Epic Nepal Photography Tour - January 6 - 16, 2023
Nepal has been the dreamland of the tourists for a long time. Nepal invites, welcomes, charms and bewilders the visitor. The pattern of religion gives the country a unique status in the world. Almost all the important religious sects of the world are found in Nepal, however, the majority of the population believes in Hinduism and the conglomeration of the two religions, Hinduism and Buddhism serve as a unique example of tolerance and brotherhood.
On this intensive photography tour, you will be immersed in the culture, history, arts, architecture, nature and beautiful people of Nepal. The trip includes some of the UNESCO recognized world heritage sites in the medieval principalities of the Kathmandu Valley that include palaces, temples, stupas, monasteries. Bhaktapur an ancient untouched city will be explored. After the Kathmandu valley we will spend two nights at a typical home stay in Lwang village near Pokhara in the Annapurna region. The photo group will document the typical culture of various ethnic groups. Our warm hosts in Lwang village will share their agrarian lifestyle with us. We will reach Pokhara, a beautiful scenic lake town where nature is amplified with the views of the majestic peaks We will see natural wonders of nature in waterfalls and gorges and at dusk when the sun dips behind the mountains, and glimpses of twilight lighten up the skies that herald the end of day. We will photograph crimson robed women talking an early morning plunge at the Madhav Narayan Festival at two locations. Pilgrims, holy men, and worshippers will fill the view finder. This festival is rarely visited by foreigners. January is an ideal time to visit Nepal. The days are clear and dry and the day time temperature is in the mid 60's when the sun sets it drops to the 40's. The trip requires much walking but no hiking. Altitude does not present as an issue, Kathmandu is 4,600 feet. Images: Tonya Colson
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ExperiencesPhotograph crimson robed women at the Mahdev Narayan Festival as they plunge into the river.
Get blessed and photograph Hindu holy people at Pashupatinath Temple. Roam untouched lanes and alleyways in ancient Bhaktapur. Photograph village life in agrarian Luwang Ghalel Village. Homestay accommodations with a Gurung family. Experience nature in Pokhara; caves, island temples and Annapurna range. Photograph traditional Newari small village life in Bungamati and Khokana. Men crushing mustard seeds, women spinning yarn, woodcarvers and farmers in the field. Details Photo Leader: Tonya Colson Dates: January 6 - 16, 2023 Group Size: 7 Fee: $5,750 Single: $360 Included: 2 internal flights All photography fees All meals Hotel porters Airport transfers Not Included: International Airfare Wine/beer/Alcohol Laundry service Trip insurance/required Gratuities drivers/guides |
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: January 6th - Arrival Kathmandu Airport
Welcome to Nepal. Upon arrival, obtain your Nepal visa then clear Immigration and Customs. Proceed to the arrival area and meet a representative who will be waiting for you at the airport displaying your name outside the airport terminal. You will be escorted to your hotel and assisted with check in.
In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Last Frontiers. For dinner, you will be served authentic Nepalese cuisine. Our hotel is worthy of a photo shoot.
Accommodation: Kantipur Temple House
Day 2: Kathmandu
Early morning will drive to the Swayambhunath Stupa “The Monkey Temple”. Situated on top of a hill, the stylized eyes of the Buddha looks out in all directions. It is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. Its origins however, date to a much earlier time, long before the arrival of Buddhism into the valley. Guarding the lower stairs of the stupa are a band of amusing monkeys performing acrobatics and angling for a snack. We will photograph pilgrims, and holy men.
After breakfast and a break we will continue touring around Kathmandu Durbar Square.
“Please note that while Kathmandu was badly damaged and impacted by a major earthquake in April of 2015, at this point most sites of interest are open and accessible. However, some sites are still undergoing reconstruction.”
This afternoon we will photograph the Asan Bazaar (Asan Tole). This is a great place to people-watch while you enjoy a cup of tea. Then continue as you visit Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the streets to soak up the atmosphere and visit its numerous temples and intriguing Royal Palace. Visit Kumari Bahal, where a living goddess resides. In this temple, a small girl is selected from a particular clan of craftspeople, and after extensive ritual, she is declared a goddess “Kumari”. She lives in the temple until puberty, after which she is given a life pension and a new goddess is found. The central courtyard of the temple is superbly crafted, with extensive carvings on windows and balconies and an elaborate shrine.
The group will photograph Hanuman Dhoka, a restored palace and temple complex, devoted to the famous monkey-god Hanuman. By the main entrance to the palace complex is a statue of Hanuman. The figure is shielded by a golden umbrella and his face has been covered with red paste by devotees so that his features are now completely obscured. Inside this large compound are many different courtyards and buildings, both religious and secular.
Accommodation: Kantipur Temple House
Day 3: Pashupatinath Temple and Patan Durbar Square
After breakfast, we will drive to our destination site Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu Temples in entire South Asia. The temple is situated on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, which is a tributary of the sacred Ganges. Admission to the temple is reserved for Hindus only, yet we can have close up view of the temple from the other side of the river. The temple and the surroundings are vibrant with rites and rituals performed by Hindu devotees. Pashupatinath is the Nepal’s oldest and holiest Hindu shrine, ornate Temple. Here we will photograph sadhus and sages who, in following the lifestyle of Lord Shiva, wear loincloths and cover themselves with ashes. We will also photograph the cremation ceremonies along the river bank.
Patan is called "The City of Art ". It is said to be built around 250 AD., the second-largest town in the valley. Jam-packed with gorgeous and intriguing temples, this ancient town was once one of the main kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley and its Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is exquisitely preserved. The city is famous for its arts and crafts, especially for its symphony of wood, stones, and metals. You will visit some famous temples and a singing bowl expert to learn about the different healing techniques of a singing bowl. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Photography opportunities include shooting the various crafts people. They work on metal, wood and stone, it is known as the city of fine art and beauty.
Our tour consists of a visit to the Durbar Square representing the heart of the city. This square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carving. The main attraction of the Patan Durbar Square is the courtyards of the ancient Royal Palace. The Krishna Mandir Temple is supposed to be the specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan city. Architecture, people and street scenes will be captured.
If time permits we will make our way to the Tibetan Refugee Camp The small Tibetan population living here has set up a number of shrines and stupas as well as several shops offering authentic Tibetan handicrafts such as prayer wheels of wood, ivory, silver or bronze, long temple horns made of beaten copper, belt buckles, wooden bowls and jewelry. In this area, the Tibetans can be seen weaving carpets by hand. The Tibetan community is easy to photograph.
Accommodation: Kantipur Temple House
Day 4: Kathmandu - Pokhara - Lwang Ghalel
The short scenic flight will take us to the peaceful lakeside city of Pokhara, at the foot of the Annapurna range. We will then drive by jeep for about an hour to reach Lwang Village. The view of Mt Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) from the village is exceptional. We will interact and photograph with the friendly locals and have a traditional Nepali dinner.
Lwang Ghalel Village is one of the most beautiful places in the Annapurna range. Lwang Ghalel village is located about 20 miles from Pokhara. The village is perched high up at the altitude of 5,000 feet. Mt Fishtail appears undisturbed in the northeastern backdrop of the village. This village is inhabited mainly by Brahmin, Chettri, Gurung, Tamang and Newari people.
We will wander freely and photograph village life. This includes milking cattle, churning yogurt and making butter. We will shoot kids in school, women cooking and cleaning and men with their animals. The sunrise and sunset from the garden are amazing with the views of Machhapuchhre.
The group will stay in one of the Gurung community members homes. Group members will need to share a room. The meal served by local host is made up of local products and from the garden. This village does not have a hotel. This is a professionally run homestay and noted as the best in Nepal. The terrain is uneven, the people are friendly and photographing these traditional people is great fun.
Accommodation: Home Stay
Day 5: Lwang Ghalel
We will wake up before the sun and reach the viewpoint to watch the sunrise over the Himalayan range. After breakfast, we will photograph the Lwang Ghalel village. A visit the famous organic tea garden is planned.This is a traditional agrarian community and we can shoot the ladies in their homes, making butter, ghee, and the traditional way of grinding cereals to make flour. This will be day to document a day in the life of the Nepalese people in their homes, stores and fields.
Accommodation: Home Stay
Day 6: Pokhara
After breakfast we will drive back by jeep to Pokhara. Pokhara has mesmerized visitors from all over the world with the rare combinations of snow-clad peaks and snow-fed lakes and rivers. The serenity of the Phewa Lake accompanied by the grandeur of Machhapuchhre creates an ambiance of peace and magic. Pokhara is the home for dense forests, gushing rivers, lucid lakes and the world-famous view of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,794ft), Manaslu (8,156m/26,759ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993m/22,943ft), the five peaks of Annapurna and others.
Upon arrival at the hotel we will store our luggage and have a snack. Most of the day will be spent photographing nature. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, is one of the longest caves in Nepal. On the way to the cave, we will visit a temple containing a large stone considered to be the image of lord Shiva. If the group desires we can also visit Devil's Falls. Davis Fall, locally known as Patale Chhango and in the southern flank of the Pokhara valley is where the stream flowing from the Fewa lake collapses and surges down the rock into a deep gorge, leaping through several potholes.
Our last photo opportunity will be at the Tashi Palkhiel Tibetan Refugee Camp. It was established in 1962 in cooperation with the Swiss Development Corporation and the government of Nepal. The camp feels like a small Tibet, with many Tibetans living here and producing and trading woolen carpets and other handicraft items.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi
Day 7: Pokhara-Kathmandu
Phewa Lake and Barahi Temple
Situated at an altitude of 800m above sea level, it is the second largest lake in the kingdom. With the Barahi Island Temple in the middle of the lake it is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the female force Shakti. The reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna can be seen in its serene water. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake.
Fewa “Phewa” is today’s attraction. The group will spend some time on a boat and see the image of the Fish tail Himal. The Nepalese people say by staring at it you will get a great sense of relaxation. In the middle of the lake is an island where the the Barahi temple is located. Pilgrims and holy men will be photographed here. We will return for lunch and then check out.
We will fly back to Kathmandu and drive to the ancient city of Bhaktapur. We will do an early evening photography walk on the narrow cobblestone lanes.
Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally the 'City of Devotees' will take you back in time. Bhaktapur lies 7 miles east of Kathmandu on the Araniko Highway, which leads to the Chinese border. Bhaktapur is still untouched by rapid urbanization and has managed to retain its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. This ancient city is also famous for pottery and woodcarving amply displayed on the squares and windows respectively. The Durbar Square was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument in 1979.
Accommodation: Hotel Bhadgoan
Day 8: Madhav Narayan Festival & Bhaktapur
In the morning we will walk to the Hanumante River to photograph the Madhav Narayan Festival. We will photograph women chanting and men singing.In Nepal, Hindus offer prayers along the banks of the Hanumante River. During the festival, devotees recite holy scriptures, and women fast for a month to pray for the longevity of their husbands. At the ghat we will photograph cremation ceremony.
During this holy month, the devotees roll on the roads, wrapping white cloth on their body and offering the holy water to different deities on different days. The month-long festival is observed by fasting and praying to Goddess Swasthani and God Madhav Narayan. They take a holy dip in the pond. Thousands of devotee’s throngs to the holy site during this period.
We will return to the hotel for breakfast and a break until early afternoon. We will then roam the streets of this amazing city that has remained untouched by western culture. Photographing street scenes, architecture and people. Design elements are everywhere, crafts people and laborers work as though it was years past.
Bhaktapur is the best preserved of the three original cities in the Kathmandu Valley, the other two being Kathmandu and Patan. Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, famous five storied temple of Nyatapola in Pagoda style, Batsala temple, Duttatraya temple and fifty-five window Palace are the major attractions.
Accommodation: Hotel Bhadgoan
Day 09: Bhaktapur-Bungamati & Khokana & Dhakshinkali
After breakfast we will make the one hour drive to Bungamati and Khokana Village. Bungamati is a traditional Newari village where not much has changed over the last couple of centuries. As you walk the streets, you will find hundreds of masterful wood carvers and most of them work from home. Mattress makers, copper pot makers, are all easily photographed. The Bungamati Newari enjoys an incredibly rich culture which extends over the fields of language, writing, art, architecture and even trans-Himalayan commerce.
Afterwards, we will walk to Khokana, another traditional village. The farming community of Newari who live here are mostly dependent on agriculture and much of their daily activities take place outside of their dwellings. There are women sitting outside spinning yarn, men crushing seeds, and other farming activities. The village is famous for its unusual mustard-oil harvesting process, if opportunity permits, we may visit a mustard milling station.
This afternoon, we continue drive towards Dhakshinkali. This is located about 23 km south from Kathmandu valley. On the way to Dhakshinkali, we will pass by Tribhuvan University, the most famous university of Nepal. As well as we pass through Chovar Gorge from where the water from Kathmandu valley drains out. We also pass Taudaha Lake, a sacred lake in Nepal. The drive will take around 1 hour. This temple is dedicated to the extremely powerful Goddess Kali. The name itself composed of “Dakshin” means south and “kali” means “black female”. This Temple is a very popular pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhist. The devotees believe that the Goddess grants wishes to those who ask with a pure heart. We will photograph worshippers at the temple.
The shrine is located down a flight of steps and has a canopy of gilded snakes. It is said that the temple was built on the orders of the goddess herself who came in the dream of a Malla king, who ruled during the 14th century, and told him where and how to build the temple. The route to the temple is lined by stalls that sell flowers, buffalo milk, yoghurt and Khuwa (a sweet made from condensed milk) to offer the deity.
Accommodation: Kantipur Temple House
Day 10: Sankhu before dawn, explore Bouddhanath
Leaving at 3:30am we will drive to Sankhu to explore Madhav Narayan Festival in Sali Nadi “River”. Thousands of Hindu devotees in Nepal will take part in a mass holy bath ritual today in the famous Sali River situated in the ancient town of Sankhu to mark the first day of the month-long Madhav Narayan festival. During the festival, devotees fast, chant hymns, meditate and take holy dips to pay tribute to Hindu Goddess Swasthani, who is supposed to bring good fortune to them. They eat only one meal a day without salt and walk around the city of Sankhu barefoot worshipping at different Hindu temples.
The month long, Hindu Swasthani Brata Katha festival began on Magh (Mid Jan to Mid Feb) in Nepal, drawing devotees to the Salinadi River located in Sankhu for cleansing bath. The month-long ritual of Hindus begins from Push Shuklapurnima (Full moon day) and ends a month after in Magh Shuklapurnima. The festival is marked by fasting especially by Hindu married women for the entire month. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Swasthani will make your wishes come true. Thousands of women and girls reached the Sali Nadi “River” and the Manohara river in Sankhu in the early morning to take a holy bath to mark the beginning of the festival. Since, Sali Nadi is mentioned in the tale, the river has been the prime holy location for the devotees.
Afterwards, we drive towards Bouddhanath for breakfast. After breakfast, we explore Bouddhanath stupa, one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu and is a center of Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa is built on a massive three-level, mandala-style platform and is 36 meters (118 feet) in height. The base of the stupa is adorned with 108 small images of the Dhyani Amitabha Buddha and inset with prayer wheels. Bouddhanath is the largest stupa in Nepal and many believe a bone from the Gautama Buddha is interred within its walls. A thriving Tibetan community has made its home in this area since fleeing Tibet when the Chinese invaded in 1959. Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels. It is said that each spin of a prayer wheel is the equivalent of reciting the mantra. The stupa massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.
Our goal is to return to Kathmandu in the early afternoon and have the rest of the day free to wander, shop, meditate. The group will have a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Kantipur Temple House
Day 11: January 16 - Departure
You will be driven to the airport 3 hours prior to departure. Pictures taken, another country explored, friends made..
Welcome to Nepal. Upon arrival, obtain your Nepal visa then clear Immigration and Customs. Proceed to the arrival area and meet a representative who will be waiting for you at the airport displaying your name outside the airport terminal. You will be escorted to your hotel and assisted with check in.
In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Last Frontiers. For dinner, you will be served authentic Nepalese cuisine. Our hotel is worthy of a photo shoot.
Accommodation: Kantipur Temple House
Day 2: Kathmandu
Early morning will drive to the Swayambhunath Stupa “The Monkey Temple”. Situated on top of a hill, the stylized eyes of the Buddha looks out in all directions. It is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. Its origins however, date to a much earlier time, long before the arrival of Buddhism into the valley. Guarding the lower stairs of the stupa are a band of amusing monkeys performing acrobatics and angling for a snack. We will photograph pilgrims, and holy men.
After breakfast and a break we will continue touring around Kathmandu Durbar Square.
“Please note that while Kathmandu was badly damaged and impacted by a major earthquake in April of 2015, at this point most sites of interest are open and accessible. However, some sites are still undergoing reconstruction.”
This afternoon we will photograph the Asan Bazaar (Asan Tole). This is a great place to people-watch while you enjoy a cup of tea. Then continue as you visit Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the streets to soak up the atmosphere and visit its numerous temples and intriguing Royal Palace. Visit Kumari Bahal, where a living goddess resides. In this temple, a small girl is selected from a particular clan of craftspeople, and after extensive ritual, she is declared a goddess “Kumari”. She lives in the temple until puberty, after which she is given a life pension and a new goddess is found. The central courtyard of the temple is superbly crafted, with extensive carvings on windows and balconies and an elaborate shrine.
The group will photograph Hanuman Dhoka, a restored palace and temple complex, devoted to the famous monkey-god Hanuman. By the main entrance to the palace complex is a statue of Hanuman. The figure is shielded by a golden umbrella and his face has been covered with red paste by devotees so that his features are now completely obscured. Inside this large compound are many different courtyards and buildings, both religious and secular.
Accommodation: Kantipur Temple House
Day 3: Pashupatinath Temple and Patan Durbar Square
After breakfast, we will drive to our destination site Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu Temples in entire South Asia. The temple is situated on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, which is a tributary of the sacred Ganges. Admission to the temple is reserved for Hindus only, yet we can have close up view of the temple from the other side of the river. The temple and the surroundings are vibrant with rites and rituals performed by Hindu devotees. Pashupatinath is the Nepal’s oldest and holiest Hindu shrine, ornate Temple. Here we will photograph sadhus and sages who, in following the lifestyle of Lord Shiva, wear loincloths and cover themselves with ashes. We will also photograph the cremation ceremonies along the river bank.
Patan is called "The City of Art ". It is said to be built around 250 AD., the second-largest town in the valley. Jam-packed with gorgeous and intriguing temples, this ancient town was once one of the main kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley and its Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is exquisitely preserved. The city is famous for its arts and crafts, especially for its symphony of wood, stones, and metals. You will visit some famous temples and a singing bowl expert to learn about the different healing techniques of a singing bowl. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Photography opportunities include shooting the various crafts people. They work on metal, wood and stone, it is known as the city of fine art and beauty.
Our tour consists of a visit to the Durbar Square representing the heart of the city. This square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carving. The main attraction of the Patan Durbar Square is the courtyards of the ancient Royal Palace. The Krishna Mandir Temple is supposed to be the specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan city. Architecture, people and street scenes will be captured.
If time permits we will make our way to the Tibetan Refugee Camp The small Tibetan population living here has set up a number of shrines and stupas as well as several shops offering authentic Tibetan handicrafts such as prayer wheels of wood, ivory, silver or bronze, long temple horns made of beaten copper, belt buckles, wooden bowls and jewelry. In this area, the Tibetans can be seen weaving carpets by hand. The Tibetan community is easy to photograph.
Accommodation: Kantipur Temple House
Day 4: Kathmandu - Pokhara - Lwang Ghalel
The short scenic flight will take us to the peaceful lakeside city of Pokhara, at the foot of the Annapurna range. We will then drive by jeep for about an hour to reach Lwang Village. The view of Mt Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) from the village is exceptional. We will interact and photograph with the friendly locals and have a traditional Nepali dinner.
Lwang Ghalel Village is one of the most beautiful places in the Annapurna range. Lwang Ghalel village is located about 20 miles from Pokhara. The village is perched high up at the altitude of 5,000 feet. Mt Fishtail appears undisturbed in the northeastern backdrop of the village. This village is inhabited mainly by Brahmin, Chettri, Gurung, Tamang and Newari people.
We will wander freely and photograph village life. This includes milking cattle, churning yogurt and making butter. We will shoot kids in school, women cooking and cleaning and men with their animals. The sunrise and sunset from the garden are amazing with the views of Machhapuchhre.
The group will stay in one of the Gurung community members homes. Group members will need to share a room. The meal served by local host is made up of local products and from the garden. This village does not have a hotel. This is a professionally run homestay and noted as the best in Nepal. The terrain is uneven, the people are friendly and photographing these traditional people is great fun.
Accommodation: Home Stay
Day 5: Lwang Ghalel
We will wake up before the sun and reach the viewpoint to watch the sunrise over the Himalayan range. After breakfast, we will photograph the Lwang Ghalel village. A visit the famous organic tea garden is planned.This is a traditional agrarian community and we can shoot the ladies in their homes, making butter, ghee, and the traditional way of grinding cereals to make flour. This will be day to document a day in the life of the Nepalese people in their homes, stores and fields.
Accommodation: Home Stay
Day 6: Pokhara
After breakfast we will drive back by jeep to Pokhara. Pokhara has mesmerized visitors from all over the world with the rare combinations of snow-clad peaks and snow-fed lakes and rivers. The serenity of the Phewa Lake accompanied by the grandeur of Machhapuchhre creates an ambiance of peace and magic. Pokhara is the home for dense forests, gushing rivers, lucid lakes and the world-famous view of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,794ft), Manaslu (8,156m/26,759ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993m/22,943ft), the five peaks of Annapurna and others.
Upon arrival at the hotel we will store our luggage and have a snack. Most of the day will be spent photographing nature. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, is one of the longest caves in Nepal. On the way to the cave, we will visit a temple containing a large stone considered to be the image of lord Shiva. If the group desires we can also visit Devil's Falls. Davis Fall, locally known as Patale Chhango and in the southern flank of the Pokhara valley is where the stream flowing from the Fewa lake collapses and surges down the rock into a deep gorge, leaping through several potholes.
Our last photo opportunity will be at the Tashi Palkhiel Tibetan Refugee Camp. It was established in 1962 in cooperation with the Swiss Development Corporation and the government of Nepal. The camp feels like a small Tibet, with many Tibetans living here and producing and trading woolen carpets and other handicraft items.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi
Day 7: Pokhara-Kathmandu
Phewa Lake and Barahi Temple
Situated at an altitude of 800m above sea level, it is the second largest lake in the kingdom. With the Barahi Island Temple in the middle of the lake it is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the female force Shakti. The reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna can be seen in its serene water. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake.
Fewa “Phewa” is today’s attraction. The group will spend some time on a boat and see the image of the Fish tail Himal. The Nepalese people say by staring at it you will get a great sense of relaxation. In the middle of the lake is an island where the the Barahi temple is located. Pilgrims and holy men will be photographed here. We will return for lunch and then check out.
We will fly back to Kathmandu and drive to the ancient city of Bhaktapur. We will do an early evening photography walk on the narrow cobblestone lanes.
Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally the 'City of Devotees' will take you back in time. Bhaktapur lies 7 miles east of Kathmandu on the Araniko Highway, which leads to the Chinese border. Bhaktapur is still untouched by rapid urbanization and has managed to retain its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. This ancient city is also famous for pottery and woodcarving amply displayed on the squares and windows respectively. The Durbar Square was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument in 1979.
Accommodation: Hotel Bhadgoan
Day 8: Madhav Narayan Festival & Bhaktapur
In the morning we will walk to the Hanumante River to photograph the Madhav Narayan Festival. We will photograph women chanting and men singing.In Nepal, Hindus offer prayers along the banks of the Hanumante River. During the festival, devotees recite holy scriptures, and women fast for a month to pray for the longevity of their husbands. At the ghat we will photograph cremation ceremony.
During this holy month, the devotees roll on the roads, wrapping white cloth on their body and offering the holy water to different deities on different days. The month-long festival is observed by fasting and praying to Goddess Swasthani and God Madhav Narayan. They take a holy dip in the pond. Thousands of devotee’s throngs to the holy site during this period.
We will return to the hotel for breakfast and a break until early afternoon. We will then roam the streets of this amazing city that has remained untouched by western culture. Photographing street scenes, architecture and people. Design elements are everywhere, crafts people and laborers work as though it was years past.
Bhaktapur is the best preserved of the three original cities in the Kathmandu Valley, the other two being Kathmandu and Patan. Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, famous five storied temple of Nyatapola in Pagoda style, Batsala temple, Duttatraya temple and fifty-five window Palace are the major attractions.
Accommodation: Hotel Bhadgoan
Day 09: Bhaktapur-Bungamati & Khokana & Dhakshinkali
After breakfast we will make the one hour drive to Bungamati and Khokana Village. Bungamati is a traditional Newari village where not much has changed over the last couple of centuries. As you walk the streets, you will find hundreds of masterful wood carvers and most of them work from home. Mattress makers, copper pot makers, are all easily photographed. The Bungamati Newari enjoys an incredibly rich culture which extends over the fields of language, writing, art, architecture and even trans-Himalayan commerce.
Afterwards, we will walk to Khokana, another traditional village. The farming community of Newari who live here are mostly dependent on agriculture and much of their daily activities take place outside of their dwellings. There are women sitting outside spinning yarn, men crushing seeds, and other farming activities. The village is famous for its unusual mustard-oil harvesting process, if opportunity permits, we may visit a mustard milling station.
This afternoon, we continue drive towards Dhakshinkali. This is located about 23 km south from Kathmandu valley. On the way to Dhakshinkali, we will pass by Tribhuvan University, the most famous university of Nepal. As well as we pass through Chovar Gorge from where the water from Kathmandu valley drains out. We also pass Taudaha Lake, a sacred lake in Nepal. The drive will take around 1 hour. This temple is dedicated to the extremely powerful Goddess Kali. The name itself composed of “Dakshin” means south and “kali” means “black female”. This Temple is a very popular pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhist. The devotees believe that the Goddess grants wishes to those who ask with a pure heart. We will photograph worshippers at the temple.
The shrine is located down a flight of steps and has a canopy of gilded snakes. It is said that the temple was built on the orders of the goddess herself who came in the dream of a Malla king, who ruled during the 14th century, and told him where and how to build the temple. The route to the temple is lined by stalls that sell flowers, buffalo milk, yoghurt and Khuwa (a sweet made from condensed milk) to offer the deity.
Accommodation: Kantipur Temple House
Day 10: Sankhu before dawn, explore Bouddhanath
Leaving at 3:30am we will drive to Sankhu to explore Madhav Narayan Festival in Sali Nadi “River”. Thousands of Hindu devotees in Nepal will take part in a mass holy bath ritual today in the famous Sali River situated in the ancient town of Sankhu to mark the first day of the month-long Madhav Narayan festival. During the festival, devotees fast, chant hymns, meditate and take holy dips to pay tribute to Hindu Goddess Swasthani, who is supposed to bring good fortune to them. They eat only one meal a day without salt and walk around the city of Sankhu barefoot worshipping at different Hindu temples.
The month long, Hindu Swasthani Brata Katha festival began on Magh (Mid Jan to Mid Feb) in Nepal, drawing devotees to the Salinadi River located in Sankhu for cleansing bath. The month-long ritual of Hindus begins from Push Shuklapurnima (Full moon day) and ends a month after in Magh Shuklapurnima. The festival is marked by fasting especially by Hindu married women for the entire month. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Swasthani will make your wishes come true. Thousands of women and girls reached the Sali Nadi “River” and the Manohara river in Sankhu in the early morning to take a holy bath to mark the beginning of the festival. Since, Sali Nadi is mentioned in the tale, the river has been the prime holy location for the devotees.
Afterwards, we drive towards Bouddhanath for breakfast. After breakfast, we explore Bouddhanath stupa, one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu and is a center of Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa is built on a massive three-level, mandala-style platform and is 36 meters (118 feet) in height. The base of the stupa is adorned with 108 small images of the Dhyani Amitabha Buddha and inset with prayer wheels. Bouddhanath is the largest stupa in Nepal and many believe a bone from the Gautama Buddha is interred within its walls. A thriving Tibetan community has made its home in this area since fleeing Tibet when the Chinese invaded in 1959. Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels. It is said that each spin of a prayer wheel is the equivalent of reciting the mantra. The stupa massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.
Our goal is to return to Kathmandu in the early afternoon and have the rest of the day free to wander, shop, meditate. The group will have a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Kantipur Temple House
Day 11: January 16 - Departure
You will be driven to the airport 3 hours prior to departure. Pictures taken, another country explored, friends made..