Sunrise and Sunset Photography Tour

5.0/5 from 630 reviews
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Duration
    9 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Relaxing
  • Activities
    Photography
  • Accommodation
    Hotel/Guesthouse
  • Meals
    B.B Plan
  • Group Size
    Min. 1 Pax
  • BEST TIME
    March - May and Sept - Nov

Light is one of the fundamental elements in photography. Lighting sets the mood, tone, and atmosphere of your photographs. If you're a travel or landscape photographer, you have to depend on natural light. Hence, the best time to shoot travel or landscape photos is during sunrise or sunset.

Considering this, Nepal Hiking Team has introduced a 9-day Sunrise and Sunset Photography Tour. It combines several photogenic destinations and viewpoints around Kathmandu, Bandipur, and Pokhara to help you improve your photography skills.

On this photography tour, you'll get to visit four UNESCO Heritage Sites around Kathmandu valley. Furthermore, you'll be exploring the famous hill station of Nagarkot and the iconic Newari village of Khokana.

Besides, this photography tour also takes you to another traditional Newari town at Bandipur. Apart from golden hour photography, you'll get to witness the perfect blend of nature and culture in this town. From here, you'll set off on a pleasant drive along the Prithvi Highway to the city of lakes, Pokhara. Here, you'll visit Sarangkot, World Peace Pagoda, and even drive to Dhampus for some mountain therapy.

Highlights of Sunrise and Sunset Photography Tour

  • Learn the basics of photography and discover your unique style
  • Understanding the natural light to shoot a wide variety of creative images
  • Visit four Word Heritage Sites around Kathmandu valley
  • Enjoy the glorious sunrise and sunset view from Nagarkot
  • Take a walk around Khokana and witness the ancient culture and lifestyle of the valley
  • Explore one of Nepal's most iconic Newari towns at Bandipur
  • Stroll around the lively Lakeside street of Pokhara
  • Enjoy the magical sunrise view from Sarangkot
  • Visit the World Peace Pagoda
  • Drive to Dhampus and relish the beautiful mountain panorama from the village

This exclusive sunrise and sunset photography tour combines a well-structured itinerary and a professional photography guide. It has appropriately allocated timing for photoshoots, photo reviews, and group discussions. This visual journey helps you understand the basics of photography and develop your creative style.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu

You will meet our office representative at the Kathmandu Airport. You will easily recognize him as he will be carrying “Nepal Hiking Team” placard. He will then escort you to your trip Hotel in a private vehicle.

At the hotel, after you have check-in and got freshened up, we will conduct a small briefing session regarding your tour. After the meeting, we do not have scheduled any plans for the rest of the day. So, you can enjoy the rest of the day doing anything you would like.

Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 02: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square, then Drive to Nagarkot for Sunset 

On this day, you'll be visiting three of the most famous heritage sites of Kathmandu. You'll begin the day by driving to the center of the valley towards Kathmandu Durbar Square. This historic square is home to some of the most iconic temples, courtyards, monuments, and statues. The outer complex of the splendor old palace is always buzzing with people, rickshaws, and small markets. With all this, you won't have difficulty finding interesting subjects to photograph.

After that, you'll be heading west of Kathmandu city to visit Swayambhunath Stupa. The stupa complex consists of a magnificent whitewashed dome richly decorated with colorful prayer flags. Besides, this sacred pilgrimage also consists of several shrines, temples, and monasteries. You also enjoy the panoramic view of the valley if the weather remains clear.

The tour continues as you make your way to the heart of Lalitpur city towards Patan Durbar Square. Jam-packed with ancient temples, statues, monuments, and artifacts, Patan displays Newari architecture at its best. This historic landmark consists of 136 old courtyards and 55 temples.

After visiting the heritage sites, you'll be transferred to Nagarkot in the late afternoon. Upon arriving at the famous hill station, you'll check in to your hotel and head towards the Nagarkot View Tower to enjoy the sunset. You can also get a distant panorama of the Himalayas from the view tower.

Overnight at Nagarkot

Day 03: Sunrise at Nagarkot, then Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Khokana Village

To start off the day, you'll once again visit the Nagarkot View Tower at dawn for a sunrise view. After enjoying the glorious sunrise over the Himalayas, you'll make your way towards the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Among the three cities of the valley, Bhaktapur holds the true essence of medieval Nepal. Like the other Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur homes several prehistoric buildings, shrines, temples, statues, ponds, and courtyards. The entire complex of Bhaktapur consists of four distinct squares — Durbar Square, Dattatreya Square, Taumadhi Square, and Pottery Square. Some noteworthy attractions clustered around these squares include  Nyatapola Temple, The Golden Gate, Taleju Temple, 55 Window Palace, and Kumari House.

After strolling around the narrow alleyways of Bhaktapur, you'll head towards Khokana village. This typical Newari town in the outskirts of the valley still holds the historical essence, rich heritage, and cultures. First, you'll visit Khokana's most iconic Shekala Mai Temple. This triple-tiered, ochre-painted temple is located in the main square of the village. Then, you'll explore the inner section of the settlement to observe the daily lifestyle and practices.

You can go on to spend the rest of your evening relaxing in the mustard oil farmland, watching the sunset over the hills.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 04: Drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur and Enjoy the Sunset from Tudikhel

On this day, you'll set off for a lovely drive from Kathmandu to Bandipur on a private transfer. Bandipur is often considered a convenient stopover destination between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

You'll be driving along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli river most of the way. The journey is quite comfortable and scenic, with occasional glimpses of small bazaars, terraced farmland, deep valleys, and mountains.

Upon reaching Dumre, you'll take a left turn and drive uphill, leaving the highway behind. Covering almost 150 kilometers, it takes about four to five hours to reach Bandipur from Kathmandu. This small Newari town combines epic mountain views, traditional architecture, and countryside walks.

Once you arrive at Bandipur, you'll have a short window to get some rest. After the rest, your photography guide will host an hour-long photo review and group discussion session.

In the evening, you'll go for a short hike to the former parade ground, Tudikhel. This is among the best places in Bandipur to relish the sunset over the high Himalayas. Before dinner, you can go for a walk around Bandipur's famous flagstone street lined with typical Newari homes and architecture.

Overnight at Bandipur

Day 05: Hike to the Viewpoint of Thani Mai Temple for Sunrise and Drive from Bandipur to Pokhara

You'll start the hike early at dawn to the viewpoint of Thani Mai Temple located on the top of Gurungche Hill. Although the temple is only 30 minutes away from the bazaar, the trail to the top is quite a challenge. Thani Mai Temple is a Hindu temple that offers great value to the locals from both religious and cultural perspectives.

Upon arriving at the top of Gurungche hill, you can enjoy the spectacular sunrise view over the mountains. On a clear morning, this viewpoint offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas stretching on the horizon along with Marsyangdi Valley spreading below.

After spending a brief time on top of the hill, you'll head back to your hotel for breakfast. After a hearty breakfast, you'll pack your bags and drive to the city of Pokhara. First, you'll retrace the route back to the highway at Dumre. Thereafter, you'll follow the highway all the way until you reach Pokhara. It takes more or less two and half hours to reach Pokhara from the town of Bandipur.

Since the rest of the day will be leisure, you can take some rest, stroll around Lakeside, or go boating at Phewa Lake.

Overnight at Pokhara

Day 06: Early Morning Excursion to Sarangkot and Drive to Word Peace Stupa in the Afternoon

You'll start the day before sunrise and head towards the viewpoint of Sarangkot. Located at 1,600 meters on the outskirts of Pokhara, this hilltop is popular among tourists for its marvelous sunrise view. Along with that, the viewpoint also offers a sweeping panorama of the Himalayas, including Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.

After spending a brief time at Sarangkot, you'll drive back to your hotel for lunch. After lunch, you'll once again drive to the outskirts of Pokhara towards the World Peace Pagoda.

Sitting atop the Anadu Hill, this iconic pagoda-style monument is one of the most remarkable stupas in the world. In the center of the gleaming-white dome lies a shining golden statue of Lord Buddha. From the balcony of the main compound, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Annapurna range over the horizon and Phewa Lake right below it.

After enjoying a glorious sunset from the balcony, you'll drive back to your hotel to conclude the day.

Overnight at Pokhara

Day 07: Drive to Dhampus and Enjoy the Sunset

You'll begin the day with a delicious breakfast in your hotel at Pokhara. After breakfast, you'll set off on an hour-long drive to Dhampus, one of the most popular gateways from Pokhara. Located at an elevation of 1,660 meters, Dhampus is a typical Gurung village. It offers an expansive view of the mountains, decent accommodation, and royal hospitality.

Upon reaching Dhampus, you'll leisurely stroll around the village and blend with the rural mountain lifestyle. Here, you can see plenty of old slate-roofed stone houses, untouched woodland, small tea gardens, and the mountain panorama.

Since you'll have plenty of leisure time during the afternoon, your photography guide will conduct a photo review and group discussion session.

After the session, you can spend your evening enjoying the spectacular sunset over the Himalayas.

Overnight at Dhampus

Day 08: Drive to Dhampus for Sunrise, Return to Pokhara and Fly to Kathmandu

On this day, you'll wake up at dawn and hike to the popular view tower of Dhampus. The view tower is only ten minutes away from the village. Although the short walk is a steep climb, the mesmerizing view from the top makes it worth the effort.

From the top, you'll get to enjoy the sunrise, casting its rays over the Himalayas. You can also catch a marvelous sight of the Annapurna Range, Macchapucchre, and Hiunchuli towards the northern skyline.

After spending a brief time at the view tower, you'll head back to the hotel for breakfast. Then, you'll pack your belongings and drive to Pokhara Airport to catch a flight to Kathmandu. The 25-minutes flight is very scenic with occasional mountain views.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu, the representative of the Nepal Hiking Team will escort you to your hotel. Here, you'll have a final photo review and group discussion with your photography guide to conclude the trip.

Since you won't have much to do in the evening, you can stroll around the colorful street of Thamel and buy souvenirs for your family and friends back home.

Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 09: Farewell and Departure

Bid goodbye to Kathmandu and head to the airport. You will be transferred to the international airport well on time to catch your flight. If you want to extend your stay, you can let us know, and we will help you further plan for you to Nepal.

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportations by private vehicle including airport shuttle at per itinerary.
  • Accommodation with breakfast at 3* Star Category Hotel in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Bandipur, and Pokhara as per itinerary.
  • One night accommodation at best available guesthouses in Dhampus inclusive of breakfast
  • Sightseeing tours with English speaking local guide and experienced photographer
  • All entry fees to the sightseeing places/monuments as per the itinerary
  • Airfare from Pokhara to Kathmandu as per itinerary
  • Bottled water will be supplied during the tours.
  • All taxes and service charges

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary.'
  • International airfare
  • Photography equipment, including camera
  • Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa quickly upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa suitable for 30 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 50 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying the US $ 100. Please bring two copies of passport-size photos.)
  • Tips for tour guide and Driver

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Exciting and most memorable experience

    Experience of a lifetime! Leading up to the trip, I felt some excitement and uncertainty because I was traveling from New Jersey to Nepal, so it was a trip to the other side of the world. Also knowing we were going to trek to the highest region in the world.

    Once we arrived in Kathmandu, we met up with our guide (Bhim). After a few minutes of talking with him, I felt a sense of calm and my excitement of joy grew from there. And I was right he and his team made sure we had the best experience possible.

    The full trek going and coming was incredible. Our guide, Bhim, made sure we had the best experience. Can’t say enough of how wonderful he and his team made this one for the books!

    I highly recommend booking with this company and Bhim! Namaste!

    O
    - Excellent

    Mr. Oscar A

    12th Nov 2024
  • Solo Traveler

    I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews. 

    Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.

    Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.

    He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.

    - Guided by Bibek Dhamala

    N
    - Excellent

    Ms. Norleen A

    21st Oct 2024
  • Amazing experience thanks to our 5-star guide/porter team

    We had the best time in Nepal. The beautiful views and warm hospitality of the Nepali people are truly unparalleled.

    Instrumental to our amazing experience were our guide, Netra, and porter, Vasu.

    We were super well taken care of. Netra was quick to assess our physical abilities and was able to effectively set the pace for our hikes. He had very good knowledge of the route and terrain. Importantly, this was our first time attempting a hike at a high altitude, so he took extra care to check on us regularly.

    On a personal note, proper gear, including a powerful down jacket for -20 degrees Celsius and a proper hiking backpack, is super essential.

    Overall, I would highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team and Netra/Vasu for your Nepal adventure!

    G
    - Excellent

    Ms. Gen T

    14th Oct 2024
  • Fabulous Trip – Excited for Many More with NHT

    We were a group of 17 people from California who had been preparing for a year for this trip. Nepal Hiking Team was referred to us by one of my friends. After talking to & interviewing several companies, NHT seemed very responsive, cost-effective & experienced. After the trip, they proved us nothing less.

    Their guides are top-of-the-line, very kind, and helpful. They made sure we all were prepared for the next day, set our expectations rights, & guided us through managing altitude sickness.

    We all made it to Nepal and came back happy and healthy.

    We all thank NHT for making our dream come true, and looking forward to many more with them.

    S
    - Excellent

    Ms. Shaili A

    8th Oct 2024
  • Highest praise for Nepal Hiking Team

    I highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team for anyone planning to trek in Nepal. My spouse and I had a fantastic time on our trek and greatly credit our positive experience to the thought and care put into it by Nepal Hiking Team in coming up with a personalized plan that would enable us to succeed.

    Every detail was considered to match us based on our abilities and interests. We also could not have felt more cared for minute to minute by the team that supported us from the minute we arrived in Kathmandu until our departure.

    Our guide, Nim, was amazing -- so careful, thoughtful, warm, and supportive. And our porters, Sabin and Ganesh, were delightful. They were all unbelievably generous in terms of how much they worked to ensure we were comfortable and prepared. They thought of every detail along the way.

    - Guided By Nim Dahal

    J
    - Excellent

    Ms. Jlevi

    14th May 2024
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