Overview of Ladakh:

Click here to see detailed itineraries of trips offered with more photos.

Situated on the western end of the majestic Himalayas, Ladakh is home to four major mountain ranges: the Great Himalayan, Zanskar, Ladakh, and Karakoram. This maze of enormously high snow capped peaks is home to the largest glaciers outside the polar region. Passes tower up to 20,000 ft. (6,000m) and in every direction peaks soar above 25000 ft. (7,500m) guarding lofty valleys that range in elevation from a mere 8,000 ft. (2,400m) to 15,000 ft. (4,500m).

The major waterway of Ladakh is the Indus, which enters India from Tibet at Ldemchok. It’s headwaters near Mt. Kailash, the Indus according to mythology, “sprouts from the mouth of a lion”. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 80°f (27°c) in the shade, while in winter they may plummet to minus 68°f (20°c). The thin air of Ladakh’s altitude makes the heat of the sun more intense than at lower altitudes and it is said that only in Ladakh a man sitting with his feet in the shade suffers from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time!

Richard Durnan has been traveling and photographing nature, the outdoors, and outdoor activities around the world since his first trip to Nepal in 1992. As a professional adventure travel photographer his work has appeared extensively through out the world both editorially and in advertising with magazines such as National Geographic Adventure and companies like and Patagonia. Traveling and capturing amazing images in breathtaking places is Richard’s specialty.

Richard’s travel experience and technical knowledge will assist you in becoming a better photographer and traveler. This workshop and trek offers you the opportunity to grow as a photographer, by learning how to capture your personal travel story with beautiful images.

Richard is fortunate to have close friends in India that will help to make this an unforgettable experience. You will meet and befriend a local staff that will provide you with outstanding meals. Porters and horses will move the majority of our equipment so you can have the freedom to move unencumbered with only your camera gear and inspiration allowing you to fully enjoy the environment around you. You will laugh with and learn from the local staff every step of the way.

What will my experience be?

Ladakh and the India Islands are places completely different from anything you may experience in North America. The pace of life is slower, and priorities may be different from what you are accustom. Your attitude and flexibility will make or break your experience. Experience the cultural environment with an open mind. Embrace the idea of not knowing what to expect, as it is part of this adventure.

During this trekking workshop we will seek a balance between exploration in extraordinary locations and developing excellent photography skills. The goals are to increase your ability as a photographer, no matter what your level of experience may be, and allow you to see a wondrous place, meet amazing people, and capture your travel story in photographs.

This workshop allows you to learn technical skills with the guidance of a professional photographer in the field rather than classroom. Photography is best learned when exercised in real situations. You will have time to work on your own, and the opportunity to receive Richard’s full and personalized attention when you need it. You will also have the opportunity to learn by watching Richard’s techniques as he creates his own images.

During the trek, our schedule permits you to place priority on photography as you wish. Each day allows you to explore your surroundings, and discover photographic opportunities with the freedom to move at your own pace. You are not expected to travel in a pack and you may take as much time as you wish to travel between the daily starting and stopping points. If you want to stop at any time during the day to just sit and take in your surroundings for a few hours, you may. The overall group size will be small to keep the trip intimate and allow you to build rewarding bonds.

Whether your choice of medium is Black and White, Color, or Digital, 35 mm or large format, Richard will help you to become comfortable with what it takes to capture the images and experience you want. If you just want to bring your point and shoot camera and learn how to make better snap shots, that’s OK. Richard will help you find the best way to express your self through your photography.

What will I need?

Your own camera equipment. A camera of any kind is fine, but a 35mm SLR with manual settings will be the most flexible.
·Film (unless you will be using a digital camera)
·A tripod is recommended
·Sleeping Bag
·Good comfortable walking/hiking shoes
·Warm trekking clothing (You may contact me if you are unsure what to bring and I can help you form a list)
·Participants should be reasonably fit and prepared for walking through mountainous terrain at high altitudes

There is more information once you sign up for the workshop trek. The following will be required:

1. You must become a member of the American Alpine Club for their worldwide rescue insurance. No other insurance company offers this type of rescue insurance. Membership costs $75 per year to join, ($110 for a couple). There are many other great reasons to be a member of the club! Go to http://www.americanalpineclub.org

2. You must have travel insurance. This will cover your non-refundable deposit to Richard Durnan Photography and your airfare if the trip is cancelled due to political reasons, a family emergency, unexpected illness or injury. We have seen it all, you need to cover yourself.

3. We will require a signed medical/physical from your physician stating you are physically fit to go on this trip. Ladakh is rugged and lies above 10,000 feet. You will average trekking at 13,000 feet or higher with a maximum elevation of 19,500 on the Markha Valley Trek.

4. You will need to complete a general application form that covers other important information for us to know about you including your emergency contact information, special needs, insurance information, etc.

Trip expense includes:

· Hotel in Delhi & hotel in Leh
· All transportation as per itinerary
· All meals (Except in Delhi where only breakfast is provided)
· Trekking support team
· All permits
· Wildlife fee
· Camping charges
· Monastery entrance fees
· English speaking guide through-out the tour

Trip expense does not include:

· Any expense of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls etc.
·Any expenses that arise due to unforeseen circumstances such as but not limited to roadblock, landslide, and flight cancellation.
· Personal insurance
· Tips for local staff
· Airfare to and from Delhi, from the US, or where ever you are coming from
· Round trip airfare Delhi - Leh (this will however be booked by Richard Durnan Photography (Avg. cost $350 per person)

What shall I do now?

Click here to see a detailed itineraries of the trips offered with more photos. Then contact Richard Durnan and let him know you are interested in this experience of a lifetime.

Richard Durnan

PO Box 2065
Ridgway CO 81432-2065
970-626-4138
reguest @ richdurnanphoto.com