Ancient Annapurnas
Photography Tour





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Ancient Annapurnas Photography Tour

One of the most adventurous photography tours we’ve ever planned in the Himalayas. Follow the jeep trail deep into the Annapurnas to the ancient village of Manang, photograph some of the highest peaks in the world, and finish with a helicopter landing at Lake Tilicho. Highlights include stunning waterfalls, glacial rivers plus herds of goats and yaks.

We schedule this trip for the early Winter when the air is clear and the mountains are dressed in snow - the best time for photographers.

13 Days
Starts and finishes in Kathmandu
Maximum group size of 8
Priced at USD$11,880

Upcoming Dates
13 November 2026

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Remarkable road trip in the Himalayas with an expert team of photographers and guides.
   
 








 
 
Photographic Adventure in Nepal to Manang and Lake Tilicho


Day 1-2 | Kathmandu
Our meeting point is Kathmandu, where we get to meet each other and go over final details before heading west into the Annapurna Ranges. Airport transfers are included.
We have a full day together in Kathmandu to talk about photography and share a session on capturing light. We visit a couple of our favourite temples for dawn and dusk, when the light is doing lovely things. If you haven’t been to Nepal before we recommend arriving a day or two early to acclimate to the culture and time zone.

Day 3 | Besisahar
Today is a big road trip to get out of Kathmandu Valley. There’s a lovely hotel waiting for us at the other end though – our last chance for a little pampering before hitting the jeep trail. En route we’ll visit one of our favourite truck stops for some local style Nepali cuisine.

Day 4 | Nache (2000m)
This is our first day of slow driving as we climb higher into the mountains. We make plenty of stops for photography however, with some iconic scenes of Lamjung, rice fields and waterfalls. The route takes us from 500m to 2000m in elevation, but very slowly. We also visit a nice family along the way who happen to make some of the best coffee in Nepal!

Day 5 | Chame Bazaar (2700m)
The next section of trail is rich in broadleaf forests, wild rivers and steep mountain terrain. This is where we see some of the most stunning waterfalls in all of Nepal. We have plenty of time to capture them, or to stretch our legs by walking a few sections of the route where the trail isn’t steep. We hope to arrive at our guesthouse before dark and make the most of the solar powered showers.

Day 6-7 | Upper Pisang (3200m)
There are some fascinating villages to photograph along the journey today, and some quirky apple farmers too. Several sections of the route are worth a short walk with the camera, with powerful rivers crossed by suspension bridges. After lunch we drive to the higher elevation of 3200m, and we take the rest of the afternoon nice and slow.
A full day in Pisang offers time to photograph village life, visit the gompa or even head downhill to capture some smaller lakes. Our views of Annapurna II and III from the guesthouse are spectacular.

Day 8-10 | Manang (3700m)
The views just get better and better today. We drive through a high pass into the next section of the Annapurnas where Gangapurna and Tilicho come into view. The drive is full of inspiration with some amazing sections of river and Annapurnas to capture with slow shutters.
After lunch we arrive in Manang itself and get settled into our accommodation. It’s a modest sized town but surrounded by fields, livestock, and mountains. For the next few days our schedule will be to chase the first light at dawn, then breakfast, then a second shoot for late morning and finally lunch. After lunch we rest up, download and get some hot showers.
There are a few nearby villages for those who enjoy a little walking, but for those who want to conserve their energy we have some gorgeous scenes to capture each morning.

Day 11-12 | Kathmandu
A big day today. An early start to get going with the helicopters and make the most of our visit to Lake Tilicho. Everyone will get around 30 minutes on the ground by the lake, plus the amazing views of the nearby peaks as you fly in and out. This will be something special.
We gather back in Manang to load the helicopters with our essential luggage and fly direct to Kathmandu. Any excess weight will go back by road with our jeep drivers.
We have a full day in Kathmandu at the end of the trip, which allows for any weather delays for our helicopter flight and gives time for our excess luggage to rejoin us in town. For this extra day we enjoy a photo shoot at the morning market and a visit to Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred of Hindi sites in Nepal.

Day 13 | Departure
Checkout time for the hotel will be 12noon. Regardless of your departing flight time, we will ensure you have a private transfer to the airport.

 
 


How To Book

If you have a few questions and want to chat to Ewen, just click the button below and email your questions. When you're ready to book just use the booking form below. Once you've paid the deposit of $2,800 your place on the tour is confirmed. Single room is the default for this trip but there is a discount for couples and friends.

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Dates

    
   
2024   
May 10 Food Photography Workshop4 daysFully Booked
October 18 Photo Tour in Nepal15 daysOne Place Left
November 04 Ancient Annapurnas Photography Tour13 daysOne Place Left
December 18 Expedition Workshop – Sub-Antarctic Islands12 daysFully Booked
   
2025   
January 13 Polar Nights Aurora Workshop14 daysFour Places Left
February 10 Arctic Norway Photography Tour14 daysFully Booked
May 02 Food Photography Workshop4 days
May 14 Expedition Workshop – Curating Japan16 daysBook with Heritage
June 27 Expedition Workshop – Kimberley Coast11 daysBook with Heritage
October 27 Photo Tour in Nepal15 days
November 27 Bhutan Photography Tour15 daysFour Places Left
   
2026   
January 12 Polar Nights Aurora Workshop14 days
February 09 Arctic Norway Photography Tour14 days
May 08 Food Photography Workshop4 days
May 14 Expedition Workshop – Curating Japan16 daysDate TBC
June 27 Expedition Workshop – Kimberley Coast11 daysDate TBC
October 26 Photo Tour in Nepal15 days
November 13 Ancient Annapurnas Photography Tour13 days
December 12 Expedition Workshop – Sub-Antarctic Islands12 daysDate TBC
 


Nepal   /   Photo Essays

 


Winter Light

The Low Road

Steps to Kagbeni

Smoke and Sadus

Pilgrims Trail

Photographers and Mountains

Newari Villages

Mystics of Muktinath

Momos and Monks

Momo Time

Market Road

Lunch in Malekhu



Feedback from Past Travellers

I know most people won't read these testimonials, but I'm really chuffed that so many of my travellers have such a great trip and these words are their own words so please take a look.



I have recently returned from Ewen Bell’s Nepal trip 2019. I have written to him personally to thank him, so I address this to those who are tempted to go with Ewen to Nepal on a future trip. Since retiring ten years ago I have been busy visiting and photographing all those places that I have fascinated me during my life. Nepal with it’s climbing and trekking was out of the question till I read Ewen’s “no trekking” promotional material, although Ewen, those 2k walks seemed like trekking to me!

Before leaving, a couple of times Ewen mentioned wanting to support his team in Nepal. I now understand. The respectful relationship they have for each other is something to behold. They assist and smooth over any unforeseen problems in a trice. I thank and congratulate them for making the trip so enjoyable and trouble free.

The rugged stark scenery brings to life what you have read of tectonic plates colliding. The pushing up of mountain chains and then the subsequent erosion by wind and water. But to be able to see it there before your eyes, is a tremendous thrill.

The scenes of mountains and valleys, the villages, the people, the food, the mountain roads and the transport, all tinged with a little daring-do, are unique and honestly too good to be missed. Not to mention the thousands of beautiful photos to sort through on returning home that will keep this trip fresh in your mind for way into the future!

Ewen Bell’s Nepal Photography Tour - Don’t miss it! BTW do not under any circumstances buy a new puffer jacket prior to going. You are warned!

- Timothy M, Australia
Nepal Photography Tour, November 2019


This was a trip of a lifetime and I loved every day with the combination of scenery, people and Nepalese customs. Ewen and Ian were both very generous with their time and contributed different perspectives on shooting and editing my photos. Ewen directed his attention to people and pastoral landscapes while Ian liked dramatic, colorful landscapes. I learned a lot while thoroughly enjoying the experience. Another plus was that both Ewen and Ian liked good food so they would call ahead to the next village stop to make sure lunch or dinner would be ready and would feature local ingredients. I also enjoyed the combination of short treks and driving between villages. I am now signed up for Ewen’s Australia trip!

- Marty B, USA
Nepal Photography Tour, November 2018


Travelling to Nepal with Ewen & Ian truly lived up to its billing as a travel photography adventure. The itinerary took us from the colour and chaos of Kathmandu via the genteel charm Bhaktapur and Bandipur to the majestic Annapurna mountains providing us with a variety of people, places and landscapes to get the creative juices flowing.

Ewen is an inspirational teacher, he was always on hand to provide assistance or feedback whereever required. He also demonstrated techniques for shooting in a range of lighting situations to ensure we all developed our understanding of how to work with the light allowing us to come away with some memorable images. Ian was also very willing to pass on his wealth of experience of shooting landscapes (particularly panoramas which came in very handy in the Annapurnas).

Ewen’s passion for photography is matched by his respect and passion for the culture and the people of Nepal (and maybe a plate of momos). That affinity for the local people has helped Ewen build a strong local support team on the ground who were very friendly and worked hard to ensure our trip went as smoothly as the road conditions in Nepal will allow.

Anyone considering a photo journey to Nepal really need look no further.

- Richard C, UK
Nepal Photography Tour, October 2016


My fourth trip with Grasshopper Adventures to Nepal was the best yet. Someone on the trip said that her friend suggested that travelling to Nepal was the journey of a lifetime, and for all of us, I think it was. We started in the warm, vibrant and colorful Kathmandu Valley, moved to the rhinos and elephants of the Chitwan National Park, then on to the gray, stoney architecture of the mountain towns with bold splashes of color here and there and the majestic Himalayas shining in the sun. Spiritual places, scenery that takes your breath away, and people that are the kindest and warmest you will ever meet - that's what we photographed. And Ewen and Sam gave us their experience and love for the country along the way. Tibetan music in the van, sunrise to catch the first light on the mountain peaks, an arm around an old man showing us his sword, a hug for a kid, a laugh and a cry. What a journey of a lifetime!"

- Elizabeth G, USA
Nepal Photography Tour, March 2010


Our journey with Ewen Bell through Nepal in 2014 was exciting both scenically and culturally. The majesty of the mountains is probably surpassed by the friendliness of the people. There are many great photographic opportunities of the people, their towns nestled between the giant peaks, and their religious shrines as well as the mountains themselves. Ewen had a lot to teach, especially regarding the use of light to make stunning images and the use of color in post-processing to recreate the mood of the country. One especially treasured set of memories is of the local guides who were among the most considerate and warm people we have encountered.

- Martin and Bev C, USA
Nepal Photography Tour, October 2014


Joining Ewen Bell on his Nepalese tour was the best travel decision I've ever made. Ewen oozes knowledge and passion, his affinity with the local people is infectious. I learnt so much about photography and coupled with using the best available light it was an awesome adventure. The support team around Ewen was fantastic, from checking into accommodation to being out on the road I couldn't have asked for more. I've made some great friends and can't wait to do it again, frankly i couldn't recommend him highly enough!

- David N, Australia
Nepal Photography Tour, March 2013


I travelled to Nepal with Ewen earlier this year. This is my fourth photography tour with Ewen and as always I loved the trip. Ewen has a gift of showing you the 'real' aspects of a country and it's people. Every day is an adventure and learning different photography techniques and his passion for his craft is inspiring. His mantra 'go slow' means that you get to see and do things that others may never experience. I thoroughly enjoy travelling with Ewen, he is a fabulous mentor, a great travel companion and I look forward to doing another trip with him."

- Eve W, Australia
Nepal Photography Tour, March 2012


I now fully appreciate what the words 'tour de force' mean. From the frenetic pace of crowded Kathmandu to the more gentle pace of ancient Baktapur, the wildlife of Chitwan National Park, the picturesque provincial town of Pokhara, the rugged beauty of the Anapurnas and village life in rural communities, we had an amazing time. Nearly every day, we were up before the sun to catch the first precious rays of light and at the end of the day totally ready to collapse into bed. Yes, it was hard work but the rewards were well worth the effort. The travel experience was a pleasure, occasionally punctuated with the odd surprise, such as an unexpected departure from Chitwan by elephant. Just as importantly, my photography reached a new level. I felt rather like the sorcerer's apprentice following in the footsteps of the sorcerer (Ewen Bell) who helped me along the path to improving my digital sorcery. The results speak for themselves and I can even claim to be smugly proud of more than a few remarkable shots. So many thanks to those who made it possible: Ewen, Sam the Mountain Man, Mr Mohan, our gentlemanly Nepali guide, and most of all the Nepalese people who were a delight everywhere we went."

- Martin Z, Australia
Nepal Photography Tour, April 2010




Read Feedback from our Travellers

We ask our guests to share a few words on their experiences
when they travel with us for a workshop or a tour.
Please have a read :)



The World's Best Photo Tours
You won't find a better tour experience: Unmatched knowledge of the locations and local support, hand crafted experiences that run only once every one or two years, our experience teaching the art of photography and a commitment to smaller group sizes.

Beginners Welcome
These tours are not just for advanced photographers, we love welcoming beginners to the craft to help them fast track their creative abilities. Sharing what we know and giving other photographers a truly wonderful experience is the best part of running these tours. If you're ready to learn new skills while you travel then this is the trip for you. If you want to spend quality time with like minded people and enjoy the sharing of knowledge and experiences, then we would love to have you along.

8 is Great
If you have to share a tour with dozens of other photographers, then it's just a tour instead of a photo tour. Smaller groups mean less drama, more fun and are infinitely more rewarding. My first responsibility is to ensure every person on my tour gets plenty of my time and advice, and with fewer photographers in one place you will come home with better photos and the best light :)

Small isn't just good, it's great!

 

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