Expedition Overview
The ridge of Nagarkot, at 2100m above the Kathmandu Valley, commands one of the widest panoramic views of the Himalayan range in Nepal — from Annapurna in the west to Everest and Kanchenjunga in the east, a horizon of over 200km of high peaks visible on a clear morning. The sunrise from Nagarkot is a classic Nepal experience, and its quality as a photography subject is exceptional: the deep blue-black sky just before dawn, the first golden light catching Everest's summit pyramid, and then the full range revealing itself peak by peak as the light travels westward.
This short expedition combines the Nagarkot sunrise with visits to Bhaktapur and the ancient Changu Narayan temple, giving participants a concentrated introduction to both the Himalayan landscape panorama and the medieval Newar artistic tradition in just two days.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Nagarkot Arrival & Sunset Position
Drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot (1.5 hours). Afternoon walk to identify the ridge positions for the following morning. Sunset — if clear — gives the first view of the Himalayan panorama and time to test compositions before the critical dawn.
The Goal of the Day: Site reconnaissance; sunset panorama photography.
Day 2: Sunrise on the Ridge & Bhaktapur
5am on the ridge. The sequence: deep indigo sky, the first gold on the Everest group, and then the progressive illumination of the entire range. Descent to Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan (the oldest temple in the valley, dating from the 4th century) for the afternoon.
The Goal of the Day: Himalayan sunrise panorama; ancient temple architectural photography.
Book Your Expedition
Note: Final price may vary based on specific expedition details and customizations.
Expedition Leaders
Professor Nasrul Eam is a seasoned explorer and visual storyteller who has spent over two decades traversing Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures. As Dean of the Department of Art and Photography at Light & Composition University, he leads immersive photography expeditions to regions like the Himalayas, Sundarbans, and Bali. These journeys blend cultural exploration with hands-on learning, culminating in a complete photography diploma. With a portfolio of over 50 publications—including The Quintessence of Photography and Illuminating Nature—his work captures the profound beauty of everyday life. His background in advertising, linguistics, and visual arts enriches his mentorship, guiding participants to uncover compelling narratives through their lenses. Professor Eam’s expeditions are transformative experiences, inspiring photographers to engage deeply with the world around them.
Travel Information
Nagarkot is 28km from Kathmandu (1.5 hours by taxi). No special permits required. Best season: October–December and February–April for clear Himalayan views.
What to Bring
• Telephoto zoom for Himalayan peak details
• Wide-angle for the full panorama
• Heavy warm layering — it is genuinely cold at 2100m before sunrise
• Tripod
• Head torch