
Spiti Valley Astro Landscape Photo Tour
Spiti Valley Astro Landscape Photo Tour



11th – 19th June 2026
View Dates & Prices
Group Size
7 Participants
Location
Himachal Pradesh, India.
TOUR OVERVIEW
Join us for an immersive photography journey through the stark and stunning landscapes of Spiti Valley. From ancient monasteries and high-altitude villages to dramatic desert mountains and crystal-clear night skies, Spiti offers unmatched opportunities for both landscape and astro photography. June is ideal for capturing golden light, rich textures, and the Milky Way above the Himalayan desert. With guided shoots, post-processing sessions, and hands-on mentoring, this tour is perfect for photographers seeking depth, drama, and a truly unforgettable experience.
TOUR OVERVIEW
Join us for an immersive photography journey through the stark and stunning landscapes of Spiti Valley. From ancient monasteries and high-altitude villages to dramatic desert mountains and crystal-clear night skies, Spiti offers unmatched opportunities for both landscape and astro photography. June is ideal for capturing golden light, rich textures, and the Milky Way above the Himalayan desert. With guided shoots, post-processing sessions, and hands-on mentoring, this tour is perfect for photographers seeking depth, drama, and a truly unforgettable experience.
TOUR LIMELIGHT
- 8 nights & 9 days of high-altitude photography in Spiti’s rugged landscapes and crystal-clear night skies.
- Pre-Photo tour Briefing – Locations | Shooting conditions | Equipment | Safety.
- Capture – Landscapes | Astro-landscapes.
- Expert Field Guidance – Composition | Gear settings | Shooting techniques.
- Cover – Exposure blending | Focus stacking | Time blending | Blue hr. Blending.
- Daily Image Review | Feedback to refine your shots.
- On-Field Post-processing Sessions for real-time post-processing insights.
- Life-Time Post-processing Support | Continued guidance to refine your skills.
- Free Book – Study materials | Post-processing Guide Book.
- We know the region thoroughly for a seamless experience.
ABOUT SPITI
Spiti Valley – A Photographer’s High-Altitude Playground
Tucked away in the trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is a cold desert surrounded by towering peaks, ancient monasteries, and dramatic terrain shaped by wind and time. Its name means “The Middle Land,” referring to its location between Tibet and India, both culturally and geographically. With altitudes ranging from 3,000 to over 4,500 meters, Spiti offers an unmatched blend of raw wilderness and timeless spirituality.
For landscape photography, Spiti is a visual treasure. You’ll find sweeping valleys, layered mountain ridges, emerald rivers, and iconic locations like Key Monastery, Langza’s Buddha statue, Komic (the world’s highest village connected by motorable road), and the deep-cut gorge at Dhankar Monastery. Each stop offers compositions that change with the light, from golden sunrises to moody dusk hues.
As night falls, Spiti transforms into a celestial stage for astro-landscape photography. With minimal light pollution, high altitude, and crystal-clear skies, it’s one of the best places in India to capture the Milky Way, star trails, and even panoramic galactic arcs. Foregrounds like ancient stupas, rugged mountains, and remote monasteries add dramatic storytelling potential to every night shot. Whether you’re composing vast desertscapes by day or capturing stars above ancient architecture at night, Spiti delivers a truly immersive photographic experience, one that lingers long after you’ve packed away your camera.
ITINERARY
Step into the otherworldly beauty of Spiti Valley, where timeworn cliffs, silent monasteries, and dark Himalayan skies create the perfect canvas for advanced landscape and astro-landscape photography. This 9-day guided expedition blends high-altitude adventure, artistic vision, and precise planning, pushing both your creativity and technical skills.
Day 1
Manali: Arrivals, check-in, and an introductory theory session on gear, visual storytelling, and planning.
Day 2
Manali to Kiato: Cross the Atal Tunnel, reach Kiato, and shoot twilight landscapes and star-filled skies in Pyramid Valley.
Day 3
Kiato to Poh: Travel deeper into remote Spiti; capture dramatic pinnacles at golden hour and the Milky Way by night.
Day 4
Poh to Dhankar: Morning post-processing, then sunset and Milky Way photography around the cliff-top Dhankar Monastery.
Day 5
Dhankar to Langza: Photograph fossil beds and the iconic Buddha at golden hour; shoot an epic astro frame with the statue.
Day 6
Langza to Key via Komic & Hikkim: Visit the world’s highest villages, shoot sunset at Key Monastery, and nightscapes at Chicham Bridge.
Day 7
Key to Chandratal Lake: Trek to the lake at sunset, then capture Milky Way reflections on water—a poetic highlight of the trip.
Day 8
Chandratal to Manali: Return to Manali and dive into an advanced post-processing session on sky blending, color work, and light balance.
Day 9
Wrap-up & Departure: Final review session, feedback, and creative discussion before departure.
Note: Locations may change due to local conditions, but alternatives will be provided to ensure a top-quality experience.
Date
11th to 19th June 2026
Price
Date | 11th - 19th June 2026 |
---|---|
Double Occupancy | Rs 46000 |
Single Occupancy | Rs 56000 |
*Limited seats on a first come first serve basis.
**Please note that Astro Landscape Photography totally depends on local weather conditions, and the weather is unpredictable, though we hope that we’ll get a clear sky.
***Please read all details on this page including the Terms and Conditions on the website.
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Meet your mentor


Rajat Malakar
An Application Architect at IBM India, Rajat Malkar is also a passionate travel, landscape, and astro-landscape photographer. His journey into astrophotography began in 2018, driven by curiosity and a deep love for the night sky. Since then, he has mastered techniques for capturing the Milky Way, star trails, and nightscapes, building a diverse and award-winning portfolio. Rajat’s work has been featured on platforms like ViewBug, 500px, and Photography Group Magazine. As a mentor and faculty member at EXPOSURE, he has led numerous workshops and photo tours across India and Nepal since 2021. Known for his structured, in-depth teaching style, Rajat is dedicated to helping participants grow both technically and creatively.
Meet your mentor


Rajat Malakar
An Application Architect at IBM India, Rajat Malkar is also a passionate travel, landscape, and astro-landscape photographer. His journey into astrophotography began in 2018, driven by curiosity and a deep love for the night sky. Since then, he has mastered techniques for capturing the Milky Way, star trails, and nightscapes, building a diverse and award-winning portfolio. Rajat’s work has been featured on platforms like ViewBug, 500px, and Photography Group Magazine. As a mentor and faculty member at EXPOSURE, he has led numerous workshops and photo tours across India and Nepal since 2021. Known for his structured, in-depth teaching style, Rajat is dedicated to helping participants grow both technically and creatively.
FAQs
Why should you join this Photo Tour with us?
At EXPOSURE, we are as passionate about photography as you are, ensuring a tour designed to maximize your learning and shooting experience.
- Expert-Led Tour – Guided by a seasoned landscape and Astro-landscape photographer.
- Strategic Planning – A carefully designed itinerary to capture breathtaking landscapes and astro scenes at the perfect time.
- Hands-On Assistance – Get practical, on-field guidance to refine your shooting techniques.
- Extensive Learning – Gain insights into composition, exposure blending, focus stacking, and post-processing.
- Post-Tour Support – Lifetime access to mentorship, feedback, and editing assistance.
Who should join this photo tour?
- Those who prefer immersive travel beyond typical tourist experiences.
- Aspiring photographers eager to learn hands-on in the field.
- Enthusiasts looking to master landscape and Astro-landscape photography with expert guidance.
- Skill Level: Suitable for Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced photographers.
What to expect?
- Expert mentorship in landscape and Astro-landscape photography.
- Personalized guidance—ask questions anytime, and get in-depth support.
- Unforgettable experiences—adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and nightscapes.
What not to expect?
- This is not a leisure holiday; expect long hours in the field.
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather and challenging conditions.
Participant Requirements
- Passion for landscape and astro photography, with a spirit of adventure.
- Basic fitness required for short walks on uneven or rocky terrain.
- Be prepared for extreme Himalayan conditions—intense sunlight during the day, cold temperatures at night, and dry, thin air. Occasional high winds or dust may occur in exposed areas.
- Be prepared for temperature fluctuations, especially during night shoots.
- If you have health concerns, consult your doctor before the tour.
How is this tour different?
- Unlike generic tours, this specialized photo tour is designed for photographers by photographers.
- Experience real-world shooting conditions, not just staged or touristy spots.
- Learn in a collaborative environment, where every participant shares a passion for photography.
Can I join this trip as a non-photographer?
Absolutely! Whether you’re accompanying a photography enthusiast or simply drawn to the stark beauty and spiritual calm of the Himalayas, you’re most welcome to join us in Spiti Valley.
This tour is much more than a photography expedition — it’s an immersive journey through dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient monasteries, and timeless Himalayan culture. Over the years, many non-photographers have been part of our tours — spouses, partners, explorers, and nature lovers — and they’ve all returned with unforgettable memories.
Even without a camera, there’s so much to take in: watching prayer flags flutter against vast skies, walking through quiet villages nestled among towering peaks, stargazing in some of the clearest night skies in India, and experiencing the deep silence that only the high Himalayas offer.
You’ll never feel out of place — this journey is about experiencing Spiti’s raw grandeur, whether you’re capturing it through a lens or simply letting it fill your soul.
Please note that although you may join as a non-photographer, the tour cost remains the same for all participants, as every logistical arrangement — including transport, accommodation, permits, meals, and local support — is equally shared and arranged for everyone.
Terms and Conditions
- Accommodation: Modern, comfortable stays on a double-sharing basis throughout the tour.
- Transportation: Round-trip travel from Manali Private Bus Stand to Manali Private Bus Stand, including transfers between shooting locations and accommodations.
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 8 dinners during the tour.
- Drinking Water: Packaged drinking water is provided throughout the trip.
- Photography Guidance: Expert mentorship covering shooting techniques and creative approaches.
- Post-Processing Sessions: Hands-on guidance to enhance your images.
- Study materials: Study materials about the night sky and the Post-processing Guide Book.
- Permits & Entry Fees: All location permits and entry fees required for the tour.
What is not included in the Tour Fees?
- Flights & Train Tickets: International and domestic airfare or train travel to and from Manali.
- Additional Meals & Beverages: Any extra food or drinks beyond the provided meals.
- Travel Insurance & Personal Expenses: Insurance, medical expenses, personal shopping, and other individual expenditures.
- Camera Gear & Accessories: Participants must bring their own photography equipment, including tripods, filters, batteries, and other essentials.
- Transportation to Meeting Point: Included only from Manali private bus stand. Pick-up or drop-off from other locations can be arranged at an additional cost.
- Extra Expenses during the Tour: Any unforeseen
Important points to be noted
- The photo tour starts and ends at Manali Private Bus Stand.
- The photo tour is designed to provide personalized attention, so the group is limited to 07 photographers only.
- This is a dedicated photography tour, not a leisure tour. Non-photographer companions may join but must pay the full fee and adhere to the itinerary.
- While all care would be taken to stick to the schedule, unforeseen circumstances and time constraints might lead to some changes.
- Please also note that the timings of the programs can be changed according to the present situation of the trip.
- Please note that nightscape photography is entirely dependent on local weather conditions, although we hope for clear skies. The mentor will guide you throughout the photo tour.
- EXPOSURE reserves the right to amend, increase, and correct errors in the price of tours. Please refer to “Terms and Conditions”.
- If we are unable to find a suitable match for your desired occupancy type, we reserve the right to upgrade you automatically to the next available option. You agree to pay the difference in cost.
- The maximum number of participants is listed under “Group Size” of each individual photo tour/workshop. However, we reserve the right to add up to two participants to the maximum number of participants per workshop.
- All participants must sign an informed consent and indemnity bond, acknowledging the risks and releasing the organizers from liability. These documents.
Deadlines
Registration is open till the seat reservations end.
Registration & Selection Criteria
- Registration opens on 1st August 2025 and continues until all seats are filled.
- Only 07 dedicated photographers will be selected for this photo tour.
- A reasonable level of physical fitness is required, as some locations require walking or short hikes (100 to 500m).
- Participation is confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis upon email confirmation.
Booking Process
To secure your spot, you must pay 50% of the photo tour fee in advance, either in USD or INR (as per the conversion rate on the payment date). The remaining balance must be paid at least 30 days before the photo tour.
After making the payment, please send us a copy of the bank receipt or a screenshot of the transaction details. Once we confirm your payment, we will send you an email along with the photo tour’s Rules and Regulations, officially confirming your participation.
Note: Transaction and gateway charges will be borne by the participant.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel or modify your confirmed booking, Exposure’s Cancellation and Refund Policy for Photography Tours will apply, and you must agree to be bound by its terms. In the unlikely event that Exposure cancels a tour due to insufficient participants, a full refund, including the deposit amount, will be issued.
Once the tour begins, no refunds will be provided for any unused services, including accommodations, meals, flights, tour days, events, or services. The cancellation penalties outlined below reflect costs incurred by Exposure on your behalf, including non-refundable payments made to agents, hotels, airlines, and other service providers.
Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 14 working days from the date of written cancellation confirmation and will be issued using the same payment method.
To reserve your spot, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. Payments can be made via UPI, QR code, or NEFT (bank transfer details available on request). If the full payment is not received at least 30 days before the photo tour, your reservation may be canceled, and the booking amount will not be refunded.
All cancellation requests from participants must be submitted in writing and will take effect from the date they are received (via standard mail or email).
CANCELLATION DEDUCTIONS BASED ON FULL PHOTO TOUR FEES:
- No cancellation fee if the request is made 61 days or more before the tour start date.
- 80% of the total photo tour fee will be deducted if canceled between 61 and 46 days before the tour.
- 100% of the total photo tour fee will be deducted if canceled 45 days or less before the tour.
Trip cancellation by EXPOSURE:
In the unlikely event that EXPOSURE must cancel a tour or workshop due to a lack of participants or any other reason, a full refund, including the deposit, will be issued.
We will notify you in advance if a cancellation is being considered. If a photo tour is cancelled, 100% of your deposit and payments will be refunded.
However, EXPOSURE is not liable for any expenses incurred, such as airfare, accommodations, or equipment costs. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage.
Weather
June marks the beginning of summer in Spiti Valley, making it one of the best months to visit this high-altitude desert. The snow begins to melt, and the landscape comes alive with dramatic contrasts—crisp blue skies, barren mountains, and vibrant green patches in the valleys.
Daytime temperatures generally range between 15°C to 20°C, while nights can still be cold, dropping to around 2°C to 7°C, especially in higher villages like Komic, Langza, and Kibber. The air remains dry, and skies are usually clear, perfect for both landscape and nightscape photography.
Though road access improves by June, sudden weather changes and strong winds are still possible in the mountains, so it’s advisable to carry layered clothing, a windproof jacket, and good sun protection.
Weather Disclaimer: Astro landscape photography depends on local weather conditions, which can be unpredictable, though June generally offers the best chances for clear skies.
How to reach Manali ?
Manali is well-connected by road and serves as the gateway to the high Himalayas. Here’s how you can reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), located around 50 km from Manali. Daily flights operate from Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport, taxis and pre-arranged cabs are available to reach Manali.
By Road: Manali is accessible via a scenic drive from major cities like Delhi (approx. 530 km) and Chandigarh (approx. 300 km). Volvo and deluxe buses run regularly from Delhi and Chandigarh, operated by both private companies and HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation). Overnight journeys are most common.
By Train: The nearest major railway stations are Chandigarh and Joginder Nagar. From there, one needs to continue the journey by road to Manali.
Note: Due to the mountainous terrain, road travel time may vary. It’s advisable to arrive in Manali a day early if you are not flying directly into Bhuntar, to avoid any delays caused by road conditions.
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