Upper Mustang Nepal Photo Tour with Julian
7470 person/sharing
14 Days
Mountains
Overland Drive
Photography
Max 5
Overview
Upper Mustang Nepal Photography Tour with Julian in April 2025.
The photo tour will start in Kathmandu before we move to Upper Mustang in northern Nepal. This little-visited area of Nepal has much to offer photographers. From the high mountain peaks of the Annapurna range which skirt the eastern edge of the area; to villages where it seems time has remained still since the middle ages to street photography of the characterful local people.
Only opened to outside visitors since 1992, access to Upper Mustang is heavily controlled. During the first days of our Nepal photography tour, the permits required for our entry into the Upper Mustang region will be prepared for us.
Nepal offers many photographic opportunities from the cultures of both the Hindu and Buddhist religions, to the stunning mountain landscapes and the people that we’ll meet during our photography tour.
During April, the mornings can be cold in Mustang and the daytime can be a pleasant 20°c or so. The area is also at an altitude of around 4000m and we will be monitoring every person to ensure that altitude sickness doesn’t strike.
We will make the very best of the morning and evening light. You will be taken to some of the very best photography locations for the first light and sunset. Our local guide will also be on hand to help with the street photography that we will encounter.
Our stay in Kathmandu is based in both three and four-star hotel accommodations where the hotels provide us with breakfast in the morning. In Upper Mustang though the accommodation is basic but comfortable with Western-style facilities.
Transportation during the photography tour will be in the form of 4×4 jeeps when we are in Upper Mustang. The roads are mostly unmade and so the jeeps will help us easily navigate the terrain that we’ll be encountering. The road network is definitely a challenge but your comfort during the photography tour is my priority.
During the Nepal photography tour which encompasses Kathmandu and some of the surrounding towns we will either be on foot or transport will be provided by our ground agent.
Major Highlights on Upper Mustang Nepal Photo Tour with Julian
Culture
Culture
With so many cultures in Nepal, the Mustang region has its own people and culture that is unique in every way. Get emerged with the locals as you travel through the villages in the Mustang.
Guide : Julian
Guide : Julian
Julian Elliott is an award winning professional freelance landscape and travel photographer as well as an occasional writer based both in the Loire Valley, France and also in Wiltshire, England. They travel across Europe as well as into Asia capturing landscapes and cityscapes along with the various cultures that inhabit them.
Kathmandu and Pokhara
Kathmandu and Pokhara
Explore few of the glamorous city of Kathmandu and Pokhara. Along with the natural beauty of Mustang valley experience the urban beauty of Kathmandu's historical heritages.
Majestic Himalayas
Majestic Himalayas
With the great Himalayas in the north of Nepal, mustang is one place you want to travel to get great views of these majestic mountain ranges.
Itinerary
Expand AllDay 01: Arrival day of our photography tour of Nepal and Upper Mustang.
We meet you at the airport, check-in at our hotel and head off for some street photography in the surrounding area of Kathmandu.
Our ground agent will collect passports to prepare the permits required for us to enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang.
Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
An early start is in store as we head out to Kathmandu Durbar Square. The streets around the area are bustling with life early in the morning from street vendors to worshipers so there is ample again for some street photography before heading back to our hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon we head to Bhaktapur and then onto Pashupatinah.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara and Drive to Marpha
Today we fly out to Pokhara where we’ll meet our driver and guide that will escort us up to Upper Mustang.
We stay overnight in Marpha in a local hotel.
Day 04: Sightseeing around Marpha and drive to Kagbeni
After a well-deserved rest from our long drive up to Mustang, we head after breakfast for a walk around Marpha. Our journey continues on north towards Kagbeni.
On our way we will discover the small village of Lupra hidden away at the foothills of the Annapura range.
After checking in at our hotel we’ll head back out to photograph the stunning mountain scenery that towers above us.
Day 05: Drive to Chhusang
Waking up early we head up high to photograph the scenery of the Dhaulagiri range on the road to Muktinath.
Our hotel will serve us a well-deserved breakfast before we head north towards Chhusang where we spend the night.
But that’s not the end of the day as we’ll head out for the afternoon and evening light raking across the high Annapurna range.
Day 06: Drive to Ghami via Ghiling
An early start is required to get us up on the road that we visited the evening before. Watch the sunrise across Annapurna’s mountains and the Nilgiri Himal mountain range that is ever preset during our journey.
Having dispensed with breakfast we head north again to Ghiling. A small village nestled amongst the high mountains we’ll visit the local monastery before continuiing our drive to Ghami.
Day 07: Drive to Lo Manthang via Dhakmar red cliffs and Ghar Gumba Monastery
Sunrise will see us photographing the stunning Ghami Himal range that towers above Ghami.
From here we say goodbye to Ghami and head to the Dhakmar red cliffs.
Continuing on with our journey we will photograph the stunning landscapes on the road to the Ghar Gumba Buddhist Monastery.
With lunch filling our stomachs we then head onwards to Lo Manthang where we will spend the next 3 nights.
Day 08-10: Sightseeing the Kingdom of Lo and drive back to Jomsom via Muktinath Temple
The next two days will see us discovering the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Lo. A small town that has its roots deep in Tibetan Buddhism. Visits to some of the monasteries are the order of the day and, if we can, we’ll try to setup a shoot with the monks and the huge traditional horns that they use during ceremonies.
After breakfast on day 10 we head back towards Jomsom. But before we arrive at our hotel we’ll head on up to the sacred temple at Muktinath to see the various ceremonies etc that take place here.
Day 11: Fly back to Pokhara
Checking out from our hotel in Jomsom we begin the journey back to Pokhara.
Day 12-13: Sightseeing around Kathmandu and Patan
Our final days are spent around Kathmandu taking in such sights as Patan Durbar Square, the Monkey Temple and of course Boudhanath Square.
Day 14: Departure day
Pricing
Departure Dates
| Dates | Price | Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
From: 12th Apr, 2026 To: 25th Apr, 2026 |
US$ 7470 |
Available
|
Book Online | |
|
From: 12th Apr, 2025 To: 25th Apr, 2025 |
US$ 7470 |
Available
|
Book Online |
What to Expect
Expand AllWhat flights do recommend?
Kathmandu Tribhuvan (KTM) airport is served by a multitude of international flight operators from budget airlines to the more commercial airlines such as Turkish Airlines; Qatar Airlines and Air India. Recommended flights will be posted soon but please do get in touch.
Where do I meet you?
We will all meet at the arrivals lounge at Kathmandu Tribhuvan on 2 April 2023. Our driver will then take us to our first hotel where we will rest ready for the photo tour to start proper.
How about getting back to the airport?
Once we know all attendee’s departure flight times we can coordinate drop-offs at Kathmandu Tribhuvan airport.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, you will likely need to apply for a visa before going to Nepal. Only a handful of countries can access the country visa-free or with visa on arrival. It is recommended to apply for your visa online before departure so that the arrival process is quicker.
I’m worried about altitude sickness
Altitude sickness occurs above 2500m or around 8200 feet. If your journey goes up too quickly then there is the risk of altitude sickness occurring which is why the itinerary takes us up at a gradual pace. Each day participant’s oxygen levels will be checked to ensure that no one has to be taken back down.
Footwear?
Walking boots are perfect for the countryside and lighter shoes will serve you well in Kathmandu.
What camera kit should I bring?
A wide-angle lens (16-35), medium zoom (24-70) and a longer zoom (70-300) will be ideal to cover most compositional eventualities but don’t forget the macro lens if you have one. The most used will be in the 24-70 range as a super wide-angle doesn’t always translate, so make sure this focal length is covered. It’s best not to weigh yourself down, so why not bring an airport-style bag for all your kit and a smaller day bag, which you can decant equipment into throughout the day.
Do I need a computer?
Although not essential, it’s a great idea to bring a laptop computer with you so you can discuss imagery with me and others in the group. It really is a great learning experience, so it’s highly recommended to bring a laptop to learn and for personal entertainment.
What computer support do you give?
I try to make a point of tutoring digital photography to all my clients, to help complete the learning process. It really helps to have a computer session when tiredness takes hold, or inclement weather persists.
How do I pay?
It’s easy! Just use the Paypal buttons below to checkout. The balance will be due 4 weeks before the start of the tour/ workshop. You can always decide to pay the full amount upfront too if you wish.
FAQ's
Upper Mustang Nepal Photo Tour with Julian is a captivating experience that promises breathtaking sights and unforgettable memories. Join us on this exclusive journey led by a seasoned photographer, where you will explore the stunning landscapes and unique culture of Upper Mustang. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this hidden gem and capture extraordinary moments through your lens.
- What travel insurance do I require?
For any single room travelers, we suggest you to email us, and provide us your request. If you wish to room single, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. During the trek, we will do our best to provide you Single Room depending on availability.
- I am traveling alone, can I still book the trip?
For any single room travelers, we suggest you to email us, and provide us your request. If you wish to room single, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. During the trek, we will do our best to provide you Single Room depending on availability.
- How should i prepare for the trek, what about gears?
I have found Cleverhiker.com a good source to find the best gears to buy for any trekking.