We will arrive at Leh this morning and check in to our comfortable hotel. This is a day for rest and acclimatization and by an ice-breaker session in the evening.
Imagine spending the nights under glittering stars, next to a gently flowing stream that originates from glacial slopes. Think about looking up to see a shimmer of moonlight emerging behind the jagged edges of the mountains high in sky. As you go to sleep in a warm tent, dream about seeing and photographing the next morning’s golden rays warming up the peaks of snow-clad mountains that surround the valley. And next morning, when all that beauty unfolds outside the camp, relish the moment photographing the spectacle with a sense of satisfaction, and then walk back to the camp to enjoy a cup of steaming tea and a heavy breakfast waiting for you!
These are things that dreams are made of even for well-travelled photography enthusiasts. Here is a photography tour that makes such dreams unfold right in front of your eyes. And all this comes without having to do strenuous treks, but enjoying jeep-safaris and comfortable camping experience provided by our highly capable local staff in the mountains!
Leh, Ladakh UT
IXL, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport Leh
Sept 2026
Sept 2026
Suitable for the Cold mountains and expedition camping
INR 86,950 / Per Person
Trip Start from Leh
Transportation during the tour in non-A/C vehicles.
Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in hotel and single tent during camping
All meals during the tour, starting with dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on last day
Photography-related services as mentioned in the itinerary.
Services of your photography mentor during the tour.
Inner line permits and all entry fees
Power invertor for camera euipment charging during camping.
Travel to Leh and return travel from Leh to your location.
Travel insurance and Visa related expenses
Additional food, snacks or beverages ordered.
All expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc.
We will arrive at Leh this morning and check in to our comfortable hotel. This is a day for rest and acclimatization and by an ice-breaker session in the evening.
We leave Leh early in the morning and drive up slowly towards the curious slopes of Lamayuru – one of the very interesting places along this journey. The slopes of Lamayuru are a curious yellow with fascinating shapes formed by a now-drained glacial lake. After many stopovers along the way, we reach Kargil in the evening and check in to our hotel.
We move out of Leh-Srinagar highway today, heading towards Suru Valley in the direction of Zanskar. We are now on a path that has very little habitation. On the days ahead, we camp out in places with brilliant views, in places where you don’t need to go too far to make magnificent images of sunrise and sunset over the mountains. Today, we camp at a place where we get our first views of Nun and Kun peaks – two massifs about 20,000m high and permanently capped in snow. These are the landscapes we have come this far for.
On day 4, We head deeper and higher into the mountains, and naturally, the landscapes become more dramatic. Our second camp, where we are staying today, is just about 15km from Nun-Kun peaks as the crow flies. This campsite is also close to a mountain village, in which we will have time to wander during the day time. Evening and a few hours of the night are, of course, dedicated to photographing the mighty landscapes around us.
On day 5, we drive to next camp-site near Rangdum. By now, you would have got accustomed to camping life and would have well-acclimatized to the high altitudes. It’s time to drive further and higher, in search of more amazing landscapes. It’s a day where we camp at another location after we drive towards Zanskar. Tonight, we are camping at a higher ground that has interesting views and plenty of photography opportunities. Day after day, you will enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and the photography opportunities that come with it.
On Day 6, our camping location is a beautiful place beyond Rangdum. Today, we would also have crossed Penzila Pass at 14,000 feet , leaving behind Suru Valley and entering the Zanskar Valley. It’s another day for more mountain scenery, snow-bound landscapes and glacial slopes. As you progress through the days in the mountains photographing the landscapes along the way, you will notice a remarkable ease with which you make better landscape images with the help of your mentor. As we end this day (and the night), before you retire to your tent, your memory-cards will be filled with brilliant mountain vistas and star-studded skies… something that will keep appearing in your dreams every night, long after you are back home!
On Day 7, we begin the return journey by driving back to our first campsite near Kargil. They say, all good things must come to an end. But not so soon! Even as we retrace our path, we still go along those beautiful landscapes we have passed through earlier. And we have one more night of camping, which means another evening of photographing the mountain sunsets, another night of star-studded skies and another morning ahead that offers you an extraordinary sunrise!
We drive back towards Leh this morning. While you have enjoyed being in the middle of nowhere in amazing landscapes until now at campsites, you will again be relishing the luxury of creature comforts this evening.
By now the group would have bonded so well, if our experiences in the past trips are to go by, we would already be making next travel plans. We spend the evening hours sharing our experiences and pouring over an awesome collection of images over dinner.
The tour ends this morning.
This tour is for everyone who loves to explore and photograph the exotic and beautiful landscapes deep in the Himalayas. We will be travelling to places that are less visited by tourists, to see and photograph some unparalleled landscapes in the country.
The tour is designed to help participants learn the nuances of making beautiful photographs of mountain landscapes. Note that the participants are not required to be experts in photography. Beginners and newbies as well as serious photographers benefit through our personalized attention to photography sessions and on-field assistance. Non-photographers interested in exploring Zanskar are welcome too.
Yes. We visit many beautiful places in the region, and having a good time during the trip is as much on the agenda as photography is. However, non-photographers should note that our itineraries are designed keeping photography in mind. We are generally slower than typical travel itineraries and don’t make a long sightseeing list.
Yes, you can. We visit many beautiful places in Zanskar and having a good time during the trip is as much on the agenda as photography is. Your partner will enjoy the journey with the group. However, non-photographers should note that our itineraries are designed keeping photography in mind. We are generally slower than typical travel itineraries and don’t make a long sightseeing list. Please note that we do not offer separate non-photographer pricing.
No, this is primarily a driving trip. Most of the places we go to will be reached through vehicles. But we will be doing some short-duration walking at a few places. There are no long-distance walks or full-day hikes. Nor do we have walking as a necessity to reach a destination, which means that you may opt-out and rest instead of going on a walk if you feel tired. We believe that most people in reasonably good health should not have any problems with most of the activities throughout the tour. Speak to us if you have any doubts.
People who are generally fit to manage their day-to-day life independently should normally not have any problems attending this tour. People of any age group can visit as well – visitors over the age of 60 are routinely seen walking around in several places across Ladakh.
However, we suggest that you check with your doctor once, especially if you are suffering any chronic illnesses like asthma, blood pressure or heart ailments.
Accommodation will be in comfortable hotels when we are in Leh and Kargil. On all other days, we will be carrying camping equipment with us and camping out in the mountains.
– The itinerary mentioned on this page is subject to favourable weather and road conditions. In case of bad weather and inaccessibility to a destination, we will do our best to make alternate plans. The cost of the tour or any part of it will not be refunded in the event of unfavourable conditions any time during the tour days.
– Dinner on Day 5 and Lunch on Day 7 is exempt from the price above. On our previous tours, we’ve seen that some participants would like to have their schedule free at that time to go shopping or just walk around Leh at their own leisure. We wouldn’t like to impose a schedule on you by having fixed dinner and lunch timings on those days.
– All participants would have to sign a Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk & Arbitration Agreement before joining the tour.
– 25% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations earlier than 60 days before the start of a tour.
– 50% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations between 59 days and 45 days before the start of a tour.
– 80% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations between 44 days and 31 days before the start of a tour.
– No refund for cancellation within 30 days of the tour start date or for a no-show.
Cancellations have to be communicated via an email to photography@darter.in. The date of email receipt in our account will be used to apply the cancellation policy mentioned above.
Born and brought up in the city of Guwahati, Arpan Kalita is a Travel Documentary and Landscape Photographer whose ‘serious’ journey into the captivating realm of photography commenced in 2012. Stepping away from the conventional path, he found solace and purpose in capturing the essence of the world around him. His love affair with nature blossomed during childhood vacations spent exploring the enchanting landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, his uncle’s workplace. Each trip became a canvas of inspiration, cultivating his deep-seated appreciation for the beauty that nature and diverse cultures offer. Photography for Arpan transcended the mere act of clicking pictures; it became a sanctuary, a vessel to encapsulate his unique vision. As he ventured deep into the Himalayas, his perspective on travel underwent a remarkable transformation. The camera lens became his window to new horizons, unveiling the intricate beauty and hidden treasures of each place he visited. He has been fortunate to witness the breathtaking beauty of the world, where nature’s kindness and people’s compassionate hearts shine brightly. Yet, along with these moments of awe-inspiring beauty came challenges that fueled his determination to make a positive change. Beyond his photographic pursuit, Arpan is a dedicated photography educator, sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion for the craft with aspiring photographers. As a distinguished Canon India Mentor, he imparts invaluable insights to budding talents, guiding them through the intricacies of the art form. His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, fostering a community of enthusiasts eager to explore the world through the lens. Arpan Kalita, with his unique blend of artistic vision and instructive expertise, continues to inspire and shape the next generation of visual storytellers.
Photography holidays in the picturesque Himalayan highlands with rich immersive experiences of landscapes and culture.
Manish Lakhani
+91 99988 66669Shreeram MV
+91 97400 83260
Thanks Manish for organising a smooth and hassle-free trip as always. Also, thanks to everyone for making it such a memorable experience. Looking forward to meeting you all sometime soon.
Thank You Manish ji for all guidance . This trans will continue next few months with post processing . A very cool trip .
Thanks to everyone on a memorable trip.
It was a very memorable trip - for the mesmerizing theyyams and all you amazing people!
Thank you Manish for all your efforts in arranging this!
Thanks Manish for the great experience at my home town. Learned a lot about Theyyam and Insights on Photography from you. Hope to join more trips with you.It was great experience knowing each of you from different places and countries. We all had a great time.
All good check in as always Manish thanks for the great experience really enjoyed my time.