04.11.2022 by Photo Journey
Last week we returned from Photo Journey Nepal 22 with a new way to look at life through the camera, new found friendships, and a wonderful experience of life amongst the incredible people who live in the middle hills of Nepal (the course might have finished, but the sharing of stories and images on WhatsApp continues apace). But what a fabulous 10 days we had. The course has been restructured so we concentrate more on the photographic aspects of being in such a remarkable country, but at the same time not compromising our core aim of experiencing life and how it is lived in a remote village surrounded by the Himalayas.
We met, as usual, at the amazing Temple Tree Hotel in Pokhara. It’s an oasis of calm and beauty sitting within the bustling Lakeside of this incredible part of west Nepal. We combined theory and practical workshops to make sure that our camera skills were up to snuff; and combining that with challenges really reinforced what we had learned.
Within those 3 days, we spent an evening in the company of ex-Gurkhas living in the only residential home in west Nepal (they are not shy of the camera!) and this included a hog roast very kindly provided by the Gurkha Welfare Trust, we caught the sunrise from the top of Sarangkot mountain; having reached the summit via the new (and very comfortable) cable car, and each evening we reviewed the images we had taken (It’s the best way to really bring home the lessons we have been teaching)
Then the real meat of the adventure begins. A very comfortable 4 hour drive along the bumpy roads that rise by 1500 metres up to the village of Sikles that sits within the Annapurna sanctuary. The drive is impressive; not least because of the windy roads weaving up through the hills, but the views of the Himalayas that change at every corner. We choose October to travel to Nepal because it usually gives us the best weather to see the Himalayas and this was no exception. It was stunning.
And then into the village. We took over an entire lodge; wonderfully looked after by Kumari Gurung and her small family. The views from the garden are beautiful and each day, breakfast and lunch sitting at the tables outside harp back to a different pace of life. All of our guests cherished these moments, and the food was very local, but very well done. The anticipation of getting out into the village; where every corner provides “another award winning photograph opportunity” is often too much to keep people very long at the lodge and, after our daily challenge, we headed out to various parts of this intriguing village. Waterfalls, steep tracks, farms, buffaloes, but most importantly the people. And all in the setting of the high Himalayas. Each and every one of those amazing people was delighted to see us and have their photographs taken. It really is a magical place.
Every evening we met again to review what we had taken. Lots of “Oohs and Ahhs” here, and so satisfying to see improvement and real art taking shape. On the last evening, the local ladies came to the garden after sunset and danced for us. A very special last night.
The final morning was back in the 4x4s and back to the Temple Tree; full of stories and laughter. An afternoon taking in the joys of Pokhara again before supper, reflecting on the amazing 9 days we have just experienced.
Goodness, that was a corker!
These photographs were all taken by guests on the course, so thank you Nepal 22 team – fabulous work!
No products in the basket.