Nepal - Dashain Festival Photography Tour.
Take sensational portraits during Dashain - the happiest month of the year.
The Tour.
Join us on on an unforgettable photography adventure through Nepal, a land brimming with awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient kingdoms, and vibrant cultures — the perfect backdrop for your next photography masterpiece. This journey is designed to help you capture the essence of Nepal’s diverse heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant traditions.
We have scheduled the tour to coincide with Dashain, Nepal's biggest and longest Hindu festival, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil and commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. We believe this will add an extra layer of colour and energy to our photography experience.
In the Kathmandu Valley, we explore three medieval kingdoms, starting with Bhaktapur, known for its well-preserved architecture. Here, we’ll photograph local potters, intricate wood carvings, and the grandeur of the 55-windowed Malla Palace. The first day of our tour coincides with the unique Fulpati celebrations as one of the most significant days in the Dashain calendar. The day involves local people buying auspicious plants, flowers and fruits and offering them to the goddess Durga. We also photograph larger military parades, traditional music and rituals at Kathmandu Durbar square, offering a unique cultural photo opportunity.
The following morning we visit the sacred burning ghats of Pashupatinath, where the spiritual atmosphere offers incredible opportunities for intimate portraits. The Golden Temple in Patan and the 'Monkey Temple' of Swayambhunath further immerse us in Nepal’s rich religious heritage.
From here, we venture to Chitwan National Park's subtropical plains, where we spend time photographing the traditional lifestyle of the Madi tribal villages. Wildlife encounters with rhinos, crocodiles, and possibly tigers await during our safari, while a special morning shoot captures the majestic sight of elephants bathing.
Our journey continues to the ancient Newari trading town of Bandipur, perched high in the hills, where we photograph traditional life in narrow cobbled streets against a backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. We'll even try our hand at food photography during a traditional momo-making demonstration.
In lakeside Pokhara, we capture stunning dawn reflections of the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Mountain on Phewa Lake’s still waters. A visit to the Gurung village of Dhampus offers more intimate portrait opportunities engaging in Dashain activities with the majestic Annapurna range as a backdrop.
Throughout this journey, we help you to capture authentic, up-close moments with local people, with the help of our local guides, ensuring that you get a deeper understanding of their culture. We also understand your needs as a photographer, and we ensure safe, convenient space for your camera gear throughout the trip, including on internal flights and four-wheel drive transportation.
We also offer optional add-ons such as paragliding, parasailing, helicopter rides, and even an Everest flight for those seeking an adventure beyond the lens.
Join us on this unique and unforgettable photographic adventure through Nepal, where the stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality of the Nepalese people will leave an indelible impression on your heart and your photographic portfolio. Nathan and his local guide will help you not only capture breathtaking images but also forge deeper connections with the local people and their culture. This is more than just a photo tour — it's an opportunity to enrich your photographic portfolio while immersing yourself in the soul of Nepal.
Photo Highlights.
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Portraits
Yogis and holy men in their resident quarters
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Festivals
Fulpati, part of Dashin festival
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UNESCO sites
6 sites in Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu
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Ancient villages
Overnight in the ancient Newari village of Bhaktapur
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Monkey Temple
At sunrise
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Wildlife
Tigers, elephants, rhinos and crocs
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Elephants
Crossing River
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Bandipur
Ancient ridge town
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Dhampus
Overnight in the trekking village
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Mountains
Magnificent views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu
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Boudhanath Stupa
One of the largest ancient stupas in the world
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Optional extras
Paragliding, ultralight flights, helicopter rides, Everest fly overs (own expense)
Portraits.
Tour Details.
Established in 2013
Duration: 13 days, 12 nights, 11 days of shooting.
Dates and Prices
2026
October 16 - 28
SOLD OUT
2028
September 23 - October 5
US$7950 [SMALL GROUP]
Past participants will get a special discount.
Our fee includes hotels, breakfast, bottled water throughout the tour, as well as all transport including airport transfers. This tour also includes one internal flight. We base our fee on accommodation in a single room, (always A/C with private bathroom) though we offer discounts for couples sharing rooms, as well as for non-photographers. If you need help with insurance for this tour, please let us know and we can put you in touch with a broker that should be able to help you.
Our Itinerary.