Capturing the Night Sky: Zanskar Valley Landscape and Astro Photography Workshop

Nilakkhya Dutta
Oct 11
5 min read

The Zanskar Valley Landscape and Astro Photography Tour is an immersive exploration of one of the most remote and breathtaking regions of the Himalayas. Known for its rugged terrain, ancient monasteries, and dramatic mountain vistas, Zanskar offers unparalleled opportunities for capturing pristine landscapes framed by towering peaks, deep gorges, and serene glacial lakes. This tour also takes advantage of Zanskar's exceptionally clear and dark night skies, perfect for astrophotography enthusiasts eager to shoot the Milky Way and star-filled horizons far from light pollution. Highlights include iconic sites such as the Drang Drung Glacier, Phugtal Monastery, and the quaint villages of Padum and Rangdum, blending cultural richness with natural grandeur. Ideal for adventurers who seek both stunning daytime vistas and celestial wonders in one extraordinary photography experience.

Photography Partner for the Tour — Specialist in Landscape and Astro Photography

NILAKKHYA DUTTA

Nilakkhya Dutta, an Official Nikon Creator, is a well known Indian landscape photographer based in Delhi with over 14 years of experience in the field. His exceptional work has been featured across leading photography platforms and top magazines in India. Over the past four years, Nilakkhya has been conducting landscape and astrophotography workshops, sharing his deep knowledge and hands-on expertise with aspiring photographers and has hosted more than 250 clients both from India and worldwide.

Explore his complete portfolio at

:https://www.thescape.biz/founder-gallery-thescape

www.instagram.com/nilakkhya

Activities & Structure

Guided photography throughout the itinerary , targeting optimal light for photography.
On-field post-processing sessions, with image critique, style guidance, and camera setting assistance.
Group size: 7 to 9 participants, mentored by a professional landscape photographer.
Participants get access to high-end Nikon cameras, lenses, and Leofoto tripods; personal cameras, memory cards, and batteries are also advised.
Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in home stays, all meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 9 breakfast, and all permits included.
Pick up and Drop at Leh Airport.

Itinerary

Day 1 (May 16th): Pick up from Leh Airport. Hotel check in photography around Leh city . Introductory workshop session in the evening.
Day 2 (May 17th): Morning shoot around Leh city, drive to Suru Valley. Sunset and Astro photography of Nun Kun Peaks.
Day 3 (May 18th): After breakfast, drive to Rangdum, sunset and Astro shoot at Rangdum. Overnight in Rangdum.
Day 4 (May 19th): After breakfast, drive to Drang Drung Glacier . Sunset shoot at Drang Drung. Come back to Rangdum take rest and night go for Astro again. Early morning drive to Zangla.
Day 5 (May 20th): Reach Zangla. After lunch , sunset and Astro at Zangla.
Day 6 (May 21st): After Breakfast, drive to Gonbo Rangjon. Sunset and Astro at Gonbo. Overnight in Gonbo.
Day 7 (May 22nd): After breakfast, drive to Phugtal. Sunset and Astro at Phugtal. Overnight in Phugtal.
Day 8 (May 23rd): After Breakfast, drive to Leh. Overnight in Leh.
Day 9 (May 24th): After Breakfast, Airport Drop.

Fees & Booking:

₹62,000 per person (ex-Leh, twin share) + 5% GST; single supplement 30% extra.
Booking: ₹15,000 (+5%. GST) advance; balance ₹47,000 (+5%. GST) by Apr 01, 2026. Contact for Razorpay payment link (transaction charges apply).

Inclusions:

Accommodation on twin sharing, all transport, all meals (Day 1 Lunch to Day 9 Breakfast),make shift kitchen facility, permits, equipment use, photography guidance, post-processing, tour leader, and first aid.

Exclusions:

Transit to Leh, meals in transit, personal expenses, breakfast on day 1 dinner on day 9, mineral water bottles apart from complimentary ones, additional food/drinks, medical emergencies, and costs from unforeseen events.

Payment Policies:

50% refund of advance for cancellations ≥45 days pre-departure (by Apr 01, 2026); no refund after that.
Fee increase if minimum threshold of 7 participants not met.
Full refund if canceled by organizers for COVID, lockdowns, or insufficient sign-ups.
No refund of the GST component or flight costs. Refunds processed one month after tour ends.

Logistics and Tour Details:

This is a Landscape and Astro Photography Workshop, not a leisure trip; early morning wake-ups for shoots are mandatory, with rest expected as a group.
Consistent sleep and wake routines are followed to capture optimal light; adherence is required.
Twin sharing with strangers is common; participants should maintain a positive, adaptable attitude.
Meals are seasonal, often simple vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes based on availability.
Participants must set realistic expectations about the tour’s difficulty and focus on landscape photography.
Rules and guidelines must be followed; breaking them or causing negativity may lead to warnings or expulsion without refund.

Rules and Protocols:

Follow all wake/sleep times strictly to avoid missing key photography opportunities at sunrise and sunset.
Allow others to finish shots before capturing the same scene; avoid obstructing fellow photographers.
Conflicts should be reported to organizers for resolution.
Use hotel or travel partner support channels for logistical issues; escalate to organizers if unresolved.
Littering is prohibited; all waste must be disposed of properly.
Handle all camera and Nikon-provided equipment responsibly; damages will be charged to the participant.
Daily image review sessions encourage constructive feedback acceptance.
Venturing away from the group is at one’s own risk; organizers are not liable for incidents.
Personal visits/tourist activities during the workshop are discouraged.
In case of skipped destinations due to uncontrollable factors, alternatives will be provided; extra costs borne by participants.

Winter Photography Precautions

Only mentally and physically resilient individuals should participate due to harsh conditions and extreme cold (below -10°C).
Communal Heated areas are provided in accommodations; use hot water bags, hand/feet warmers to stay warm while sleeping.
Wear layered woolens, thermals, down jackets, gloves, and woolen socks for protection.
Stay hydrated and monitor health consistently.
Oxygen Supplements and first aid kits are available, but personal fitness and warmth are essential.
Itinerary can change due to unpredictable weather and snow, with tour location closures a possibility.
Respect the tour leader’s decisions; refunds are not possible for weather-related changes.
Approach the tour with determination and passion for a rewarding photography experience despite the challenges.

Participants and Refunds:

Minimum 7 participants required; if not met, tour proceeds with additional per participant cost.
No refund if a participant leaves unexpectedly; participants cover return transportation costs.

Equipment and Companions:

Participants must bring one DSLR/mirrorless camera with wide and telephoto lenses; tripod and filters, plus ample memory cards and batteries.
Non-photographers or art appreciators can join for sightseeing but must pay full fees and respect the group’s pace.

Age and Usage Rights:

Recommended for participants 15 years and above; children under 15 not allowed.
By joining, participants permit thEscape to use photos or artwork captured by or of them with proper credit for promotional use.

Behavioral and Safety Policies:

Misconduct, property damage, sexual harassment, or substance abuse leads to immediate expulsion without refund; participants cover return costs.
Respect towards staff and fellow travelers is mandatory; repeated offenses have serious consequences.
Psychotropic drugs are prohibited; smoking allowed with consideration to others.
Odd male-female ratios in room sharing will be managed to avoid opposite-sex twin-sharing.

Additional Terms:

Tour requires flexibility; itinerary is a guide and may be changed due to weather, government rules, or force majeure.
Participants must arrive in Leh by 1PM on start date or be considered no-shows without refund.
Pricing may adjust due to external factors but confirmed bookings retain current rates.
Medical and travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Government ID checks and indemnity bond with Aadhar card required before tour.
Participants acknowledge risks such as accidents, illness, political instability, or natural disasters, accepting liability as per Indian law.