Ladakh

Tour Packages

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Ladakh Tour Packages

Wildlife group tours, photography tours or customized itineraries.

In the dizzying heights of the Himalayas, where nature is unconquered, an inescapable sense of aesthetic delight abounds, and heaven dons an earthly form; where natural splendour touches its vertical limit and the landscape talks its own language, uncover the hidden meanings in the high passes.

Discover Ladakh to uncover yourself.

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Quick Information

Best time to Visit:
Winter: Jan-Mar, Summer: Jun-Oct

Recommended min. duration:
10/11 days

Attractions:
Wildlife
Monasteries
Landscapes

Activities:
Hiking
Biking
Climbing
Photography

Nearest Airport:
Ladakh

Our Ladakh Tours

Upcoming Departures

Highland Birdwatch – 9N/10D

Cost: Starting INR 1,24,500/- + GST

Skipper: Jeyaram Shankar

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Register Now

High on the Himalayas – 8N/9D

Cost: Starting INR 84,500/- + GST

Skipper: Neeta Shankar

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Register Now

Reviews by Tour Participants

We cater to 3 different kinds of Ladakh travellers. Which one are you?

There are three different ways to explore Ladakh. Depending on the kind of traveler you are, we welcome you to choose your preferred Ladakh tour packages.

Ladakh Photography Tours

Our team of ace photographers will guide you on a exciting Ladakh Photography Tour to ensure you come back with not only great travel memories but also some stunning photographs.

Upcoming Departures

Ladakh Culture or Wildlife Group Tours

Exploring the world with like-minded nature-lovers is surely an exciting human experience. Our fixed departure Ladakh Group Tour Packages are a safe and fun way to travel for individuals or families alike.

Upcoming Departures

Ladakh Customised Vacations

For families and individuals who want a tailor-made holiday to suit their personal needs, we invite you to explore our vast array of packages.

Get in touch with us to customise your departure!

How Is It?

Rugged, barren terrains nurturing a range of wildlife that has evolved to exist in harsh weather conditions.

In the northern reaches of India, cradled amidst the mighty Himalayas, lies the enchanting land of Ladakh. A realm of rugged beauty and untamed grandeur, Ladakh unveils itself like a captivating tale waiting to be told.

Here, where the air is crisp and thin, and the landscape is an awe-inspiring blend of snow-capped peaks and serene valleys, Ladakh casts a spell on those who venture into its embrace. The journey through winding mountain roads is nothing short of an adventure, with each turn revealing new vistas that steal the breath away.

Hemis National Park, where the highest density of snow leopards is believed to exist along with several other endemic wild beings, is the only national park that’s in northern Himalayas. The scenic snow-capped mountains inside the park set a great backdrop for landscape photography and for eyes that relentlessly seek beauty.

The peaks and slopes bathed in snow, the picturesque valleys and the eternal dramatic skies of Ladakh compose a breathtaking landscape in which photographers can seek respite anytime they wish to. Sprinkle some wildlife into the scene, and that’s a perfect nature-lover’s haven.

What You Will See and Photograph:

Beautiful landscapes, sunrise at lakes, monasteries and a lot more scenic beauties in Ladakh on the Landscape tour. While on the wildlife tour you can experience the exotic and endemic wildlife of Ladakh.

Ladakh, often referred to as the “Land of High Passes,”is nestled amidst the mighty Himalayas and the Karakoram Range, Ladakh is a haven for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and especially bird photographers. Its rugged terrains, serene lakes, and vast stretches of barren lands offer a unique and captivating backdrop for photography. The region boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Monasteries perched atop hills, fluttering prayer flags, and the resonating chants of monks add a mystical charm to the landscape. 

Ladakh, with its diverse habitats and rich biodiversity, offers endless opportunities for birdwatchers and photographers alike. From the tranquil shores of Tso Moriri Lake to the rugged cliffs of Nubra Valley, each location promises a unique and unforgettable birding experience.

Black-winged snowfinch

There is a furry little being covered with what seems like a well-groomed, modish thick woolly coat that helps it withstand the harsh climate in the cold, cold mountains. The Tibetan wolf is an exotic endemic species you would want to look out for to photograph when you are in Ladakh.

In Ladakh, the vast expanse of pristine wilderness and unique ecosystems offers birdwatchers and photographers a chance to witness a myriad of avian species in their natural habitat. As you traverse the rugged terrains and serene landscapes of this Himalayan region, you’ll encounter a diverse array of birds that have adapted to the harsh yet beautiful environment. 

Among the notable species you may encounter are the White-browed Tit-Warbler, a delightful bird with a distinctive white eyebrow and melodious call, often found in scrublands near the Indus River. The majestic Golden Eagle, renowned for its impressive wingspan and agile flight, can be spotted soaring high above the rugged cliffs and valleys of Nubra and Changthang regions. 

Additionally, the elusive Himalayan Snowcock may be sighted in the rocky slopes and high-altitude regions of Hemis National Park, showcasing its cryptic plumage and shy nature. As you explore the tranquil shores of Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso lakes, you’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning images of Bar-headed Geese and Brown-headed Gulls, gracefully navigating the pristine waters and sandy shores of these iconic high-altitude lakes. Each location in Ladakh offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, promising an unforgettable birding experience for enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

We ensure maximum care and protection while traveling in the post-COVID scenario. We certainly think you have to be extra-careful and follow rules and regulations. Please consult your general physician or doctor before you make this decision.
That’s quite easy. It depends on what your interest is. If you are a photography enthuisast and would like our skipper’s guidance and tutelage, then Photo Tour. Else hop on to a group tour where photography isn’t the focus of the trip. Finally, we can tailor-make a vacation for you if you need to travel on your own date and style.

Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.

Absolutely everything! From booking the travel tickets and arranging for a comfortable stay to suggested itineraries and planning places of interest, Toehold takes care of all the details of your vacation.
You may certainly take your young child, but we don’t recommend taking infants and very small children on safari. Please talk to us for more information.
Certainly! We take care of the flight ticket bookings too for anyone who requires assistance.

Of course! Please talk to our capable Camera Rent team or mention what gear you’d like to hire while registering for the tour. Guess what? We offer you a 10% off on camera rent while on the tour.

Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!

However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.

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High on the Himalayas: Ladakh Landscape Photography Tour

JUL 17-25,2024

Photography Tour Skipper: Neeta

Tour Itinerary

Please note: This Tour begins and ends at Leh. Participants may choose to reach Leh by either air or road depending on their preference, but such transport is NOT included in the Tour itinerary or cost. However, all required assistance will be duly provided.

Upon arrival, participants are picked up from the Leh airport and checked into the lodge. Those travelling by road will check in to the lodge directly. The rest of the day will be spent in acclimatization to the high altitude and the low temperatures. Later, the Tour Skipper will facilitate a mutual introduction and orient the group to what may be expected on the Tour. And after a scrumptious dinner, we retire for the night.

The capital of the Himalayan kingdom, Leh is now a district along with Kargil, together constituting the famous area called Ladakh, and we spend the day exclusively enjoying the local attractions.

After breakfast, we drive to the famous Hemis and Thikse Monasteries . We return to Leh for lunch and then spend the afternoon at leisure. By around 04:30 p.m., we drive up to Shanti Stupa for a view of Leh and to make some beautiful time-lapse videos.

Starting in the morning, we drive further from Khardung La and descend on the northern side of the pass into the Hunder area famously known as the Nubra Valley. Here, the Shyok River meets the Nubra or Siachen River to form a large valley that separates the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. The average altitude of the valley is about 10,000ft. Between Hunder and Diskit lie several kilometres of sand dunes that form a magnificent foreground to the mountainous landscape. We spend the night in Nubra, which is also a great destination to explore night photography and star-trail imagery.

After a relatively unhurried and comfortable morning, we drive back to Leh, crossing the Khardung La pass and descending into the Indus Valley.

Starting after breakfast, we head towards the Chang La pass on our way to the celebrated Pangong Lake, and arrive in the afternoon, stopping to lunch midway and taking breaks at crucial spots on the Chang La Pass to watch wildlife and photograph interesting landscapes.

By mid-afternoon, we are at the renowned Pangong Lake at an altitude of 4,350 metres (14,270 feet). After digesting the initial dose of awe, we learn to shoot panoramic views of the lake and spend ample time practising time-lapse photography. Unlike most tourists who pay only a day-visit, we are in no hurry and can wait for dramatic light and photo opportunities. We end the day around the lake making images in the late evening and well past it into the night, before camping close to the lake.

Enjoying the luxury of witnessing a glorious sunrise around the lake, we breakfast and return to Leh via the Chang La Pass, stopping frequently to capture marvellous vistas. In the evening, the Skipper will chair an entertaining and informative interactive session on photography or natural history before we call it a night in Leh.

Driving approximately 225 kilometres south-east of Leh, and to the west of the Changtang Plateau, we arrive at Tso Moriri in about five hours. Based on our experience, the best times to photograph the landscapes there are the evenings and we hope for a great sky forming the backdrop of this picturesque lake. Staying very close to the lake, the group will have virtually unlimited access to photography sites around it.

A nesting area for the highly endangered black-necked crane, Tso Moriri is also a fantastic destination to photograph the bar-headed goose, the Brahminy duck and other wildlife including wild ass and marmots. One of the highlights of Tso Moriri would be to spot the tiny pika and the woolly hare that feed around here. After a day’s productive photography, we camp overnight in Tso Moriri.

Tso Moriri is a great place for birding in the morning. However, the angle of light at that time is not favourable for photography, so we spend a short time spotting birds before setting off towards Puga, a small village on our way to Tso Kar.

As we are travelling by Tanglang La, we should be able to spend time around this high-altitude pass doing ample landscape photography and also trying to spot lammergeiers and golden eagles.

After shopping in the Leh Market for its famous artefacts, jewellery, paintings and mountain-tourism accessories, we retire for the night.

Checking out in the morning, you will be dropped to the airport depending on your flight times to return home with a bagful of great images and stories to share.

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Cost & Terms

Individuals

INR 84,500
  • Per Person on twin Shared Accommodation

Couples

INR 1,65,500
  • Per Couple on Twin Shared Accommodation

Toehold Patrons

INR 83,000
  • Per Person on Twin Shared Accommodation

What’s Included?

What’s Not Included?

Payment Terms

Cancellation Fees

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Apart from interest in landscape photography, adventure travel or exploration, a minimum level of fitness is essential. If you’re unsure of your fitness or suffer from chronic altitude sickness or a known illness, please consult your physician before signing up for this Tour.
Although we’re visiting in the summer, the weather will be cold at night with the average temperature around 10-15 ° celsius. The demand for fitness arises from the predominantly high altitudes we will be in, which entail thinness of oxygen and physiological conditions.
Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away! However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.
Although the snow leopard is very much an inhabitant of the regions we will be visiting, a sighting of it is highly unlikely due to the time of the year and the altitudes we will be restricting ourselves to. Also, since this is a landscape and culture photography Tour, our pursuit of wildlife will be minimal, and most wildlife sightings only incidental. Hence, if you wish to go in quest of the snow leopard, you should join our Snow Leopard Tour here.
Any individual above the age of 18 (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian) who has the requisite fitness to complete the Tour can participate.
For landscape and architectural photography, a good wide-angle or ultra-wide-angle lens is a must. A short or medium fixed telephoto or zoom lens will help you make ‘compressed landscape’ images, abstracts and do candid people or street photography. You may also bring along a portrait lens, such as a 50mm or 85mm lens, to make high-quality portraiture. A full-frame (35mm) camera with compatible wide-angle and fisheye lenses will allow you to make the most of the opportunities, especially whilst shooting inside the monasteries. Finally, a long telephoto lens (300 to 400mm) will enable images of wildlife. If you do not have appropriate equipment, there is no need to fret. Toehold offers an exhaustive array of cameras and lenses for hire, so you can always hire what you need. Visit our Rental Store to see what we offer.
Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.

Highland Birdwatch: Ladakh Wildlife Photography Tour

Jun 14-23,2024

Wildlife Photography Tour Skipper: Jeyaram

Tour Itinerary

Please note: This Tour begins and ends at Leh. Participants may choose to reach Leh by either air or road depending on their preference, but such transport is NOT included in the Tour itinerary or cost. However, all required assistance will be duly provided.

Upon arrival, participants are picked up from the Leh airport and checked into the lodge. Complete rest after reaching hotel which will help in acclimatization. Evening birding session near Indus River. Our representative will get inner line permit for further journey.

Back to hotel after finishing birding, Lunch at hotel, afternoon visit to Magnetic Hill and Shanti Stupa. Time lapse photography of sunset over Leh city from Shanti Stupa. Return to hotel during evening

Photography on way. We’ll cross warila pass, one of the highest motorable road in this trip, and do birding on the pass. Arrival at Nubra Valley by evening and check in at hotel. Dinner

back to hotel for breakfast. Check out after breakfast and departure for leh. Birding on way target species like White Browed tit-warbler, golden eagle and lynx. Arrival at Leh by evening and check in at hotel,

Early morning with packed breakfast and departure for Hanle via Chusul, Day 6 & Day 7 three full days in Hanle

back to hotel during lunch time. Check out after lunch an departure for Leh. Birding at Tanglang La on way to Leh. Arrival at Leh during even hrs

After enjoying a final morning’s breakfast, we take the customary group picture, check out and disperse with many images to show and many an enthralling story to tell to our loved ones.

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Cost & Terms

Individuals

INR 1,24,500
  • Per Person on twin Shared Accommodation

Couples

INR 2,46,000
  • Per Couple on Twin Shared Accommodation

Toehold Patrons

INR 1,23,500
  • Per Person on Twin Shared Accommodation

What’s Included?

What’s Not Included?

Payment Terms

Cancellation Fees

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Apart from interest in landscape photography, adventure travel or exploration, a minimum level of fitness is essential. If you’re unsure of your fitness or suffer from chronic altitude sickness or a known illness, please consult your physician before signing up for this Tour.
Although we’re visiting in the summer, the weather will be cold at night with the average temperature around 10-15 ° celsius. The demand for fitness arises from the predominantly high altitudes we will be in, which entail thinness of oxygen and physiological conditions.
Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away! However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.
Although the snow leopard is very much an inhabitant of the regions we will be visiting, a sighting of it is highly unlikely due to the time of the year and the altitudes we will be restricting ourselves to. Also, since this is a landscape and culture photography Tour, our pursuit of wildlife will be minimal, and most wildlife sightings only incidental. Hence, if you wish to go in quest of the snow leopard, you should join our Snow Leopard Tour here.
Any individual above the age of 18 (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian) who has the requisite fitness to complete the Tour can participate.
For landscape and architectural photography, a good wide-angle or ultra-wide-angle lens is a must. A short or medium fixed telephoto or zoom lens will help you make ‘compressed landscape’ images, abstracts and do candid people or street photography. You may also bring along a portrait lens, such as a 50mm or 85mm lens, to make high-quality portraiture. A full-frame (35mm) camera with compatible wide-angle and fisheye lenses will allow you to make the most of the opportunities, especially whilst shooting inside the monasteries. Finally, a long telephoto lens (300 to 400mm) will enable images of wildlife. If you do not have appropriate equipment, there is no need to fret. Toehold offers an exhaustive array of cameras and lenses for hire, so you can always hire what you need. Visit our Rental Store to see what we offer.
Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.

The Great Migration: Kenya Wildlife Group Tour

SEP 9-16, 2024

Wildlife Group Tour

Tour Itinerary (7N/8D)

Day 1 : Nairobi

Since participants of this Tour travel from various destinations in India and abroad, Please arrive on 09 September 2024 any time (Accommodation is not included in the Tour cost)

Please note: This is not a photography tour and we would have 6 People in a LandCruiser. If you wish to join our Photography Tour with only 3 People in a LandCruiser guided by our ace photographers please consider the Photo Tour.

Please also note that flight costs are not included in the Tour fee

Talek River Area, Masai Mara

Checking out from our Nairobi hotel after an early breakfast, we pick up the participants arriving this morning (if any) and make our way to the heart of the Migration action, the legendary Masai Mara, which we reach by afternoon.

After lunch close to the entrance of the Mara, we start our first game drive en route to our first destination around the lodge area.

The transitory herds may be seen very close to the lodge and sometimes a little further away but there is no chance of missing them. Feeling our way around, we will understand the current state of the Migration.

After the drive, we check in to exclusive and cosy tents at the first camp of the Tour, the lodge. Once fresh, we exchange notes about our initial observations and experiences, and hear insights from other participants before dining and retreating to our rooms to tuck in for the night.

The lodge is a lovely property located stunningly, right near the Talek River, which is one of the two rivers (the other being the Mara River itself) which the migratory herds cross. Ergo, this property has been deliberately and carefully chosen to give us quick and easy access to all the action.

We spend the whole day looking for crossings as well as predator and other action, while the Guide takes a call on returning to the lodge for lunch based on the prevailing situation.

In the evening  you enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.

Mara Triangle, Masai Mara

Having explored the Talek River side, it’s now time to proceed to the celebrated Mara Triangle area and look for action around the Mara River, so after a morning drive around the Talek, we cross over to the Triangle and check in to the delightful lodge.

After lunch we enjoy an introductory ride in the area before returning to the lodge for another interactive session, we call ChitraTantra, before supper and sleep.

We enjoy the next three days in the very heart of the Migration around Serena and the Mara River, leveraging the Guide’s rich experience to get to the right places and make memorable moments to capture the scale and wonder of the dramas unfolding before us.

Every morning we start at 06:30 a.m. after an early breakfast and hope to catch action in the quintessentially spectacular savannah light and after the post-lunch afternoon safari, return after sunset to unwind.

In the evening  you enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.

After having spent a hopefully eventful time photographing the Migration in the Mara, we check out after breakfast and return to Nairobi by lunch, whence we take the departing flights for our abodes, where a wealth of images will be processed and many captivating stories told to our families.

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Cost & Terms

Individuals

USD 4990
  • Per Person on twin Shared Accommodation

Couples

USD 9600
  • Per Couple on Twin Shared Accommodation

Toehold Patrons

USD 4890
  • Per Person on Twin Shared Accommodation

What’s Included?

What’s Not Included?

Payment Terms

Cancellation Fees

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

This Tour is open to everybody of a minimum age of 18 (unless accompanied by a guardian), and anybody enthusiastic about wildlife and/or photography will enjoy it. Apart from interest, fitness, a valid passport, valid yellow fever vaccination card and proof of polio vaccination, there are no other requirements. However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend you be familiar with at least the basics of photography. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.

Yes; vaccination against polio and yellow fever is mandatory in many countries including India. Please talk to us for advice on how to get one.

Yellow fever vaccination is valid for a period of 10 years from the date of administration, and polio vaccination is valid for a year. Please check your vaccination cards to verify validity. Please note that the vaccination must be valid as on the date of your return to your country after the Tour.
Considering the meticulous attention to timing we pay while scheduling Tour and the local expertise we leverage, we believe that it would be extremely unfortunate if our sightings and photography were unsatisfactory. Also, the exhaustive itinerary should offer ample opportunities for a productive time. However, since we will be in an uncontrolled environment, we stop just short of claiming that sightings are guaranteed.
A wide-angle or normal zoom is a staple for landscape and general photography. For birds and mammals, a focal length of at least 300mm is usually necessary. An additional 100mm often proves very effective especially for birds. However, if you do not have appropriate equipment, there is no need to fret. Toehold offers an exhaustive array of cameras and lenses for hire, so you can always hire what you need. What’s more, you enjoy a 10% discount on any equipment you hire for the Tour. Visit our Rental Store to see what we offer.

Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focussed.

Best of Kenya: Wildlife Group Tour

22-30 MAY 2024

Kenya Group Tour

Tour Itinerary (8N/9D)

Day 1 : Nairobi

Since participants of this Tour travel from various destinations in India and abroad, Please arrive on 22 May 2024 any time (Accommodation is not included in the Tour cost)  Please also note that flight costs are not included in the Tour fee.

Please note: This is not a photography tour and we would have 6 People in a LandCruiser. If you wish to join our Photography Tour with only 3 People in a LandCruiser guided by our ace photographers please consider the Photo Tour.

Amboseli National Park

Our fleet of safari vehicles carrying the park guide will pick participants who have landed in the morning from the Nairobi Airport, and participants who have arrived a day earlier from their hotels, at around 06:30 a.m. Once everybody is on board, we undertake a four-hour drive to Amboseli National Park. A mutual introduction session and a brief by the guide to set basic expectations for the tour will be followed by lunch.

After lunch will ensue our first safari of the tour – recipe for a memorable moment for any first-time Africa visitor and something that, even after all these visits, gets the skipper’s adrenaline pumping. Driving through the park will acquaint you with the African landscape and give you but a glimpse of the exciting time ahead.

An entire memorable day will be spent out in the picturesque expanses of Amboseli, where views of elephants with the magnificent Kilimanjaro in the backdrop have been specially designed by nature to enthrall. Apart from the pachyderms, we are likely to photograph ostriches, hyaenas, lions, cheetahs and a whole lot of attractive wildlife.

In the evening  you enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.

Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, we depart for Nakuru. Arriving just before lunch, we embrace our home for the next two days overlooking the beautiful Lake Nakuru. Following a scrumptious lunch, we embark on the afternoon safari, seeking the chief spectacle of the flamingo congregation and over 400 other species of birds found here.

In the evening we enjoy a tribal dance and celebration before an appetizing supper, and retire for the day.

Setting off after breakfast, we spend as much time in the park as we can in order to sight the plentiful wildlife of Nakuru. The early morning drive will be followed by lunch and an evening safari.

This being an excellent location to see the elusive leopard, we take our chances to spot the spotted beauty of Nakuru. Efforts will also be made to photograph white rhinos and black rhinos.

Between the rides, we meet at the picturesque Baboon Hill overlooking the lake and its flamingo formations, and discuss various topics of nature photography and the natural history of Africa. Meanwhile, here, ultra wide-angle perspectives of baboons, a fixture atop the hill, are a distinct prospect.

For participants who want to relax and take the afternoon easy, the beautiful lodge with plenty of trees and a great restaurant is a fabulous place to rest.

In the evening  you enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.

Masai Mara Game Reserve

After breakfast, a pleasant drive across the dramatic Great Rift Valley brings you through the Narok Township, a major Maasai administrative centre, to Kenya’s most precious wildlife sanctuary, Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Masai Mara is home to the colorful Maasai tribe, who may be seen around the borders of the park, with Morans (‘warriors’) loping across the plains, young boys herding goats, or elders grouped under a tree discussing the matters of the day.

Wildlife viewing is never dull in the Mara, and patience is often rewarded with unique sightings. By now hopefully the group will have been acquainted with the African bush, so we seek to make the most of the bounty on offer.

Staying inside the park will ensure a great experience and early access to photography hotspots, so we may catch a lion pride gearing up for a hunt or a solitary leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an Acacia tree merely a few hundred metres from the camp.

Every morning while at Masai Mara, we start our day with packed breakfast at 06:30 a.m. and venture into the bush. For participants who are agreeable to spending the entire day in the field, packed lunch boxes will be provided to keep us going the whole day, thereby maximizing wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

An occasional afternoon shower may be encountered but this will in no way mean a dampener, for the animals continue to be seen and what’s more, it will open up the prospect of making evocative images of wildlife in the rain. And when the clouds have passed, the light that illuminates the scene can serve to illustrate the meaning of the word ‘ethereal’ better than any lexicon in the world.

Meeting at specific points in the savannah, we learn and discuss various topics on photography and natural history of Africa and the Mara in general. These two days are tipped to be the highlight of the Tour with plenty of wildlife on show.

In the evening  you enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.

Maasai Village Optional Tour

While at Masai Mara, based on the group’s inclination, the Guide  can plan a visit to a local Maasai Village for a few hours in the day to learn and understand the Maasai culture, their way of life and their interesting community living. This optional Tour costs an additional USD 30 per person.

Balloon Safari Optional Tour

A ride in a hot-air balloon over the endless expanses of the savannah is an ultimate safari experience. We leave the lodge before dawn, when the sky is clear, the air brisk and the conditions perfect. As the sun rises over the Mara plains, our balloon lifts off – a bright splash of colour rising gracefully into the infinite blue. A stunning panorama unfolds below us and the balloon basket becomes our lookout post for a bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s magnificence. We float silently just a few hundred feet above large herds of wild animals. Upon landing, we celebrate the flight with a glass of champagne, after which the retrieval safari cruisers take us back to our driver. This optional ride costs an additional USD 450 per person.

After a scrumptious breakfast, we drive out making sure we arrive by lunchtime at an Indian restaurant in Nairobi. After lunch, we are transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for our home-bound flights.

The Tour ends but your love affair with African wildlife has just begun.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION AT MASAI MARA

Participants who feel the need to stretch their Tour are welcome to stay back on the following nights, to experience two more full days at the Mara at their own pace. The schedule for the two days will remain the same while we venture to deeper areas of the Mara on the full-day game drives, maximizing our chances of bringing back stunning photographs. This extension will be charged additionally. Please express your interest in the extension while booking the Tour to know more.

With the extension having come to an end, following an early breakfast, we drive out making sure we arrive by lunchtime at an Indian restaurant in Nairobi. After lunch, we are transferred to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for our home-bound flights.

Cost & Terms

Child Cost (Below 18 Years)

USD 1990
  • Per Person on twin Shared Accommodation

Family Cost (1Child and 1 Individual)

USD 4600
  • Per Person on twin Shared Accommodation

Individual Cost

USD 2990
  • Per Person on twin Shared Accommodation

What’s Included?

What’s Not Included?

Payment Terms

All figures per person.

Payments may be made in equal monthly installments so long as the above schedule is adhered to. Please talk to us for more details.

Cancellation Fees

All figures per person.

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

This Tour is open to everybody of a minimum age of 18 (unless accompanied by a guardian), and anybody enthusiastic about wildlife and/or photography will enjoy it. Apart from interest, fitness, a valid passport and yellow-fever and polio vaccination cards, there are no other requirements.
Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away! However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.
Yes; the vaccination is mandatory in many countries including India. Once you sign up we’ll be happy to advise you on how to get one.
You’ll need a Kenyan visa, which is applied for and issued online. More information will be shared, and assistance provided, when you sign up.
Yellow fever vaccination is valid for a period of 10 years from the date of administration, but polio vaccination is valid for only a year. Please check your vaccination card to verify validity. Please note that the vaccination must be valid as on the date of your return to your country after the Tour.
Our Photography Tour is designed to offer participants an excellent balance between photography convenience and economy. We’ll be using four-wheel-driven safari vehicles which have large windows and a thatched roof that opens up to give a 360-degree panoramic view for convenient wildlife-viewing and photography. Each vehicle will be shared by only three participants, or three participants and the Skipper, to ensure everybody has ample space to move around and shoot comfortably.
Considering the meticulous attention to timing we pay while scheduling Tours and the local expertise we leverage, we believe that it would be extremely unfortunate if our sightings and photography were unsatisfactory. Also, the exhaustive itinerary should offer ample opportunities for a productive time. However, since we will be in an uncontrolled environment, we stop just short of claiming that sightings are guaranteed.
A wide-angle or normal zoom is a staple for landscape and general photography. For birds and mammals, a focal length of at least 300mm is usually necessary. An additional 100mm often proves very effective especially for birds. However, if you do not have appropriate equipment, there is no need to fret. Toehold offers an exhaustive array of cameras and lenses for hire, so you can always hire what you need. What’s more, you enjoy a 10% discount on any equipment you hire for the Tour. Visit our Rental Store to see what we offer.
Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focussed.

Verdant Haven - Kabini Photo Tour Schedules

JUN 27-30 2024
OPEN

Wildlife Photography Bootcamp

Skipper: Jayanth

Tour Itinerary (4N/5D)

The Tour commences and ends at Kabini (Karapura). Travel from or via Bengaluru and back will be by sharing participants’ private cars or shared cabs at extra actual cost. Assistance in the way of coordination and arrangements will be provided but please talk to us for additional help or special needs. 

After a 4.5-hour-drive from Bengaluru, participants reach Kabini by noon. Following a leisurely lunch and a round of introduction to understand one another better, we mull on what’s in store for the next two days and embark on our first safari by 03:30 p.m. Navigating through the excellent network of roads in the Nagarahole jungle, we enjoy an inaugural taste of the wild, keeping our eyes peeled for action on the ground, the air and the canopy.

After hopefully an eventful ride, we return to camp at 06:30 p.m. and relax over tea, following which a ChaayaaChitra session will ensue, in which we discuss photography techniques. Later, we enjoy a scrumptious supper and retire for the night.
An early morning wake-up call and tea will set the tone for the morning safari at 06:30 a.m. Cutting through the freshness of the morning, we pursue materialization of wildlife and very possibly try some of the tips and techniques discussed in the ChaayaaChitra session the previous night.

Upon our return from the excursion at 09:30 a.m., a hot breakfast will await us, and after satiating our hunger we retreat to our rooms to refresh and rest awhile, meeting again at noon for ChitraTantra, another informative session full of interaction and fun.
After lunch, perhaps a brief nap and tea, we reenter the forest with more hope for cat luck, let our hair down and make a lot of images of the sights we encounter.

Having spent a cumulative five hours in the wild for the day, we walk into camp a happy bunch and relate our tales over tea, following which a session of CharchaaLoka will unfold.

We tuck in for the night after enjoying an appetizing dinner.
Hoping for a fitting climax to a great Tour, we embark on the last safari at the usual hour in the morning. And since cat activity is at its peak during the early hours of the day, there is every possibility of the Tour ending on a high note.

After the safari and breakfast we gather for a final rendezvous before checking out at 11:00 a.m. and setting off for our respective abodes where our families wait to hear our tales.

Cost & Terms

Individuals

INR 79,000
  • Per Person on Twin Share Accommodation

Couples

INR 1,54,000
  • Per Couple on Twin Share Accommodation

Toehold Patrons

INR 78,000
  • Per Person on Twin Share Accommodation

What’s Included?

What’s Not Included?

Payment Terms

Cancellation Fees

Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.

NO Refunds.
Due to the pandemic the travel industry is at an all time low-cashflow situation. So we wouldn’t be able to do refunds but only issue Credit Notes for any cancellation from your side or due to COVID related lockdowns and closures.

Interested? Make a Booking Enquiry

It’s easy. Call us on 1800 1200 901 (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or simply fill this form, and we’ll get back to you like the whirring wind.

Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

We ensure maximum care and protection while traveling in the post-COVID scenario. We certainly think you have to be extra-careful and follow rules and regulations. Please consult your general physician or doctor before you make this decision.

That’s quite easy. It depends on what your interest is. If you are a photography enthusiast and would like our skipper’s guidance and tutelage, then Photo Tour. Else hope on to a group tour where photography isn’t the focus of the trip. Finally, we can tailor-make a vacation for you if you need to travel on your own date and style.

You may certainly take your young child, but we don’t recommend taking infants and very small children on safari. Please talk to us for more information.
Certainly! We take care of the flight ticket bookings too for anyone who requires assistance.
Absolutely everything! From booking the travel tickets and arranging for a comfortable stay to suggested itineraries and planning places of interest, Toehold takes care of all the details of your vacation.
Ofcourse, yes. Please talk to our capable Camera Rent team or mention what gear you’d like to hire while registering for the tour. Guess what? We offer you a 10% off on camera rent while on the tour.

Unlike travel agents who plan your holiday from a remote destination to places they sometimes haven’t experienced themselves, Photo Tours offer a comprehensive toehold to experience a place through the guidance of a professional photographer. The common ingredients in all our Photo Tours are fun and a lot of learning and knowledge-sharing. Besides, most or all of our Tour participants are photography enthusiasts, which keeps the group in harmony and helps make your experience focused.

Absolutely! This Tour is meant for fledgling as well as experienced photographers. Beginners get all the advantages of learning on and off the field from Toehold’s eminent Skippers. In fact if you are a newbie, you should jump on this terrific learning opportunity and sign up right away!

However, in order to make the most of the Tour photographically, we recommend that you be familiar with photography fundamentals. If you’re not, we suggest you join an Art and Science of Photography Workshop before the Tour.