Capture Nepal: A Photography Journey

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you'll be greeted by a team member who will assist with your transfer to the group's hotel. Once you've checked in, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we'll convene for a group meeting over dinner at one of the renowned restaurants in the city.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for an exciting day ahead. Our first stop is the renowned Swayambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple." This ancient stupa, perched on a hillock in the northwest of Kathmandu, is one of Nepal's holiest sites. For centuries, it has stood as a symbol of faith and harmony for both Buddhists and Hindus. From here, you will have an excellent vantage point to capture panoramic views of Kathmandu City.

Next, we journey to Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred cremation site and a living cultural heritage site. Built in the 5th century, Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Lord Shiva. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to witness and photograph Hindu rituals, including puja ceremonies and cremations along the sacred Bagmati River, offering a deep dive into the spiritual life of the local people.

We will break for a sumptuous lunch (included) before continuing our tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square. This historic site is one of the three old royal palaces of the former Kathmandu Kingdom and showcases the most spectacular legacy of Newari traditional architecture. At Durbar Square, you will capture the intricate and beautiful Nepalese architecture of ancient times, with local people still worshipping in the shrines.

To enrich your photography experience, we will organize a 30-minute private photo session with local Nepalis dressed in traditional costumes or with Hindu holy men (Sadhus). This session is perfect for portrait photography, set against the backdrop of the stunning Durbar Square.

As the day winds down, we will head to the bustling local vegetable and spice markets for some dynamic street photography. These markets are a vital part of daily life for the locals and provide an excellent opportunity to capture candid shots of everyday activities. The vibrant colors, energetic atmosphere, and diverse faces make for compelling photographs that tell the story of life in Kathmandu.

After our market visit, we will return to the hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day's rich experiences and the stunning images you've captured.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before heading to Patan, also known as the "City of Fine Arts." Patan is renowned for its exquisite wooden and metal craftsmanship, a testament to the Newari people's artistic heritage.

Golden Temple: Capture the intricate details of this historic Buddhist monastery, with its stunning carvings and statues.

Patan Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this square is filled with temples, statues, and the former royal palace. It's a paradise for photographers interested in historical architecture and cultural scenes.

Patan Museum: Dive into Nepal’s history through beautifully curated exhibits, perfect for capturing detailed shots of traditional artifacts and artworks.

After our morning exploration, we will adjourn for a delicious lunch (included). Post-lunch, we journey to Bhaktapur, a city steeped in history and tradition.

Bhaktapur, the best-preserved medieval city in the Kathmandu Valley, is known for its cobbled streets, narrow alleys, and unique architecture.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this square is a treasure trove of photo opportunities with its ancient palaces and temples.

55-Window Palace: Marvel at and photograph this iconic building, known for its intricate wood carvings and historical significance.

Lion Gate and Golden Gate: Capture the grandeur of these gateways, adorned with intricate details and serving as entrances to the ancient palace complex.

Pottery Square: Witness local potters in action, spinning their wheels and creating terracotta wares. This is a fantastic spot for dynamic shots of traditional craftsmanship.

Evening: Thamel Walk

We will conclude the day with a visit to the vibrant Thamel area, a bustling hub for tourists and locals alike. Here, you can capture:

Old Alleys: Wander through the narrow streets filled with shops, eateries, and historical buildings, offering endless photographic opportunities.

Monuments: Capture the significant landmarks that dot the area, each telling a story of Kathmandu’s rich cultural tapestry.

This day promises to be a feast for your camera, with every turn revealing a new facet of Nepal's rich heritage and vibrant life.

Our first destination is Gorkha, a district renowned for its rich history and as the birthplace of the legendary Gurkha soldiers. Gorkha is famously known as the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal's rival kingdoms. This district remains a significant pilgrimage site for Newars, who revere the Shahs as incarnations of Vishnu. The main attraction is the Gorkha Durbar, the former palace perched on a ridge, offering breathtaking views. Historic temples are scattered throughout the old town, each providing unique photo opportunities.

Climbing the steps to the mountain temple is a challenging trek, but the panoramic vistas make it worthwhile, especially at sunset. As we descend, the golden hues of the setting sun cast a magical glow over Gorkha, perfect for capturing stunning photographs. This journey not only offers a deep dive into Nepal's historical roots but also provides a rich tapestry of cultural and architectural wonders for photographers to explore and capture

Our journey from Gorkha to Bandipur takes us to an elevation of 1,030 meters on the Mahabharat range, approximately 700 meters above the Marsyangdi River Valley and 143 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Connected by an 8-kilometer access road from Dumre since 1998, Bandipur was once accessible only via an unreliable road navigable by tractors during the monsoon. This picturesque mountain saddle, barely 200 meters long, hosts a charming main street lined with 2-3 storey buildings. The houses, with steeply descending mountainsides at their backs, have gardens accessible only by stairs, adding to the village's quaint charm.

Originally a simple Magar village in the early 19th century, Bandipur evolved into an enchanting and prosperous trading center. The town features substantial buildings with neoclassical facades and shuttered windows, and streets paved with silverish slate. This setting provides a rich tapestry for photography, capturing the vibrant colors of ancient Nepal, the faces of its people, traditional farm life, and stunning green surroundings. The scenic views and historical architecture make Bandipur a perfect location for photographers to explore and document the timeless beauty of Nepal.

Today, we arrive in Pokhara, Nepal's second-largest city, situated approximately 200 km west of Kathmandu. As the most popular tourist destination in Nepal, Pokhara offers breathtaking views and exceptional photographic opportunities. The city is located within 30 miles of three of the world's highest mountains — Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu — providing a stunning northern skyline dominated by the Himalayas.

Pokhara serves as a gateway for trekkers starting on the Annapurna Circuit, making it a vibrant hub for adventure and nature photography. The city is dotted with numerous temples and gumbas, many of which are shared places of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists, offering unique cultural photo opportunities. The main tourist attraction, Phewa Lake, is surrounded by panoramic and scenic locations that capture the serene beauty of the region. Whether it's the majestic mountain views, tranquil lakeside scenes, or the spiritual ambiance of the temples, Pokhara is a photographer's paradise.

We'll start the day early with a sunrise photography session at Sarangkot, capturing the first light over the Himalayas. After the sunrise shoot, we'll drive back to Pokhara for breakfast. Once we've fueled up, we'll head to the World Peace Pagoda. This vantage point offers sweeping panoramic views of Pokhara city and Phewa Lake, providing a perfect backdrop for capturing stunning photographs.

After descending from the pagoda, we'll enjoy a boating excursion on Phewa Lake. The colorful boats and the stunning reflection of the snow-capped Annapurna range offer fantastic opportunities for landscape photography.

We'll end the day with dinner in the bustling town of Pokhara before heading back to the hotel. This day promises to be a photographer's delight, capturing the serene beauty of sunrise at Sarangkot and the enchanting sunset at Phewa Lake.

We begin the day early, capturing the breathtaking sunrise over the mountains. After a fulfilling morning photo session, we'll have breakfast, check out, and head to Chitwan National Park.

Chitwan National Park spans 932 square kilometers of dense forest, marsh, and grassland, home to 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 126 species of fish. This wildlife haven offers incredible opportunities to photograph endangered one-horned rhinoceroses, Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, gharial crocodiles, and rare freshwater dolphins, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Upon arrival at our comfortable resort in Chitwan, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch before checking in. In the afternoon, we'll visit a Tharu village, where you'll have the chance to capture stunning images of local people and their natural surroundings. As the day winds down, we'll photograph the beautiful sunset from the Rapti River bank.

The day concludes with a scrumptious dinner at the hotel, accompanied by a vibrant Tharu cultural dance performance, providing a perfect end to an adventurous and photogenic day

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before venturing into the wilderness on a jungle walk, followed by an adventurous canoe ride along the Rapti River. As you glide along the water, seize the opportunity to photograph playful monkeys in the treetops, elephants bathing in the river, and deer grazing peacefully on the riverbanks. The serene and dynamic morning offers a rich variety of wildlife and nature scenes to capture.

After lunch, we will delve deeper into the jungle with a thrilling Jeep safari, perfect for photographing the exotic wildlife that Chitwan is known for, including the elusive Royal Bengal tiger and the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. As the day winds down, visit the elephant breeding center for close-up shots of these majestic creatures or capture the breathtaking sunset over the Rapti River. Conclude the evening with a delightful dinner and a session on photo-editing techniques to enhance your stunning captures from the day.

After an incredible journey, we'll drive approximately 45 minutes from the resort to Bharatpur for our flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, a team member will be there to welcome you and assist with your transfer to the group's hotel. Once settled in, you have the rest of the day free to explore Kathmandu at your leisure, capturing more of its vibrant culture and scenic beauty through your lens.

After breakfast or lunch, depending on your flight time, we will transfer you to the international airport or if you leave by evening, you can put your luggage at the Hotel and enjoy the city one final day