Expedition Details
Magical desert cities, captivating people, and vivid hues have long drawn National Geographic photographer Nevada Wier to northern India. Join Nevada on a once-in-a-lifetime photography expedition to Delhi and Rajasthan. With your camera at the ready, delve into markets and fortresses, live among the Bishnoi desert people, and witness the celebrations at the Holi and Elephant Festivals or the Pushkar Camel Fair.
Itinerary - 13 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Delhi, India
Depart on an overnight flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel.
Shangri-La Hotel
Day 3 — Delhi
After a morning at leisure, head out to explore Old Delhi, a warren of narrow lanes bustling with craft workshops and colorful bazaars. Visit Gandhi's memorial at Raj Ghat, and ride a rickshaw to the Jama Masjid mosque. Gather for a welcome dinner tonight.
Shangri-La Hotel (L,D)
Day 4 — Delhi/Jodhpur
Fly to Jodhpur this morning, and camera in hand, head into its lively Clock Tower Bazaar. Stroll through the "blue city" and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort.
Taj Hari Mahal (B,L,D)
Days 5 & 6 — Jaisalmer
Drive to Jaisalmer, and visit Bada Bagh to see its lush gardens and elaborate royal monuments. Spend the next day exploring this desert citadel. Shoot the sunrise over Gadisar Lake. On a walking tour, examine the intricate architecture of the havelis, or merchants' mansions. Venture into Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156, and discover the Jain temple complex within it.
Taj Rawal Kot (B,L,D daily)
Days 7 & 8 — Jamba
Go deeper into the desert to Jamba, home of the Bishnoi tribes, desert dwellers who worship nature. Set out to photograph their villages, where brightly clad women and painted adobe walls dazzle against the desert hues. Take a camel safari, and enjoy an evening of music and dancing.
Dera Sand Dune Resort (B,L,D daily)
Day 9 — Pushkar
Travel to Pushkar early this morning and settle into your private camp. Enjoy a lunch of traditional specialties before getting oriented on a walking tour of the town.
Private Tented Camp, Pushkar (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Pushkar Festival
During the Pushkar Festival, the famous bartering of camels is complemented by music, dance, and religious rituals. Immerse yourself in the incredible celebration, capturing images of bathing ghats, traders towing their camels, and swirling dancers.
Private Tented Camp, Pushkar (B,L,D)
Day 11 — Jaipur
Late morning travel to Jaipur, known as the "pink city" for its rose-hued buildings. Settle into our hotel before hitting the streets to soak up the ancient bazaars. Gather for Farewell Dinner in a Royal Setting.
Taj Jai Mahal Palace Hotel (B,L,D)
Days 12 & 13 — Jaipur/Delhi/U.S.
Spend the day in Jaipur and in the evening, fly to Delhi. Enjoy an early dinner before transferring to the airport for your overnight return flight.
(B,L,D)
Optional Extension
- Agra, India - Post-Trip Extension, 3 Days
Related Trip
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Nevada Wier
Award-winning photographer Nevada Wier specializes in the remote corners of the globe and the cultures that inhabit them. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including National Geographic magazine, National Geographic Adventure, Outdoor Photographer, Outside, and Smithsonian. She is a Fellow of The Explorer's Club and a member of the Women's Geographic Society. Nevada is currently working on a book about India's Ladakh region.
Nevada will join the following departure:
Oct 20 - Nov 01, 2009Expedition Dates 
Expedition Costs
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single, add $1900. All flights within India are included in the expedition cost. International airfare is not included. Round trip economy airfare between Newark and Delhi is $1690 (subject to change).
What To Expect
This is an active expedition with easy to moderate walks—often over uneven terrain. Participants should be physically fit and prepared to spend a lot of time on their feet, photographing markets and festivals.
Accommodations are selected for their comfort and location. The private tents in Pushkar are basic accommodations with bathrooms and hand-held showers.
