality, the routines and rituals of local families that change with the seasons, and the small, intimate moments that mark daily life. The next day, we will enjoy another heartwarming homestay in the Chamkharka village, home to the Tamang people. After a pre-arranged portrait photo shoot, our cameras will focus on telling the stories that shape Tamang culture, where we will sing, dance, and dine with the locals. 

Heading away from Kathmandu Valley, we will visit Pokhara, a scenic town with views of majestic peaks that almost seem at touching distance, clean water lakes, waterfalls, caves, and gorges. We will photograph this area at dusk when the sun dips behind the mountains and during the tranquil twilight that heralds the end of the day. We also will set sail on a boat ride to capture the ethereal beauty of the pagoda-style Barahi Temple, an island of spirituality and culture amidst the calming waters of Phewa Lake. 

This 10-day photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it is an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you will refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You will also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. 

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Nepal, with its heavenly Himalayan landscapes, ancient villages, and beautiful people, is the perfect muse for you to craft an unforgettable visual narrative. Your photographic odyssey starts here!

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.
6. The beautiful ethnic village and panoramic mountain views of Bandipur.
7. The majestic sights of snow-capped mountain peaks and exquisite beauty of Pokhara.
8. Sunset view from World Peace Stupa and sunrise view from Sarankot, Pokhara.
9. Boating in Serene Phewa Lake and visiting the amazing Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake.

*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 upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that 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. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.