Are you ready for a photography adventure to the roof of the world?
Join me in the Fall of 2013 as we spend two and a half weeks trekking through the majestic Himalayas of Nepal in search of glorious mountain light and a unique culture.
Only two spots remains open as of May 10th, 2013. The trip will include no more than seven guests total.
When
September 29 – October 19, 2013 (21 days)
Where
Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Gokyo Ri, Tengboche, Dingboche, Dughla, Pengboche – In all the trek will cover approximately 75 miles/120 km over 17 days
How Much
The cost for the photo trek is $3900 USD and includes photo instruction, all rooms during the entire tour, three meals each day, taxi transport to sites in Kathmandu, porter fees, tea breaks, trekking permits on the trail, local guide and round trip airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Itinerary
The trip to the Solukhumbu in Fall of 2013 will be 21 days total (September 27-October 17, 2013). 17 of those will be spent trekking in the Himalayas, with the remainder left to arrival in Kathmandu, a full day exploring some city sites, then a buffer day (in case of bad weather flying back form the trek, it happens) followed by the departure day. The bulk of the trip will be spent in the mountains at a slower pace which serves well for both acclimatization and for allowing us to stop in a spot until weather shifts to get a shot.
The trekking itinerary will be to head to Gokyo Ri (17,575′/5357m) for the large panorama shots. Our pace will allow for both a sunrise and sunset shot if desired. The main view from Gokyo Ri is facing East for sunrise. From there we will either head over Cho La or back down the valley, depending on conditions, timing and group strength. Once back down the valley we’ll head up toward Dingboche and possibly up as far as Laboche. There’s also a bench above Dingboche we found last trip with an emerald lake siting at the base of Ama Dablam that I’d like to shoot more and I know you will love. An early start there will also give us views up to Nuptse and the other peaks South of Everest.
On a day by day basis, you can expect this to be our likely itinerary:
- Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu – City photography
- Day 2 – Explore cultural and photographic sites of Kathmandu
- Day 3 – Flight to Lukla and begin trekking. Overnight at Monjo
- Day 4 – Trek to Namche Bazaar
- Day 5 – Rest Day/Aclimitization hike. Overnight Namche Bazaar
- Day 6 – Trek to Khumjung
- Day 7 – Trek to Dole
- Day 8 – Trek to Machermo
- Day 9 – Trek to Gokyo
- Day 10 – Summit Gokyo Ri (5357 m, 17,575 ft). Overnight at Gokyo
- Day 11 – Trek to Dole
- Day 12 – Trek to Pengboche
- Day 13 – Trek to Dingboche
- Day 14 – Rest Day in Dingboche. Day hike toward Chukhung and high lakes
- Day 15 – Trek to Dughla
- Day 16 – Trek to Tengboche
- Day 17 – Trek to Namche Bazaar
- Day 18 – Trek to Lukla
- Day 19 – Flight back to Kathmandu
- Day 20 – Explore cultural and photographic sites of Kathmandu
- Day 21 – Flight home
The pace is designed to allow time to shoot in the mornings as well as some late, late nights if the stars are out (there will be a new moon at the beginning of the trip allowing for fabulous views of the Milky Way and billions of stars). Our goal is far less about achieving milestones along the way and more about really taking the time to see the area. On a typical trip other trekkers are often confused when we state we weren’t going to bascamp because for them getting to point X is more important than maybe spending a morning shooting in a location before heading out at noon when clouds started moving in. If you absolutely must get to Everest Basecamp, this is not the trek for you. If you appreciate mountains, the Sherpa culture and are patient enough to wait 20 minutes for a cloud to move into position for a better shot, this trip will be more enjoyable for you.
More
We carry our own day packs and those are full of camera gear and storm weather items in case the weather turns while on the trail. Porters carry our overnight gear or dzokyos (mix between cow and yak) will depending on group size. When the weather is right, we get up early, before sunrise. There is a new moon on the 4th of October which will allow for some tremendous star photography. We have review nights where you pick 10 shots you may either want to show off or get feedback from the group on. This is if you bring a laptop, which is entirely optional. I also provide a packing list, with camera related items, before the trek. Lastly, I am at your service for two months following the trip to help with any post-processing questions you may have via email or possibly via Skype.
Payment And Refund Details
Payment details: An $800 deposit is required to hold your spot (only 7 spots are available and I will not increase this). The next payment due date is $2000 four months in advance of the trip (May 29th, 2013). 100% refund is available for all funds paid in advance of May 29th, 2013 if you cancel before this date. The final payment of $1100 is due three months in advance (June 29th, 2013). Cancellations between June 28th and May 28th are available for an 80% refund of total payment made. Between June 28th and July 28th, 2013, a 50% refund is available, dropping to 25% refund from July 28th to August 28th, 2013. No refund is available in the last month before the trip starts. I highly suggest the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to cover yourself in case circumstances arise on your end. Full payment is, of course, welcome at anytime and is subject to the refund policy (funds are held in a separate account to ensure availability).
The price of $3900 includes all rooms during the entire tour, three meals each day, taxi transport to sites in Kathmandu, porter fees, tea breaks, trekking permits on the trail and round trip airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla. Some requirements: You will need to make your own arrangements to be in Kathmandu when the tour is set to start. This may mean an overnight in a connecting city depending on when your flight arrives and if you wish to arrive in Kathmandu early, I can arrange for a hotel and your pickup from the airport. You will also be responsible for the personal things that come up, like laundry, beer, soda pop, internet/phone use and tipping. Due to the nature of the terrain and cost of evacuation, I require all participants to carry evacuation insurance (policies are approximately $70 form internet vendors for the time involved) as well as to sign a standard release.
Please let me know if you have further questions. I would be open to speaking on the phone or Skype if that would be of help in deciding if this photo trek is right for you.
