Itinerary

Day 1, Friday, May 30, 2025 – Arrive Delhi: Our trip begins with your arrival and airport pickup in Delhi, where-upon you will be transferred to our splendid accommodations at the Andaz Hotel. There you will meet your trip leaders, Justin Black and Jassi Oberai, and get to know your six fellow photographers over a fine dinner.

Overnight at Andaz Hotel

Days 2 to 4,  May 31 – June 2 – Varanasi: The next morning, we fly to Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River, the holiest of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism and Jainism, founded (according to legend) by the god Shiva himself.  A major pilgrimage destination, Varanasi is a photographer’s dream, an endless frenetic swirl of color and activity, with a steady stream of pilgrims visiting the ghats (stepped and terraced embankment leading down to the river). Transferring by comfortable Mercedes Sprinter van from the airport to the edge of the city center, we will travel the final two miles by boat on the Ganges itself, passing the spectacle of the ghats, temples, palaces, open-air crematoria, and pilgrims bathing in the river, before arriving at the luxurious and historic Brijrama Palace, our accommodation for the next three nights, at the center of all the action in Varanasi. Our photography in Varanasi will mainly take place morning and late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and will include strolls along the ghats to photograph of the incredible tapestry of life that gathers there each day, including numerous Sadhus (traditional Hindu holy men) offering prayers for passersby, pilgrims bathing, holy cows strolling the streets, locals doing laundry, and even the odd goat. Turing off the river and into the narrow labyrinthine lanes of the old city will surprise and delight the observant photographer with unusual juxtapositions of subject and form, and endless “decisive moments” waiting to be captured. A visit to Varanasi isn’t complete without photographing the Aarti, a spectacular Hindu religious service of song, flame, smoke, and elaborate traditional dress. We have also made special arrangements to visit cultural sites of particular note, including Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, Varanasi’s silk-weaving district, and a traditional open-air wrestlers’ club, and others.

Overnight at Brijrama Palace

Day 5, June 3 – Varanasi to Delhi en route to Ladakh: After our time in Varanasi, we return to Delhi for a restful overnight at Andaz Hotel, in transit to the next phase of our journey, the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh.

Overnight at Andaz Hotel

Day 6, June 4 – Leh and Nimmu: Now a Tibetan Buddhist-majority enclave bordering Chinese-occupied Tibet within India’s Jammu and Kashmir State, Ladakh is a high-elevation mountain desert features a very comfortable summertime climate, the green of poplar-forested and terrace-farmed valley bottoms, and rocky mountainsides. Upon arrival in the Ladakhi capital of Leh (elevation 11,500 feet), we will immediately load into our group’s comfortable private vehicles and drive to the village of Nimmu, and the beautiful inn at Nimmu House, a historic countryside palace built in the traditional Tibetan-Ladakhi style, that once belonged to the Ladakhi royal family. The rest of this day will be for rest, altitude acclimatization, and a review and feedback on your photography so far on the trip.

Overnight at Nimmu House.

Day 7, June 5 – Nimmu: Explore the riverside town of Nimmu, and make an excursion to one of the local gompas, followed by traditional namkeen chai (butter tea) service as guests of local Ladakhi family.

Overnight at Nimmu House.

Day 8, June 6 – Lamayuru, Alchi, Likir, Basgo, and Rizong Monasteries:

Lamayaru Monastery: Also known as Tharpa Ling which means the ‘place of freedom’; Lamayuru monastery is famous for its wall paintings, collection of thangkas, murals, scriptures and statues of different forms of Buddha as well as other gods.

Alchi Gompa: 70 Kms from Leh, on the banks of the Indus, is the Alchi Gompa dating a thousand years back. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay and painted brightly are its focal attractions. This is the only monastery amongst 34 monasteries, which is not located on a hilltop.

Likir Gompa: Founded in the 11th century and rededicated to a different monastic order in the 15thcentury, its earlier Gompa was destroyed in a fire. The present Gompa dated back to the 18th century. Skilled craftsmen producing excellent Thankas, earthen pots and carved wooden folding stools, live here in the village. Majestically situated, Likir commands a spectacular view

Basgo Gompa: 40 Kms downstream from Leh, it was the seat of power of branch of a Namgyal family. It was here in 1680 that invading Mongol and Tibetan armies were held in check over a three year old siege. Original 16th century murals and other arts at Basgo are well worth a visit.

Rizong Monastery: Known to be a paradise for meditation, the Rizong Monastery overlooks the Indus Valley. The monks here have to follow a strict set of rules which include  staying until their education is complete. Shunning all material comforts, they are even forbidden to light fire in their cells and they can’t touch anything which has been handled by a woman!

Overnight at Nimmu House.

Day 9, June 7 – Shanti Stumpa and Leh: After breakfast, we drive the Srinagar highway to return back to Leh, where we will check into luxury rooms at the Chospa Hotel. After lunch, we will visit the beautiful Shanti Stupa, with a view of the glacier-covered Himalayan Stok range, crowned by glacier-capped 20,187-foot Stok Kangri. In the later afternoon and evening, we will visit the local markets to photograph, and shop for authentic Tibetan and Kashmiri art and handicrafts as well.

Shanti Stupa: On the hilltop of Changspa, the Japanese for World Peace built the Shanti Stupa, inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1985. The quality of design and workmanship here is superb.

Overnight at Chospa Hotel.

Day 10, June 8 – Khardung La and Nubra Valley: Onward to the Nubra Valley (known as the Valley of Flowers), via Khardung La pass, among the very highest roads in the world reaching an elevation of 17,582 feet. En route, we will take advantage of spectacular views of the never ending snow-capped mountain ranges around Khardung La. After spending some time photographing views from the pass, we will proceed to Nubra. Nubra valley is distinctly different from Leh, offering excellent landscape photography opportunities such as sand dunes, marshes, streams and snow-capped peaks. The spectacularly and improbably positioned Diskit Monastery provides just one of the local highlights. Here we spend two nights at a tented camp modeled after luxury tented camps in Kenya: TUTC Chamba Camp Diskit. The management and staff here have mastered the art of excellent service, and the cuisine exceeds all expectations.

Overnight at The Kyagar – Luxury Room

Day 11, June 9 – Nubra Valley: After breakfast, we will be crossing the Shyok river and going to the other end of the Nubra valley and visiting Samstanling Monastery in Sumoor, Ensa Monastery & Panamic Hot Springs. Overnight at TUTC Chamba Camp Diskit.

Deskit Gompa: Deskit Gompa was founded by Lama Sherab Zangpo of Stod in about 1420 AD during the reign of King Dragspa. About 100 monks reside at the Gompa, which is a branch of Thikse Monastery.

Samstanling Gompa: Samstanling Monastery was founded by Lama Tsultrim Nima and Monastic community was introduced as Rezong Gompa. About 50-60 monks reside at this 132 years old monastery.

Ensa monastery: Ensa Monastery, with its statue of Avalokiteshvara (Maitreya Buddha), fine paintings and green oasis. We return to the banks of the Nubra River for a hot picnic lunch. We then drive to the Yarab Tso Lake – ‘Wishful Lake’ (3,300m/10,826 ft), where we enjoy another pleasant photo walk.

Overnight at The Kyagar – Luxury Room

Day 12, June 10 – Nubra Valley:

After breakfast embark on an adventurous journey driving through spectacular landscape into the realms of the Balti dynasty, to the quaint village of Turtuk (which opened for the tourists only in 2010). Known as the village divided by a border, Turtuk is situated on the banks of the Shyok River, in the northernmost part of India.

The village offers views of beautiful views of Shyok Valley. On clear days you can have glimpse of K2 mountain peak located across the border in Pakistan. Though a muslim village, there are few gompas located on the plateau above Shyok River and there is an old royal house to see in village.

Return to Nubra by the evening.

Overnight stay at The Kyagar

Day 13, June 11 – Thiksey Monastery, Chang La, and Pangong Lake:

Today drive to Pangong lake (5 – 6 hours), straddling the border between Tibet and India. The Pangong lake is a photographer’s paradise.  This is a lake of extraordinary beauty whose sharp blue hues contrast magically with the surrounding arid, snow-capped mountains. At night, astrophotography is also a great option there as light pollution is non-existent.

Overnight stay at Pangong Sarai Camps – Deluxe Tent

Day 14, June 12 – Pangong Lake to Stok Palace: We will drive over Chang La again en route to the current residence of the Ladakh royal family: Stok Palace in the idyllic village of Stok, situated a half hour’s drive from Leh. The castle was built on a hill at the end of the village around 1825 CE by King Tsespal Tundup Namgyal. Stok also features the sacred monastery of Gurphug, a branch of Spituk Monastery, and a large mountainside statue of the Buddha. The king of Ladakh still resides in about a third of the palace with his family, while the rest has been converted to a boutique hotel and museum.

Overnight in luxury suite at Stok Palace

Day 15, June 13 – Takthok Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and Shey Palace: After breakfast, we have options to visit Takthok Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace, overnighting again at Stok Palace.

Takthok Gompa: The Takthok (the monastery with rock ceiling); 50km. east of Leh, this is the only monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa school. The monastery came into existence when Guru Padma Sambhava visited this place and blessed it in the 8th century. The Gonpa was merely a meditation cave of Padma Sambhava, with footprints and many other signs, until the reign of King Tsewang Namgail. When Mahasiddha Kunga Phunstog introduced monastic community. It was given the name of Takthok Padmalinggon. The Takthok Festival is held in the month of July or August.

Hemis Gompa: 40 Kms from Leh, it is the wealthiest, best known and biggest Gompa of Ladakh. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held here in summer. The festival is in honor of Guru Padma Sambhavas birth anniversary. It also has the largest Thanka in Ladakh which is unfurled once in 12 years Hemis was built in 1630 during the reign of Singge Namgyal, an illustrious ruler of Ladakh. It flourished under the Namgyal Dynasty for the royalty favored the Drugpa sect, which is managed the monastery. It is divided into two, the assembly hall on the right and the main temple on the left. The hall (Dukhang) is also used as green room by the dancers during the festival. The temple is known as Tshogkhang. The verandahs have a surfeit of frescoes, among them the Buddhist Wheel of Life (Kalachakra) and the lords of the four quarters, besides the prayer wheel

Thiksey Gompa: 19 Kms from Leh, spectacularly sited, Thiksey is one of the largest and architecturally most impressive Gompas. There are several temples in this Gompas, containing images, stupas and wall paintings of Buddha, which are exquisite.

Shey Palace and Gompa: Situated on a hillock 15 Kms upstream from Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kinds. A 7.5 mts high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind, is installed here.

Overnight in luxury suite at Stok Palace

Day 16, June 14 – Leh to Delhi: Early Morning transfer to airport for flight to Delhi, and transfer to The Andaz Hotel.

Day 17, June 15 – Departure day: Transfer to international airport for your flight home.