From the Department of Art & Photography

Majestic Heights
The Mardi Himal Photography Expedition

mardi himal 01
mardi himal 01

Embark on an unforgettable 6-day journey, crafted for both beginner and experienced photographers, and tailored to complement the Diploma in the Fundamentals of Photography. The Mardi Himal Trek takes you beyond the ordinary, offering breathtaking views that will test and enhance your photographic skills. From the lush rhododendron forests of the towering peaks of Mardi Himal, each step will be an opportunity to capture the raw beauty of the Himalayas. This trek invites you to play with light and shadow, composition, and the subtleties of storytelling. You’ll photograph the imposing Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna South, framed by rugged landscapes. It’s a visual feast perfect for someone who thrives on exploration.

Discover Himalayas through the Lens – the Itinerary

The Photography Diploma Expedition

With hands-on workshops, critique sessions, and guided photo walks, you’ll refine your skills and expand your creative vision. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, connect with local communities, and document the trek’s raw landscapes through compelling photography. Upon completing the expedition, you’ll earn a prestigious diploma from Light & Composition University, validating your expertise and passion for capturing the essence of mountain life and nature.

We begin our adventure with a 40-minute drive from Pokhara to Phedi before trekking uphill through scenic landscapes to Dhampus. Continuing on a pleasant path, we reach Deurali (2200m) for our first overnight stay. At Deurali, we’ll focus on landscape photography, learning techniques in framing and composition while capturing the essence of rural life and mountain vistas. Overnight in Deurali.

The Goal of the Day: Learn and master 10 Key Concepts / Techniques and complete 3 Photo Assignments .
For more details about this lesson and assignments – visit the course Understanding Camera, Lenses, and Their Personalities.

We’ll leave the main trail and take an off-the-beaten path through serene oak and rhododendron forests toward Mardi Himal Base Camp. After 4 hours of trekking, we’ll stop at Forest Camp for lunch before continuing to Low Camp, where moss-covered trees and vibrant landscapes await. Though challenging, this trek is perfect for fit trekkers. At Low Camp, we’ll explore photography principles, focusing on capturing the beauty of terraced rice fields using various perspectives and exposure techniques. Overnight in Low Camp.

The Goal of the Day: Learn and master 10 Key Concepts / Techniques and complete 3 Photo Assignments .
For more details about this lesson and assignments – visit the course The Standard and Style of Photography.

The climb from Low Camp to High Camp offers dramatic views as we break through the tree line and trek along the Mardi Himal ridge. Expect spectacular vistas of Annapurna South, Mt. Fishtail, and Mardi Himal itself. Photography today will focus on high-altitude landscapes. We’ll develop artistic vision by playing with natural light, contrast, and perspective to capture the grand Himalayan scenery. Overnight in High Camp.

The Goal of the Day: Learn and master 12 Key Concepts / Techniques and complete 3 Photo Assignments .
For more details about this lesson and assignments – visit the course Learning to See the Beauty, Unity, and Harmony.

We’ll rise early for a sunrise trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m). The trail offers sweeping views of the Annapurna Sanctuary and its towering peaks. After exploring the base camp, we return to Middle Camp for the night. Today’s focus is on creative composition techniques like leading lines and symmetry. We’ll also emphasize storytelling in our photography to capture the awe-inspiring mountain panorama. Overnight in Middle Camp.

The Goal of the Day: Learn and master 15 Key Concepts / Techniques and complete 3 Photo Assignments.
For more details about this lesson and assignments – visit the course Creative Composition.

We’ll descend into the peaceful village of Siding via a less-traveled path, passing through traditional Nepalese villages. This off-the-beaten-path route offers a unique glimpse into rural life, far removed from modern tourist trails. In Siding, we’ll shift to cultural and portrait photography, capturing the daily life and architecture of Nepalese villages. Learn how to use natural lighting to create intimate, expressive portraits. Overnight in Siding.

The Goal of the Day: Learn and master 10 Key Concepts / Techniques and complete 3 Photo Assignments.
For more details about this lesson and assignments – visit the course Presenting the Frame Aesthetically.

Our final trek takes us to Lumre, passing through Kalimati and Ghalel villages. From Lumre, a 2-hour drive brings us back to Pokhara, marking the end of our journey. On this final day, we’ll combine landscape and portrait photography techniques to create visually compelling compositions that tell the story of our Himalayan adventure.

The Goal of the Day: Complete 3 Photo Assignments.

This Diploma Expedition Starts

FROM $650 PER PERSON

If you prefer a more flexible and self-paced learning experience, rather than joining an in-person expedition, you can enroll in the Diploma in the Fundamentals of Photography online starting at just $450.

SKU: LCEPD-1101-109-201-1 Category:

Discover Himalayas through the Lens

WHAT TO EXPECT

This Mardi Himal Photography Expedition offers moderate activity, requiring participants to be in good health. You’ll need to be comfortable trekking through uneven, mountainous terrain and navigating varying altitudes. Expect to walk or stand for extended periods, embracing the physical challenges of high-altitude trekking. Prepare for a thrilling journey that combines stunning Himalayan landscapes, cultural exploration, and photography, with each day’s trek involving several hours of physical exertion.

Before Your Book Know

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Transportation for the mentioned destination.

A registered local trekking guide.

Meals included during the trek.

Twin/double bed shared rooms in tea house lodges.

Private car, cab, or van transfer from Pokhara to Kande,

depending on group size.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Airfare to and from the destination.
Internal/domestic airfare, where applicable.
Trip cancellation insurance.
Any Travel insurance.
Visas when applicable.
Alcoholic beverages.

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