Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) just 6 km from Kathmandu in Nepal and transfer to hotel.

Tonight we meet for a group dinner followed by a talk about the itinerary for the following days.

Today, we visit some of the architectural treasures included in the seven monument groups in UNESCO’s designation of Kathmandu Valley as a Cultural Heritage Site: The famous 5th century Pashupatinath Temple, an extensive Hindu temple complex raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River; The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath with its massive mandala, making it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal; and the photogenic Patan Durbar Square, a marvel of Newar architecture with an ancient royal palace and many temples and idols in the area.

In the evening there will be a joint dinner and lecture on  Travel photography by Christian.

DAY 3: KATHMANDU VALLEY – A TEMPLE TOUR

Today, we continue to explore the treasures of the Kathmandu Valley, visiting the Bhaktapur Durbar Square 13 km east of Kathmandu and the ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan, located on a high hilltop next to the Manahara River. This shrine is dedicated to lord Visnuand and considered to be the oldest temple in the history of Nepal.

In the evening, Christian Nørgaard will review and give constructive criticism of the images taken during the day.

This morning, we walk through the charming and bustling Asan Bazaar that attracts shoppers from all over because of the tremendous variety of merchandise sold here, ranging from foodstuffs, spices and textiles to electronics and bullion. From there, we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square with its royal palace and the Swayambhunaths – ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley and one of the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

In the evening, Christian Nørgaard will hold a master class in portrait photography. For many, it is a great challenge to get really close to people you do not know.

DAY 5: KATHMANDU TO LHASA

Morning flight to Lhasa. The rest of the day is free to rest and acclimatise. At an altitude of 3,490 metres (11,450 ft), Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world.

In the morning, we visit the most famous landmark and political center of Tibet, the Potala Palace. The approach to the Potala requires climbing many steep steps, so we take it slowly. Once inside, we explore the many rooms with their beautiful murals and sculptures.

After lunch, we take a short drive to the Sera Monastery on the outskirts of Lhasa. Here, we will have a chance to mingle freely with the monks and print our own sutra texts on traditional long paper. In the debating courtyard we will witness the monks honing their debating skills in an elaborate clapping ceremony. After dinner, workshop on today’s photography.

In the evening, Christian Nørgaard will review and give constructive criticism of the images taken during the day.

We join the pilgrims flocking to Jokhang Monastery this morning to visit the spiritual center of Tibet. Said to be built over the heart of an evil goddess, the Jokhang is the hub of concentric circles of monasteries emanating out of Lhasa.

After lunch, we walk over to Drepung Monastery with its enormous hall holding thousands of silk-bound scriptures, and we experience thousands of lamas chanting en masse.

In the evening, we meet for an entertaining lecture and mini-workshop on photographing for travel magazines.

This morning we leave Lhasa to drive to Gyantse, stopping for lunch at the holy lake of Yamdrok Tso (4408 m) with its turquoise water and snowcovered peaks (over 7,000 m) in the distance. Gyantse is a laid-back, attractive town with a splendid view of the Kumbum Stupa, consisting of 8 levels and containing 75 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world.

The old fort, Shegar Dzong, towers above Gyantse and offers amazing views of the surrounding valley. We photograph the fortress at sunrise. Later, we will drive from Gyantse to Shegar, visiting Xialu Monastery, built in 1000 AD, on the way.

Christian Nørgaard has written historical articles and a book about Mount Everest and has met Edmund Hillary several times. During the dinner, Christian will tell the story about May 29, 1953, where Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, become the first explorers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Although there is only 100 km from Shegar to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,200 m), it takes about four hours to get there, as the winding roads demand caution. But the views are stupendous on a clear day, featuring a huge sweep of the Himalaya range including peaks over 8000: Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Gyachung and Cho Oyu. When we finally get to Base Camp, the first sight of the mighty Everest is breathtaking.

Afterwards, we will drive to Shigatse (3900m) and spend the night there. Tonight, Christian will focus on your best shots so far.

In the morning we will board the train to Lhasa and enjoy the unique and charming scenery along the railway. During the trip, Christian will hold a lecture on Travel and Portrait photography.

In the evening, we will have our farewell dinner at the hotel.

Morning flight to Kathmandu and return flights home in the evening.