Landscape Photography Tour, Astro Photography Tour, Moonlit Landscapes Photography Tour, Travel Photography Tour and People Photography Tour, Culture Photography Tour Himachal Pradesh, India
Overview of Spiti Photography Tour Sep 2024
The Spiti Valley photo tour is one of the most scenic tours in India. If you are interested in shooting Landscapes Photography (Mountains, Rivers) Milky Way / Astrophotography (shooting the stars), Beautiful Villages and People Photography, this tour is for you. This is less popular compared to our Ladakh tour but no less in terms of beauty and photographic opportunities.
Why Join Us for the Photography Tour?
We will make your DREAM COME TRUE - your dream to witness the great play of light and shadows and the amazing night skies and MILKY WAY and to capture them. We will also take some great portraits of the locals.
We will be going to the right places at the right time. I will suggest you the right settings for taking pictures and will personally assist you so that you go back with some great shots. We also do post-processing and feedback/review sessions whenever possible, during the tour.
Saurabh has been visiting these regions for more than a decade and has great knowledge about the place and how to photograph there.
You will also be in the company of some great fellow travelers and will make friends for life.
Private 1:1 tours can be arranged if required.
My Spiti Valley Photography Tour Pictures
See my pictures of Spiti Valley in better resolution here .
(for computer users)Spiti Valley Photography Tour Highlights
Landscapes - Lakes, Mountains, And Flowing Rivers, Astrophotography, Moonlit Landscapes, Portraits And Village Photography, Architectures (Monasteries), Ancient Mummy.
Spiti Valley Photography Tour Map and Itinerary
Detailed day-wise itinerary for Spiti Valley Photography Tour with altitudes, driving distances, and approximate travel times. Distances and times are indicative since mountain roads depend heavily on weather and road conditions.
Day 1: Chandigarh (1,053 ft / 321 m) → Rampur (3,307 ft / 1,010 m)
Distance: ~260 km
Driving Time: 8–9 hours
Route: Chandigarh – Shimla – Narkanda – Rampur
Highlights:
- We start at 830 am from Chandigarh Airport.
- Drive via Shimla and enjoy the pine-covered hills.
- Stop at places with good views.
- Overnight stay at Rampur Bushair, a historic town on the banks of River Satluj.
Day 2: Rampur (3,307 ft / 1,010 m) → Chitkul (11,319 ft / 3,450 m)
Distance: ~140 km
Driving Time: 6–7 hours
Route: Rampur – Jeori – Karcham – Sangla – Rakcham – Chitkul
Highlights:
- Scenic drive into Baspa Valley.
- Cross Karcham Dam and enter Sangla Valley.
- Stop at Rakcham for stunning river views.
- Reach Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border. Since we gain significant altitude, it is highly recommended to drink a lot of water and take it easy. We start the practice of reminding everyone to drink water every hour. We also carry Vitamin C tablets to help us get acclimatized to the high altitude.
- Astro photography Milky Way Photography at night.
Day 3: Chitkul (11,319 ft / 3,450 m) → Kalpa (9,711 ft / 2,960 m)
Distance: ~65 kmDriving Time: 4 hours
Route: Chitkul – Sangla – Karcham – Reckong Peo – Kalpa
Highlights:
Explore traditional wooden houses and views of snow peaks.
Return to Karcham and ascend towards Reckong Peo.
Reach Kalpa, famous for breathtaking views of Kinner Kailash range.
Evening stroll through apple orchards and Kalpa town.
Visit Kalpa Monastery -Lochawa La Khang (Samdug Choeling), Narayan Nagini Temple and Roghi village (Suicide Point).
Astrophotography / Milky Way photography at night if the skies are clear.
Day 4: Kalpa (9,711 ft / 2,960 m) → Nako (11,893 ft / 3,625 m) → Gue (10,499 ft / 3,200 m) → Tabo (10,826 ft / 3,300 m)
Distance: ~190 km
Driving Time: 8–9 hours
Route: Kalpa – Pooh – Nako – Sumdo – Gue – Tabo
Highlights:
- Wake up early, shoot the spectacular sunrise
- Cross the Indo-Tibetan Highway along rugged mountains.
- Enter Spiti Valley after Khab bridge. where the Sutlej river meets the Spiti river.
- Visit Nako Lake and Nako Monastery. Lunch at Nako.
- At Gue, see the 500-year-old mummy of a Buddhist monk. This place is closest to China border. Phone time changes to China time on iPhones
- Reach Tabo, known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas with its 1,000-year-old monastery.
- Astrophotography / Milky Way photography at night if the skies are clear.
Day 5: Tabo (10,826 ft / 3,300 m) → Mud Village, Pin Valley (12,139 ft / 3,700 m) → Kaza (12,467 ft / 3,800 m)
Distance: ~95 km
Driving Time: 5–6 hours
Route: Tabo – Dhankar – Sichling – Pin Valley – Mud – Kaza
Highlights:
- Visit Dhankar Monastery perched dramatically on a cliff.
- Enter Pin Valley National Park. This is a beautiful drive.
- Walk on a hanging bridge in Pin Valley.
- Drive to Mud village, where the road ends. This is the starting point for Pin Parvati trek.
- Drive to Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti Valley.
- Astrophotography / Milky Way photography at night if the skies are clear.
Day 6: Kaza (12,467 ft / 3,800 m) → Key Monastery (13,668 ft / 4,166 m) → Kibber (14,108 ft / 4,295 m) →Chicham Bridge → Kaza
Distance: ~50 km round trip
Driving Time: 4–5 hours
Highlights:
- Visit Key Monastery, the largest in Spiti.
- Explore Kibber, once the highest motorable village.
- Spot Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep or ibex if you are lucky.
- Drive up to Chicham bridge, photograph the amazing gorge.
- Return to Kaza for the night.
- Astrophotography / Milky Way photography at night if the skies are clear.
Day 7: Kaza (12,467 ft / 3,800 m) → Hikkim (14,567 ft / 4,440 m) → Komic (15,027 ft / 4,587 m) → Langza (14,500 ft / 4,420 m) → Kaza
Distance: ~45 km round trip
Driving Time: 4–5 hours
Highlights:
- Visit Hikkim Post Office, the highest in the world. Carry some postcards to mail to your near and dear ones. It's a collector’s item and a great idea to send letters to people you love.
- Visit Komic monastery, one of the world’s highest villages connected by motorable roads.
- Milky way and star trails photography at Langza. It's very cold and windy here.
- Return to Kaza.
Day 8: Kaza (12,467 ft / 3,800 m) → Chandratal (14,100 ft / 4,300 m)
Distance: ~90 km
Driving Time: 6–7 hours
Route: Kaza – Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal
Highlights:
- Cross Kunzum Pass (15,059 ft / 4,590 m) with fluttering prayer flags.
- Short trek (~2 km) to Chandratal, the moon lake in the morning.
- Stay in camps under starry skies.
- Our coldest night. Appropriate clothing is recommended.
- Astrophotography / Milky Way photography at night if the skies are clear.
Day 9: Chandratal (14,100 ft / 4,300 m) → Mandi (2,057 ft / 626 m)
Distance: ~240 km
Driving Time: 9–10 hours
Route: Chandratal – Batal – Gramphoo – Rohtang Pass – Manali – Mandi
Highlights:
- Challenging off-road stretch till Gramphoo. Very adventurous (bad) roads.
- Pass Atal Tunnel, an architecture marvel.
- Descend into lush Kullu Valley and continue to Mandi.
Day 10: Mandi (2,057 ft / 626 m) → Chandigarh Airport (1,053 ft / 321 m)
Distance: ~190 km
Driving Time: 4 hours
Route: Mandi – Bilaspur – Chandigarh
Highlights:
- Drive along Govind Sagar Lake.
- Reach Chandigarh by 12pm.
- Take flight after 2pm.
We go back with memories of a lifetime and some great pictures.
During the tour, whenever possible, we spend time reviewing the pictures and providing feedback on how to get better. We will also do an online session post tour to review the pictures.
Itinerary -
Cost: Rs.75,000/-
Only 6 participants on first come first serve basis.
Cost includes
1) Accommodation at all destinations as per the itinerary. (Twin sharing basis) Single room available on request.2) Vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Day 1 morning to Day 10 Morning
3) Comfortable vehicle (Tempo Traveller or Ertiga) for all days as per the itinerary
4) Driver charges and inter-state toll.
5) Expert guidance for Photography by Ssaurabh A Chatterjee
Cost does not include
1) Travel cost from your destination to Chandigarh and back.2) Mineral water, any additional beverage ordered.
Payment Policy
Rs. 20000/- booking amount.
Rest 45 days before the date of the tour.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation costs us too.
As people generally plan in advance, it becomes impossible for us to fill the seats last moment. So, if you cancel, the seat goes vacant. Also, in most places, we have to book well in advance due to the limited choices.
So, please book your tour only if you are sure.
Refund Policy
60 days to 45 days prior to departure of the tour, 20% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.
40 days to 15 days prior to departure of the tour 50% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.
14 days to 07 days prior to departure of the tour 75% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.
07 days or less prior to departure of the tour 100% of the total tour cost is non-refundable.
There will be no refund for no shows.
Note: Any changes in the itinerary because of any cause (like closed roads or broken down vehicle) will have to be shared by the participants on actuals.
Must Read these links if you need Information on Travelling to Ladakh / Spiti
Milky Way Photography Spiti Valley
Best Places for Landscape Photography in India
Join My Spiti Photography Tour
Join My Ladakh Photography Tour
If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you.
PICTURES FROM Lahaul Spiti Valley Photo Tour Sep 2025
Video
FAQ
0. How cold will it be?
Temperatures will be in sub-zero in Chandratal at night. And we will be staying in camps there, so you will really feel the chill. In all other places, days will be warm (25-30 deg C) and nights will be cold (5 deg C). Since will be spending time shooting the stars, please come prepared. Places like Langza are extremely cold and windy at night.
1. Do I need to be physically fit to join this trip?
We will be traveling by SUVs but there is some amount of gentle walking involved. However, we will be traveling at high altitudes. Please consult your doctor first.
2. Is this trip only for Photographers?
No, anyone can join. We will spend a lot of time taking some great pictures though. I'm sure everyone loves doing that. We have had non-photographers in our previous trips and they enjoy as much.
3. I have no knowledge on Photography. Will I get some help?
Yes, absolutely. Saurabh will be assisting you all the time. He will help you on how to take some great pictures. So, you will learn while having fun on the go.
Please read the Photography part of Tips and Tricks.
SIA Spiti Photography Tour Reviews
Dear Saurabh, thank you for a well organised trip by anticipating and accommodating our needs, every step of the way 🙏 I was impressed by your gentle, polite yet informative and engaging guidance throughout. God bless you in your hopes and aspirations 🙏 I see tremendous potential for your future in photography, don't forget us when you become famous!!! 😊😇🙂
Suman, Bangalore
Dear Saurabh, thank you for such a great trip and for helping us see the true beauty of Spiti. You’re an amazing photographer and a great mentor. That palpable enthusiasm would force us to make many such trips with you and we look forward to that 😁
Tara, Bangalore
Dear Saurabh,
The Spiti Trip was like an Espresso Shot to me and I am still dreaming about it with open eyes.
Your knowledge and passion truly brought the place to life!
I can’t express how much I enjoyed your tour. It was a truly enlightening experience. Thank you!
Looking forward for the next amazing trip soon.
Mohini, Mumbai
Dear Saurabh, your trip was not just about photography, it was about experiencing the best of the places that you took us - Places, People, Food & Photographs.
From having a detailed day-wise itinerary, scheduling calls to make clear expectations & listing important stuff that needs to be carried(from clicking photos to keeping ourselves winter ready), being able to make quick adjustments basis the groups’ feedback, answering the same questions each time with the same zeal, taking care of individuals who felt unwell, participating in cracking jokes and feeding us lovely apples, birthday cake & food through the journey. It never felt that I was travelling with you & other members, for the first time. It felt like a great bonding time with an extended family with no veil of age or relation/acquaintance.
Being able to take beautiful photos & learning the basics was just an add-on experience for me 😀. Getting to know the hidden settings of our phone camera was the biggest eye-opener. And best of all, getting the Milky Way from my iPhone 😍.
We all loved every bit of the trip so much so that we finalised our trip for 2025 😊.
Soumya, Bangalore
Dear Saurabh - It was an amazing journey, travelling through the mountains and getting to see nature at such a close proximity!!!
Superb planning, lovely locations for our pit stops, remote destinations and travelling along the paths carved out in the mountains was simply an awesome experience!!!
Milky Way!!! The beauty and the experience, I have no words to explain 😊
Did not know a simple tripod and 30 seconds exposure can create such wonders with mobile photography.
Last but not the least, getting to meet you, know you and doing this trip with you was such a pleasure. You are humble, caring and making sure all of us are enjoying and comfortable all through the trip, a big thanks to you.
Looking forward for more trips with you 😊
Shamala, Bangalore
Personally, I am very thankful that Ramesh and I was invited to this wonderful experience by Anita and Acchu, thru Shamala and Suman. It was just so calming and soul satisfying moments to be in that altitude surrounded by mountains, rivers, boulders and pebbles. It was a great sense of adventure to be amongst the marathoners and also humbled to be amongst the most friendly and caring photographers. All in all, it was the best vacation Ramesh and I had in a long time. So thank you everyone one of you, for making it so. 😍
Aruna, Bangalore
Amazing tour to spiti valley!
Well honestly I dunno where to start from n where to end at.. It was an awesome journey n a great experience! I never ever thought I’d be going but the line once said by Saurab Sir ” IT IS DIFFICULT BECAUSE U THINK IT IS ” this line actually kept me confident. Besides it was pleasure being with a decent, knowledgeable, understanding n a helpful person i.e, Saurabh Chatterjee. Infact all the people who came along were simply great n supportive and I can’t forget my lovely room mates!
I have seen a new world, new place, new culture, different atmosphere n much more thanks to God then my parents n surely to saurabh sir!
Aparna Bhagwat Sole I can’t forget your jhad wala apple
,ur love for kids n bourbon biscuits Swati Nighoskarr uve been very helpful n kind all the time ☺Sudhakar Bichalii your courage has inspired all of us n your jokes 😝 haha baigan 🍆🍆 lShruthi Rao Rao anybody is peeing chai? 😜 n your wish to go to the hospital has fulfilled 😂 now plz no more wishes like this n the head massage from u waAruna Sahithi Reddy Muskuddy Musku sometimes your selfie stick was a big help for me.. And our work out at the kee monestary even your curd addiction !
I’m the end many thanks to Saurabh sir, things wudnt have been possible without u!
Sara
Finally I could make it to my first photo tour with SIA. Very happy to be a part of such a wonderful trip.Had loads of fun along with lots of learning. One of the best trips so far.Thank you Saurabh Chatterjee for pushing us to test our limits every time else we would have missed the other awesome shots as we missed Chitkul sunrise. Learnt a lot in this trip and looking forward to join you for more such trips.Thank you…Saurabh Chatterjee, Aparna Bhagwat Sole, Sudhakar Bichali, Shruthi Rao, Shravan Reddy, Aruna Sahithi Reddy and our cute Princess Sara Iqbal Ali for making this trip a memorable one!
Swati
Dear Saurabh Chatterjee, Just to say an enormous thank you for organising the most amazing photo tour! It truly was one of the best in life time! even with that kind of start what i had, Everything went like clockwork,Thank you to all for making it such a memorable experience. We will definitely be going back and of course will be using your wonderful tips again, and will be recommending you to all our friends and colleagues. Thank you all again so very much for everything you did for us, your attention to detail and kindness is very much appreciated. Looking forward to the next one already!
Thanks Aparna Bhagwat Sole (Jhaad wala Apple), Swati Nighoskar Sara Iqbal Ali Shravan Reddy!!!! What a team!
ISMAIL BHAI..lol
Thanks a lot to you Saurabh for making this trip where I found myself once again. You taught lot of things and motivated a lot for taking nice photos . learning from you when clicking was nice part practical part . You are nice photograpy teacher who motivates and teaches also . thanks to you for teaching not to try but do it.
Aparna
Saurabh – Thanks for organising a fantastic tour of Lahaul and spiti valley! Everything was well organised, hence the tour went smooth and in a timely manner. Thanks for the amazing experience from this tour
Sahithi
I again had an amazing experience in Spiti and Lahaul trip curated by SIA Photography. This was my second trip with them and it was really good in terms of everything. I got to shoot Milky Way on every consecutive day. With the learnings I got in my previous trip I was able to help others in this trip. I felt really good when everyone thanked me for helping them in any matter. Being with different people, there's always something you can learn. So grateful to Saurabh Sir for organising this trip. Looking forward to join SIA Photography for such amazing trips.
Aditi Jha, New Delhi, Photography Student
Spiti is one of the most picturesque places to visit in India, and who better than Saurabh Chatterjee to guide a photography tour in this location!
We started the tour as a group of strangers, united only by their love for nature and photography but ended the tour as friends that feel like family. Saurabh Chatterjee made sure the group felt like a ‘home away from home’ while we celebrated birthdays under the starry skies, as we explored the pristine landscape of Spiti. Saurabh critically analysed the pictures of the entire group and made sure we left the tour as better photographers and friends.
Under his guidance I can say on behalf of all members’our photographic skills have improved at least by two notches. Saurabh motivates us to get up at 4 am and start shooting in freezing cold— the hallmark of an exceptional teacher.
I’m waiting eagerly for another trip with Saurabh.
Dr. Gurpreet Singh, Senior Doctor, Patiala
The Spiti Valley trip was one of the most memorable trips I have had. First of all, the places we visited were just gorgeous, and the weather was amazing. We got deep blue skies dotted with white puffy clouds during the day, and clear dark skies at night. The trip itinerary was brilliantly planned by Saurabh. And finally, the way Saurabh helped every single person take the difficult Milky Way and Star trails pics... He was available to guide, to help with the settings, and ensure that pretty much every single tour participant got a brilliant shot. One of the best trips I have had, making me want to go back for more.
Dr. Mahesh Iyer, Pharma Professional
Saurabh, the Spiti Valley trip was a once in a life time trip for me and I couldn’t think of anyone, I would rather go with than you and the other group members. I have never seen the nature or the stars in its glorious beauty than on this trip. As I was describing the trip, one of my friend was asking me when Saurabh is planning his next trip to Spiti. The arrangements of stay were great in most places and the best was the luxurious camp site at Chanderatal. I have definitely learned how to photograph milkiway and star trails from you and inspiration and encouragement from others in the group. Thank you for processing the star trails for us. I also learnt about our History and Geography from Ajay and Dr. Gurupreet Singh. From Achala and Aditi, I learnt that age is just a number (most of the time;-)).
It is also wonderful to see that you have grown not only as a photographer, but as a human being. You have generously shared your hotspot/ phone with most of us. I am happy to recommend others to go with you on these trips.
Dr. Shailaja, Pharma Professional
Spiti valley is an awesome place & holding hands with Saurabh Chatterjee, an ace photographer, who enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with novices like me, makes the trip extra special. I never thought I would take photographs of galaxy or of star trails, but this was possible under Saurabh's guidance. The serinity of region calms one down. It offers multiple opportunities of photography such as landscapes, portraits, market places, houses, temples, monastery, monks to galaxy and startrail. It was an amazing experience for me. I saw a happy world, which is so different from our city life. One must visit for stress buster.
Achala Nayak, Retired Finance Professional
I again had an amazing experience in Spiti and Lahaul trip curated by SIA Photography. This was my second trip with them and it was really good in terms of everything. I got to shoot Milky Way on every consecutive day. With the learnings I got in my previous trip I was able to help others in this trip. I felt really good when everyone thanked me for helping them in any matter. Being with different people, there's always something you can learn. So grateful to Saurabh Sir for organising this trip. Looking forward to join SIA Photography for such amazing trips.
Aditi Jha, New Delhi, Photography Student
Spiti is one of the most picturesque places to visit in India, and who better than Saurabh Chatterjee to guide a photography tour in this location!
We started the tour as a group of strangers, united only by their love for nature and photography but ended the tour as friends that feel like family. Saurabh Chatterjee made sure the group felt like a ‘home away from home’ while we celebrated birthdays under the starry skies, as we explored the pristine landscape of Spiti. Saurabh critically analysed the pictures of the entire group and made sure we left the tour as better photographers and friends.
Under his guidance I can say on behalf of all members’our photographic skills have improved at least by two notches. Saurabh motivates us to get up at 4 am and start shooting in freezing cold— the hallmark of an exceptional teacher.
I’m waiting eagerly for another trip with Saurabh.
Dr. Gurpreet Singh, Senior Doctor, Patiala
The Spiti Valley trip was one of the most memorable trips I have had. First of all, the places we visited were just gorgeous, and the weather was amazing. We got deep blue skies dotted with white puffy clouds during the day, and clear dark skies at night. The trip itinerary was brilliantly planned by Saurabh. And finally, the way Saurabh helped every single person take the difficult Milky Way and Star trails pics... He was available to guide, to help with the settings, and ensure that pretty much every single tour participant got a brilliant shot. One of the best trips I have had, making me want to go back for more.
Dr. Mahesh Iyer, Pharma Professional
Saurabh, the Spiti Valley trip was a once in a life time trip for me and I couldn’t think of anyone, I would rather go with than you and the other group members. I have never seen the nature or the stars in its glorious beauty than on this trip. As I was describing the trip, one of my friend was asking me when Saurabh is planning his next trip to Spiti. The arrangements of stay were great in most places and the best was the luxurious camp site at Chanderatal. I have definitely learned how to photograph milkiway and star trails from you and inspiration and encouragement from others in the group. Thank you for processing the star trails for us. I also learnt about our History and Geography from Ajay and Dr. Gurupreet Singh. From Achala and Aditi, I learnt that age is just a number (most of the time;-)).
It is also wonderful to see that you have grown not only as a photographer, but as a human being. You have generously shared your hotspot/ phone with most of us. I am happy to recommend others to go with you on these trips.
Dr. Shailaja, Pharma Professional
Spiti valley is an awesome place & holding hands with Saurabh Chatterjee, an ace photographer, who enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with novices like me, makes the trip extra special. I never thought I would take photographs of galaxy or of star trails, but this was possible under Saurabh's guidance. The serinity of region calms one down. It offers multiple opportunities of photography such as landscapes, portraits, market places, houses, temples, monastery, monks to galaxy and startrail. It was an amazing experience for me. I saw a happy world, which is so different from our city life. One must visit for stress buster.
Achala Nayak, Retired Finance Professional
Surreal Spiti with Saurabh
A ten day holiday trip to Himachal during the pandemic? It was looking
impossible till I got on the Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh. But I managed to. I
am glad I did.
Chandigarh welcomed travellers with rain, where I joined seven others
like me looking for an adventure, a getaway from the madness of the last year
and a half caused by the pandemic. A photo tour to Spiti Valley was the right
antidote to the poison spread in our lives, and Saurabh was the perfect master
to administer it. Those who joined him became a special group, a family over
the next 10 days.
As Manish drove us away from Chandigarh towards the hills, there was a
palpable excitement in the air, moist with the continuous rain and threatening
to disrupt our plans, for clear skies are a photographer’s basic need. The drive
to our first halt, Chail (pron Chayal) was disrupted as a giant tree fell a few feet
ahead of us and almost crushed our vehicle. The tree was, with lot of effort of
discussion and jugaad pushed away to make the way clear. The Gods were with
us! Saurabh conducted a quick revision class for all after dinner.
The next morning’s drive to Chitkul was to be a long one. Surprisingly, it
had stopped raining which pleased us all. A walk to the world’s highest cricket
ground at Military School Chail offered clear views of Shimla and distant
Himalayan peaks. It was a sign of things to come. The drive through thick
deciduous forests of Kufri and Narkanda was beautiful. We hit the Satluj river
and followed it all the way up to Khab village. Doc Gurpreet updated us not only
on the geography of the region but some history too. The roads were narrow
(an understatement), dusty and bumpy at times, definitely not for the faint
hearted! We learnt quickly it was better to concentrate on the scenery outside
rather than on them.
Chitkul is great place for astro photography. Reaching well past sunset,
we immediately set out for a nearby riverside for the shoot. What a beautiful
sight a clear night sky is! Many living in concrete jungles do not have the
opportunity to experience it. While all of us had our tripods and lenses out in
the chilly air at 11500 ft AMSL, admiring the Milky Way, the moon made its
appearance and dimmed the Milky Way somewhat but not the beauty of the
star lit landscape. Night photos appeared like day shots even on crop sensor
cameras. Our frozen fingers were barely able to move to get the necessary
settings. On the way back, Aditi decided she does not like the beaten track so
two of us had a mini adventure making it back to the hotel in the dead of the
night in absence of mobile phone network.
Views from our next stop Kalpa were awe-inspiring. Peaks of the Kinner
Kailash range were visible in all thier glory. They were so close and imposing.
A roadside opening became the spot for our shoot where most of us got our first
good Milky Way shots.
The landscape changed from alpine forests to bare brown ragged peaks
as we entered the Spiti Valley. A small holy lake at Nako, a stone’s throw from
the China border was a good photo stop cum lunch halt. At Tabo, a stupa offered
great foreground for our star trails. However, errant taxis and local monks on
their routines played spoil sport occasionally in our endeavour. Thanks to the
good policing by Achala, we managed to keep them away and get our shots!
On way to Kaza, we visited the Dhankar (pron like bunker) Monastery
and entered the Pin Valley National Park which boasts of Himalayan wildlife
including the snow leopard. A chance spotting of the ‘Blue Sheep’, which are
distant cousins of the mountain goat, Ibis and a traditional style squatted lunch
at Moodh village made the drive memorable.
Kaza offers access to Kibber village and the Chicham Bridge across a deep
gorge, which rivals the Grand Canyon and Hikkim, the highest Post Office in the
world, where we posted letters, Aditi her first!
Komic village which once boasted the highest motor able road in the
world, now has a new monastery. Shailaja clicked some monks in action there,
not meditating but playing cricket and even managed to get a few great shots!
The view of the 180 degrees mountain range from there was spectacular.
A 25 ft Buddha statue at Langza at 14000 ft was the venue for our next
night shoot. It was pitch dark, cold and windy. The star filled sky looked surreal.
An astronomy book i read many years ago said one could see 100,000 stars on
a clear night. The author obviously had never visited Spiti Valley. He would have
counted several more if he did!
The most anticipated destination, Chandrataal Lake was next. Kunzum
Pass en route afforded great views of snow-clad peaks around. We moved in to
Kabila Camp, which housed tents for our stay. A brief drive followed by 30
minutes of walk lead us to Chandrataal lake. Temperatures dipped sharply after
sunset and soon we were shivering and freezing. But the view of the night sky
we got from there was unforgettable. Full of stars, the clearly visible Milky Way
rose above a distant snowy peak. It was magical! Definitely, the pièce de
résistance of the tour! As we soaked in the sight and goodness of nature,
shivering away, Mahesh pulled a rabbit out of the hat by pulling out a flask with
hot tea. What more could one ask for? As our cameras worked away on our star
trails, Deepak tried astro photography with his mobile phone camera and came
up with stunning shots rivalling any DSLR! He could easily demand royalty from
the phone maker for these.
The drive back to Manali was almost sombre. A chance to pass through
the newly opened 9 km long Atal Tunnel through the Rohtang mountains
bought some cheer. As we made our way back to our homes from Spiti, we
returned better photographers, more aware and thankful for the gifts nature
offers, and for the friendships we started.
Thank you, Saurabh!
Ajay Deshpande, Group Captain, IAF
The great Himalayas - I was planning on traveling these mountains ranges for more than a decade. Finally I could make it. Thanks to Saurabh and SIA Photography. I am not a photographer but after looking at the itinerary I knew this is what I was looking for to start with.
For the past 10 days we have travelled on some of the most treacherous roads in the world. Went to remote villages in the region. 'Simple Living and High Thinking' is what we find among the locals here. The hospitality and the honesty with which they deal with the people is truly impressive. Despite living in high altitude and far away from the basic necessities they are extremely happy - I wonder how?Traveling in high altitude areas comes with its own set of problems but then personally it was worth dealing with those.
I have always admired the people who travelled these mountain ranges but now after this trip my respect for them has increased tremendously!As I sit here at Delhi airport to travel back home I realize what I am missing - clean air, beautiful landscapes, and happy faces. I am gonna live on the memories till I revisit these amazing mountains next year.
Shiva, USA
The roller coaster trip that was…Took the world’s most treacherous roads to Spiti Valley along with a wonderful group of ppl..I could travel only till Kaza @12000 ft and had to return due to low level of oxygen…Yes, my memory cards are not full but my heart is full of thrilling ,amazing experiences . I cant thank you enough Saurabh for the wonderful person you are…and my buddies Swaroopa, Suvadipta, Jaunet, Siva, Paul,Přakhař Barhadath love you people like crazy
Padma, Hyderabad
Lasting memories with once in a lifetime experiences…!!
Last 10 days where one of the best days of my life… it was one heck of a trip to the remote places of himachal pradesh…. capturing the scenic beauty of The Himalayas,its people,their lifestyle and indulging in their hospitality…
It was very exciting.. I’m glad to get this one under my belt I can’t thank you enough Saurabh for this wonderful chance and for your tremendous support… I’m extremely grateful to be a part of this trip…
Thank you PSuvadipta BeherahJaunet GurudasuSiva AngadigadigaPaul PrashanthaBarhadath DevarajarajarajarajtPřakhař Veřmaeřmama for being the people you are…Thanks for all the love, support, care and affection you guys have showered me with… couldn’t have asked for more..I feel blessed and I will always be grateful for that…
I am in love with this world . . . I have climbed its mountains, roamed its forests, sailed its waters, crossed its deserts, felt the sting of its frosts, the oppression of its heats, the drench of its rains, the fury of its winds, and always have beauty and joy waited upon my goings and comings.– John Burroughs
Swaroopa, Entrepreneur, Hyderabad
Few lines about SIA Photography and Saurabh Chatterjee…Was searching for a group to travel with , a group of serious photographers….Came across SIA Photography in google search…
I was very apprehensive, as this was my first time traveling with strangers…So i called Saurabh Chatterjee asking him if i can join him in his tour….and like this my journey started… 1st trip was Srinagar, Leh and Ladakh and 2nd was Lahaul & Spiti…
Got two amazing group of people to travel with. Saurabh an amazing mentor and guide….He took us to the perfect place at perfect time for a perfect shot….Got to learn few do and don’ts about photography…Thanks to Saurabh Chatterjee, looking forward for more similar trips to new places, and exploring India and freezing it...
Suvadeepta, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Thanks to Saurabh for organising such an wonderful trip. Those 10 days were the most wonderful and memorable days of my life which i will always cherish.Meeting all those village people and playing with the kids ..capturing their emotions and the breathtaking landscapes.. Climbing the mountains in such adverse climatic conditions made me realised my true potential.. Thanks to my team Siva Angadi Jaunet Gurudas Swaroopa Uppala Suvadipta Behera paul Barhadath Devaraj sir . With you guys i had the best time, those late night talks and early morning walks would never been such fun filled..Would love to meet you guys again and revive all the moments we have shared.
Prakhar, USA
Saurabh was known to me for long, I had been waiting to go on his phototours for quite some time, as he had covered more places in Himalayas and that too one’s not touched by most phototour organisers. I was sure it was going to be a different experience. Like i had thought it was a great learning experience with the enthusiastic batch so diverse that I felt 10 days of togetherness was just a fleeting moment, and Saurabh’s tireless explanation of things to do at every moment in the tour was truly an enriching experience. Hope to see more of Incredible India with you and rest of my friends whom I made in this tour.
Barhadath Devaraj, Hyderabad
Someone once said: “Nature’s heart beats strong amid the hills,” can’t remember who now, but the person couldn’t have been more right… A visit to the hills reinvigorates every cell in your body. It’s not just about how beautiful the hills are. In fact, it’s so beautiful that it almost seems pointless to attempt to put them in words. But the hills made me realize how a simple act like breathing can be so hard at times. Every breath that i took in that thin air filled me with this great sense of gratitude. It made me feel small, it made the big problems of our complicated lives seem trivial. ‘Simple living, high thinking’, these words were inscribed on a wall in Kaza… and that is the way to live and love!
I have only one person to thank for all these experiences: Saurabh. I’m sure many of you who visit this site and realize that that this is photo tour, may think twice before joining this trip. Don’t worry. You won’t regret it. You will see the hills the way they are meant to be seen and experienced. The best part: you will come back with some incredible pictures which will surprise even those who have been to Spiti before. Happened to me when my friends saw pictures of the milky way. Thank you for that, Saurabh.
Jaunet, Journalist, Bangalore
Spend Time Learning Photography, come back with a great collection of pictures.
You must know how to take better pictures so that you can come back with awesome pictures.
Must Read these links if you need Information on Travelling to Ladakh / Spiti
Milky Way Photography Spiti Valley
Best Places for Landscape Photography in India