Nepal Photography Tour

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that will stay with you for a long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After checking in at the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities. In the evening, you walk around Thamel streets and Ason Market. Overnight at Kathmandu (Tihar starts, 1st Day: Kaag Tihar: thanking and offering to Crows- not much activities, lighting decoration starts in most of the places which continues for next 5 days) Today is the first day of Tihar festival which is known as Kaag (Crow) puja. Hindus worship crows on this day. People leave offerings like sweets and various dishes in the balcony and terrace where crow can come and eat the food. Hindus believe crows to be the messengers of good or bad news. With its croaking, it conveys messages like the arrival of visitors to the house. It is also believed to be the messenger of Yama, the God of death. Not much things are done on this day, in the evening most of the people start putting colorful lights and candles around their homes as a preparation of the festival. 

In the morning, you will be transferred to Pashupatinath, a major Hindu shrine which has countless temples dedicated to different Hindu deities within its widespread area. The main temple of Pashupatinath is dedicated to lord Shiva. You will also get a chance to witness Hindu cremation ritual by the bank of Bagmati River. Next destination to explore will be Patan Durbar Square, where Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and many other sites will unveil before you as an open museum showcasing intricately carved windows, intrinsic roof struts, statues of gods and goddesses, temples designed in pagoda style with sensual carvings and repose metalwork facades and many other exquisite facets. (2nd Day of festival- Kukur Puja: thanks giving and offering to Dogs) The second day of Tihar is Kukur Tihar. It is like a thanksgiving ceremony for their unconditional loyalty towards humans. Even the stray dogs on this day look colorful with garlands around their necks and tikas on their heads and bodies. They are fed delicacies with respect and love. You might be able to capture the photographs of this unique culture of thanksgiving especially during the morning time.

You will go for a photography tour to Boudhanath, where you will grab an opportunity for an insightful peep into the invaluable culture attached to Tibetan Buddhism. This may make you feel like you have just been to a spiritual journey. Bouddhanath is the largest dome shaped stupa of the country where the practices of Buddhism can be observed at its best. Later drive will be to Changunarayan, the oldest temple in Kathmandu. Then, you will continue to Nala village, one of the Newari villages near Bhaktapur. Then, you will drive to Bhaktapur, where you can witness unique culture and finest display of craftsmanship. Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatendra, Nyatapola Temple and fifty-five windowed Malla Palace are the living prides of Bhaktapur. Your tour of the day concludes as your driver and guide escort you back to your hotel in Bhaktapur. Overnight in Bhaktapur (3rd Day: the main day- Gai Puja and Laxmi Puja and lighting &flower decorations in the houses) The third day of Tihar, Gai Puja and Puja has the significant importance to all the Hindus in Nepal. Gai refers to Cow and cows are considered as holy as mother in Hindu culture. Even the urine and dung of the cows are considered pure in this culture. In the morning, the cows are worshipped with pure devotion and offered colorful garlands. Their bodies painted with beautiful patterns and foreheads with tikas demonstrate their reverence to the cows. They are fed with the best cereals and sweets. After the sun sets, every Hindu house prepares to welcome Laxmi; the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. The night on this day is full of lights and hence bright. The doorways to the houses are colorfully decorated with traditional patterns. In the evening, groups of young girls and boys play “Vaili” in their localities with songs and music especially dedicated to this festival. You will get an opportunity to capture some of the best festive moods of Nepali culture on this day. 

You will start your day with an exploration tour around Bhaktapur. Later on, you will take a 20 minutes’ ride to Thimi. Thimi lies about 10 km east of Kathmandu near Bhaktapur. It is famous for pottery, masks making and vegetable fields. As it’s a vegetable growing area for Kathmandu, this place is also known as kitchen garden of Kathmandu. The main deity in the town is Goddess Balkumari. It attracts tourists by its enchanting culture of the farmer community. Overnight in Bhaktapur (4th Day: Goru Puja and New Year 1139 and Mha Puja- Self worshipping in Newar community) The fourth day is dedicated to Goru or Ox. As oxen are regarded as important animals in farming, they are worshiped with tika, garland and offered nice food Nepal. People also perform Govardhan Puja by making a hill called Govardhan Parbat using Cow dung. The story of Govardhan Parbat is linked to Hindu God Shri Krishna. In the evening, young boys and girls, play “Deusi” with different songs and music. Today is very special to Newari people as they celebrate New Year and Mha Puja on this day. You will be able to witness and shoot Mha Puja in one of the Newar families in the evening. Mha is a Newari term and it means “Oneself”. The sacred ritual of worshipping oneself is Mha Puja. The female members of the family make the entire arrangements. They draw the eye-catching typical mandala on the floor. The fragrance of the varieties of flowers and joss sticks, the lights and the display of varieties of cereals and fruits on the paper plates over the mandala demonstrates the efforts put to create it and hence the importance of Mha Puja. Led by the female members the entire family members worship themselves. The ceremony is believed to cleanse oneself to free his/her body from all sins committed.

Early morning, after breakfast in your hotel, a car will drive you along the Prithivi Highway towards Chitwan. The highway itself offers abundant opportunity to spot different species of birds at the river shores and roadside woods. Chitwan is the home of Chitwan National Park, situated 155 km from Kathmandu. Please note that your Jungle activities and the time schedule for each activity shall be briefed on arrival at the resort by the lodge Manager and local guide. Note: Activities could be flexible as per your request/interest depending upon availability & weather condition. The activities or sights of animals may vary other than described here depending on weather situation. (5th Day: Bhai Tika- Sisters offerings Tika and blessings to Brothers and Brothers giving gifts to Sisters- end of the festival) The final day Bhai Tika is the day of expressing deep affection between brothers and sisters. You will be able to witness an exemplary reflection of the special bond between Brothers and Sisters on this day. Sisters put Tikas of seven different colors on the Brothers’ foreheads and colorful garlands around their necks with the exchange of gifts. In the meantime, Sisters also wish for the good health and prosperous lives of their brothers. With this celebration, the five days’ festival comes to an end.

Chitwan National Park houses rich wildlife, lush grasslands and rare species of bird and animals. It gives a unique and exceptional wildlife experience, being the home to several rare species, in particular, the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, bear, wild boar, deer, bison, crocodiles etc. Unlike African animals, those in Chitwan tend to be rather solitary and shy, but the chances of spotting these are very high owing to the expertise and experiences of guides. You will surrender yourself to the pure pleasure of jungle activities including wildlife safari, canoeing, bird watching etc. In the majestic jungles of Chitwan National Park, you may encounter rare endangered species like one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. Canoeing through the river gives you sheer pleasure to witness crocodiles and other aquatic species in their natural habitats. You can have one of the most thrilling and exciting wildlife photography experiences of your lifetime. Later, you will have an insightful tour of the local Tharu village. After the long tiring day, you will enjoy a warm hospitality at the Resort in the evening.

You will wake up early in the morning and go for a bird watching tour. The huge park is also the home of Nepal’s two third globally threatened species of birds. Above 400 species of birds have been spotted within the park. Apart, from the regular habitats several endangered species of birds visit the park during spring and autumn. Flocks of Common and Demoiselle Cranes appear here during March and May and October/November. Along the marshlands and small ponds, you may spot Cormorants, Darter, Cinnamon Bittern, Black-crowned Night and Purple Herons, Asian Openbill, Woolly-necked and Lesser Adjutant Storks, Lesser Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Balloons Ruddy-breasted and Brown Crakes, Purple Gallinule, Bronze-winged Jacana etc. After returning to Resort, you will have your breakfast and will be driven to Bandipur. Bandipur is an ethnic Newari village still following their traditional ways of living. Bandipur has been described as a spectacular view point. Indeed, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang from here. Apart from the stunning views of the Himalaya and the Marsyangdi Valley, a visit to the town is an opportunity to get a close look at Newari cultural life. Overnight at Bandipur .

After breakfast you will drive to Pokhara from Bandipur. On reaching Pokhara, you will continue to drive to Dhampus, a traditional Gurung village. The Gurungs are an ethnic community who inhabit the hills surrounding Annapurna region. From the village, you can take some stunning and spectacular shots of the snowy Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. Overnight at local lodge in Dhampus.

In the morning, you will explore around Dhampus village and grab some best opportunities to capture photographs. Later on, you will drive back to Pokhara. In the afternoon you can explore around the city which will be followed by a drive to World Peace Pagoda for sunset view. The World Peace Pagoda is a popular destination southwest of Pokhara, situated at an altitude of almost 1000 meters. Visitors can enjoy views of the Himalayan peaks, as well as Phewa Lake and Sarangkot. Overnight at Pokhara.

In the morning, you will be taken for an excursion to Sarangkot for sunrise photography. In an hour’s drive up the hill from Pokhara lies Sarangkot. Located at an altitude of 1592m, it is the highest point on the Pokhara valley rim. From here, you can see the whole Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna ranges (Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machhapuchure, Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Lamjung Himal). Afternoon is free for exploring around on your own. Overnight at Pokhara.

Today you will take a 30 minutes’ flight back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you can rest in the hotel. In the evening, there will be a photography tour to Swayambhunath Stupa. Swayambhunath, an important Buddhist shrine is also known as the “Monkey Temple” because of its numerous monkeys that guard the Stupa’s hill area. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Our support team will drive you to the airport.