Kathmandu Photography Expedition

• It is a panoramic feast for the eyes flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you begin a whole chain of memorable experiences that will stay with forever. Welcome to Nepal for a memorable photographic journey! A Tour Officer and driver representing ORYX will cordially receive you at Kathmandu Airport and escort you to your hotel in the city. Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal. It has been a popular destination for photographers ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city is a melting pot of wonderful cultures; Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western way of life. This Photography Tour of Kathmandu will offer you an opportunity to capture an incredible portfolio of images!.

• Day 2

In Kathmandu, we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the three medieval palace squares all of which are enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square, an ancient courtyard is incredible with spectacular craftsmanship that reflects the local culture and tradition of yesteryear. The stone paved streets, pagoda style edifices and the religious monuments inclusive of many different deities are exquisitely displayed as far as the eye can see. In the evening you can stroll the streets of Asan and capture the daily activities of the locals. Small vendors selling a variety of trinkets, gregarious shops and busy streets are all full of life. After Kathmandu Durbar Square, a private vehicle will take you to Swoyambhunath. Commonly known as The Monkey Temple, Swoyambhunath is a hillock overlooking the Valley. Capturing the Buddhist monks chanting prayers throughout the long series of staircases leading to the main temple is quite an adventure in itself. The entire complex includes a white Stupa and other temples depicting Buddha and other Gods in their several mudras. Everything about this magnificent place can be interesting. Even a monkey minding his own business can be a nice pick! 

Early morning after breakfast, we head towards Pashupatinath, the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the holiest place in Nepal to cremate the departed ones. The series of Shiva Lingas, temples strewn all over the place and the holy saints from India and Nepal signify spirituality. Within the temples there are magnificent shots you will definitely want to capture while you are at Pashupatinath. Thereafter, we will drive to Boudhanath, which is one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world! Arriving at Boudhanath we will first settle down to lunch at a restaurant. In this UNESCO World Heritage Site you can observe Buddhist monks absorbed in prayer surrounding the stupa. The Tibetan culture is well observed in the backstreets of Boudhanath. The place offers a tremendous opportunity to capture the authentic Tibetan culture. Later in the day, you will be transferred to back your hotel in the city.

After breakfast we drive to Bhaktapur, the city of Devotees. Along the way we stop at Thimi, one of the ancient, cultural and historical places along the trade route joining Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. It is famous for its pottery and paper mache masks. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a cluster of architectural masterpiece of medieval Nepal. The square is full of temples, shrines, and sculptures namely the Golden Gate, 55 Windows Palace, Big Bell, Dog Barking Bell, Taleju Temple, Vatshala Temple, Statue of Bhupatindra Malla etc. Thimi and Bhaktapur offer an opportunity to capture traditional lifestyle of the valley and its historic heritages. 

After the morning photography around Bhaktapur, we head to Changu Narayan temple, the oldest Hindu Temple in Nepal.The temple offers authentic experience of ancient Nepali art of Nepal. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built in the 4th Century AD. Inside the temple precinct are some really exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu deities from the Licchhavi period (4th to 9th centuries).Thereafter we drive to the hill station at Nagarkot, which is a short 25km drive from Kathmandu. This area is famous for its views of the sunrise over the Himalayas. 

We get up early today to witness and capture the stunning sunrise over the Himalayan Range, which includes Mount Everest. From here we will have panoramic views of the valley and the impressive and majestic mountain range. After breakfast in Nagarkot we drive back to Kathmandu and continue to Khokana: a traditional tiny and picturesque Newari village. It is famous for its unusual mustard-oil harvesting process in which a heavy wooden beam is used to crush the mustard seeds in order to extract the oil. From Khokana we start to travel on foot to Bungamati. The village dates back to the 16th century and is situated on elevated land overlooking the Bagmati River. Traditional houses made out of mud and brick with tiled roofs, stone paved streets, old temples, people working and carving wood on the streets, provide a glimpse into medieval era. At the end of the day you will drive back to your hotel in the city. Later we drive to Patan. Patan Durbar Square is known for its cultural and historical richness. 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. The day ends with a well-deserved rest in the comfort of your cozy bedroom in your hotel in Patan.

We still have the morning time to explore around Patan for more photography. Later, we will be departing Nepal with many beautiful memories and a portfolio of sensational images. Three and a half hours prior to your flight schedule you will be picked up at your hotel reception by our representative and a driver.