Manang Astrophotography Tour
- Book Instantly Directly with local Provider
- The best price guarantee
- No booking fee
- DestinationNepal
- Duration10 days
- Trip DifficultyEasy
- ActivitiesTour
- Group Size15+
- Vehicle4-WD Jeep
- AccommodationHotel, teahouse and lodge
- MealsB,L,D
Manang Astrophotography Tour: Trip Note
The Manang Astrophotography Tour is a high-altitude adventure that combines trekking with specialized night-sky photography. While it is accessible to most travelers with basic fitness, participants should be prepared for trekking days that last between five to seven hours on mountain trails. Altitude is a key factor on this journey, and the itinerary has been designed with acclimatization days to ensure safety and comfort. Still, every traveler should be mindful of the symptoms of altitude sickness and communicate openly with the guide.
Tour Overview
The Manang Astrophotography Tour is a one-of-a-kind journey that blends the wonders of Himalayan trekking with the magic of stargazing and photography. This 10-day experience is carefully designed for those who wish to capture the beauty of the night sky in one of the most pristine environments on Earth. Manang, located in the Annapurna region of Nepal at an elevation of 3,540 meters, is renowned for its dry climate, vast valleys, high-altitude villages, and crystal-clear skies free from urban light pollution. This makes it one of the most ideal locations in Nepal for astrophotography.
During the trip, you will explore ancient villages, cross breathtaking trails, and admire Himalayan giants such as Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho, and Pisang Peak. By day, the trek immerses you in the unique cultural lifestyle of the Manangese people, heavily influenced by Tibetan traditions. By night, the vast skies will reveal millions of stars, the Milky Way, constellations, and even distant galaxies for those with the right gear.
This package is not only about trekking and photography, but also about experiencing the spiritual, cultural, and natural side of Nepal. Along the way, you’ll visit monasteries, alpine lakes, and traditional settlements, while acclimatizing to the high altitude. Professional guidance will be provided both in trekking and astrophotography, ensuring you have all the support you need, whether you are a seasoned photographer or a beginner eager to learn.
The Manang Astrophotography Tour is truly an unforgettable blend of adventure, learning, and inspiration, ideal for travelers who want more than just a trek. It offers an opportunity to connect with nature on a cosmic scale and return home with memories and images that last a lifetime.
Tour Highlights
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Multiple nights dedicated to astrophotography sessions under some of the clearest skies in Nepal.
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Scenic trekking route through lush forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes.
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Professional guidance on astrophotography techniques, including Milky Way composition, long exposure shots, star trails, and time-lapse photography.
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Stunning panoramic mountain views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Pisang Peak.
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Acclimatization hikes to Gangapurna Lake, Ice Lake, or surrounding ridges for breathtaking scenery and altitude adaptation.
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Visits to ancient monasteries and insight into Gurung and Tibetan-influenced culture.
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Experience both the adventure of high-altitude trekking and the serenity of nights filled with stars.
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Milky Way visibility depending on season, with minimal light pollution for clear observation.
Manang Asphotography tour
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to hotel, welcome dinner, and trip briefing. - Day 2: Drive Kathmandu to Chame (2,670 m)
Scenic drive through valleys and hillsides to reach Chame, gateway to Manang. - Day 3: Trek Chame to Pisang (3,200 m)
Trek through forests and river valleys, stunning views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. - Day 4: Trek Pisang to Manang (3,540 m)
Walk through alpine landscapes, arrive at Manang, first astrophotography night. - Day 5: Acclimatization in Manang
Short hikes to Gangapurna Lake or Ice Lake, evening photography workshop. - Day 6: Full Day in Manang
Cultural exploration, monasteries, and a dedicated night of Milky Way and star-trail photography. - Day 7: Hike to Khangsar or Tilicho Base (optional)
Day hike to higher altitudes for dramatic scenery, evening stargazing. - Day 8: Trek back to Pisang
Return trek with new photographic opportunities, final astrophotography night. - Day 9: Drive Pisang/Chame to Kathmandu
Journey back through valleys, farewell dinner in Kathmandu. - Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to airport for international flight.
Inclusions/Exclusions
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Airport transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Tribhuvan International Airport.
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Accommodation in Kathmandu: 2 nights in a 3-star hotel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast.
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Accommodation during trek: Teahouse/lodge accommodation in Chame, Pisang, Manang, and along the trail.
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Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek; welcome dinner on Day 1 and farewell dinner on Day 9 in Kathmandu.
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Transport: All ground transfers as per the itinerary by private vehicle or tourist bus.
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Trekking permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card.
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Professional trekking guide: English-speaking, government-licensed guide with high-altitude experience.
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Photography guide: Professional astrophotography mentor to assist with night-sky photography sessions.
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Porters: One porter for every two participants (carrying up to 15 kg per person).
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First-aid kit and safety equipment carried by guide.
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Orientation session in Kathmandu covering trekking tips, photography advice, and altitude awareness.
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All government taxes and official service charges.
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International airfare to and from Nepal.
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Nepal entry visa fees (can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport).
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Personal travel insurance, which must cover trekking and high-altitude activities.
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Meals in Kathmandu (except welcome and farewell dinners).
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Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, and snacks outside included meals.
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Extra accommodation in Kathmandu or en route due to early arrival, late departure, or flight delays.
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Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bag, down jacket, walking poles, headlamps, etc. (can be rented in Kathmandu).
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Photography equipment (camera, lenses, tripod, batteries, etc.).
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Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (customary in Nepal).
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Additional costs arising from unforeseen circumstances such as weather delays, natural disasters, political unrest, or changes to the itinerary beyond our control.
Dates & Availability
Note to Travelers
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Group size is kept small, usually between 2 and 12 participants, to ensure personalized guidance during photography sessions and smooth trekking logistics.
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The tour officially starts and ends in Kathmandu. Airport pick-up and drop-off are included.
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While fixed group departures are available during the best astrophotography seasons, private trips can be arranged on request for photographers, families, or special groups.
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A pre-departure meeting will be organized in Kathmandu to finalize preparations and ensure all equipment is in order.
Select Departure Date
Trip Duration: 10 days
October 2025
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10 days Manang Astrophotography Tour Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner followed by a detailed briefing about the trek, photography plan, and essential gear check. This is also the time to meet your guide and fellow travelers.
Create a Bespoke Itinerary
Customize your Himalayan adventure with personalized itineraries for unforgettable experiences!
Places You’ll See
Kathmandu
Traveller Reviews
Truly Exceptional Trekking Experience with Heaven Himalayas
Excellent Experiemce
Warmest recommendation to our guide
Solo trekk to Annapurna Base Camp
Amazing experience
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Best season for this tour is March to May, when spring skies are clear and flowers bloom, and September to November, after the monsoon, when visibility is at its sharpest.
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The trek is considered moderate. While previous trekking experience is not mandatory, participants should be in good health with basic fitness levels.
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Accommodation is in traditional teahouses during the trek and in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Kathmandu. Rooms in Manang and Pisang may be basic, but the starry skies more than make up for it.
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Essential photography gear includes a wide-angle lens with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower preferred), a sturdy tripod, intervalometer, spare batteries, and large memory cards. A headlamp with a red-light mode is highly recommended.
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Weather at high altitudes can be cold at night, so packing warm layers, gloves, and a down jacket is necessary.
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Guides are trained in altitude awareness, and the itinerary is designed with acclimatization days to reduce the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Astrophotography in Nepal FAQs
1. General FAQ
Do I need to be a professional photographer?
Not at all. The tour is designed for everyone, from beginners to advanced astrophotographers. Our guides will provide hands-on lessons and tips throughout the journey.
Is prior trekking experience required?
No previous trekking experience is required, but you should have a basic level of fitness as trekking days can last between 5 to 7 hours at high altitudes.
What about altitude sickness?
The itinerary includes acclimatization days to reduce risks, and guides are experienced in handling altitude-related issues. Oxygen and first-aid support are available.
Will I have access to electricity for charging batteries?
Yes, most teahouses provide charging facilities for a small fee. It’s also a good idea to carry power banks or a small solar charger.
Can I rent photography equipment in Nepal?
Some equipment may be available for rent in Kathmandu, but it is limited. We strongly recommend bringing your own camera gear.
What is astrophotography?
Astrophotography is the art of photographing celestial objects and night skies, including stars, planets, the Milky Way, star trails, and even deep-sky nebulae.
2. Detailed FAQs (Gear, Settings & Tips)
Do I need expensive equipment to start?
Not at all. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls, plus a tripod, is enough to start. Even smartphones with night modes can capture basic star photos.
Why is a tripod essential in astrophotography?
Long exposures are needed to gather light from stars. A tripod stabilizes your camera and prevents motion blur from even the slightest shake.
Which lens is best for astrophotography?
For wide sky views and the Milky Way, use a wide-angle lens (14–24mm) with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider). For the moon or planets, a telephoto lens (200mm–600mm) is best.
What does “focus to infinity” mean?
It means adjusting your lens so distant objects like stars appear sharp. But the ∞ mark on a lens is often inaccurate.
How do I correctly focus to infinity?
- Switch to manual focus.
- Use Live View and zoom in on a bright star or distant light.
- Adjust until the star looks like a crisp point, not a blur.
- Lock the focus with tape or avoid moving the ring.
What are the best starting camera settings for astrophotography?
A reliable baseline:
- Aperture: f/2.8 (or widest possible)
- ISO: 1600–3200
- Shutter speed: 15–25 seconds (depending on lens focal length)
What is the 500 Rule?
The 500 Rule helps prevent star trails: divide 500 by your lens focal length (on a full-frame camera). Example: 500 ÷ 20mm = 25 seconds max exposure.
What’s the difference between RAW and JPEG for astrophotography?
RAW captures much more detail and dynamic range, making it far better for editing. JPEG compresses and loses faint star detail.
What apps are useful for planning astrophotography?
Popular ones include PhotoPills, Stellarium, SkySafari, and Star Walk. They help find Milky Way positions, moon phases, and dark-sky times.
When is the best time to shoot astrophotography?
On clear, moonless nights in areas with little to no light pollution. The best Milky Way views are often from March–October, depending on your location.
What is light pollution, and why avoid it?
Light pollution is the glow from city lights that drowns out stars. For best results, travel to rural areas, mountains, or dark-sky reserves.
Can I use my smartphone for astrophotography?
Yes newer phones with night or Pro modes can capture stars if mounted on a tripod. Apps that allow long exposures improve results.
How do I capture the Milky Way?
Use a wide-angle, high ISO (3200+), wide aperture (f/2.8), and 15–20 sec exposure. Shoot during a new moon in a dark-sky area.
How do I capture star trails?
Either take one very long exposure (30+ minutes) or shoot hundreds of shorter ones (20–30 sec each) and stack them with software like StarStaX.
How do I photograph the moon?
Use a telephoto lens, low ISO (100–400), aperture around f/8–f/11, and fast shutter (1/125–1/250 sec). The moon is bright, so avoid long exposures.
Do I need a remote shutter release?
Yes, it reduces shake when pressing the shutter. If you don’t have one, use your camera’s 2–5 second timer instead.
How do I reduce noise in astrophotography?
Use a lower ISO if possible, shoot in RAW, stack multiple images, and use noise reduction in post-processing software.
Is post-processing necessary?
Yes. Editing reveals hidden colors and details that the naked eye can’t see, while also controlling noise and contrast.
What comfort and safety tips should I keep in mind?
Dress warmly, bring extra batteries (cold drains them fast), carry a red flashlight (preserves night vision), check weather forecasts, and let someone know your location.
