Zanskar Astro Landscape Photo Tour
Zanskar Astro Landscape Photo Tour
View Dates & Prices
Group Size
8 Participants
Location
Ladakh, India.
TOUR OVERVIEW
Are you eager to delve into the world of Astro Landscape Photography? Unlock the secrets of capturing the ethereal beauty of GOLDEN and BLUE HOUR LANDSCAPES, immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of NIGHTSCAPE IMAGERY, master the art of STAR TRAILS and LIGHT PAINTING, and unveil the mesmerizing allure of TIME-LAPSE sequences and the MILKY WAY GALAXY dancing across the night sky. This transformative ASTRO LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY tour offers an immersive experience designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the celestial wonders above.
T OVERVIEW
Are you eager to delve into the world of Astro Landscape Photography? Unlock the secrets of capturing the ethereal beauty of GOLDEN and BLUE HOUR LANDSCAPES, immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of NIGHTSCAPE IMAGERY, master the art of STAR TRAILS and LIGHT PAINTING, and unveil the mesmerizing allure of TIME-LAPSE sequences and the MILKY WAY GALAXY dancing across the night sky. This transformative ASTRO LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY tour offers an immersive experience designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the celestial wonders above.
TOUR LIMELIGHT
- 8 nights at Shooting Locations.
- Shoot MILKY WAY, MAGNIFICENT STAR TRAILS AND GOLDEN AND BLUE HOUR LANDSCAPES, TIMELAPSE, TIME BLENDING, EXPOSURE BLENDING, ETC.
- Field guide from composition, and gear settings to test shots.
- Daily review of fieldwork.
- Multiple Post Processing sessions.
- One Day Pre-Tour Class In Lamayuru.
- LIFETIME POST-PROCESSING SUPPORT.
- Participants’ images will be displayed in a special gallery on the Exposure SOP website and with the participant’s review, social media handle and DP.
- A soul-enriching exploration and photographic journey of mystical significance.
- Pre-tour briefing about the entire photo tour.
- 100% refund, if we cancel the photo tour for any reason (After deducting the bank transaction charges).
- Transaction and gateway charges will be charged to the participants.
ABOUT ZANSKAR VALLEY
Zanskar, also known as Zahar or Zangskar, is a tehsil in the Kargil district of Ladakh, India, with its administrative center in Padum, the former capital. Located 250 km south of Kargil on NH301, Zanskar is separated from the rest of Ladakh by the Zanskar mountain range. Covering around 7,000 km² at altitudes of 3,500-7,000 meters, the region is known for its deep valleys carved by the Zanskar River. The river is fed by the Doda and Kargyak rivers, which merge to form the Lungnak River before joining the Tsarap River. The Central Valley of Zanskar, a semi-desert area rich in Buddhist culture, is renowned for its high snow-capped mountains and dramatic landscape.
ABOUT SURU VALLEY
The Suru Valley, located in the Kargil District of Ladakh, India, is drained by the Suru River, a major tributary of the Indus River. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, the valley is a top destination for tourists, offering excellent sightseeing and photography opportunities. Stretching approximately 85 kilometers from Kargil to Zanskar, and situated just across the Pensi La on the Kargil Road, the Suru Valley is particularly beautiful in summer when its landscape is adorned with vibrant flowers.
Join our nine-day photography photo tour in the Zanskar Valley to boost your skills in landscape, astro-landscape, golden hour, and blue hour photography. Capture stunning images with guidance from experienced mentors and immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty. Perfect for all skill levels, this photo tour offers a unique chance to enhance your craft and build an impressive portfolio in a breathtaking setting.
ITINERARY
Before the photo tour, we’ll ensure participants are well-prepared through briefings on attractions, safety, and equipment. A virtual meeting will be held 20-25 days before the trip for introductions and Q&A.
Day 1 (22.06.2025)
Arrival in Leh (3,500 m) and transfer to Lamayuru (3,510 m) (114 km, approx. 3.5 hr). Pre-tour session covering Milky Way and star trail photography. Evening shoot at Lamayuru’s “moonscape.”
Day 2 (23.06.2025)
Travel from Lamayuru to Damsna (3,000 m) (161 km, approx. 5 hr). Explore the scenic Suru Valley and shoot the picturesque landscapes.
Day 3 (24.06.2025)
Journey to Rangdum (3,657 m) (68 km, approx. 3.5 hr). Shoot at Pensi La (4,494 m) and explore the area’s natural beauty.
Day 4 (25.06.2025)
Stay in Rangdum for night sky photography.
Day 5 (26.06.2025)
Travel to Padum (4,494 m) (110 km, approx. 4 hr). Rest day with a post-processing class to enhance your skills.
Day 6 (27.06.2025)
Head to Mt. Gonbo Rangjon (4,500 m) (84 km, approx. 3 hr). Shoot the lush landscapes and vibrant flora
Day 7 (28.06.2025)
Travel to Zangla (3,700 m) (115 km, approx. 4 hr). Capture the Zangla Palace and monastery against the Zanskar Range.
Day 8 (29.06.2025)
Return to Leh (3,500 m) (253 km, approx. 7 hr). Rest and enjoy the journey through the Zanskar mountains.
Day 9 (30.06.2025)
Workshop concludes in Leh. Reflect on the journey, review skills, and say farewells.
Note: Locations may change due to unforeseen circumstances, but alternative locations will be provided at no additional cost.
Date
26th April 2025 to 30th April 2025
Price
| Date | Price (For Indian Participants) |
|---|---|
| 22nd - 30th June 2025 | Rs 70000 |
**Please note that Astro Landscape Photography totally depends on local weather conditions, and the weather is unpredictable, though we hope that we’ll get a clear sky starting of the March.
***Please read all details on this page including the Terms and Conditions on the website.
Gallery
Meet your mentor
Rajat Malakar
An IT professional working in IBM India, as an Application Architect Rajat is a Travel and Landscape Photographer. He started learning Astro Landscape Photography in 2018 out of curiosity. Since then, he has gone through several online studies/tutorials on Astro Landscape photography and practiced & learned a few different techniques for shooting the Milky Way, Star Trail, and a Starry Landscape. As he has grown up as a photographer his interest carried on to Landscape Photography also. His works have been published on many International and National Photography platforms like ViewBugs, and 500px. He has been published online in Photography Group Magazine and he recently received multiple awards in an exhibition organized by a Photography Group. He has contacted many workshops in the eastern Himalayas and the participants are extremely happy with the learning. Rajat has created an AI-based chatbot BOT which is integrated with the Facebook messenger app to help beginners in Astro Landscape photography. The AI Agent responds to any queries on Night Photography by providing a detailed response by including external links/tutorials like YouTube. The AI Agent is available here: https://www.facebook.com/TheM31
Mrinmay Nayek
Hailing from the vibrant city of Kolkata, Mrinmay found himself drawn to the serene landscapes of Siliguri in 2011, where he embarked on a journey as a faculty member for Geography at a Higher Secondary School. Armed with a Masters in Geography and Education, as well as a PG Diploma in Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems, he quickly established himself as a scholar in his field. Despite his academic success, Mrinmay harbored a deep-seated passion for photography since childhood. In 2018, he decided to pursue this passion wholeheartedly by joining ‘Exposure – The School of Photography’. With dedication and perseverance, he immersed himself in the intricacies of photography, mastering the technicalities and terminology of the art. Specializing in Astro Landscape Photography and Street Photography, Mrinmay quickly gained recognition for his unique vision and skillful execution. Within just five years, alumni from the inaugural batch of Exposure’s photography program have gone on to become faculty members themselves, a testament to Mrinmay’s mentorship and guidance. Mrinmay’s work has been featured in numerous National and International photography exhibitions, showcasing his talent and creativity to a global audience. He has also conducted multiple successful workshops on Astro Landscape Photography for Exposure, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring photographers eager to learn from the best.
Meet your mentor
Rajat Malakar
An IT professional working in IBM India, as an Application Architect Rajat is a Travel and Landscape Photographer. He started learning Astro Landscape Photography in 2018 out of curiosity. Since then, he has gone through several online studies/tutorials on Astro Landscape photography and practiced & learned a few different techniques for shooting the Milky Way, Star Trail, and a Starry Landscape. As he has grown up as a photographer his interest carried on to Landscape Photography also. His works have been published on many International and National Photography platforms like ViewBugs, and 500px. He has been published online in Photography Group Magazine and he recently received multiple awards in an exhibition organized by a Photography Group. He has contacted many workshops in the eastern Himalayas and the participants are extremely happy with the learning. Rajat has created an AI-based chatbot BOT which is integrated with the Facebook messenger app to help beginners in Astro Landscape photography. The AI Agent responds to any queries on Night Photography by providing a detailed response by including external links/tutorials like YouTube. The AI Agent is available here:
Mrinmay Nayek
Hailing from the vibrant city of Kolkata, Mrinmay found himself drawn to the serene landscapes of Siliguri in 2011, where he embarked on a journey as a faculty member for Geography at a Higher Secondary School. Armed with a Masters in Geography and Education, as well as a PG Diploma in Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems, he quickly established himself as a scholar in his field. Despite his academic success, Mrinmay harbored a deep-seated passion for photography since childhood. In 2018, he decided to pursue this passion wholeheartedly by joining ‘Exposure – The School of Photography’. With dedication and perseverance, he immersed himself in the intricacies of photography, mastering the technicalities and terminology of the art. Specializing in Astro Landscape Photography and Street Photography, Mrinmay quickly gained recognition for his unique vision and skillful execution. Within just five years, alumni from the inaugural batch of Exposure’s photography program have gone on to become faculty members themselves, a testament to Mrinmay’s mentorship and guidance. Mrinmay’s work has been featured in numerous National and International photography exhibitions, showcasing his talent and creativity to a global audience. He has also conducted multiple successful workshops on Astro Landscape Photography for Exposure, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring photographers eager to learn from the best.
Terms and Conditions
- Transportation from Leh IXL to Leh IXL and Shooting points from Hotel/Homestay/Tent.
- First-day Lunch to last-day breakfast. (8 Breakfast, 8 Dinner, and 8 Lunch)
- Accommodations in a Triple Occupancy / Double Occupancy / Camp, Mattress, Blanket, Sleeping Bags, and Hot Water.
- You have to pay extra for Single Occupancy.
- Permits and all entry fees.
- Emergency oxygen cylinder.
What is not included in the Photo Tour Fees?
- Anything else other than mentioned includes.
- All expenses of personal nature.
- Any other actual expenses would be shared by all participants on an actual basis.
- Pick up & drop off from Railway station/Bus Stand/Airport are not included but we can arrange the same for you and the cost has to be paid by you.
- Occupancy is chosen on a first come first serve basis.
- Additional food or beverages ordered.
- National and international airfare.
Important points to be noted
- The photo tour is designed from Leh IXL to Leh IXL.
- This photo tour is conceptualized in such a way that personal attention can be given to each and every photographer and for that, the group will be restricted to 08 photographers only.
- This tour has been specifically designed for photographers. Non-photographer spouse/friend may be accommodated in the photo tour but at full cost and on agreeing to stick to the schedule of the photo tour.
- While all care would be taken to stick to the schedule, unforeseen circumstances and time consistency might lead to some changes.
- Please note that Astro Landscape Photography fully depends on local weather conditions, although, we hope that we’ll get a clear sky.
- The mentors will guide you throughout the photo tour.
Deadlines
Registration is open from 1st October 2025 or till the seat reservations end.
Conditions
Only a maximum of 08 hardworking photographers will be selected for this photo tour. This is not a fancy tour; it’s a high-altitude photo tour and you will have to cover some trails on foot, so your physical fitness is very important.
Participants will be granted the photo tour based on email confirmation on a first come first serve basis. Feel free to call +91 8509333385 or +919830221895 or +91 9432824306 for any further assistance.
Booking
To secure your position, you must pay a 35000.00 INR non-refundable deposit. The remaining 35000.00 INR can be paid on or before 45 days prior to the photo tour, or it can be paid in two installments: 20000.00 INR before 60 days prior to the photo tour, and the remaining 15000.00 INR must be paid 45 days prior to the photo tour commencement date. Transaction and gateway charges will be charged to the participants.
Cancellation and Refunds
In the event of a cancellation or modification of your confirmed booking, Exposure’s Cancellation and Refund Policy for Photography Photo Tours will apply, and your agreement to abide by these terms is required. If Exposure cancels a tour/workshop due to insufficient participants, a full refund, including the deposit amount, will be provided. However, once the tour commences, no refunds will be issued for any unused services, including rooms, meals, flights, tour days, events, or other services.
Please be aware that cancellation penalties outlined below are based on costs incurred by Exposure on your behalf, including non-refundable deposits or payments made to agents, hotels, airlines, etc. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 14 working days from the date of written confirmation of cancellation, using the same payment method used for the original transaction.
Failure to make full payment by 45 days prior to the photo tour or as communicated to you may result in the cancellation of your reservation, with no refund of the booking amount.
All cancellation notices from participants must be submitted in writing and will be effective as of the date of the postmark (standard mail or electronic).
CANCELLATION DEDUCTIONS WILL BE AS PER THE FOLLOWING POLICY AGAINST FULL PHOTO TOUR FEES:
- There will be no more fees if the cancellation request is sent 61 days before the tour.
- 80% will be deducted – if cancelled 61 – 46 days prior to the commencement of the photo tour.
- 100% will be deducted – if cancelled 45 days prior to the commencement of the photo tour.
* PLEASE READ ALL DETAILS AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS,DISCLAIMER/UNDERTAKING BEFORE BOOKING.
Weather of Zanskar Valley
The tourist season in Suru Valley and Zanskar Valley typically commences in June, coinciding with pleasant temperatures that are perfect for outdoor exploration and adventure. In Suru Valley, daytime temperatures average around 10°C, while nights are cooler (-2°C), with temperatures dropping to approximately -5°C. Meanwhile, as summer fully sets in by April, Zanskar Valley experiences temperatures ranging between -5°C and 10°C.
However, it’s important to note that if heavy snowfall occurs throughout the winter, road access to the region may be restricted in early May, with conditions improving by the end of the month as the snow melts and roads become accessible.
During this time, both valleys offer a harmonious blend of warm days and cool evenings, creating an inviting atmosphere for tourists to engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing. Despite the sun’s intensity during the day, gentle breezes provide a welcome respite, ensuring a comfortable experience amidst the region’s rustic beauty and tourist attractions.
As night falls, the valley comes alive with a radiant glow, enhancing its natural allure. The presence of lush greenery further enhances the scenic charm, offering visitors a mesmerizing backdrop to enjoy and appreciate during their travels.
*Please note that Astro Landscape Photography depends on local weather conditions, and the weather is unpredictable, though we hope at end of the June we’ll get a clear sky.
Testimonials
