Nepal - The Upper Mustang Photography Tour.

The Tour.

Join Nathan on a photographic journey through Nepal’s mystical kingdom of Mustang, where ancient Tibetan culture thrives in a landscape of towering peaks and dramatic valleys. Our adventure begins in Kathmandu, where we'll capture the spiritual essence of Nepal at the iconic Boudhanath Tibetan Pagoda during the peaceful morning hours when devoted pilgrims perform their rituals. We'll also photograph the holy men (sadhus) at Pashupatinath Temple, witnessing the deeply moving Hindu cremation ceremonies along the sacred ghats.

From Kathmandu, we venture into the Himalayas, starting our journey in the charming village of Thasang, nestled in the shadow of Dhaulagiri, the world's seventh-highest mountain. Here, we'll explore traditional Thakali villages, photograph local life, and for the adventurous, trek to a pristine lake that mirrors the towering peak. Our route takes us through the picturesque village of Marpha, known for its ancient monasteries and terraced apple orchards, before reaching the medieval town of Kagbeni, which marks the gateway to Upper Mustang.

As we enter the restricted region of Upper Mustang, once an independent Tibetan kingdom, we'll follow the dramatic Kali Gandaki River Valley, one of the deepest gorges in the world. In Dhakmar, we'll capture the stunning red sandstone cliffs that glow during sunset, creating otherworldly photographs. Our journey continues to the walled city of Lo-Manthang, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Lo, where a ceremonial king still resides. This perfectly preserved medieval city offers countless opportunities to photograph Buddhist monasteries, ancient caves, and the daily life of its inhabitants who maintain centuries-old traditions.

The stunning landscapes of Mustang present an ever-changing canvas, from the stark beauty of the Tibetan plateau to the lush valleys below. We'll visit the sacred temple complex of Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, and explore the traditional village of Chusang with its distinctive architecture and local culture. Our journey concludes in the lakeside city of Pokhara, where we'll capture sunrise over the tranquil waters of Lake Phewa, with the Annapurna range providing a magnificent backdrop.

Throughout the tour, we'll have opportunities to photograph not only the dramatic landscapes but also the rich cultural heritage of this remote region: prayer flags fluttering against snow-capped peaks, monks in crimson robes, traditional villages with their distinctive architecture, and the warm, weathered faces of local people. This remarkable journey through Mustang offers photographers the rare opportunity to document one of the last places on earth where ancient Tibetan culture remains beautifully preserved against a backdrop of some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery.