Padder Valley, a hidden gem in the Indian Himalayas, offers breathtaking opportunities for landscape and astro photography. Intent of the trek is to capture the majestic Barnaj, Spear, and Agyasol peaks rising dramatically against the sky with the lush meadows, adorned with vibrant wildflowers and the tranquil lakes creating a picturesque foreground complementing the towering mountains. Our group is going to be the first organised group from outside of the region to explore this place and hence the images made will be the most exclusive ones.
Photography Partner for the Tour Specialising in Landscape Photography
NILAKKHYA DUTTA
Nilakkhya, an Official Nikon Creator is a published Landscape Photographer of India from Delhi and has been in the photography arena for the last 11 years. To talk of some of his accomplishments, he has been published on all major platforms of photography including some of the top photography magazines of India. Above all he has been leading Landscape and Astro Photography Workshops for 3 years now and holds a rich experience in teaching the concepts to the participants. For his complete set of works, do visit
Tour Highlights
A landscape photographer will mentor groups of 6 to 8 participants, with spots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to guarantee personal attention.
An exclusive 6-night, 7-day trek meticulously planned to reach the best vantage points for landscape photography.
Engage in the concept of Travel, Share, and Learn about Landscape Photography with Nilakkhya Dutta. Nilakkhya is an experienced landscape photographer known for showcasing the purest form of a place's beauty. Nilakkhya, a published photographer in various platforms and magazines worldwide, will guide the group and has been now conducting workshops for the last 4 years across India.
Participants will have the chance to use the latest high-end Nikon cameras and lenses, as Nikon is our equipment partner.
Post-processing sessions will be conducted on-field every evening after photography sessions, with additional online sessions if required. Participants will be encouraged to develop their own style and vision, rather than imitating others, fostering individual artistic growth.
The journey begins in Jammu, where participants will be transported in a comfortable Tempo Traveler to Gulabgarh, concluding with a drop-off at Jammu airport. Jammu boasts excellent flight and road connections, and services for airport pick-up and drop-off are available.
Accommodation in Gulabgarh will be provided in a guest house on a twin sharing basis.
Throughout the trek, accommodation will be provided in High Altitude Tents, shared by two people, along with Sleeping Bags and Mattresses.
Provision of a toilet tent.
Provision of Medical Kit.
Stools for Camping, Lighting, Dining Areas, Kitchen Tents.
Service of an experienced professional Trek Leader.
Porters/Horses will carry each participant's backpack of clothes, with a maximum weight of 10 kg per participant.
Generator/Solar Charger facility to charge camera batteries.
All required Permits of the Trek.
We guarantee top-tier food facilities. Our participants will dine at the home stay, and during the trek, our kitchen staff, operating a makeshift kitchen, will accompany us. A highly skilled professional chef will prepare breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner, primarily offering vegetarian options.
All Cutlery, Kitchen Tent with Cook and Helpers.
All meals are included, specifically Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks, and Dinner, beginning with Dinner on Day 1 and ending with Breakfast on Day 7.
Strict adherence to COVID protocols will be ensured, following the guidelines of the state of Jammu at the time of the tour.
Detailed Itinerary Day Wise
19th July - Day - 1 (Saturday) - Upon arrival in Jammu, participants will be transferred to Gulabgarh (410 kms) in a Tempo Traveler in ten hours . Participants are expected to reach Jammu by 9AM . Evening is spent giving a theoretical workshop on Landscape and Astro Landscape Photography in Gulabgarh.
20th July - Day - 2 (Sunday) - After Breakfast, we start our journey to the base of the trek and trek for 4-5 kms. Overnight in camps.
21st July - Day - 3 (Monday) - After Breakfast, we start our trek to Base Camp of Barnaj(3500M) for 7-8 kms. Overnight in camps.
22nd July - Day - 4 (Tuesday) - Today we explore the base camp area only for photography. Overnight in Camps.
23rd July - Day - 5 (Wednesday) - On this day, we trek down and set up our camps to capture the beauty of Spear and Agyasol Peaks. Overnight in Camps.
24th July - Day -6 (Thursday) - On this day, after breakfast we trek down to raodhead and take the vehicle for Gulabgarh. Overnight in Guest House.
25th July - Day - 7 (Friday) - After breakfast, we start our long drive back to Jammu and drop the participants at Jammu Airport by 6PM. Tour Concludes.
Package Cost
Rs. 40,000 per person
(Jammu to Jammu Twin sharing in Tents and Hotels)
Prices quoted above are exclusive of GST of 5%.
Single Supplement - On Request
Inclusions
All accommodations at Gulabgarh on twin sharing basis on Day 1 and Day 6.
All accommodations during the trek and camping in High Altitude Tents on twin Sharing Basis.
Porters/Horses carrying backpack of participants of not more than 10 kgs for each member.
Transfer from Gulabgarh to Trek Starting point and back in a vehicle.
All Permits of Trek
All Breakfast, Lunch Evening Tea and Dinner from Day 1 of Tour to Day 7. (Breakfast and Lunch on Day 1 and Lunch and Dinner on Day 8 is not included)
Packed Lunch during trek.
Facility of Cook with his helper and Make Shift Kitchen with all necessary raw materials.
Dining Tent, Camping Stools.
Kitchen Tent for mess purpose.
Cook, Helper and support staff.
All cutlery
Sleeping Bags, Mattresses.
Facility of Toilet Tent.
Services of an experienced trek leader and a local guide for whole trek.
First Aid kit.
Oxygen Cylinder
Facility of Charging Camera Batteries through Generator/Solar Charging facility during the trek.
Photography Assistance for day time Landscapes and Night Astro scape on all days with image critique.
Experiencing Nikon high end Z series cameras and lenses.
Making participants understand the settings of the camera for capturing the scape.
Online post processing session to participant.
Exclusions
Travel to Jammu and return travel from Jammu to your location.
In transit stay and meals during the travel from your location to Jammu and Jammu to your location.
Porter Facility if someone wants one for carrying their Camera Bag.
Breakfast & Lunch on Day 1 and Lunch and Dinner on Day 7.
Any additional meal expenses incurred during the tour, such as delayed meals due to photography or travel requirements, where participants opt to purchase food from an external source.
Personal expenses like tips, laundry, or similar.
Costs of any food or beverages purchased by participants during travel between locations.
Mineral water bottles. (We recommend participants to avoid plastic bottles and carry their own refillable insulated bottles).
Additional expenses for extra food or beverages, excluding hard drinks at high altitudes, which are not encouraged for participants.
Any medical emergency costs for participants.
Any additional costs incurred due to unforeseen circumstances like civil unrest, weather disruptions, or other events beyond our control that result in an increased duration of the tour.
FAQ's
1. What are the terms of Payment and Booking Procedure?
Booking Amount - Rs. 10,000 +5% GST(Rs. 500) = Rs. 10,500 at the Time of Confirmation.
Final Payment - Rs. 30,000 +5% GST(Rs. 1500) = Rs. 31,500 45 days before the Departure Day, i.e. by 4th June, 2025.
The prices mentioned above include a 5% GST and may be adjusted in case of any change in the GST rate due to a government directive. An invoice will be issued for every payment made by the participants.
If you wish to make a booking using the Razorpay Payment Gateway, kindly contact us to receive a payment link. Please note that gateway charges of 2% of the transaction fee plus 18% GST on that 2% amount will apply.
2. What is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?
If a cancellation is made 60 days before the Departure date, specifically on or before May 19th, 2025, a 50% refund of the Advance Amount will be provided.
Cancellations made between 60 days before the departure date and 45 days before the Departure date, meaning between May 19th, 2025 and June 4th, 2025, will result in No Refund of the Advance Amount.
If a cancellation is made between 45 days before the departure date and the Departure Date, i.e., between June 4th, 2025 and July 19th, 2025, there will be No Refund of the Full Amount of the Trip (assuming the final payment was made by June 4th, 2025).
Participants who do not make the final payment by June 4th, 2025, and cancel their participation between June 4th, 2025, and July 19th, 2025, will receive No Refund of the Advance Amount.
In the event of a trip cancellation by the organizer due to a surge in Covid cases, a lockdown, or a participant testing positive in RTPCR, a Full Refund of the Advance Amount or Full Payment will be issued. The organizer will not withhold any amount, although participants may choose to keep the amount as a deposit for a future trip with thEscape.
If there are less than 6 participants enrolled, there will be an Increased cost per participant or a Full Refund of the tour amount if the cancellation is due to insufficient enrolments by the organisers.
In the case of a cancellation by the organizer for ANY reason (including insufficient participants, reasons beyond control, or others), there will be No Refund of the flight charges booked by the participants. Participants are advised to book flights with zero cancellation policies. Those uncertain about the tour status can contact thEscape up to 30 days before the tour starts.
If a participant fails to deposit the full tour amount by the specified date, their seat will be opened for others to enroll. The deposited advance will be forfeited and not refunded. However, if the participant finds a replacement, the amount will be adjusted accordingly.
The GST component of any payments made will not be refunded in any scenario mentioned above.
Any potential refunds from the organiser will be processed one month after the tour ends, by August 25th, 2025.
3. What are the precautions to be kept in mind as it is trekking tour and photography during a trek becomes difficult as one gets tired during a trek?
Firstly, a Landscape Photography Trek aimed at capturing stunning landscapes is designed for participants who are both mentally and physically resilient. We prefer participants with prior trekking experience, but we are open to beginners since this trek does not require technical skills. However, a strict prerequisite is the participant's physical fitness, given that it is a High Altitude trek. Each participant will have the assistance of porters to carry loads not exceeding 10 kg, allowing photographers to avoid carrying heavy gear beyond their camera bags and tripods. This enables them to move at a leisurely pace, focusing on capturing landscapes. With the excellent hospitality provided by my travel partners during this trek, I am confident participants will succeed and create remarkable images. As the saying goes, "If there is a WILL, there is a WAY." Therefore, mental strength combined with physical fitness is essential for this photography trek. Additionally, weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable, which may necessitate changes to the itinerary or skipping certain locations to ensure participants' well-being. The tour leader's decision will be final, and the team must comply with it. No refunds will be issued in such cases. We will embark on this tour with determination and passion, and I am sure the team will achieve great success and produce outstanding Landscape Photography content on this trek.
4. What to expect in terms of Logistic Support? How difficult it is going to be and is there any itinerary clause?
This tour is a Landscape and Astro Landscape Photography Trek, classified as a Photography Workshop for participants rather than Leisure travel or a vacation. Please review the following points to understand what to expect and the tour's level of difficulty:
The focus is on locations, requiring travel throughout the day. Nights are dedicated to Astro Photography, making sleep secondary at times. Participants should rest during assigned group times.
Except for factors beyond our control, we aim to maintain sleep and wake times to capture the right light for Photography. Participants should adhere to this schedule.
This is a group tour, and participants will often share rooms and tents with strangers. Respect for this arrangement is expected.
Accommodations during the trek will be in tents, as it is a camping tour. Participants should be prepared for a wilderness experience.
Toilets will be dry (pit on the ground) inside toilet tents.
Food will be basic, especially in remote locations or depending on the season, primarily simple vegetarian dishes. The menu is decided by travel partners who understand the terrain and available materials.
Temperatures may drop to sub-zero or lower during night Astro Photography. Participants should be mentally prepared and bring appropriate clothing for such conditions.
If the itinerary changes due to circumstances beyond our control, such as roadblocks or sea disturbances, participants should understand and accept these changes.
Please note that participants should have appropriate expectations and understand the tour's difficulty level. The tour is solely for Landscape and Astro Landscape Photography. Anyone not adhering to these guidelines and creating a negative environment for other participants, the group leader, or the local support system will receive a warning and may be expelled from the tour without a fee refund. Join this tour with a strong and open mindset to succeed in Landscape and Astro Landscape Photography.
5. What are the rules and the protocols to be followed during the course of the tour?
During the trip, the group leaders in the cabs will decide when to stop for photography. Participants can take photos from their windows, but if stopping and getting out is necessary, the leaders will make that decision.
The group leaders will inform participants of the time allocated for taking photos after leaving the vehicle, based on the scene. Everyone must adhere to the given times. If it's 10 minutes, return to the vehicle in 10 minutes; if more time is given, then take more time. Rest assured, ample time will be provided to capture each scene.
Participants must follow the wake-up and sleep times set by the group leaders and wake up independently. Missing the time means missing photography opportunities, and the leaders won't be responsible. Capturing the right light for sunrise and sunset is crucial on this photography tour.
While photographing, ensure not to step into each other's frame. If someone wants to capture the same scene, allow the first person to finish before taking your turn.
No disputes among participants during the tour. If any issues arise, whether related to photography or not, bring them to us for resolution.
For logistical needs, participants should follow the usual procedure of contacting the hotel helpdesk or the Travel Partner during the trek. If they are unresponsive or the issue persists, contact us for assistance.
Do not litter plastic bottles, wrappers, or any materials during the tour. Carry them back to hotels or dispose of them properly at designated places.
Handle camera equipment with care, including cameras, lenses, tripods, and memory cards. Each participant is responsible for their belongings. If anyone damages equipment provided by Nikon India, they will bear the cost.
During the evening chitchat sessions, we will review each participant's photos. Please accept feedback positively and use it to improve.
No alcohol is allowed during the trek.
Remember that the travel and accommodation will be somewhat unconventional and challenging, with photography as the main focus. Meals and other facilities like tent setup might not be on schedule, though the travel partners will strive to be timely. Participants should understand this, as negativity or complaints can disrupt the positive atmosphere and hinder the photography experience.
Participants wishing to take photos away from the group do so at their own risk, and any incidents will not be the responsibility of thEscape and its associates.
Personal visits typically made by tourists are discouraged, as this tour is focused on landscape photography.
If any destination in the itinerary is skipped due to uncontrollable factors like roadblocks or weather, we will provide suitable alternatives. Any additional costs will be the responsibility of the participants.
6. What are the minimum and maximum participant requirements, and what is the consequence if the minimum number of participants is not met for the tour?
We require a minimum of 6 participants for the tour. If the minimum number is not met, we will proceed with the tour but there will be an additional cost per participant.
7. What happens if a participant needs to leave the trip due to an emergency? Will the fee be refunded, and arrangements be made for their return to Jammu and their destination?
If a participant needs to leave the trip unexpectedly, there will be no refund provided. Additionally, the participant will be responsible for covering the cost of arranging transportation back to Jammu and their original destination.
8. What Photography Equipment are participants expected to bring?
The trip is primarily a Landscape Photography tour, but it also welcomes individuals interested in creating art in the mountains through painting or creative writing for potential publication in an anthology. Camera equipment expected from all participants:
One DSLR/Mirrorless camera with wide and telephoto lenses
Tripod
Filters for those interested in Long Exposures: ND10 and ND6 and Polariser
Memory Cards
Shutter Release remote, particularly for Long Exposures
L-bracket for those wanting to capture vertical long exposures and panoramas
While this is a comprehensive list, it is not mandatory for everyone to carry all items. Participants interested in simple landscape photography during golden and blue hours, as well as learning Astro photography, can bring a DSLR/Mirrorless, lenses, and a tripod. For long exposures, filters and a shutter release remote are essential.
Given that this is a trek to remote areas with unreliable electricity, photographers are advised to bring extra battery sets in case their batteries deplete. An extension board for additional chargers would also be useful if participants choose to bring one. To prevent batteries from losing charge in the cold, participants can keep them close to their body inside their clothing. For painters and writers, it is expected that they bring their creative supplies, such as notebooks, pens, painting sheets or canvases, colors, etc.
9. Can a participant bring a Non-Photographer Friend or Companion or a Non-Photographer or a Non-Artist Join?
We welcome two types of individuals: those who have a passion for Landscape Photography and those who appreciate art. Additionally, if someone wishes to join the tour for sightseeing purposes, they are also welcome, provided they adhere to the following conditions:
There will be no reduction in the fee cost.
Photography and art tours proceed at a leisurely pace, with frequent stops for artistic endeavors. Non-art participants are expected to be respectful of the artists' time and adjust to their pace.
10. What level of fitness is necessary for this trip? Does it involve Trekking or Long Walks?
Anyone visiting the Himalayas should possess a basic level of fitness to manage daily activities during the tour. Since this is a trekking tour, participants must be physically fit without any conditions that might be triggered by high-altitude walking. The treks last 6-7 hours, and participants should be mentally and physically prepared for this. Besides maintaining a basic fitness level, individuals are expected to manage their own medication during the trip and bring enough to prevent any mishaps. If any issues arise, they should rest and proceed at a pace suitable for their body. Participants should also bring their medical and first aid kits. It is the participant's responsibility to inform the staff of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disabilities that could affect their ability to travel on this trip.
11. What Age Group is Suitable for the Trip and Can Participants Bring Children?
Given that this is an Art trip focused on Photography, it is recommended to bring children only if they can keep up with the pace of the trip and appreciate the artists' attention to detail. Children under 16 years old will not be permitted on the tour due to its high altitude and artistic focus.
12. Will the organizers use the photos taken by the participants or of the participants for Promotional Purposes?
Yes, by signing up for the trip, participants also agree to allow thEscape to use certain images captured of or by them, as well as any artwork, with proper credit given to the artists, on their website and social media platforms.
13. Under what circumstances does the organizer have the right to cancel a member's participation during the trip?
If any participant engages in misbehavior or misconduct during the trip, such as causing distress to fellow travelers, damaging property, sexual harassment, or any form of misconduct, they will be removed from the trip without a refund and will be responsible for their own return costs. The Group Leader's decision is final in these cases to maintain the group's reputation. Participants are expected to be respectful to hotel staff, drivers, and support personnel. Disrespectful behavior towards them will result in a warning from the group leader, with repeated offenses leading to expulsion from the tour. We have a strict policy against misbehavior under the influence of alcohol. Participants should maintain discipline and avoid spreading negativity among fellow travelers. Violations will result in warnings and potential expulsion from the tour without a refund, with the participant covering their return expenses.
14. In the event that odd numbers result from the Male Female Ratio when assigning twin sharing to participants, what should be done?
If this situation arises, the organizer will provide the most suitable solution, ensuring that twin sharing is never allocated to individuals of the opposite sex.
15. Is there any Mobile connectivity in the region?
Mobile connectivity will be only available till Gulabgarh with only Jio and Airtel workable.
16. What is the total number of individuals accompanying the tour participants?
Nilakkhya will be the photography partner, in addition to the support staff.
17. Policy on the Use of Psychotropic Substances, Alcohol, and Smoking During the Tour
The use of psychotropic substances (drugs) is strictly prohibited during the tour. Anyone found in possession of or consuming these substances will be immediately dismissed from the tour. Smoking is permitted, but participants are asked to ensure that it does not disturb others. For those who have not opted for a Single Supplement, it is recommended that all participants discuss smoking with their roommates. Alcohol consumption is allowed, and it is advised to drink in moderation that suits one's tolerance levels without causing any issues.
18. Are there any other Terms and Conditions that need to be considered?
It is essential for participants to understand that this is a photography tour, requiring a degree of flexibility. The daily itinerary serves as a general guide only, and we cannot be held liable for delays due to factors such as international or domestic flight issues, strikes, government regulations, weather conditions, or natural disasters. In such instances, we will offer suitable alternatives through mutual agreement, with any additional costs to be covered by the participants.
If a participant fails to arrive in Jammu by 10 AM on July 19th, 2025, it will be assumed that they have canceled the tour, resulting in a "No Show" status with no refund provided.
We reserve the right to adjust pricing on our website due to external factors beyond our control. However, we strive to maintain the current rates. Minor increases in hotel prices or related expenses will not affect confirmed bookings made with a deposit.
We strongly advise participants to obtain medical and unforeseen event insurance before embarking on this or any trip.
The tour dates and itinerary are fixed, tailored for Landscape Photography needs, with no alterations possible to accommodate individual preferences.
Participants must adhere to photography restrictions in certain areas and present government-issued IDs at checkpoints. It is essential to keep documents readily available for inspection by authorities throughout the trip.
Participants are required to comply with document checks by authorities and deposit a signed indemnity bond along with their Aadhar Cards before the trip commences.
Participants acknowledge the potential risks of the journey, including accidents, illnesses in remote areas, political instability, and natural disasters, and agree to assume all associated risks to the fullest extent allowed by Indian law.
If you have any booking inquiries, please email us at thescapebiz@gmail.com or call +91 9717960028 to speak with Nilakkhya.
For transferring the advance booking amount and final payments, we will provide you with the necessary bank account details, contract, and trip acknowledgment. Alternatively, you can opt for Razorpay Payment Gateway for payment through Debit Cards, Credit Cards, UPI, Wallets, or EMI.
Let's make this trip unforgettable with plenty of memories and artwork. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Disclaimer: The photographs featured here are of my Tour Leader who did a recee in the month of July last year. All images displayed here are taken with the mobile phone.
By making a booking payment, you agree to the cancellation policy and the Terms and Conditions stated above.
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