Description
Group size
Max 5
Duration
13 nights/ 14 days
Fitness Level
Medium
Accommodation
Marshyangdi Hotel, Tibet International + others
Meeting place
Arrivals lounge at Kathmandu Tribhuvan
A fourteen-day photography tour of the incredible landscapes of Upper Mustang in Nepal.
Join me for an unforgettable photography tour of Nepal and Upper Mustang in April 2024. The photo tour will start in Kathmandu before we move to Upper Mustang in northern Nepal. This little-visited area of Nepal has much to offer photographers. From the high mountain peaks of the Anna Purna range which skirt the eastern edge of the area; to villages where it seems time has remained still since the middle ages to street photography of the characterful local people.
Only opened to outside visitors since 1992, access to Upper Mustang is heavily controlled. During the first days of our Nepal photography tour, the permits required for our entry into the Upper Mustang region will be prepared for us.
Nepal offers many photographic opportunities from the cultures of both the Hindu and Buddhist religions, to the stunning mountain landscapes and the people that we’ll meet during our photography tour.
During April, the mornings can be cold in Mustang and the daytime can be a pleasant 20°c or so. The area is also at an altitude of around 4000m and we will be monitoring every person to ensure that altitude sickness doesn’t strike. We will make the very best of the morning and evening light. You will be taken to some of the very best photography locations for the first light and sunset. Our local guide will also be on hand to help with the street photography that we will encounter.
Our stay in Kathmandu is based in both three and four-star hotel accommodations where the hotels provide us with breakfast in the morning. In Upper Mustang though the accommodation is basic but comfortable with western-style facilities.
Transportation during the photography tour will be in the form of 4×4 jeeps when we are in Upper Mustang. The roads are mostly unmade and so the jeeps will help us easily navigate the terrain that we’ll be encountering. The road network is definitely a challenge but your comfort during the photography tour is my priority.
During the Nepal photography tour which encompasses Kathmandu and some of the surrounding towns we will either be on foot or transport will be provided by our ground agent.
Photography techniques covered during the Nepal photography tour and workshop
Out in the field
- Exposure and understanding of how to get the best out of the light
- Composition techniques to create balanced images
- Lens choice and focal length. Typically people head for the wide-angle in a landscape but up in the mountains telephoto lenses are also heavily used.
- Panoramic photography. How to best compose the beautiful panoramas that we’ll see during the photography tour
Processing
- Using Adobe Lightroom or Camera Raw to process our images
- Using luminosity masks in Adobe Photoshop
- Colour correction
- Stitching panoramic images
Additional information
What flights do recommend?
Kathmandu Tribhuvan (KTM) airport is served by a multitude of international flight operators from budget airlines to the more commercial airlines such as Turkish Airlines; Qatar Airlines and Air India.
Where do I meet you?
We will all meet at the arrivals lounge at Kathmandu Tribhuvan on 7 April 2024. Our driver will then take us to our first hotel where we will rest ready for the photo tour to start proper.
How about getting back to the airport?
Once we know all attendee’s departure flight times we can coordinate drop-offs at Kathmandu Tribhuvan airport.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, you will likely need to apply for a visa before going to Nepal. Only a handful of countries can access the country visa-free or with visa on arrival. It is recommended to apply for your visa online before departure so that the arrival process is quicker.
I’m worried about altitude sickness
Altitude sickness occurs above 2500m or around 8200 feet. If your journey goes up too quickly then there is the risk of altitude sickness occurring which is why the itinerary takes us up at a gradual pace. Each day participant’s oxygen levels will be checked to ensure that no one has to be taken back down.
If you’re worried about the effects of high altitude sickness then it would be wise to consult your doctor before going.
Diamox is what many people are prescribed before ascending to altitudes above 2500m.
Footwear?
Walking boots are perfect for the countryside and lighter shoes will serve you well in Kathmandu.
What camera kit should I bring?
A wide-angle lens (16-35), medium zoom (24-70) and a longer zoom (70-300) will be ideal to cover most compositional eventualities. Ideally though your longest focal length should be 400mm as well as an extender. The most used will be in the 24-70 range as a super wide-angle doesn’t always translate, so make sure this focal length is covered. It’s best not to weigh yourself down, so why not bring an airport-style bag for all your kit and a smaller day bag, which you can decant equipment into throughout the day.
Do I need a computer?
Although not essential, it’s a great idea to bring a laptop computer with you so you can discuss imagery with me and others in the group. It really is a great learning experience, so it’s highly recommended to bring a laptop to learn and for personal entertainment.
What computer support do you give?
I try to make a point of tutoring digital photography to all my clients, to help complete the learning process. It really helps to have a computer session when tiredness takes hold, or inclement weather persists.
What’s included in the tour?
Photo tuition from Julian Elliott
Double or single room. Single occupancy as you won’t be sharing
Breakfasts
Transport during the tour
What’s not included
Meals not mentioned
Insurance
Flights to Kathmandu
Tips for guides and drivers
Any excess baggage charges on internal flights
My tours fill up quickly but sometimes spots open up due to cancellations.
If the tour you are interested in is currently full and you would like to be added to the waiting list then please fill out this form