Expedition Overview
Bhaktapur is the most intact medieval city in South Asia — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was already ancient when Prithvi Narayan Shah unified Nepal in 1768. The three main squares of Bhaktapur are dense with pagoda temples, carved wooden windows, and the daily life of a Newar community that has maintained its artisan traditions, festivals, and rituals without interruption across six centuries. Every alley leads to a courtyard, every courtyard contains a shrine, and the light — particularly in early morning and late afternoon — falls through the traditional timber-latticed windows in a way that would have been familiar to photographers of the 1930s.
This two-day expedition is pure architectural and cultural documentary photography. Professor Nasrul Eam focuses on the lesser-known lanes between the three squares where the daily life of Bhaktapur continues without the tourist veneer — potters at Pottery Square, weavers at their looms, devotees completing morning puja at neighbourhood shrines.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Durbar Square at Dawn & Pottery Quarter
At 5am the city is already alive with devotees making offerings at the Pashupatinath shrine, women carrying water, and the smell of incense and damp stone. Durbar Square at this hour — before the entry fee gates open — is extraordinary. Move to Pottery Square as the potters arrive.
The Goal of the Day: Sacred space before the crowd; craft community documentary photography.
Day 2: Taumadhi, Dattatreya & the Back Lanes
The five-storied Nyatapola Temple at Taumadhi is the tallest pagoda in Nepal. Dattatreya Square, at the eastern end, is home to the Peacock Window — considered the finest piece of carved wood in Nepal. The back lanes between these squares are where the real city lives.
The Goal of the Day: Architectural photography at multiple scales; lane and courtyard light.
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
Bhaktapur is 13km from Kathmandu (40 minutes by taxi or 1 hour by microbus). Foreign nationals pay a city entry fee (USD 15) valid for 1 year. Best photographed October–May.
What to Bring
• Wide-angle zoom for temple interiors and squares
• 50–85mm for lane portraiture
• Tripod for pre-dawn interior work
• Shoulder bag rather than large backpack (narrow lanes)