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Himalayan Photography and Wildlife Tour

  • 12 days
  • moderate
  • Up to 12
  • Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–December)
4.8

We lead a diverse photographic journey spanning Kathmandu heritage squares, Chitwan wildlife safaris, and the Annapurna foothills.

At a glance

Trip overview

We have designed this 12-day journey specifically for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a balanced immersion into Nepal's cultural monuments, lowland wildlife reserves, and mid-hill mountain trails. Starting in the historic Kathmandu Valley, our team guides you through ancient Durbar Squares and sacred Buddhist stupas, offering rich opportunities for street and architectural photography.

Moving south from the capital, our route descends into the subtropical lowlands of Chitwan National Park. Here, our focus shifts to wildlife tracking and conservation photography, utilizing both river canoes and jungle jeeps to spot one-horned rhinoceros, marsh muggers, and potentially the Royal Bengal Tiger. We spend our evenings reviewing captures and discussing natural history with our experienced guides.

Following our lowland wildlife exploration, we ascend to the lake city of Pokhara before taking to the footpaths of the Annapurna region. Our trek climbs through stone-paved Gurung villages, dense rhododendron forests, and up to the classic ridge viewpoints of Tadapani, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill. Throughout the route, we maintain a deliberate pace that allows ample time for landscape composition, sunrise vistas over the high peaks, and respectful cultural documentation.

Classic 11 Days Everest Base Camp Trek — hero

Why this trek

Trip highlights

  • Kathmandu Heritage Sites

    We photograph intricate wood carvings, historic stupas, and daily ritual activities across UNESCO World Heritage sites in the capital.

  • Chitwan Wildlife Safari

    Our team navigates the Rapti River by canoe and explores the national park by jeep to document diverse birdlife and mammals.

  • Poon Hill Sunrise View

    We hike pre-dawn to the summit ridge of Poon Hill for wide-angle vistas across Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre.

  • Pokhara Lakeside

    We unwind by Phewa Lake and hike up to the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic evening views of the Annapurna range.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Meals: B

Our representative meets our arriving guests at Tribhuvan International Airport, carrying a clear company placard for easy identification. We transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel in the city, where our team conducts a thorough briefing on the upcoming itinerary.

Day 2

Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupas

Meals: B / L / D

Our day begins with a short drive to the hilltop complex of Swayambhunath, widely known as the Monkey Temple. We photograph the painted Buddha eyes and surrounding shrines before continuing to the massive white dome of Boudhanath Stupa to observe evening circumambulations.

Day 3

Fly to Chitwan and Tharu Village Visit

Meals: B / L / D

We take a short morning domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur airport in Chitwan, followed by a transfer to our resort. Later in the day, we walk through a local Tharu village to study traditional mud-and-reed architecture and visit the cultural museum.

Day 4

Chitwan National Park Safari

Meals: B / L / D

We begin our wildlife exploration with a traditional wooden canoe ride down the Rapti River for aquatic bird and crocodile observation. In the afternoon, our team boards a four-wheel-drive jeep for a deep jungle safari inside Chitwan National Park.

Day 5

Fly to Pokhara and World Peace Pagoda

Meals: B / L / D

After breakfast, we fly from Bharatpur to Pokhara, enjoying aerial views of central Nepal's river valleys. In the afternoon, we drive up Anadu Hill to the World Peace Pagoda to capture sunset light over Phewa Lake and the snow-capped peaks.

Day 6

Drive to Kimche and Trek to Tadapani (2,540 m)

Meals: B / L / D

We drive northwest from Pokhara along the Baglung Highway to Nayapul, then follow a rough road beside the Modi Khola to Kimche. From here, our trek begins on foot past Ghandruk village and up through dense forest to the ridge settlement of Tadapani at 2,540 m.

Day 7

Trek to Ghorepani (2,775 m) via Deurali

Meals: B / L / D

Our trail climbs steadily from Tadapani beneath a canopy of rhododendron trees toward Deurali, before crossing over Gurung Hill for panoramic mountain views. We descend gently through forested terrain to reach the mountain village of Ghorepani at 2,775 m.

Day 8

Poon Hill Excursion, Trek to Hile, and Drive to Pokhara

Meals: B / L / D

We depart our lodge before dawn with headlamps for the steep climb to Poon Hill viewpoint to watch the sunrise over the high Himalayas. Following the morning photography session, we descend through Ulleri to Hile, where our vehicle meets us for the return drive to Pokhara.

Day 9

Pokhara Exploration and Photography

Meals: B / L / D

We spend the day photographing around Pokhara's natural and cultural landmarks, including Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and the bustling lakeside market streets. Our guides are available to assist with finding optimal vantage points along the shoreline.

Day 10

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Meals: B / L / D

We board our private vehicle for the overland return journey along the Prithvi Highway, following the course of the Trishuli River back toward the capital. Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we check into our hotel and enjoy a free evening.

Day 11

Kathmandu Valley Heritage Tour

Meals: B / L / D

Our team spends the day exploring additional historical sites in the Kathmandu Valley, focusing on traditional architecture, intricate stone masonry, and lively market squares. We hold a farewell dinner in the evening to review our photographs together.

Day 12

Final Departure from Kathmandu

Meals: B

Our driver transfers our guests from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle well in advance of your international flight home.

Inclusions

What’s included

Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicle
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
  • Resort accommodation in Chitwan with full board meals
  • Standard teahouse lodging and meals during the trek
  • Domestic flights between Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara
  • All required national park entry fees and conservation permits
  • Professional photography guide and trekking support staff

Not included

  • International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees
  • Travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude helicopter evacuation
  • Lunch and dinner during stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Personal photography equipment, batteries, and memory cards
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and teahouse staff

Before you go

Good to know

Photography focus

This trip is specifically structured to accommodate both amateur and professional photographers. Our guides understand lighting conditions, optimal sunrise timings, and respect local customs regarding photographing people and religious ceremonies.

Physical preparation

While classified as easy to moderate, the itinerary involves several consecutive days of hill walking, including stone staircases on the Ghandruk and Poon Hill trails. Regular cardiovascular conditioning prior to arrival will ensure a comfortable experience.

Accommodations

We provide comfortable hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara, a resort lodge in Chitwan, and standard mountain teahouses during the brief trek in the Annapurna region. Rooms on the trek are twin-share with shared sanitary facilities.

Altitude considerations

The maximum elevation on this trip is reached at Poon Hill (approx. 3,210 m) for sunrise, though our sleeping altitude peaks at Ghorepani (2,775 m). Most travelers experience no severe altitude issues at these levels, but our guides monitor hydration and pacing closely.

Route

Route overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — altitude profile

Altitude

Altitude profile

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — route map

Pack list

What to pack

  • Sturdy trekking bootsEssential

    Footwear

    Broken-in ankle-support boots for the Ghandruk and Ghorepani stone steps.

  • Windproof and waterproof shell jacketEssential

    Clothing

    Essential for early morning temperatures at Poon Hill.

  • Down jacketEssential

    Clothing

    Needed for chilly mornings and evenings in mountain teahouses.

  • Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential

    Safety

    Required for the pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill.

  • Camera rain coverEssential

    Safety

    Protects equipment from dust in Chitwan and mist on the mountain.

  • Extra camera batteries and memory cardsEssential

    Safety

    Cold mountain air depletes battery life rapidly.

  • Reusable water bottleEssential

    Camping

    Combined with purification drops or tablets.

  • Valid passport and travel insurance documentsEssential

    Documents

    Must cover high-altitude rescue up to 4,000 m.

Paperwork

Permits & paperwork

We arrange

Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

    Permit

    Required for entering the Annapurna region trail network.

  • TIMS Card

    Permit

    Trekkers' Information Management System record for safety.

  • Chitwan National Park Entry Permit

    Permit

    Required for safaris and entering protected lowland areas.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What kind of camera gear should I bring?

We recommend bringing a versatile zoom lens (such as 24-70mm or 70-300mm) for landscapes and wildlife, extra batteries, portable charging banks, and weather-resistant camera protection for jungle safaris and mountain rain.

Do I need previous trekking experience?

No prior multi-day trekking experience is strictly required, but you should be comfortable walking 4 to 6 hours uphill on uneven stone staircases during the days in the Annapurna foothills.

Are charging facilities available on the trek?

Teahouses along the Ghorepani route generally offer electricity to charge camera batteries and phones, though a small local fee is usually charged per device.

What wildlife can we expect to see in Chitwan?

Chitwan National Park is home to one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, wild boar, sloth bears, marsh mugger crocodiles, and a large variety of resident and migratory birds. Tiger sightings are rare and never guaranteed.

What is the group size for these tours?

We operate this tour with a minimum of 2 participants and maintain manageable group sizes to ensure personalized attention from our photography guides.

What drinking water options are available?

We advise carrying a reusable water bottle along with purification tablets or a filter. Bottled water is also available for purchase at teahouses and lodges along the route.

Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.

Book your trip

Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 12 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.

October 2026
SMTWTFS

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