"I wish I could photograph images of as many as wonderful people who live in my planet earth. I wish I could witness the cultural differences of as many as beautiful tribal clans across the world. I know my dream is big but the beauty of it is even bigger."
Nepal, a small beautiful world in the planet earth is from where I planned of beginning to pursue my big dream.Traveling in Nepal is fun. Adventurous treks at the foothills of Great Himalayan trail, thrilling skydives & other aerial escapades in the Skies of Nepal, getting wet & wild during rafting in the liquid highways of Nepal, cultural tours to artistic landmarks where time travels to different eras of the past, energetic celebrations, unique cultures & lifestyles of more than 100 indigenous tribes, extraordinary wildlife activities, unparalleled devotion of Hindu and Buddhist devotees & interaction with the most friendly people on earth are major aspects travelers can expect during their journeys to Nepal.
To capture most of these diverse aspects of Nepal into my camera was exactly the opportunity I was waiting for. On April 20th I began the Photography Tour of Nepal that I believed would surprise me every day. My expectations were met. The sadhus of Pashupatinath were great photographic characters and their love towards the lens was amazingly helpful. However, they expected some cash for being photographed, which of course is well justified. The ongoing cremation at Pashupatinath, Aryaghat truly directed me the kind of life I should live as afterlife everyone has to be there; being prepared for final see off.
To witness and to photograph Tibetan culture at its best beyond Tibet is Boudhanath. Maroon robed monks and Tibetan Buddhists circumnavigating the largest dome shaped stupa of the world & their devotion towards Buddhism were incredible photographic opportunities. Energetic people thronging to Durbar Square of Kathmandu to play Holi was another colorful and full of life event ongoing in the heritage valley during the tour.
Exiting out of valley was a different experience. In an hour or so after the drive from Kathmandu everything changed. The aroma of cosmopolitan town surprisingly vanished and soon the rural culture began to amaze me. The landscapes dominated by lush vegetation, terraced farmlands & raging Himalayan Rivers were eye-feasting. Frequent stops to capture the glimpses of farmers working in fields traditionally were wonderful sights. The first stopover point beyond Kathmandu was Nuwakot, the historic hilltop town from where King Prithivi Narayan Shah planned to conquer Kathmandu Valley suffered badly during the quake 2015. Amidst the rubble created by quake the natives with beautiful smiles on their faces and extraordinary hopes to retain the historic identity of their locale was amazing to experience. The stay in Nuwakot Farm House, a traditional boutique property atop the hill was overwhelming.
Stopping for a very short time to capture the lifestyle of Chepang people in the Chepang village en-route to Chitwan was a heart touching experience. The revered shrine, Devghat at the shore of Narayani River was a great photographic experience. Capturing young disciples learning Ved, Aghoris, old people living in old age homes and holy men made my plan to stop there worthwhile.
Next day the wildlife safari at Chitwan National Park & the cultural encounters at Tharu & Darai villages in the neighborhood were unique experiences. I discovered cultural diversity that exists to extreme degree in Nepal. Neoclassic ancient hilltop town Bandipur is a gem. Stone paved streets with artistic houses on both sides, where vehicles are strictly prohibited to enter Bandipur has preserved its ancient value so well. Winding along the serpentine Prithivi Highway, I arrived to Pokhara the next day. Pokhara, the most popular town for those people willing to hike along the wonderful trails at the foothill of Annapurna offers magnificent Himalayan panorama blended so well with lakes and dense woodlands. I feel I am blessed as I belong to Pokhara.
After an hour long drive on the snaky Baglung-Pokhara Highway followed by ten minutes of uphill drive through the forested region I emerged into a small mountainous village Dhampus, where the families of brave Gurkha warriors live. Staying in teahouse owned by one of these Gurkha warrior, Saila Dai was yet again a beautiful experience. The mountains sparkled like the heaps of silver right before my eyes and the authentic rural culture spilled in every corner at Dhampus. Photographing in Dhampus was of course the most beautiful aspect of the entire Photography Tour in Nepal.
Photography tours in Nepal can be even more fascinating if travelers schedule to travel to Nepal during the festivals. Nepal during the festivals becomes more vibrant, colorful & welcoming.
Enjoy traveling & celebrate photographing.