India - Kashmir & Zanskar Photo Tour - itinerary

Kashmir and Ladakh offer stunning array of photographic opportunities, showcasing Himalayan peaks, lush valleys, ancient monasteries, and local traditions. The unique blend of Islamic and Buddhist influences provides endless subjects for cultural and architectural photography, while its diverse ecosystems offer remarkable nature and wildlife shots.

In Kashmir, the serene Dal Lake provides iconic shots of shikaras gliding across mirror-like waters, framed by the majestic Himalayas. Continuing to the picturesque town of Sonamarg, aptly known as the 'golden meadow' for its stunning vibrant grasslands set against snow-capped peaks. In the valley of Naranag, we'll explore and photograph the haunting ruins of a 5th-century BC temple, its ancient stones telling stories of a bygone era.

Ladakh's stark, high-altitude desert landscape presents a dramatic contrast. The ancient Buddhist monasteries perched on rocky outcrops, such as Lamayuru and Temisgang, offer opportunities to capture spiritual traditions against breathtaking backdrops. The region's unique geography, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear rivers provide endless possibilities for landscape photography.

Both regions are rich in cultural experiences. In Kashmir, the traditional Kashmiri dress, bustling markets, and local artisans offer intimate glimpses into daily life. Ladakh's colourful attire and friendly faces, present vibrant scenes that embody the area's Buddhist heritage.

Day 1:
Arrival in Delhi
We will arrange for you to be picked up from the airport and transferred to our comfortable hotel located in the nearby Aerocity area. Ash runs an optional pre-tour technical workshop from around 3-5pm for those new to travel photography or who feel they would benefit from a refresher course (please confirm your interest). There will be a meet ‘n’ greet at the hotel starting at around 6pm, followed by drinks and dinner with the group.

Day 2:
Delhi — Srinagar
Depending on our flight schedule, we have breakfast either packed or at the hotel, then leave for the airport en route to Srinagar, the capital of India’s northernmost state, Jammu & Kashmir. The Mughal Emperor Jehangir once called Kashmir the paradise on earth, and Srinagar is the heart of that paradise.

With its serene lakes and beautiful gardens ringed by the majestic Himalayas, it is a picture-perfect destination to begin our tour. Upon arrival, we will be escorted to our houseboat. Later we will go for a ride on a Shikara, a gondola-type light rowing boat, gliding past wonderful vegetable gardens and the aquatic life in the lake. We stay overnight on the houseboat.

Day 3:
Srinagar
At dawn, we leave the houseboat and row to visit one of the most beautiful vegetable markets of India, which takes place in the lake itself. Each day, the farmers sell their vegetables to the wholesalers, who then take the vegetables to the retailers in the Srinagar bazaar. After a well-spent morning, we head back to the houseboat for breakfast.

After breakfast we explore the back streets of Kashmir that are dedicated to local handicrafts known by Ash. In the afternoon, we enjoy a Wazwaan lunch, a multi-cuisine traditional Kashmiri platter. Later, we leave and take a heritage walk in the old city starting from the grand shrine of Shah Hamdan, a medieval wonder in terms of Kashmir architecture. We cross the river via the modern bridge of Bohri Kadal, then arrive at the majestic building known as Patthar Masjid (the stone mosque), which has been standing in this part of the world for more than 400 years.

Back on the road, we cross yet another bridge and continue on foot to explore the spice market, full of aromatic spices from the far corners of Kashmir. Rounding the corner, we see the Jama Masjid (we can only use our phone cameras here but it’s worth a visit). This is a colossal building built into a rectangular courtyard and surrounded by a medieval-styled bazaar. We stay overnight on the houseboat.

Day 4:
Srinagar — Nomads — Srinagar
Today we embark on a road journey in search of the nomadic tribes who travel every year from Jammu to Srinagar valley and back (a distance of roughly 500km). Jammu is a hot region and a winter home for the nomads and their cattle, whereas the Kashmir valley is their summer paradise.

Our tour is timed to coincide with their travelling in the lower regions where they camp from place to place along the roadside. We hope to encounter several camps where the nomads are generally friendly and happy to be photographed. We take a packed lunch and return back to Srinagar for a night in a boutique hotel.

Day 5:
Srinagar — Sonamarg
Today, we drive to explore a beautiful secluded mountain resort around 70km north of the valley. Driving through the villages with a mesmerising backdrop of the Himalayas, the route takes us to the green valley of Sonamarg - known as the golden meadow.

On arrival, we check into our hotel which is located in a small hamlet-like village. We have lunch here and later walk around the village, giving us ample opportunities to take pictures of the young children playing around. Later we have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 6:
Sonamarg — Naranag — Sonamarg
Early this morning, we head out again in search of the nomads close to our hotel. The morning is a beautiful time to take pictures as they start their day, making chai on stone ovens, rolling bread and so forth.

We return to the hotel for breakfast, then we drive to visit the temple ruins in the valley of Naranag. The temple dates from the 5th century BC, and makes a perfect postcard picture. It’s surrounded by a small village where we can go into the houses to take pictures of the local people. Later, we enjoy a picnic lunch, after which we will take more photographs of the local people, then drive back to the hotel.

Day 7:
Sonamarg — Kargil
Today, we make an early start for Kargil. On the way, we cross the picturesque Zojila Pass to Zero Point, where there are no further civilian roads. We make a couple of stops on the way to take pictures of the Sonamarg Valley. When we reach Kargil, we check into our hotel followed by a well-deserved lunch. In the evening, we take a walk around the Kargil bazaar, then enjoy dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 8:
Kargil — Padum
Today, we drive to Padum, the main town and administrative centre of the Zanskar Valley which is among the remote regions in Ladakh. Soon after Kargil, we enter the beautiful Suru Valley where the Suru River flows through, keeping it fertile and green, even at an altitude of more than 3000 metres.

We drive along the river bank with the Nun Kun peaks towering over us and continue on to reach Rangdum, a tiny village with only a handful of houses, and the midpoint of our journey. Soon we pass Rangdum Monastery and climb the Pensi La (mountain pass). From here we can see the Drang Drung Glacier which is about 35kms long - on a clear day we can get some beautiful images here. We continue our drive and arrive in Padum, where we stay overnight.

Day 9:
Padum  
At sunrise we visit Karsha Monastery for morning prayers, which houses more the 150 monks and a Buddhist school. After breakfast, we explore Padum including a local house visit to photograph local ladies in their traditional clothes and head dresses. Here, it seems as if time has stood still, and it feels like the old Leh town in Ladakh. After lunch, we drive on and visit several monasteries just outside Padum, which make interesting photo opportunities before sunset.

Day 10: 
Padum — Lamayuru
We begin our day with free time at sunrise to capture the early light at our own pace then, after breakfast, we embark on a long scenic drive through dramatic mountain landscapes to the mystical village of Lamayuru. Our first scheduled stop brings us to Zangla Palace, perched atop a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys—a photographer's paradise for capturing the interplay of light and shadow on ancient architecture. 

During the rest of the day, we make impromptu stops whilst driving through the region’s highest mountain (4500m) passes with spectacular vistas. We enjoy free time at sunset to explore the unique "moonscape" terrain surrounding Lamayuru then, as night falls, we retire to our boutique hotel that offers authentic charm and comfort and great views of the monastery.

Day 11: 
Lamayuru — Temisgang
Early this morning we have more free time to photograph Lamayuru's otherworldly landscapes. Later in the morning, we head to the 11th-century Lamayuru Monastery, one of Ladakh's oldest and most photogenic Buddhist temples, where we have opportunities to photograph novice monks and the dramatic mountain backdrops. 

In the afternoon, we journey to Temisgang through several picturesque villages and valleys. The day culminates with some sunset photography at the historic Temisgang Palace, where golden hour light bathes the ancient structure and surrounding Himalayan peaks in warm hues. We spend the night at our boutique hotel, blending local character with comfort.

Day 12: 
Temisgang — Leh
This morning after breakfast, we drive through the spectacular mountain scenery to Leh, the ancient capital of Ladakh visiting the magnificent Likir Monastery enroute: home to a towering 75-foot golden Buddha statue and centuries-old Buddhist artifacts, which are perfect for intimate detail photography. 

We check in to our boutique hotel then, in time for lunch, before exploring the ancient back streets that are home to local bread makers and bazaars. Our day concludes with sunset at the Tsemo gompa, strategically positioned above Leh, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town, palace, and surrounding snow-capped mountains bathed in golden light. We then head back to the hotel which is situated in the historical heart of this fascinating Himalayan city and enjoy dinner at a fusion restaurant.

Day 13:
Depart for Delhi:
Early this morning we leave for the airport to catch our flight to Delhi. On arrival, you will be dropped at the International Airport for your flight back home, or else we can arrange an additional hotel night in Delhi, depending on your flight time.

We hope you will have had an enjoyable and memorable experience, and look forward to seeing you again on another photographic adventure!