Landscape Photography, Astrophotography, Travel Photography and People Photography, Festival Photography Tour Zanskar India
A photography workshop focused on landscapes, people, and real experiences of Zanskar.
Landscape Photography, Astro Photography, Travel Photography and People / Culture Photography / Festival Photography Tour to Zanskar, India
This Zanskar Photography Workshop is designed for photographers who want more than just sightseeing—it’s about learning, storytelling, and creating powerful images.
📅 Upcoming Dates & Pricing
📅 Dates:
- 2 June, 2026 to 10 June, 2026
- A private tour can be arranged at your convenient dates.
💰 Price: ₹75,000 per person
👥 Group Size: Maximum 6 participants
📍 Start/End: Leh, Ladakh
👉 Limited seats available – Enquire Now!
🌍 Why This Zanskar Photography Workshop?
Unlike standard tours, this workshop is built around light, timing, and photographic opportunities.
✔ Saurabh Chatterjee (Mentor) as 15+ years of experience photographing Ladakh and 25+ years experience in Photography
✔ Carefully planned locations for best light conditions
✔ Focus on storytelling, not just locations
✔ Small group of 6 for personal attention
You won’t just visit places—you’ll understand how to photograph them meaningfully.
📸 What You Will Learn
This is not just a tour—it’s a hands-on photography workshop.
🌄 Landscape Photography
- Composition in vast terrains
- Using compositional elements like leading lines and scale
- Working with mountain light - using lights and shadows to your advantage
🌌 Astrophotography (Milky Way)
- Camera settings for night photography
- Planning Milky Way shots
- Long exposure techniques
🧭 Visual Storytelling
- Capturing culture and human elements
- Building a photo narrative
- Shooting with intent
🎨 Editing & Review
- Lightroom workflow
- Daily feedback sessions
- Improving your visual style
👤 Who This Workshop is For
✔ Beginners wanting structured guidance
✔ Intermediate photographers looking to improve
✔ International travelers exploring India through photography
✔ Anyone passionate about landscapes, astro, and culture
🏔️ Difficulty & Altitude
- Moderate difficulty
- High altitude (11,000–15,000 ft)
- Proper acclimatization included
👉 No prior trekking experience required
My Zanskar Pictures
See my pictures of Zanskar in better resolution here .
(for computer users)Itinerary and map of Zanskar Photography Tour
Must read - my blog for more pictures and detailed descriptions.
🏔️ Zanskar Photography Tour Itinerary
📍 Day 1 – Arrival in Leh (3,524 m / 11,562 ft)
We arrive in Leh by the morning flight and spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the altitude.
In the evening, we visit Shanti Stupa and take a walk through the Leh market, easing into the rhythm of the region.
📍 Day 2 – Leh (3,524 m) → Lamayuru (3,510 m / 11,516 ft)
After breakfast, we drive to Lamayuru, passing through iconic locations including:
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
- Indus–Zanskar Sangam
- Likir Monastery
- The dramatic landscapes of Moonland
We spend time at Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh.
The evening is dedicated to relaxing and familiarizing ourselves with our photography gear in preparation for the nights ahead.
We also practice long exposures—an ideal opportunity to get comfortable with settings and equipment such as tripods and intervalometers that will be used extensively during the tour.
📍 Day 3 – Lamayuru (3,510 m) → Padum (3,669 m / 12,037 ft)
We begin our journey towards Padum, driving through expansive high-altitude landscapes.
En route, we cross three major mountain passes:
- Sisir La
- Singe La
- Hanuma La
We also pass through Lingshed, located midway along the route.
Before reaching Padum, we visit:
- Zangla Fort
- Stongdey Monastery
This route was once a popular trekking trail, now made accessible by road—opening up one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas.
📍 Day 4 – Padum (3,669 m) → Gonbo Rangjon (~4,000 m / 13,123 ft)
We start early and drive towards the majestic Gonbo Rangjon.
Along the way, we visit:
- Bardan Monastery
- Lungnak Valley
We pass through remote settlements including Shilla, Reru, Changpa, Purne, and Kargyak—each offering a glimpse into life in this isolated region.
The highlight of the day is an astrophotography session under the Milky Way at Gonbo Rangjon—a truly unforgettable experience.
Stay: Camps
📍 Day 5 – Gonbo Rangjon (~4,000 m) → Phuktal Monastery (3,669 m / 12,037 ft) → Padum (3,669 m)
We visit Phuktal Monastery—one of the most scenic and secluded monasteries in the Himalayas, dramatically built into a cliffside.
After the visit, we return to Padum and take the rest of the day to relax and recover.
📍 Day 6 – Padum (3,669 m) → Rangdum (4,031 m / 13,225 ft)
A spectacular drive through picturesque villages and rugged terrain.
We cross Pensi La Pass (~4,400 m / 14,436 ft), where two high-altitude lakes create a stunning landscape.
En route, we witness the magnificent Drung Drang Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Ladakh.
In the evening, we head out for astrophotography near our stay in Rangdum.
Stay: Camps
📍 Day 7 – Rangdum (4,031 m) → Suru Valley (~3,000 m / 9,842 ft)
We spend the morning exploring Rangdum—an excellent location for landscape photography.
Later, we drive towards Suru Valley, where the landscape transforms dramatically into lush greenery dotted with beautiful villages.
This contrast makes for compelling photographic opportunities.
📍 Day 8 – Suru Valley (~3,000 m) → Leh (3,524 m / 11,562 ft)
We begin our return journey to Leh, with a brief stop at Lamayuru.
The drive offers one last opportunity to soak in the vast Himalayan landscapes.
📍 Day 9 – Departure from Leh (3,524 m / 11,562 ft)
We transfer to Leh Airport and fly back to our respective destinations, carrying back a rich collection of images and experiences.
🏕️ Accommodation
Throughout the journey, accommodation is arranged in comfortable hotels or cottages wherever available.
At Gonbo Rangjon and Rangdum, we stay in well-equipped luxury camps featuring:
- Proper beds with mattresses and blankets
- Attached toilets
- Interiors comparable to basic hotel rooms
⚠️ Important Note
This tour is designed for those who value unique experiences over luxury.
It involves travel through remote regions with limited infrastructure, and road conditions can be challenging—though improving over time.
👉 Ideal for those seeking rarely visited landscapes and authentic experiences, rather than a conventional luxury holiday.
Must read - my blog for more pictures and detailed descriptions.
Must read-my blog for more pictures and detailed descriptions.
Must Read - Blog by an 18-year-old girl Aditi who was learning photography and was on her first tour to the Himalayas.
Any Questions - Contact us on Whatsapp
Note: If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you.
Itinerary -
Cost: Rs.75,000/-
Only 7 participants on first come first serve basis.
Cost includes
Twin sharing accommodation and All Vegetarian Meals. Inner Liner Permits, Monastery Fees And Taxes, Surface Transfers for the Entire Journey Leh to Leh.Single rooms can be arranged on request.
Note: Females will share rooms only with females.
Expert Photography Mentorship by Ssaurabh A Chatterjee.Cost does not include
1) Travel to Leh and return travel from Leh to your location.
2) Bottled Water, additional food or beverages ordered; tips, etc.
3) Anything that is not mentioned in inclusions.
💳 Payment Policy
- ₹20,000 – Booking amount
- Balance payment – 45 days before tour start date
⚠️ Cancellation Policy
Cancellations affect planning and logistics, as bookings are made well in advance and last-minute replacements are difficult.
👉 Please confirm your participation only if you are sure.
Cancellation Charges:
- 60 to 45 days prior: 20% of total tour cost non-refundable
- 40 to 15 days prior: 50% of total tour cost non-refundable
- 14 to 0 days: 100% non-refundable
❗ No refund for NO SHOWS
📅 Upcoming Dates
- May 14, 2026 to May 20, 2026
- 5 – 14 July 2026
💰 Pricing
- ₹75,000 per person
- Twin sharing basis
- Small group experience
👥 Limited Seats
⚠️ Only 6 participants per batch
👉 This ensures:
- Personal attention
- Better photography guidance
- Flexibility during shoots
🔥 Why You Should Book Now
- Peak season dates get fully booked early
- Limited accommodations in remote locations
- Small group = very limited availability
👉 Most participants book 2–4 months in advance
📸 What You’ll Gain
- Milky Way & astrophotography experience
- Landscape + culture photography
- Hands-on guidance throughout the tour
- A strong portfolio from Ladakh
💳 Easy Booking
- ₹20,000 to reserve your seat
- Balance payment 45 days before tour
👉 Ready to Join?
📩 Enquire Now
Get full details, availability, and quick response
Directly connect for faster communication
⚡ Final Reminder
⏳ Seats fill quickly every season
👥 Small group = high demand
👉 If you’re serious about photographing Ladakh, this is the time to secure your spot.
Any Questions - Contact us on Whatsapp
Note: If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you.
PICTURES FROM Photo tour to Ladakh - Zanskar Valley June 2026
Video
FAQ
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to be physically fit to join this trip?
The journey is primarily by SUVs, with minimal physically intensive activity.
The only moderate activity is the Phugtal Monastery trek, which is optional. If you are not comfortable, you may choose to skip it.
However, since we will be traveling at high altitudes, it is advisable to consult your doctor before the trip.
2. Is this trip only for photographers?
Not at all. This experience is open to anyone who enjoys travel, landscapes, and unique experiences.
While photography will be an important part of the journey, many non-photographers have joined our previous tours and enjoyed them just as much.
3. I have no knowledge of photography. Will I get guidance?
Yes, absolutely.
You will receive continuous guidance throughout the tour. Saurabh will assist you in understanding how to take compelling photographs, making the learning process simple, practical, and enjoyable.
You will learn while having fun along the way.
4. I don’t have a camera. Can I rent one?
Yes, cameras and lenses can be arranged on request, subject to availability.
5. Why is the tour priced the way it is?
Zanskar is a remote and logistically challenging region with very limited infrastructure.
- Road conditions are difficult, leading to higher vehicle maintenance
- We stay in moving camps for several nights
- A separate support vehicle travels ahead with cooks and camping equipment to ensure meals and camps are ready upon arrival
This level of planning ensures a smooth experience in an otherwise remote environment.
Additionally, Zanskar remains a less-explored destination, offering a rare and exclusive experience not many have had.
6. How much cash should I carry?
From the time you arrive until the end of the tour, there are no hidden expenses, and you will not need to use cash during the trip itself.
At the end of the tour, we collect a contribution to tip the driver and support staff.
If you plan to shop in Leh, you will need cash. While ATMs (SBI, ICICI, HDFC) are available in Leh market, they can often run out of cash due to tourist demand.
👉 It is recommended to carry sufficient cash. Around ₹10,000 is generally more than enough for personal expenses.
7. How cold will it be?
Expect cold conditions, especially during camping nights.
Temperatures can drop to around 0°C or lower, particularly at higher altitudes.
👉 Please carry adequate warm clothing, including insulated jackets and windproof layers, to stay comfortable.
Any Questions - Contact us on Whatsapp
Note: If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you.
⭐ Zanskar Photography Tour Reviews
🌟 Murray Goldschmidt, Australia
I traveled to Ladakh, India, late July to early August 2023 to join a photo tour led by Saurabh Chatterjee of SIA Photography.
Saurabh knows the region, its people and sights very well, having travelled to Ladakh for some 15 years, long before it became popularised for its diversity, beauty, and interest. The largest town in Ladakh is Leh where the tour commenced.
I was able to arrive a few days earlier and took the opportunity to travel with Saurabh to Diskit and the Nubra Valley sand dunes where we had a spectacularly clear and moonlit evening for astrophotography.
The road from Leh to Diskit uses the Khardungla pass, known as the highest motorable road in the world, passing through 18,380 ft. We got out only for a few moments to take a picture at the peak. Staying there for any length of time is uncomfortable.
This was definitely not a glamorous trip. The Himalayas are a high-altitude and harsh desert range. The population lives mainly in scattered small villages. The roads are generally very poor, although at the moment there is significant investment into infrastructure projects and construction is occurring everywhere.
While this is largely for the military needs to move convoys across the terrain, it does make the region more accessible for its locals and travelers. Given the isolation of this region, the largely Buddhist inhabitants tend towards self-sufficiency. Most of the villages are located in the valleys where the inhabitants plant trees and crops. The rest of the landscape is devoid of much other fauna and flora due to the desert conditions and hostile winters that can see temperatures in the -20's.
This was a most memorable trip because Saurabh took us places that really only local people know about. We stayed mainly in home-stays where we got to taste the authenticity of the region, its people and food.
If you are interested in a true experience of the region and the opportunity to learn while taking photos in a remarkable setting then this is the trip for you.
The Phuktal Monastery (Gompa) was a highlight. It is located in the remote Lungnak Valley in south-eastern Zanskar and remains one of the only Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh that can still only be reached only by foot.
We made a day trek to the monastery that pops out of the cliff like matchboxes. It owes its legacy to powerful and renowned scholars who resided in the cave, around which the monastery has been built, and has for long been a place for retreat, meditation, learning, and teaching.
While unplanned, our trip coincided with the local lama's trip through villages that culminated in a visit to the Phuktal Gompa and witnessed the fan fair, trumpets and traditional finery that the locals put on for such special events.
🌟 Aranya Sen, Entrepreneur, Hyderabad
Completed yet another wonderful photo tour to Zanskar with SIA Photography!
With camping every other day, astrophotography in the middle of cold nights, braving near-zero temperatures, and treks/hikes at high altitudes, this wasn't a leisurely trip by any means, but the experiences were absolutely incredible!
As always, having Ssaurabh as a lead made the trip - his years of experience of the terrain, people and culture prepared and motivated us to photograph the best moments.
Him taking care of everything let us appreciate the beauty of the landscapes without worrying about the logistics.
On-field photography knowledge sharing from him and the others helped me see and capture frames that I'd have missed otherwise!
Last but not least, a fun-filled photo tour such as this was possible because of the group with 4 other highly motivated and energetic individuals.
Can't thank everyone enough for making it such a memorable trip!
🌟 Rajendran Valappil, Cochin
I just returned from the 2022 Zanskar Valley Photography Tour with SIA Photography.
Ever since I heard about the beautiful Zanskar Valley couple of years ago, I had always wanted to visit the place. But then I was a bit apprehensive about the tour due to the high altitude, cold conditions, and rough roads.
However, after reading the reviews of the previous year’s participants and after talking with Saurabh, I decided to do the trip.
For me, this trip was once in a lifetime set of experiences. Traveling through the wild and beautiful valleys, snow-capped mountains, the high mountain passes, massive glaciers, village visits and interacting with the locals, visiting monasteries and monks, and viewing the milky way..
I had a great time shooting a variety of images.
Saurabh is an award-winning photographer and has travelled this route for years and shot images extensively in this region. But then the excitement with which he shoots the images at each location is as if he is seeing them for the first time.
He is a great mentor and teacher and a very humble and great human being.
📌 Why I Recommend This Tour:
- Carefully selected locations optimized for photography
- Small compact groups with great interaction and attention
- Flexibility to stop anywhere for photography
- Wide range of subjects – landscapes, glaciers, villages, Milky Way, star trails
- Individual attention and feedback
- Excellent logistics and arrangements
Thank you Saurabh for a great tour. I really had a wonderful time.
🌟 Sunil AK, IT Consultant, Bengaluru
I just completed an amazing trip to Zanskar valley organized by Saurabh.
Though it was a program that lasted for a week, not a single day we faced any hassles. Thanks to the well planned itinerary.
Each day seemed to be a new experience altogether capturing amazing pictures all along.
Enjoyed the camping experience and Astro-photography shoots—especially the late-night Milky Way captures.
Saurabh's detailed documentation ensured we were all equipped with the right clothing, camera accessories, and medicines.
Thanks a ton Saurabh, for being a great inspiring mentor throughout this journey.
🌟 Kishore Parhi, IT Consultant, Bangalore
Zanskar Valley - A hidden gem, no more
This is a mesmerizing place with beautifully coloured rivers, lush landscapes and centuries-old monasteries.
I still cannot forget:
- Trek to Phugtal monastery
- Drang Drung glacier
- Gonbo Rangjon
Saurabh is an incredible guide who pushes you to take amazing pictures.
Shooting the Milky Way and star trails with him is an experience everyone should have.
🌟 Vinaya Mathews, ex Banker, Mumbai
Zanskar Tour (June 2022)
Initially, I was nervous due to altitude, camping, and travel conditions.
But with full confidence in Saurabh, I joined—and the tour went smoothly and successfully.
Zanskar is unique for shapes, patterns, and textures of mountains—challenging but rewarding to photograph.
The highlights:
- Drang-Drung Glacier
- Gonbo Rangjon
- Phuktal Monastery
The biggest takeaway was the learning experience in photography, both day and night.
🌟 Diptesh Ghosh, West Bengal
Zanskar has always been a dream destination—remote, mysterious, and untouched.
The itinerary had experiences that are hard to replicate even on expensive curated trips.
Camping near Drang Drung glacier and witnessing the Milky Way was unforgettable.
We started as strangers and ended as friends with life-enriching experiences.
🌟 Santanu Majumder
Zanskar is an absolute delight for both adventure seekers and photographers.
The itinerary provided opportunities to shoot night sky in places rarely explored.
Excellent planning and logistics made the experience seamless.
🌟 Neeta Taskar, Thane
Saurabh arranges tours in some of the least travelled regions of Ladakh.
The tour was meticulously planned with endless photographic opportunities:
- Landscapes
- People
- Monasteries
- Milky Way
He is always ready to teach and guide.
🌟 Amarnath, Traveller
The breathtaking landscapes, clear skies, and monasteries made this trip unforgettable.
The experience was enriched by wonderful company and shared moments.
🌟 Amit Senegar, Financial Consultant
This photo tour provided great opportunities to learn and improve photography skills.
The Zanskar region is incredibly scenic with rich cultural diversity.
🌟 Aditi Jha, Photography Student
This was my first trip and I learned a lot—from camping to astrophotography settings.
Looking forward to more such tours.
🌟 Dr. Nirmal Jain, Indore
A fantastic tour including adventure, trekking, camping, star gazing and photography.
Would love to join more tours like this.
🌟 Ravindra Puntambekar, Indore
Zanskar valley is a hidden gem every photo lover must visit.
Highly recommend traveling with Saurabh.
🌟 Rajarshi Mitra, Mumbai
Ticked off a bucket list item.
Very well planned and executed.
🌟 Satish Kumar
A once in a lifetime experience.
The itinerary, locations, and planning were immaculate.
🌟 Udit Dugar
A fantastic trip with excellent mentoring and a well-planned itinerary.
🌟 Ranvijay Kumar
A great trip with memorable moments.
Everything from accommodation to travel was very well managed.
🌟 Sugato Chandra
A once in a lifetime experience.
The route planning, camping, and overall execution were excellent.
If you are unsure—just book the tour. You won’t regret it.
✅
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