Tibet Photo Workshop

Combining the cultural and scenic riches of Tibet with a unique on-the-road photo workshop, this is a trip with unparalleled value.

Enjoy breathtaking landscapes from 4000m+ mountain passes. Wander among nomad camps on the highest grasslands in the world. Join religious pilgrims on walks at ancient sites. Appreciate the history of Tibet with guided visits to temples and monasteries. Observe traders from surrounding villages converge at a frontier town - Tibet's version of the Wild West - to bargain with yak meat and yoghurt for tea, vegetables, and other necessities from the outside world.

We are thrilled to once again offer these iconic experiences in Eastern Tibet together with Vancouver Island's Karen McKinnon for an unparalleled cultural and photographic opportunity. Karen has been applauded for an accessible and inspiring teaching style that is ideal for helping each photographer go to the next level both technically and creatively. As well as taking home some inspiring memories and images, you'll gain an incredible photographic toolkit that will include composition, exposure, light properties, workflow, and photographing people.

This trip offers a great introduction to Chinese culture as well. Beginning in Chengdu, your private guide will escort you to the Giant Panda Research and Breeding Center for close up viewing of these curious creatures who are more native to Sichuan than the people themselves. Despite their relative inactivity, you will be surprised at the challenge of photographing these social fur balls. A visit to China's historical Three Kingdoms era Zhuge Liang Memorial Temple and Jinli Ancient Street will take you on a walk into the past. Your day in Chengdu will also include a visit to Chengdu's oldest and best preserved Buddhist temple: Wenshu Yuan. And your visit to Chengdu wouldn't be complete without an introduction to the fun of Sichuan Opera (much more than just singing!).

(Sample Day) Day 3: Chengdu to Kangding. Leaving Chengdu, today you head out of the Sichuan basin to penetrate deep into the mountains that guard the approach to the ancient kingdom of Tibet. Kangding is perched on the edge of the Tibet-Qinghai plateau and this historic trading town remains a convergence of Han and Tibetan populations. You pass through a virtual time warp on your six hour journey. Everything becomes new: landscape, climate, cuisine, language, customs, and of course, the people. On the first evening in Kangding (elev. 2600m) you'll visit Ngachu monastery, followed by a community dance (feel free to join in!).

Open for all photographers with an SLR camera. All participants will benefit from an immersion-style experience including early morning shoots, photographic wanderings in authentic Tibetan villages and monasteries, and capturing views only found on the roof of the world. Each evening offers optional supportive group critique and sharing.

What's Included:

- as much (or as little) photographic coaching as you would like throughout the trip
- all transport, including airport pick-up and transfers
- private vehicle and driver with foreign guide, plus an excellent English speaking local guide
- all meals, including complimentary bottled water enroute (with wine served at dinner)
- complimentary use of a cell phone with local number for the duration of the trip
- all accommodation based on double occupancy
- all activities and entrance fees enroute (per the itinerary)

Not Included:

- international airfare
- medical, travel, and trip interruption insurance
- passport and visa fees
- activities not included on the trip itinerary
- souvenirs, laundry, items of a personal nature

THE FACTS
Days: 10
Price: $3,900 ¹
Single Supplement: $600 ²
Max. Group Size: 14
Key Destinations: Kangding, Tagong grasslands, Danba, Zhonglu village
Starts & Ends: Chengdu
Transportation: Private vehicle
Driving Distance: 850km

¹ per person, based on shared accommodation
² surcharge for solo travellers who prefer a private room

Description	Distance
Lhasa Highlights Tour	2 hr. flight
Everest Base Camp Tour	10 days