Himalayas & Mystical India 18 days/17 nights — 26th September - 12th October 2025

Tour at a Glance

• Group Strength: Maximum 5 photographers + Ashok Kochhar

• Cost: NZ$9,800 (New Delhi to New Delhi)

• Stay: Five-star hotels or the best available accommodations

• Travel: By air or 12-seater van
  

Tour Overview

Join a one-of-a-kind photography expedition that spans from the bustling streets of Delhi to the spiritual heart of Varanasi and ascends into the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas. This meticulously crafted tour is led by Ashok Kochhar, an experienced photographer with more than five decades of visual expertise.

This journey will offer street, landscape, cultural, and architectural photography, covering Delhi’s heritage, Varanasi’s spiritual vibrance, Ladakh’s cold deserts, alpine meadows of Sonmarg, and the pristine lakes of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. From ancient monasteries to the world’s highest motorable passes, this journey is a feast for visual storytelling.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: September 26, Friday - Arrival in Delhi

• Pickup from Indira Gandhi International Airport and transfer to the hotel.

• Welcome dinner and tour briefing.

Day 2: September 27, Saturday - Old Delhi & Monuments of Delhi

• Early morning street photography tour of Old Delhi’s chaotic yet vibrant lanes.

• Visit Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for architectural photography.

• Note: Tripods are not allowed at heritage sites.

Day 3: September 28, Sunday - Delhi to Varanasi

• Morning flight to Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world.

• Street photography session in Varanasi’s historic lanes.

• Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Day 4: September 29, Monday - Sarnath & Varanasi Exploration

• Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.

• Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.

• Explore Manikarnika Ghat, where cremations take place 24/7.

Day 5: September 30, Tuesday - Varanasi to Delhi

• Return flight to Delhi.

• Visit historical monuments such as Humayun’s Tomb.

Day 6: October 1, Wednesday - Delhi to Srinagar (5,200 ft)

• Flight to Srinagar, known for its lakes, gardens, and houseboats.

• Visit Dal Lake and Shankaracharya Temple (371 B.C.).

• Sunset photography over Dal Lake.

Day 7: October 2, Thursday - Srinagar to Sonmarg (7,690 ft)

• Drive through alpine meadows to Sonmarg, known as the “Meadow of Gold”.

• Photography along the Sindh River.

Day 8: October 3, Friday - Sonmarg to Drass to Panikar (11,223 ft)

• Visit Drass, the second coldest inhabited place in the world.

• Capture the Zanskar Valley’s rugged beauty.

Day 9: October 4, Saturday - Panikar to Padum

• Explore Padum, the ancient capital of Zanskar.

• Photography of Tibetan Buddhist culture and high-altitude landscapes.

Day 10: October 5, Sunday - Padum to Lamayuru (11,520 ft)

• Explore Lamayuru Monastery, also known as Moonland due to its unique terrain.

Day 11: October 6, Monday - Lamayuru to Leh (11,562 ft)

• Drive to Leh with a stop at the Zanskar-Indus confluence.

• Attend Thiksey Gustor Festival at Thiksey Monastery.

Day 12: October 7, Tuesday - Leh to Pangong Tso (14,270 ft)

• Explore Pangong Tso, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world.

• Capture reflections of the dramatic Himalayan peaks.

Day 13: October 8, Wednesday - Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri (14,836 ft)

• Visit the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve.

• Wildlife photography: black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, and Himalayan hares.

Day 14: October 9, Thursday - Tso Moriri to Leh

• Drive back to Leh.

• Sunset photography at Shanti Stupa.

Day 15: October 10, Friday - Leh to Khardung La (18,380 ft) to Nubra Valley

• Khardung La, the second highest motorable road in the world.

• Explore Nubra Valley, known for Bactrian camels and Hunder sand dunes.

Day 16: October 11, Saturday - Nubra Valley to Leh

• Visit Diskit Monastery and Panamik hot springs.

• Photography of Himalayan landscapes.

Day 17: October 12, Sunday - Leh to Delhi

• Flight back to Delhi.

• Visit a shopping mall for last-minute gifts.

• Farewell gala dinner.
  

Important Information

• Health & Safety: Avoid overexertion at high altitudes; refrain from alcohol and tobacco.

• Guides: Professional guides provided in Varanasi, Sarnath, and Srinagar.

• Equipment: Technical help available for photography enthusiasts. Equipment rentals can be arranged.

• Weather Conditions:

  • Varanasi: 24-35°C

  • Delhi: 25-34°C

  • Srinagar: 13-28°C

  • Ladakh: -5 to 15°C

• Baggage Limit: Inland flights allow 15kg check-in & 7kg cabin baggage.
  

Payment & Cancellation

• Deposit: NZ$1,000 to reserve a spot.

• Balance Payment: Due by June 1, 2025.

• Cancellation Policy:

  • 90 days before tour: 75% refund

  • 45 days before tour: 50% refund

  • 30 days before tour: 25% refund

  • No refund after 30 days before departure
    

For Bookings & Queries:

• Facebook: facebook.com/kochharashok

• Email: kochara55@gmail.com