Nepal Photography Tours

From snow-capped peaks to plunging waterfalls, Nepal is a land of pristine natural beauty – a paradise for photographers who want to capture a truly unspoiled country and its people. From shooting the sun rising over the Himalayas, to portraits featuring everyday people, each moment of your 15-day trip is guaranteed to be inspirational.

CLICKAGE is designed and led by professional photographer Nikolaz Godet, a chance for amateur and aspiring photographer to develop their skills in one of the most fascinating environments on earth. Each day is filled with demonstrations, technical workshops, opportunities to get an insightful critique on your shots, and of course to be behind the camera capturing the story of life in Nepal.

Technical workshops will focus on a multi-faceted approach, encompassing lighting conditions, focal length, composition, white balance, exposure, noise and digital workflow, as well helping you to develop your own reportage style. You'll learn to push both your camera and yourself to your limits and be able to share ideas and experiences with fellow participants to gain the most from your trip.

CLICKAGE presents you with the perfect opportunity to travel with a professional photographer as well as having an experienced guide who will help you explore and discover the simple allure of Nepal. Enjoy relaxed moments surrounded by stunning scenery and make your connection with the very special people that you will meet along your journey.

Tour itinerary

Day one will be determined by your arrival time in Kathmandu, but our staff will be there to welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Enjoy some leisure time as you immerse yourself in a totally new world - Nepal's busy capital. Walk through the fruit and vegetable markets of Kalimati, where vendors sell their produce from traditional carriers called Kharpan, or watch the world go by and meet fellow travellers at one of the many cafés in Thamel.

You'll be taking in the sights of Kathmandu on day two, including the Patan Durbar Square and Swoyambhunath Stupa, as well as some of the lesser-known sights. Kathmandu is actually made up of three parts: Kasthamandap (which everyone thinks is actually Kathmandu), Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Each area has its own unique character and history. In Lalitpur you'll discover the legendary Ashoka Stupas, erected by Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC, as well as uncovering some of the staggering 1200 Buddhist monuments and religious sites that are located here. Patan City (Lalitpur) is a network of waterways, tanks, gateways, temples and intricately carved doors, providing ample opportunities to capture the detail and complexity of this magnificent city.

You'll be exploring Bhaktapur, Nepal's ancient "City of Culture" at the end of your trip.

In the evening you will be heading to a nearby Nepalese restaurant to sample the delights of the local cuisine.

On day three you'll be driving five hours to Pokhara by coach along the winding roads that snake through the countryside, running alongide the river Trishuli. The views along the way chart the simplicity and beauty of life in Nepal, especially as you enter the more rural areas. You an count on at least 20 stops along the way, each one allowing you to shoot scenes that tell a story. After check-in at the hotel you are free to explore Pokhara independently, engage with the locals and make the most of the opportunities for some street photography.

Day four includes an early start and short drive to Sarankot for sunrise over the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare (Mighty Fishtail). Starting out from Bindya Basini Temple, it's about an hour's walk before you reach the summit and staggering views of the peaks of the Himalayas, all the way back down to Pokhara. You'll have two to three hours in the area before heading back to the hotel for a late breakfast. Then it's onwards to Peace Pagoda and more great views over Pokhara City, Phewa Lake and rugged mountainscapes.

You'll have the whole of day five to uncover the delights of Pokhara, one of Nepal's most traditional and ancient cities. Visit the Barahi Temple, situated right at the centre of the Phewa Lake where you have 360˚ views across the water. More great photography opportunities await you as you tour the sights such as Karma Dubgyu Choling Nyeshang Monastery and Bindya Basini Temple as well as more adventure as you explore the Devi Falls and Mahendra Caves.

After breakfast on day six, you'll head out towards Nayapul where the trek to Tikhendunga starts. Although it takes four to five hours, it's a light trek on the level and you'll have an opportunity to stop for lunch en route. The trek brings you in to contact with life in the mountains, the people earn their living working in the region and traditional ways of life. It's a great opportunity to engage with people, breaking through the language barrier to create beautiful portraits and shots that show the variation between life in the city and life in these outlying areas.

The 3000 stone steps of Ulleri village await you on day seven and at the top, a panorama over the Annapurna South. You'll spend the afternoon meandering through tiny villages scattered along the route and maybe be lucky enough to see complete hillsides with Nepal's national flower - the rhododendron in bloom, covering the landscape in vast swathes of deep red. Then delving in to the dense forest, the last part of the trip before reaching Ghorepani.

It's an early start to day eight in order to catch the sunrise at Poon Hill - a spectacular vista as the light appears over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. It's arguably one of the most breathtaking spots in the world - so enchanting that you will probably want to spend the entire day there. There are so many different angles from which to compose a shot, we include a packed breakfast and lunch, so that you can make the most of your time here. You'll head back to the lodge in the late afternoon for your overnight stay.

Day nine gives you an opportunity to focus on the rich flora of the region, with a trek through sumptuous rhododendron (Guras in Nepali) and pine forests to Tadapani. The views along the route are incredible, and there's plenty of opportunity to take them in with a stop for a picnic lunch. You'll be staying over night at the lodge.

From Tadapani on day ten, you'll be visiting the beautiful and prosperous village of Ghandruk. It's a short trek of two to three hours and most certainly worth it as you'll have fantastic views on the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and 'Mighty Fishtail'. Ghandruk is home to the courageous Gorkha soldiers and also renowned for being of the cleanest villages in the Annapurna region.

Day eleven includes trekking downhill from Ghandruk through typical Gurung villages on the way to Saulibazaar. After lunch it's an easy walk to Nayapul where you will rejoin your driver and head on to Pokhara for your overnight stay.

Driving from Pokhara to Chitwan on day twelve, you'll make your way though the lush tropical vegetation of Chitwan National Park. After checking in at your lodge and depending on the time there is an opportunity to go on a jungle safari and then later you'll head out to the Tharu cultural dance show - a great chance to shoot motion blur and action shots amidst a lively atmosphere. Tharu is one of the most famous farming tribes of Nepal and the dance encapsulates many traditions from times past.

Day thirteen means heading back to Kathmandu, with a stop a Hetauda for lunch. You'll have some free time in the early evening to explore by yourself and take in more of the bustling atmosphere of the capital. Dinner will be served at Bhancar Ghar, a restaurant serving traditional Nepalese food.

On day fourteen you will have more opportunities to discover and photograph more of the city's architecture and a visit to Bhaktapur, with its many religious sites, including around 40 temples, the largest Shiva Lingum and extremely fine architecture such as the "peacock winds" found in the area. Bhaktapur is famous for pottery, so be sure to get some shots of the typical Ju-Ju Dhau - yoghurt that is traditonally sold in clay bowls. Your last full day in Kathmandu, Nikolaz will lead a discussion about the events of the past days and sum up some of the skills and techniques that you have learned. It's also an opportunity for you to get interactive, share your best photographs with the group and of course say farewell to your fellow travellers.

Day fifteen and depending on your flight departure time, you will have leisure time to discover more of Kathmandu before your transfer to the airport for your flight and onward connection. If you have time, you might want to do some last minute shopping at New Road - Kathmandu's newest shopping hub.

Nikolaz Godet

For the last ten years, Nikolaz has specialized in life, portrait, festival and travel photography. Born in Brittany, he has been travelling since his childhood and started his photography career 15 years ago with a Minolta XG-2. After using the Cokin filter, he has worked mostly in digital since 1996 and gone on to participate in many projects, including cultural events and exhibitions both in his native France as well as in India. More recently Nikolaz decided to settle in India, a country he fell in love with during his photographic explorations, and continues to capture unique scenes from landscapes and the heart of rural areas through to the thriving metropolitan areas that characterise modern India. Discover more about his work through his showcase site:

www.nikolazgodet.com


Images on this page are provided courtesy of Nikolaz and others.

Exhibition

At the end of the trip, Nikolaz will be making a selection of images made by participants for exhibition in Delhi. 10% of the proceeds of the exhibition will be donated to SOS Children's Village.

Departure date

The departure date for this tour has already passed. If you are interested in future photography tours to Nepal, please send us an email - info@mywireindia.co.uk

How much?

14 nights / 15 days, including expert tuition by Nikolaz, additional English speaking guide, transfers, basic accommodation in standard rooms, all breakfasts and evening meals (also most lunches), and activities as mentioned in the itinerary, Annapurna Area Conservation fee, photography permits and porters/sherpas as required

This tour explores many untouched rural areas and therefore accommodation will be basic, but gives you fantastic access to these remote locations.

  • £1045 per person twin sharing
  • €1250
  • $1700

International and domestic flights as well as all extras can be included in a supplement of:

  • £650 per person (approx)
  • €775
  • $1050

Flights can be arranged from the UK, rest of Europe, US, Canada, Australia and other locations upon request. Prices for flights may vary depending on when you book - this will be taken in to consideration before your booking is confirmed.

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