Nepal - nathanhortonphotography.comnathanhortonphotography.com/assets_d/16705/editor_files/files/Nep… · Nepal Nepal…Magical, Mystical Nepal is well known for its magnificent

Nepal

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NepalNepal…Magical, Mystical

Nepal is well known for its magnificent landscapes, however it also offers an exciting ensemble of historic, cultural and religious places of interest including a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Our photography tour is not a trekking tour. Rather we will go out of our way to explore medieval kingdoms, pagodas, temples and hillside villages with a particular emphasis on encountering the diverse local cultures of the ethnic people of Nepal using the majestic Himalayas as a backdrop.

We time our tours to coincide with two important fesitvals, Holi in March and Daishin in October. Both bring a colourful and lively experience to the tour. The Kathmandu Valley is made up of three old medieval kingdoms, Kathmandu, Bhakatpur and Patan. We will visit all three. After our exploration of Kathmandu and its environs we leave the big city in 4 wheel drive vehicles to explore hill villages surrounded by terraced paddy fields. A highlight of the tour is the two nights spent in a village in a high remote valley which gives us the perfect opportunity to experience the rural lifestyle and ethnic cultures of the Tamangs and Gurungs away from tourist trekking paths.

We then travel along the dramatic Prithvi highway en route to Pokhara making numerous stops at some of the most important religious sites in Nepal. Pokhara is a beautiful town on the borders of Phewa Lake and makes a great base for sunrise and sunset visits to a number of small villages.

Dhampus Girl

Building on his years of experience in Cambodia Nathan feels that Nepal is the perfect place in which to offer tours that ben-efit from his teaching style. Indeed, many who have booked the Nepal tour are ‘returnees’: i.e. past clients on his tours in Cambodia and Burma.

Nathan has always believed that his photography tours should open up a country by presenting opportunities to engage with local people. One of his principle aims, going far beyond teach-ing good camera technique, is to show participants that instead of being a barrier between the photographer and subject, the camera can be used as the key to open doors. He aims to show how, when used sympathetically, the camera can help to establish a vital connection between the traveller and the locals they meet. Nathan always goes out of his way to encourage opportunities for meeting and interacting with ordinary people going about their everyday lives. This approach offers one of the best chances for a photographer to become more than just a tourist looking on, and instead, someone engaging with local people and in local life. It is this which sets Nathan’s tours apart: they stand out as offering a really rich and exciting experience for participants, including the occasional accompanying non-photographer.

Engage

Chetri woman, Samari


Nepal is full of countless outstanding sights but we go beyond most other tours, by building into our itinerary opportunities for you to meet people and engage with them as they live their daily lives, in the markets, towns and countryside, in homes and temples.

{ Swayambbunath (Monkey Temple) { Tour dates specifically timed to take advantage 2 of

Nepal’s most colourful festivals - Holi and Dashain{ Visits to UNESCO World Cultural Heritage

Sites in the Kathmandu Valley{ Overnight in the ancient Newari village of Bhaktapur{ Visit ‘off the beaten track’ Tamang villages in Samari{ Ancient ridge town of Bandipur{ Magnificent views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri and

Mt. Manaslu from Pokhara{ Boating on the serene Phewa lake in Pokhara{ Bodhanath - one of the largest ancient

Stupas in the world

Highlights

Swayambbunath (Monkey Temple)



ItineraryDurbar Square, Kathmandu

Day 1: KathmanduIt is quite a thrill just flying into Kathmandu. On a clear day the views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below give you a real sense that you are arriving at a special country. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After checking in you will meet Nathan and then be taken on a short walking tour to Kathmandu’s famous Durbar Square and its local environs that some refer to as a living museum.


Day 2 Big festival dayBoth tour dates in 2 have been specifically chosen to provide fabulous photography opportunities as we take part in two of Nepal biggest and most colorful festivals. The March tour will include Holi. Commonly known as the festival of colour, you couldn’t ask for a better photo opportunity as locals playfully throw paint and water at each other in celebration of the cooling monsoon days to come. (Be warned foreigners can get special attention - so be sure to bring a protective cover for your camera and some old clothes you won’t worry about if they get colour stained ). The October tour is timed to take in the Dashain Festival which lasts 15 days and is celebrated all over Nepal.

Holi festival


Day 3 Monkey Temple/Medieval BhaktapurSunrise at Swayambbunath. This is a popular Buddhist tem-ple on top of hill overlooking Kathmandu. It is affectionately known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ and bristles with the activity of worshippers from the very first light of the day. Return to hotel to freshen-up.

Later that morning we leave the main city and take a drive of about half an hour to Bhaktapur. Of the three medieval kingdoms of the Kathmandu valley Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaon) is the best preserved. As we walk through the traffic free cobbled streets we get to observe local potters busy spinning their wheels and drying their terracotta wares set against wonderful art and architecture of the Malla era to be found in the durbar square. Lion Gate, Golden gate, Art gallery, Statue of King Bhuptindra Malla, Nyatapola Temple and the Malla Palace of 55 windows are the living prides of Bhaktapur. We stay overnight in the heart of this city so we have plenty of time to explore all these places and the even more intriguing back streets in depth.

Monkey Temple, Swayambbunath


Day 4 PatanWake up to the timeless way of life in Bhaktapur. Spend the early hours of the day soaking up the atmosphere of the morn-ing temple rituals and local markets.

After lunch we take a short drive to the third ancient capital in the Kathmandu valley called Patan. Patan has got a par-ticulary fine collection of temples and palaces around it’s Durbar square. It is far from being just a tourist attraction as it is teeming with locals praying, shopping and going about their business.

Street Scene, Patan



Day 5 NuwakotIn the early morning we leave the city behind as we set off in 4 x 4 vehicles to take a scenic drive through rice terraces en route to Nuwakot village. We stay in a famous farm which is superbly positioned on a hill overlooking the Trisuli river with views of surrounding hills and the far off Langtang Himal. This is rural bliss. Nuwakot itself is a small but thriving village and has a nice, clean cobbled street that leads up to Saat Taale Durbar, the beautiful old castle. A stones throw away from the Durbar is the area’s main temple, Nuwakot Bhairabi Temple and Jalpadevi Mandir.

Roadside scene en route to Nuwakot


Day 6 SamariAfter a relaxing morning on the farm we use the 4 x 4s to make the steep climb up to Samari. The late afternoon drive takes us through gorgeous valleys where the locals tend to their fertile paddy fields and typical village life. We have plenty of time to make random stops as and when we see the perfect moments taking advantage of the late afternoon sun.

Roadside scene en route to Samari



Day 7 SamariStaying in a converted local house gives us a unique opportunity to explore upper valley village life far away from the nearest tarmac roads, but unlike most of the trekking routes you are likely to be the only tourists in this magnificient valley. Samari Bhanjyang is a traditional Nepalese village, situated in one of the last mountain passes on the caravan route to Kathmandu, with no other guest houses to be seen. Though the village has a mixed population comprising of Chettris, Newars ,Tamangs and Magars, the latter two communities are in majority. It is just a short walk to several other minority villages and it makes a perfect day to visit one in the morning, return to base for lunch and then visit another in the late afternoon. Ethnic minority, Samari


Day 8 Drive to BandipurToday we take a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway to Band-ipur, again scheduling time to make random stops as and when we please at paddy fields, magnificient river views and market towns. Bandipur is considered to be a national gem, situated on a ridge at an altitude of 1030 meters, it is a well preserved ancient Newari town that used to be the main trading center from the late 18th century to recent times. It’s community living in the narrow cobbled streets seem unchanged by centuries and will charm any photographer’s eye.

Roadside scene enroute to Bandipur


Day 9 Sightseeing tour of PokharaThis morning we make our way along an outlying ridge to wit-ness sunrise over a panoramic view of our first snowcapped Himalayan mountains. This can result in stunning photos. We spend the morning enjoying leisurely short hikes out of town to nearby villages.

In the afternoon we drive to Pokhara, on the way we will stop at picturesque hamlets and lush green fields as we please. As we approach Pokhara, our eyes behold the snowy pinnacles of the Annapurna Range; Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Lamjung Himal.

Day 10 Drive to DhampusThe day starts with an early morning visit to see the mag-nificent views afforded at the World Peace Pagoda. We then take a boating trip on Phewa Lake and try to capture one of the most breathtaking sights of Pokhara; the reflection of the Machhapucchre’s (Fishtail) spire on the lakes waters from low level. At lunchtime there is an opportunity to take an optional paraglide flight from Sarangkot Hill down to Pokhara Lake. Not to be missed if you like that sort of thing!

In the afternoon we drive to Dhampus, a traditional Gurung village in time for locals returning from their work in the fields. We engage with their gentle way of life, often being invited into homes and gardens to take photos. The village also affords some stunning and spectacular views of the snowy Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu at sunset.

Breakfast in Dhampus

Day 11: Kathmandu From Pokhara we fly to Kathmandu. Stunning views of the Hima-layan Mountains and picturesque hill top villages enthrall us. In the afternoon we visit one of Kathmandu’s most photographed monuments, Bodnath Stupa. This is not only a fabulous structure but is the centre of Nepal’s biggest Tibetan community and a constant hive of activity and prayer.

Day 12: Depart Kathmandu Our support team will drive you to the airport for your flight home or to continue to Tibet (October).

Please Note: Itinerary days may be subject to changes or variations.

Tibetan nun, Bodnath Stupa



Nathan Horton has been a professional photographer for 25 years since graduating with a BA Hons in Film, Photography and Video Arts. He has sold work as an artist, worked as an advertising photographer for some of the world’s biggest brands including Nokia and Lux, and also as an editorial photographer for some of London’s premier magazine titles including Elle, The Times Travel section and Food and Travel magazine.

Nathan has travelled extensively in Asia for over 25 years and has made Cambodia his home since 2006. After many years of experience in this field he has managed to fine-tune some very successful itineraries that deliver in-depth photography tours throughout South East Asia. His tours have been highly praised on Trip Advisor, National Geographic Traveller and the Weekend Guardian for exploring Asian culture in deeper, richer and more ethical ways than most.

Nathan’s Mission “After living, working and teaching photography in Asia for over 8 years, I have a unique in-depth knowledge of the countries I visit. I have extensively researched my itineraries and pride myself that my tours don’t just drive straight past fabulous photo opportunities but remain flexible enough to make random stops. We often find ourselves pulling up when we see local people harvesting rice, catching fish, climbing coconut trees etc. What makes my tours different is that I consider it my job to help you engage with the country and its people in a much more natural, friendly way than you might ever have imagined”.

About Nathan


TuitionThis tour is for photographers wanting to expand their knowl-edge of travel photography and will help both novice and ex-perienced photographers alike to capture very special images. This tour will include introductory workshops that cover both the technical and ethical issues of travel photography very specifically orientated towards photographing people.

On the first day of the tour if you are new to photography you will attend the morning workshops in which Nathan will teach you how to take control of your camera. Photographers of all levels will attend the next workshop in which Nathan will give his take on travel photography. Those who have been one of our previous tours might want to skip the morning workshops and would then join the tour in the mid afternoon for the scheduled photowalk.

During the rest of the tour Nathan constantly works alongside you, to help you understand particular technical challenges, give you artistic inspiration and, most importantly, lead by example in approaching local people. Time is also put aside to help you develop your post production skills so that you can subtly enhance your pictures thus producing a stunning portfolio of the tour and those taken on your future travels.

Dhampus


The GroupIn Nepal we will never run a tour with more than 8 participants. A group of this size is ideal for Nathan and his regular local guides to give everyone the attention they may need.

This intimate group size forms a stimulating dynamic where photographers can share their experiences with like-minded people, and more often than not, they will leave with new friends. Whether you are a single traveller, or you come with a partner, you will find being in a small group who share a com-mon interest a great way to get something extra out of your trip. No more worrying about keeping people waiting while you try to frame your best shot!

Engaging with the people


Reviews

Past participants say it all: with their 5* Trip Advisor Reviews

I“Inspiring, amazing, fabulous tour”Reviewed January 13, 2015 There are only a few adjectives but there is more: without Na-than’s guiding I would never get such pictures. He knows what looks good for a photo, which times are best for the light and how to engage people. Thanks Nathan, I’ll return for more tours!

“AWESOME!”Reviewed June 26, 2015I did lots of research of different photographic tours, held in different countries before hand but it was Nathan’s tour that stood out to me..... I was not disappointed. During our workshops Nathan talked in a language I understood, not too highbrow or technical, from a beginners perspective. The trips to the temples were out of this world! The close rapport Nathan has with the nuns and monks of Angkor is lovely to see and makes for some gorgeous photographs.

I came to the tour not knowing one end of my new DSLR from the other or what on earth Aperture was! .. I left after my 5 day tour with not only some wonderful photographs for my portfolio but with technical knowledge and confidence within myself and my camera. It was also a fantastic way to see Cambodia with privileged access and local knowledge.

Given special mention National Geographic Traveler 2010Listed as a top ten photography holiday around the world UK Guardian Newspaper Travel Section Sept 2011

Described as ‘comprehensive’ Lonely Planet 2012Highly recommended Luxe Guide Cambodia and Laos 2012

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2012/2013/2015

Trip Advisor Over 95% 5 Star Reviews - In the top 10% of world wide businesses


How to BookPlease fill in the Tour Request Form found on the Contact page on the website. (Just click on the website link at the bottom right hand side of the page). We will attempt to respond within one working day. Once we receive your enquiry we will check availability and confirm this to you, and reserve you a place on the tour.

We will send you an invoice for the deposit (25% of the tour cost). Once this has been received your place will be fully confirmed. The balance (75%) will be due 60 days before the tour start dateAt the moment we can only receive overseas payment via Swift Code. Full details of how to pay will appear on the invoice.

Sadhu, Derba Square, Kathmandu



What to BringYour best camera, be it a DSLR, mirrorless or an advanced compact with some manual controls. Your lens(es) should cover at least a medium zoom range. If you have them, a wide-angle lens (useful in temples and pagodas) and a longer telephoto lens (good on boat trips) would be useful but not essential. A fast standard lens with aperture of f1.8 or f1.4 is another good option.

{ A polarising filter{ A tripod{ Plenty of memory cards and a spare battery{ A laptop is not essential but is very useful for backing

up the day’s shoot, and also for reviewing what you have taken. We also recommend a portable external hard drive - just in case!

{ A rain cover for your camera and one for yourself are recommended, and are essential during the rainy season

Dhampus


The Small PrintDates and PricesInclusions:{ Post Production workshop using Lightroom{ Photographic guidance{ English speaking local guides{ Domestic flight (Pokhara to Kathmandu){ International return flight (Kathmandu/Lhasa/

Kathmandu) for Tibet extension{ All accommodation in high standard hotels{ All meals in high standard restaurants{ All transport (A/C bus, 4WD Jeep){ Free drinking water on the bus{ All entrance fees{ Escorted airport transfers

Exclusions:{ International travel to and from Nepal

(meeting point Kathmandu){ Any kind of insurance{ Nepal Visa fee{ Drinks{ Other personal expenses, e.g. laundry,

phone calls, gifts etc{ Tips for local guides and staff

Dates: 2015(12 Days)18th - 29th October to include Dashain festival

2016(12 Days)21st March - 21st April to include Holi Festival23rd October - 3rd November to include Deepavali Festival

Prices:*Nepal:$3050 per person$450 single supplement

* Please note prices may change as we are subject to fluctuations in flight prices.

Payment and Cancellations:25% deposit must be made at the time of confirmation. Full payment of the remaining 75% is due 60 days prior to the tour start date.

Cancellation of services less than 60 days prior to the start date will result in the deposit being retained. However this will be transferable to another tour date (minus any costs incurred by Nathan Horton Photography Tours in arranging the changeover).

Insurance:Please understand that Nathan Horton is not an ‘above the line’ tour operator. Nathan Horton runs a guided photography tour with the services of a Yangon licensed tour company registered with the Ministry of Local Planning and Economic Development.

Your safety is always a top priority but all participation is at your own risk and you should not sign up without accepting that Nathan Horton can accept no liability for damage to equipment or personal injury.

SECURING YOUR OWN INSURANCE IS ALWAYS CONSIDERED A PREREQUISITE FOR ACCEPTANCE ON THIS TOUR, AND PROOF THAT YOU HAVE ARRANGED ADEQUATE INSURANCE WILL HAVE TO BE PROVIDED TO THE OPERATOR IN ADVANCE.

Accommodation:Accommodation is in 3* quality hotels and guesthouses:

Accommodation in Samari will be in a converted house with access to western bathrooms and electric sockets.

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Nepal - nathanhortonphotography.comnathanhortonphotography.com/assets_d/16705/editor_files/files/Nep… · Nepal Nepal…Magical, Mystical Nepal is well known for its magnificent