LGBTQ+ Luxury Photography Adventure

Upon arriving at Kathmandu airport, you'll be greeted by a team member who will assist with your transfer to a luxury hotel in the heart of the city. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. In the evening, join us for a welcome dinner at one of Kathmandu's finest restaurants, where you'll have the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and discuss the exciting adventure ahead.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Perched on a hilltop, this ancient stupa offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu. It’s a sacred site for both Buddhists and Hindus.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Visit Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and cremation site. Witness and photograph traditional Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square: Explore this historic site with stunning Newari architecture. Capture unique portraits of locals in traditional attire and Hindu holy men (Sadhus).
• Vegetable and Spice Markets: End the day at the bustling markets, perfect for dynamic street photography of vibrant colors and diverse faces.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening, enjoying the luxurious amenities and fine dining options.

Begin with a delicious breakfast before heading to Patan, also known as the "City of Fine Arts."

• Golden Temple: Capture intricate details of this historic Buddhist monastery with stunning carvings and statues.
• Patan Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage site filled with temples, statues, and the former royal palace.
• Patan Museum: Dive into Nepal’s history with beautifully curated exhibits, ideal for detailed shots of traditional artifacts.

After lunch, journey to Bhaktapur, the best-preserved medieval city in the Kathmandu Valley.

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient palaces and temples.
• 55-Window Palace: Photograph this iconic building known for its intricate wood carvings.
• Lion Gate and Golden Gate: Capture the grandeur of these gateways adorned with intricate details.
• Pottery Square: Witness local potters in action, a fantastic spot for dynamic shots of traditional craftsmanship.

Travel to Gorkha, renowned for its rich history and as the birthplace of the legendary Gurkha soldiers.

• Gorkha Durbar: The former palace perched on a ridge offers breathtaking views and historic temples scattered throughout the old town.
• Mountain Temple: Climb the steps for panoramic vistas, especially at sunset, perfect for stunning photographs.

This journey offers a deep dive into Nepal's historical roots and provides a rich tapestry of cultural and architectural wonders for photographers to explore and capture.

Our journey from Gorkha to Bandipur takes us to an elevation of 1,030 meters on the Mahabharat range, approximately 700 meters above the Marsyangdi River Valley and 143 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Connected by an 8-kilometer access road from Dumre since 1998, Bandipur was once accessible only via an unreliable road navigable by tractors during the monsoon. This picturesque mountain saddle, barely 200 meters long, hosts a charming main street lined with 2-3 story buildings. The houses, with steeply descending mountainsides at their backs, have gardens accessible only by stairs, adding to the village's quaint charm.

Originally a simple Magar village in the early 19th century, Bandipur evolved into an enchanting and prosperous trading center. The town features substantial buildings with neoclassical facades and shuttered windows, and streets paved with silverish slate. This setting provides a rich tapestry for photography, capturing the vibrant colors of ancient Nepal, the faces of its people, traditional farm life, and stunning green surroundings. The scenic views and historical architecture make Bandipur a perfect location for photographers to explore and document the timeless beauty of Nepal.

Today, we journey to Pokhara, Nepal's second-largest city, located approximately 200 km west of Kathmandu. Renowned as the most popular tourist destination in Nepal, Pokhara is celebrated for its breathtaking views and exceptional photographic opportunities. The city is uniquely positioned within 30 miles of three of the world's highest mountains — Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu — which create a stunning northern skyline dominated by the Himalayas. This natural backdrop provides photographers with unparalleled opportunities to capture the grandeur of these towering peaks.

Pokhara serves as a vital gateway for trekkers setting off on the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, and Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. This bustling hub of adventure and nature photography is alive with the energy of trekkers from around the world. The city's numerous temples and gumbas, many shared by both Hindus and Buddhists, offer unique cultural photo opportunities. These spiritual sites, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, provide a rich tapestry of religious and cultural life that is both fascinating and visually stunning.

The highlight of Pokhara is undoubtedly Phewa Lake, a serene body of water surrounded by panoramic and scenic locations perfect for capturing the region's tranquil beauty. From the lake's shores, photographers can capture reflections of the mountains, as well as the daily life and activities of the local people. Whether you are photographing the majestic mountain views, the tranquil lakeside scenes, or the spiritual ambiance of the temples, Pokhara offers a diverse and captivating experience for every photographer.

We start the day early with a sunrise photography session at Sarangkot, capturing the first light over the Himalayas. After the sunrise shoot, we'll drive back to Pokhara for breakfast. Once we've fueled up, we'll head to the World Peace Pagoda. This vantage point offers sweeping panoramic views of Pokhara city and Phewa Lake, providing a perfect backdrop for stunning photographs.

After descending from the pagoda, we'll enjoy a boating excursion on Phewa Lake. The colorful boats and the stunning reflection of the snow-capped Annapurna range offer fantastic opportunities for landscape photography. We'll end the day with dinner in the bustling town of Pokhara before heading back to the hotel. This day promises to be a photographer's delight, capturing the serene beauty of sunrise at Sarangkot and the enchanting sunset at Phewa Lake.

We begin the day early, capturing the breathtaking sunrise over the mountains. After a fulfilling morning photo session, we'll have breakfast, check out, and head to Chitwan National Park. Spanning 932 square kilometers of dense forest, marsh, and grassland, Chitwan is home to 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 126 species of fish. This wildlife haven offers incredible opportunities to photograph endangered one-horned rhinoceroses, Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, gharial crocodiles, and rare freshwater dolphins.

Upon arrival at our comfortable resort in Chitwan, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch before checking in. In the afternoon, we'll visit a Tharu village, where you'll have the chance to capture stunning images of local people and their natural surroundings. As the day winds down, we'll photograph the beautiful sunset from the Rapti River bank. The day concludes with a scrumptious dinner at the hotel, accompanied by a vibrant Tharu cultural dance performance, providing a perfect end to an adventurous and photogenic day.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before venturing into the wilderness on a jungle walk, followed by an adventurous canoe ride along the Rapti River. As you glide along the water, seize the opportunity to photograph playful monkeys in the treetops, elephants bathing in the river, and deer grazing peacefully on the riverbanks. The serene and dynamic morning offers a rich variety of wildlife and nature scenes to capture.

After lunch, we will delve deeper into the jungle with a thrilling Jeep safari, perfect for photographing the exotic wildlife that Chitwan is known for, including the elusive Royal Bengal tiger and the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. As the day winds down, visit the elephant breeding center for close-up shots of these majestic creatures or capture the breathtaking sunset over the Rapti River. Conclude the evening with a delightful dinner and a session on photo-editing techniques to enhance your stunning captures from the day.

After an incredible journey, we'll drive approximately 45 minutes from the resort to Bharatpur for our flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, a team member will be there to welcome you and assist with your transfer to the group's hotel. Once settled in, you have the rest of the day free to explore Kathmandu at your leisure, capturing more of its vibrant culture and scenic beauty through your lens.

After breakfast or lunch, depending on your flight time, we will transfer you to the international airport or if you leave by evening you can put your luggage at the Hotel and enjoy the city one final day.

If you're interested in extending your stay in Nepal, you might want to consider pre-booking a day's sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley or a multi-day excursion to the wildlife reserve at Chitwan. For further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.