Tour Dates
24th Oct- 27th Oct, 2024
Duration
3 Nights /4 Days
Group Size
Min 6 pax | Max 10 pax
Tour Price
Rs.32, 000/-
(Dual Occupancy)
Singalila Photo Tour
Singalila National Park is located on the Singalila Ridge, in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is well known for the trekking route to Sandakphu that runs through it. Sandakphu is the highest peak of the Singalila Ridge situated at the border of Nepal and India. We will learn Landscape and Astrophotography techniques like Startrail and milkyway photography.
Special Note: The visibility of Milkyway totally depends upon the weather conditions, as the weather has become unpredictable in recent years.
01
Star filled night skies
02.
Panoramic views of the Himalayas (including Mt. Everest, Mt, Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Makalu)
03.
Golden Hour shots with first light or days last light falling on Mt. Kanchenjunga/ Mt. Everest
04.
Off-camera flash self portraits
05.
Light painting techniques with Milkyway Photography
06.
Complete advance Milkyway editing workflow
07.
A high quality printed guide book
If you are fascinated by unique landscape, night sky objects and Milkyway this tour is designed for you. This is a mid-level photo tour, which covers Landscape and Advance Nightscape photography with advance editing techniques. This tour is the right choice for you if you want to build a strong portfolio of Singalila region.
Even if you are a beginner you can join this tour as we have ‘Personal Pre Tour Support’ which clears all level of difficulties before we begin the tour. Individuals who are not photographers but avid nature-lover can also join our photography Tour to experience nature at its purest form.
Ashish Kamble is a professional photographer and educator working in photography industry since 2009 (14 years). He has trained more than 900 students (B.M.M & B.A.F.T.N.M.P) in his teaching career as a visiting faculty in colleges affiliated under Mumbai University and in his own Institution ‘LotusBeam School of Photography’. His teaching experience helps every tour participant to clear their doubts from basic to advance level.
Soumya Banerjee is an award-winning Astro-photographer who has mastered Astro Photography with unique style. He specializes in wide field deep sky objects with landscape creating unique Nightscape.
To add further support we have specially designed a Personal Pre Tour Support policy at no additional cost. Our maximum group size is 10 participants for this tour, which allows us to give personal individual attention throughout the tour. Our mentor Soumya Banerjee has explored Singalila National Park at ground level and is familiar with the locals and locations which will help us to get the perfect shot. We try our level best to create artistic images by adding off-camera flash or light painting technique, which helps our participants to create distinct looking images. We also cover advance post processing session which is an essential part of astrophotography as it helps the participants to bring their visuals into reality. We make sure that you go back with a satisfying powerful portfolio.
Important points to consider before joining this photo tour:
1) Manevanjan Landrover association gives cars turn wise so it is not possible to confirm beforehand which car Landrover/Bolero will be available in your tour.
2) Breakdown of vehicle on the way to Tumling, Sandakphu,Aal. will result in waiting till such time until the vehicle is repaired because there will be no alternate arrangement.
3) Water crisis is a major issue so be very cautious about the use of Water. “Waste not, Want not” Hot water will be served on a chargeable basis. It is advisable to carry your own hot water flask.
4) Room Heater or Geyser is not available anywhere in this route.
5) Food will be provided as per the menu of the hotel/home stay which includes chicken, egg, daal, rice, vegetables, maggi, bread, khichdi & tea. Fish will not be available.
6) ELECTRICITY load shedding is a common phenomena on this route with limited power backup so please be patient if this happens.
7) Consumption of alcohol/foreign liquor in excess may lead to health hazards as this is a high altitude Photo Tour, so be cautious.
8) Be respectful with the hotel staff and vehicle driver as they are the only one who could help us out in such remote areas.
Pre-Tour
If you are a complete beginner in photography and you want to clear your technical doubts, a personal 1-1 meeting will be arranged via phone call if requested by you. If you still don’t feel confident, then an online video call will be arranged to clear all your doubts and we will make sure you are technically prepared for the tour.
Post-Tour
After the tour finishes if you have any further doubts related to post processing we provide 3 hours 1-1 personal online support to clear all your doubts on prior appointment basis to every individual participant. Once a part of Indian Photo Expeditions, you get a life time support to clear your general doubts related to photography on prior appointment basis.
Ashish Kamble
Tour Mentor
An award-winning photographer and photography educator based in Mumbai, India. He specialises in Astrophotography and off-camera flash portraits. Read more about Ashish on his website.
SOUMYA BANERJEE
Tour Mentor
Winner of “Aperture Indian Astrophotographer of the Year” in 2023 conducted by Astronomads Bangla. His images have been featured in multiple international platforms like AAPOD2, Astronomy.com and EPOD. Additionally, Soumya’s work has been showcased in numerous landscape, travel and astrophotography exhibitions across West Bengal, India, presenting viewers with the beauty and wonder of this planet and cosmos.
By Air
Nearest Airport is Bagdogra which is about 10 Kilometres away from Siliguri.
By Train
Nearest Railway station is NJP Junction with good connectivity from all major cities of West Bengal and India, viz. Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Several expresses, as well as super-fast trains are available to and from NJP.
By Road
National Highways 10 and 34 passes through Siliguri and is connected to all parts of the country by good roads. Private Buses ply to all the major places such as Kolkata, Patna, Jhansi, Gorakhpur and Guwahati among others.
Day 1:
NJP/Bagdogra→ Manebhanjyang → Tumling (Altitude: 10,000 ft)
Pickup from NJP railway station and Bagdogra Airport will be arranged at around 7:00 AM. We’ll start our journey towards Tumling by car by 8:30 AM. To reach Tumling it takes around 5-6hrs drive. We will have to change cars in Manebhanjyang where the Singalila National Park entry and permits are provided. It is compulsory to reach Manebhanjan before 1PM before the gates close.
Once we reach Tumling, we will meet before lunch for a round of introduction and orientation, where Mentors will brief the group on the entire schedule for the day, what to expect over days to come, how to shoot etc.
Day 2:
SANDAKPHU (Altitude: 11,930 ft)
After first morning light with Kangchenjunga range from Tumling, we will head back to Tumling hotel for breakfast. At around 9:00am we will start our journey towards Sandakphu, which is a 3-4 hours drive.
Day 3:
TUMLING (Altitude: 10,000 ft)
After sunrise shoot in Kangchenjunga range/Everest range from Sandakphu we will head back to Sandakphu hotel for breakfast. We will start our journey towards Tumling, which is a 3-4hrs drive.
Day 4:
NJP / BAGDOGRA (400 ft)
Today we will start our return journey to NJP or Bagdogra Airport after breakfast. Lunch will be provided enroute. We request you to book your train or flight tickets after 4pm.
Min 6 pax and Max 10 pax
Rs. 32,000
- All meals, starting from Day 1 lunch to Day 4 Breakfast
- All local transportation required during the tour
- Entry tickets & Inline permit fees
- Photography mentorship fees
- Mineral water bottle
- Additional beverages, snacks etc.
- Travel from your location to Bagdogra Airport / NJP Station and Bagdogra Airport / NJP Station to your home location.
- If you are reaching one day earlier then overnight stay at NJP/Siliguri hotel is not included.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the Inclusion list
TOOLS/GEAR REQUIRED BY PARTICIPANTS:·
- DSLR or Mirror less camera
- Sturdy Tripod
- Wide angle lens, Telephoto lens (Optional)
- Wired / Wireless Camera trigger (Optional)
THINGS TO CARRY:
- Personal hygiene and care products, Medicines, warm clothes etc.
- Three layer of winter clothing, gloves, winter / woollen cap etc. You can call us to clarify on clothing layers required for this tour.
₹ 18,000/- needs to be paid to book your seat
₹ 14,000/- needs to be paid 15 days prior to the tour starting date
CANCELLATION POLICY:
- 75% refund of full fees if cancellation is made 45 days prior to the date of the tour.
- 50% refund of full fees if cancellation is made 30 days prior to the date of the tour.
- 25% refund of full fees if cancellation is made 20 days prior to the date of the tour.
- NO refund if cancellation is made 15 days prior to the date of the tour.
1) Is the price negotiable?
The tour pricing has been finalised after considering the logistics, thus the pricing is final and not negotiable.
2) Is this a luxury Tour?
As our tour will cover some of the most remotest areas of Singalila, we cannot expect luxury. If you are looking for luxurious tour we won’t recommend this tour as it involves staying in hotels with basic amenities. This tour is designed for serious photography enthusiasts who are willing to explore the off beats locations even is harsh conditions. Due to bad road conditions possibility of car breakdown is high, so waiting time to reach our destination increases.
3) What type of food will be served?
We offer Veg and Non-Veg food on our tour. No morning bed tea available before 7am. Please carry own water flask for hot water.
4) What will be our mode of transport?
In Singalia National Park we have to travel by vehicles which are provided only by local Union thus the mode of transport available is Balero or Landrover, depending upon the availability while booking.
5) What about accommodation?
We will be staying in decent hotels and homestay – for astrophotography we have to travel to remote villages, the stay options are basic but comfortable. Singalila National Park is one of the most remote areas of India, so we cannot expect the same accommodation which we are used to in metropolitan city.
6) Does it involve hiking or trekking?
Our vehicle will drive you till the photography spot which doesn’t require any long trekking or hiking. But it might include small hikes to nearby areas to find better composition. We personally don’t recommend individuals to wander alone far from the our hotel. But just incase if you liked some near by location you can do small hike at your own risk, we won’t be involved in any type of additional support in whatsoever circumstances.
7) How are the road conditions?
We will travel on tarmac roads and very bad roads. Majority of places have off road conditions. If you have any health issues please consult your physician.
8) Can any one join your tour?
This tour covers many scenic spots, so if you are an avid nature-lover and stargazer you will get to experience the nature at its purest form. But the complete tour is designed from photographers perspective, as the priority is photography.
9) Is two day acclimatisation required for Singalila Photo tour?
No acclimatisation is required for this tour.
10) Does it really get cold at night?
The average temperature in Singalila National Park in October ranges between 0 degree Celsius to 10 degree Celsius. Nights temperature can go down below 0 degrees Celsius. Due to the chilly weather, you need to carry warm clothes, ideally 3 layers and take appropriate precaution. You may not be able to take bath for 2-3 days due to the cold temperatures.
11) Does one needs to be fit to join your tour?
A minimum level of fitness is essential as we travel at a height of 3636 meters above sea level. If you’re unsure of your fitness or suffer from chronic altitude sickness or a known illness, please consult your physician before signing up for this Tour.
12) The Mentor can communicate in which languages?
Hindi, English, Bengali and Marathi.
Participant(s)/Guardians should understand the risks involved in any long journey activities before enrolling.
- In case of any medical emergency while on tour, any expenses for the arrangements, medical treatment, will be solely borne by the participant.
- If a participant is found trying to make any changes in the existing itinerary or found misbehaving with any one will be asked to leave at his own expense. No refund will be initiated.
- Incase of road block/traffic or bad weather conditions there will be change in the itinerary which be will made only by the organiser. In such circumstances no refund will be initiated.
- During the Workshop, the decision of authorised representative of Indian Photo Expeditions shall be final and binding on all participants.
- Be courteous to your mentor and other participants for hassle free tour experience. If you experience any discomfort please share with the mentor, we will try our level best to solve it if it is in our capacity.
- The participant should make the payment only once he has gone through all terms and conditions and is willing to abide by them.
- In case of any injury, sickness, accident, death or any other casualty or loss or damage of valuables or luggage or any equipment; organisers, volunteers or experts or any other person involved wholly or partially, either individually or jointly with Indian Photo Expeditions shall not be responsible in any manner for the same and no claims of participants, parents, guardians, relatives or friends of participants will be entertained.
SMOKING AND ALCOHOL
- As it gets very cold at night moderate consumption of alcohol during leisure time is allowed during the tour. We personally recommend to avoid consumption of alcohol as it is a high altitude tour which has its own challenges. Smoking in your leisure time is allowed, but strictly prohibited when on field with other participants or in common room.
- Possession of illegal drugs, weapons and other illegal substances is strictly prohibited during the tour. If found breaking this Rule, participant will be expelled from the Workshop/Tour and NO REFUND will be provided