Special moments of Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal 2016

“Apart from Photography aspect, Nathan Horton Photography Tour has many wonderful facets, which makes this tour more fascinating, meaningful and  fun-filled. At times the tour evokes the softest side of travelers heart and at others it bursts out into huge laughter. Totally an interactive photography tour led by professional photographer Nathan Horton makes travelers/photographers understand and live Nepalese lifestyle, their welcoming hospitality, the tolerance within them despite of their hardships and most importantly the unity within them despite extreme diversity.”

Today’s post is an interesting photo essay describing these special moments of Nathan Horton Photography Tour.

special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Discovered abandoned at 8 inside Pashupatinath Premises, this granny who is now 82 refused to take money offered after being photographed – Life reflected beautiful and content with simplicity
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Dr. Didima, offered her professional skills to know the illness of Lal Baba at Pashupatinath
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Julie, amazed to see the Holi celebration at Patan Durbar Square and unable to stop herself she joins the celebration – In fact the whole group played Holi enthusiastically
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Money!!! Money Baba insists everyone to put Tika after being photographed- Mark gets into the frame
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
After getting American Degree, Bashudev from Nuwakot decides to pursue spirituality and becomes the disciple of Aghori Tantra – Group interested in him, but Mark kind of freaked out!!!
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Group in rush captures the shot of young Tharu lady and her kid in Madi, Chitwan
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Nathan’s specialty, he shows the photo captured to his character, Kind of makes them happy but here little kid has some other interest
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Julie joins the farmers for rice plantation, quite and interesting activity on the way to Pokhara – It was our luck and farmer’s hospitality to allow us photograph
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Hailstorms welcomed us as we entered Pokhara – Mountains were lost somewhere but luck favored us once again right on time and the sky opened up. Hence the group drove up to Peace Pagoda – Excited in capturing Himalayan panorama blended with lake and lush vegetation
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Nathan in Dhampus, shows his photography to local kids and they are loving it. Why won’t they?  After all in Nathan photos their village and their acquaintances look more amazing!!!
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Nathan’s favorite granny, Lundri Budi. She was this time taken very well care of. She wouldnt have to cook anymore as Nathan arranged someone else to cook for her. In the photo Didi holds her into her arms
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Walk to Australian Camp was long enough but the reward was awesome, Didima enjoys it and captures the deep valley down
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
Julie joins the dance with Magar women- on the way back to Pokhara from Dhampus
special moments of nathan horton photography tour
At the same event Mark tries to play the traditional musical instrument Narasimha and he does it

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal – Holi Special 2016

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal 2016 Holi Special was favored in all possible ways. Nathan led the photography tour to three members, Julie and Didima from USA and Mark from Australia. The Photography Tour in Nepal this time got lucky at all places it incorporates.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Nathan Horton Photography Tour 2016 – From L-R, Nathan, Julie, Mark & Didima

“Asan where photographic opportunities to capture the authentic lifestyle of Kathmandu is major highlight of photography tour in Nepal.”

The members and the tour leader, Nathan arrived to Kathmandu on March 20th. March 21st was an introductory day to the Photography Tour, where the tour leader had a brief session on Photography techniques useful for clients throughout the tour. However, the day also had a short exploration around Kathmandu Durbar Square and walk across Kathmandu’s oldest Bazaar, Asan where photographic opportunities to capture the authentic lifestyle of Kathmandu are major highlights.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Backstreets of Kathmandu Durbar Square
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Lifestyle at Kathmandu Durbar Square
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
The vendor at Kathmandu’s oldest market Asan

“Thousands of people delightfully celebrating the festival of colors and water, Holi is another big photography opportunity at Durbar Squares of Kathmandu & Patan.”

Day 2 March 22nd was Holi. Before the Holi celebration began, the group visited the biggest Hindu Shrine of the country, Pashupatinath. Capturing the shots of crazy but holy sadhus was fun at the temple. Ongoing cremation process at the bank of Holy Bagmati, Aryaghat was interesting but emotional shots to capture for the group. After Pashupatinath tour, it was time to celebrate Holi. Holi has been the prime highlight of Spring Edition Nathan Horton Photography Tour in Nepal. Unlike last year, this year’s Holi incorporated Patan Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square, where thousands of people were delightfully celebrating the festival of colors and water. Obviously, this was another big photography opportunity.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
An old woman at Pashupatinath who has been living there since she was 8
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Jaya Shambo – Sadhus in Pashupatinath are free to smoke weed!!!
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Energy during the festival of colors & water – Holi at Patan Durbar Square
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Why should boys have all the fun – beautiful girls playing Holi at Kathmandu Durbar Square

“Apart from sunrise view Swayambhunath where Hinduism ideally blends with Buddhism caters extremely beautiful photographic shots of the devotees who throng there early in the morning.”

On March 23rd the group went for early morning sunrise view from the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath. Apart from sunrise view the Heritage site where Hinduism ideally blends with Buddhism catered extremely beautiful photographic shots of the devotees who thronged there early in the morning. Then the group went back to Patan Durbar Square and strolled around the backstreets of Patan Durbar Square, which obviously is a remarkable landmark for photography opportunities. After three days of stay in Patan, the group then drove to another ancient town Bhaktapur. Evening of March 23rd the group immersed themselves photographing the artistic monuments of Bhaktapur and the lifestyle around the City of Devotees.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Maroon robed Monks frequent sights at the Monkey Temple
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Monkeys are more than humans at Swayambhunath- reason the site got its name “The Monkey Temple

“On the way to Nuwakot it was fun capturing the shots of people harvesting mustard and people walking across dangling suspension bridges over massive Trishuli River.”

On March 24 Nathan Horton Photography Tour in Nepal exited out of Valley and headed towards historically significant hilltop town of Nuwakot. On the way it was fun capturing the shots of people harvesting mustard and people walking across dangling suspension bridges over massive Trishuli River. The exploration to photograph the traditional lifestyle of Nuwakot and historic landmark Nuwakot Durbar Square was productive in the evening. The tour here onwards refreshes memories of the tour leader Nathan as he visits same places with different groups every six months. He loves capturing the images of the natives and bringing back the printed shots for them in his next visit. In short he loves to interact with the people and develop a relationship that makes people being photographed incredibly happy.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
The suspension bridge over Trishuli at Tarukaghat on the way to Nuwakot
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
A portrait image of a woman at Nuwakot in red attire that symbolizes she is happily married
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
OMG!!! that is a rare shot, loving couple at Nuwakot

“March 25, the goals set for the day were excitingly diverse but were also in the diverse locations; Chepang Village, Devghat and Darai Village in Chitwan. We had a problem.”

March 25, the goals set for the day were excitingly diverse but were also in the diverse locations; Chepang Village, Devghat and Darai Village in Chitwan. We had a problem. Because of the ongoing road construction between Mugling and Narayanghat section the roads were closed at Mugling at 11am. Chepang Village is before Mugling and Devghat was after Mugling. We set off early. Luckily the roads were clear and we were at Chepang Village on time able to explore and photograph for a short period. Crossing the road control section before 11 we arrived to Devghat sailed across massive Narayani River and reached Devghat. Capturing the photos of Aghori Babas, young Ved learners, old devotees and sanyasis at Devghat was fascinating. As usual after a bumpy ride along the remote corner of lowland plains, we reached the resort at Chitwan. To end the day we went to a traditional Darai Village nearby to photograph the culture of this ethnic tribe.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Kid from the Chepang Tribe; underprivileged but content
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Woman observing annual ritual to pray deceased father “Sraddha” at Devghat
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Young Ved learner at Devghat Ved School peeps hesitantly
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Young and beautiful Darai girl in Chitwan

“Nathan Horton Photography Tour now begins to unfold the cultural diversity of Nepal. Capturing the photos of the people and their lifestyle living in lowland plains of Nepal, which is very close to India, is truly unique.”

On March 26, we kicked off for the jeep drive through the middle of the jungle to the traditional Tharu Village Madi. Nathan Horton Photography Tour now begins to unfold the cultural diversity of Nepal. Capturing the photos of the people and their lifestyle living in lowland plains of Nepal, which is very close to India, was truly unique. Their houses made up off of Elephant grass and bamboos, their occupations for livelihood and the attire they wore are totally different. On the way back to the resort from Madi, we saw Tiger pug marks very close to the resort we were staying, which was the clear sign that we could sight the cat during the Jungle safari in the evening. Luckily, the group sighted tiger in the wilds during the safari. They also sighted rhinos, crocodiles and many other animal and bird species at Chitwan National Park.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Old Tharu woman busy with the households at Madi, did you see her tattoo?
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Tharu lifestyle in Madi

“Stone paved streets with medieval times artistic houses on both sides at Bandipur offered the aura of being at countryside small town in Europe to every member of the photography tour.”

On March 27 the group drove towards Bandipur. Three hours of drive was fascinating and as the group arrived to Bandipur, they were amazed to see the classic European looking town in the Hills of Nepal. Stone paved streets with medieval times artistic houses on both sides offered the aura of being at countryside small town in Europe to every member of the photography tour. In the evening, the photography tour in the close proximity village began. Again the cultural diversity spilled. Newari town had a unique flavor and it stood out in all ways, the photographers had experienced throughout the tour.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Kid behind the door at Bandipur
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Schoolgirls walking in the street of Bandipur
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Portrait of a old woman captured at Bandipur

“Luck again favored us. Sky began to open right on time and group with excitement visited the World Peace Pagoda where they enjoyed wonderful photography session.”

Until now the Himalayas hid behind the clouds and March 28 we were setting off towards the town known for panoramic Himalayan vistas. After a short village tour in Bandipur, we began the journey towards Pokhara. We got lucky again. On the highway, we stopped to photograph the rice plantation, which still had traditional touch. In fact we were there to be the part of rice plantation ceremony. Except Mark, everyone dipped their feet into mud and water and enjoyed the tradition of rice planting occasion in Nepal. As we were very close Pokhara, heavy rainfall with hailstorm welcomed us. The group was pretty upset as they had plan to visit and photograph from the World Peace Pagoda, a hilltop overlooking Pokhara that caters exceedingly beautiful sunset view with the panorama of lake, hills, valleys and Himalayas within the frame. Luck again favored us. Sky began to open right on time and group with excitement visited the site where they enjoyed wonderful photography session.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Fields ready for rice plantation and workers ready to do the job – shot on the way to Pokhara
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Traditional way of rice planting in Nepal; Bulls power dominate
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
View from World Peace Pagoda- Triangular National flutters

“Dhampus is a beautiful Gurung Village lying at the foothill of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna where nature most wonderfully blends with authentic rural culture.”

Nathan Horton Photography was now on the brink to end. March 29 the sky opened totally and the dazzling Himalayan vista dominated by Annapurna Range with fascinating Fishtail in between emerged as beautifully as they never were. Today, the group drove closer towards the Himalayas. After an hour long drive with frequent stops to capture varieties of shots of Himalayan peaks we arrived to Dhampus. Dhampus is a beautiful Gurung Village lying at the foothill of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna where nature most wonderfully blends with authentic rural culture. On our arrival to Dhampus, we checked in to a beautifully located local lodge owned by wonderful Gurkha Soldier Saila Dai. Walk to Australian Camp for our lunch was pretty exciting before the village tour to capture the best of rural lifestyle in the mountainous hamlet. Wonderful village has abundant photographic character and we enjoyed immensely Photographing and meeting the people at Dhampus.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Local man captured with the beautiful backdrop of Fishtail – on the way to Dhanpus
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Beautiful local girl Anju with colorful nails
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Nathan’s favorite granny – Lundri Budi

“However, the village tour as we drove back to Pokhara was once again exceptionally wonderful.”

March 30 the group was disappointed as the mountains hid behind the clouds and hence the scheduled to photograph the sunrise view was aborted. However, the village tour as we drove back to Dhampus was once again exceptionally wonderful. On the way back to Pokhara we stopped at Hyangjha to photograph traditionally attired Magar people. Rest of the day was a free day in Pokhara.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Eager to see the foreigners photographing everyone- locals of Dhampus
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Beautiful local kid at Dhampus
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Colorfully and traditionally dressed Magar women performing dances for us – it was wow moment

“Despite the rainfall the Tibetan culture at Boudhanath spilled in every corner.”

The last day of the tour kicked off with the short flight to Kathmandu. The group was escorted to their Hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening we drove to Boudhanath where we photograph the stupa which was under renovation. Despite the rainfall the Tibetan culture at Boudhanath spilled in every corner.

Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Popular photographic character at Boudhanath
Nathan Horton Photography Tour Nepal
Monk offers prayers in one of the monasteries at Boudhanath

Apart from photography Nathan Horton Photography Tours in Nepal also has many inspiring aspects. We will come up with all inspiring inside details of Nathan Horton Photography Tour 2016 on 8 April 2016 Friday. For more details on Nathan Horton Photography Tours see the link below

http://www.nathanhortonphotography.com/

 

Capturing best of Nepal’s diverse culture and nature with Nathan Horton

Photography Tour in Nepal

 

Nathan Horton’s Photography Tour in Nepal runs twice a year. His tour during March incorporates Holi, the festival of colors and during October, the tour comprises the biggest Hindu Festival of the country, Dashain.  The Photography Tour led by Mr. Horton during Holi starts with a street stroll from Thamel to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where thousands of natives and travelers celebrate Holi in the grandest possible way. Prior to the Holi celebration at Kathmandu Durbar Square, early morning sunrise view from Swyambhunath the “Monkey temple” is the ideal kick off to this photography tour.

Photography Tour in Nepal

 

Photography Tour with this widely published Photographer also covers medieval times artistic centers of  this Heritage Valley, where clusters of artistically constructed palaces and courtyards of hold equally fascinating miniature wooden, metal and stone figurines. Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square are two chief destinations after Kathmandu Durbar Square, where the narrowed stone paved streets around these places are considered as the Living Museum.

The largest Hindu Shrine Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist Stupa Boudhanath and the Monkey Temple Swayambhunath are also the great destinations covered during the Photography Tour in Nepal with Nathan Horton. Pashupatinath manifests total Hinduism whereas; Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are known for the culture of Tibetan Buddhist.

 

Photography Tour in Nepal

 

Offbeat hiking experience in Nuwakot, the first capital of Unified Nepal and surrounding areas offers the opportunity to photograph the rural culture of Nepal and the midhill landscapes, which are obviously the great shots for the camera. The forts, palaces and temples to roam around and the stay at famous farm will surely give you a nice idea of old rural houses in Nepal. The tour invades the cliffs and edges of hilltops to find human settlements like Kallabari and Purano Pani to know more of native people “Tamangs” and their portraits of course!

The photography tour takes us to the second most visited places of the country- the land of lakes and peaks reflecting on it, Pokhara. On the very same day, when we arrive to Pokhara, we visit the World Peace Pagoda, which is a Buddhist stupa; a monument to inspire peace, designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds and to help unite them in search for world peace.

 

Photography Tour in Nepal

 

The drive to the village of Dhampus, which is famous for the culture of Gurung Tribe (dominating creed in British Gurkha Regiment) and the surrounding landscapes commanded by wonderful Himalayan panorama is a fascinating photography opportunity in Annapurna Region.

Finally, the Photography Tour led by Horton takes you to Kathmandu’s oldest settlements; Bungmati and Khokana. Travel back to the time in these villages and capture the lifestyle that has been the integral part of these communities for centuries.

Photography Tour in Nepal

 

Overall, the Photography Tour in Nepal with Nathan Horton is a complete package that takes aspiring photographers to the diverse destinations, where they can capture the best of Nepal’s diverse culture and outstanding nature.