TIBET
with Mount Everest Base Camp and Kathmandu
13 days of exploring the hidden treasures of Tibet and Kathmandu with expert
Christian Nørgaard
Better Moments means Thanks for choosing Better Moments for your next adventure workshop. Better Moments was founded in 2011 by Philip Boissevain and me, two experienced veterans of the international professional photography industry. We met when working at Hasselblad, Philip as the Global Marketing manager and me as the Global Photographer Relations manager. Today Better Moments has become the leading photo workshop platform organizing high-end workshops for photo enthusiasts worldwide.
Better Moments CEO and founder: Christian Nørgaard Graphic design: Håkan Andersson Text editor: Karen Gunn All images and text in this catalog are under International Copyright Legislation. However, Better Moment’s guests and potential customers may download the catalog for private use, but not for any commercial use. Any violation of the International Copyright Legislation will be reported to the International Court of Justice of
You will learn from the world’s most experienced photographers within their fields to refine your personal style and sharpen your technical skills. Additionally, we want you to share your excitement for photography and enjoy great moments in life. And we want you to explore your passion and expand your photographic skills and vision. Better Moments' mission is to deliver exclusive workshops in landscape, wildlife and travel photography at unique locations around the world. I want you to explore your passion for photography, working with and learning from the world’s most renowned photographers who all have excellent teaching skills, local knowledge and experience.
International Copyright Legislation Photo above by David Trud Cover photo by Christian Nørgaard
Photography with passion, Christian Nørgaard
s Photography with passion Our passionate experts Arne Hodali�c – National Geographic Photo Editor (Slovenia) Tom D Jones – Hasselblad Master & European Fine Art Photographer Steve Bloom – National Geographic Photographer Christian Nørgaard – CEO Better Moments Hans Strand – Hasselblad Master Landscape Photographer Michael Nichols – wildlife journalist, National Geographic Photo Editor Sisse Brimberg – National Geographic Photographer Steve McCurry – National Geographic, World Press Photo first place
" My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport." Steve McCurry
PHOTO BY SISSE BRIMBERG
The Hidden Treasure This workshop offers the rare opportunity to explore and photograph the ultimate bucket list of famous and exotic locations – historical, spiritual and natural – all in one trip. We begin our journey in the picturesque capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, visiting some of the seven architectural treasures designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, we fly on to Tibet, entering the ancient spiritual world of Tibetan buddhism as we explore and photograph the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa, the historical monasteries and printing temples, the stunning sceneries of heavenly lakes, soaring mountains and ancient forts. To top it all, we drive to Mt. Everest Base Camp and the jaw-dropping view of the very top of the world.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
This workshop is a unique opportunity to travel with photographer and Better Moments CEO Christian Nørgaard.
Tibet (China) Nep al
Bhutan India
India
Bangladesh Burma
PHOTO BY SISSE BRIMBERG
Kathmandu and Tibet Highlights ■ HIGHLIGHTS □ The Kathmandu Valley
treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the hindu Pashupatinath Temple, the massive Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath and the beautiful Patan Durbar Square.
□ Lhasa, the capital of Tibet,
where spiritual and secular life exist side by side.
□ The Potala Palace – the
winter residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and also a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site.
□ Tibetan buddhist monasteries. □ The traditional printing temple of the Sera Monastery.
□ Spectacular mountainous
landscapes and heavenly lakes
□ Mount Everest Base Camp, Tibet
■ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN □ Learn how to approach the
unique challenges of travel and landscape photography, how to capture candid moments and portraits and how to capture spaciousness, dynamic energy and the simplicity of natural landscape photography.
■ ON LOCATION □ Teaching and training in the best techniques with personal hints and advice.
□ Composition and focus on
lines, golden section, perspective, foreground, middle ground and background.
□ Work in different lighting and with short/long exposure times and aperture.
□ How to handle equipment with care on location.
□ Private hands-on lessons
that can help to take your photography skills to the next level.
■ IN CLASSROOM □ Expert review and PRICE & BOOKING
constructive criticism of the images taken during the day.
□ Portfolio Review.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
Better Moments’ mission is to deliver exclusive workshops and we want you to explore your passion for photography and work with one of the best photographers, Christian Nørgaard, during your Tibet expedition.
PHOTO BY SISSE BRIMBERG
This workshop to two of his favorite destinations in The Himalayas – Lhasa and Mount Everest – will be a strong combination of travel portraits and amazing landscape photography.
” To me, photography is an art of observation that contains patience, respect, lots of curiosity and to catch and freeze a moment that will stay forever” Christian Nørgaard
The first time he held a camera was as a child, and ever since it has been a part of Christian Nørgaard - not a day goes by without a push of the button. ”The most important thing for me is to be inspired - if a natural and spontaneous curiosity and desire to capture subjects with my lens doesn’t arise - well, then I simply don’t do it.” Christian Nørgaard started his career at the Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende in Copenhagen. Afterwards he travelled around the world and sold his photographs to Danish and foreign media. When Christian returned from his travels and settled down in Copenhagen, he started a publishing house focused on travel magazines. In the course of the next few years it grew to become one of the most important publishing houses in Scandinavia. Today Christian Nørgaard shares his passion for photography with many of Better Moments' guests. Together they have travelled to destinations across the globe including Burma, India, Bhutan, Greenland, Iceland, just to mention a few, and fortunately there are even more destinations planned.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
PHOTO BY DAVID TRUD
Christian Nørgaard has been traveling in Asia for more than 30 years.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
” My ambition is to have fun and challenge myself when I photograph. As long as I have the desire and curiosity, I will continue to make a difference with my pictures and with Better Moments – and fortunately my flame of creativity is still burning at full power” Christian Nørgaard
Itinerary DAY 1
DAY 4
ARRIVAL KATHMANDU Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) just 6 km from Kathmandu in Nepal and transfer to hotel. Tonight we meet for a group dinner followed by a talk about the itinerary for the following days.
KATHMANDU This morning we walk through the charming and bustling Asan Bazaar that attracts shoppers from all over because of the tremendous variety of merchandise sold here, ranging from foodstuffs, spices and textiles to electronics and boullion. From there we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square with its royal palace and the Swayambhunaths – an ancient religious structure atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley and one of the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
■
DAY 2
■
KATHMANDU VALLEY Today we visit some of the architectural treasures included in the seven monument groups in UNESCO's designation of Kathmandu Valley as a Cultural Heritage Site: The famous 5th century Pashupatinath Temple, an extensive Hindu temple complex raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath with its massive mandala, making it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. And the photogenic Patan Durbar Square, a marvel of Newar architecture with an ancient royal palace and many temples and idols in the area. In the evening there will be a joint dinner and lecture on travel photography with Christian Nørgaard.
DAY 3
■
KATHMANDU VALLEY Today we continue to explore the treasures of the Kathmandu Valley, visiting the Bhaktapur Durbar Square 13 km east of Kathmandu and the ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan, located on a high hilltop next to the Manahara River. This shrine is dedicated to lord Visnu and considered to be the oldest temple in the history of Nepal. PRICE & BOOKING
■
DAY 5
■
KATHMANDU TO LHASA Morning flight to Lhasa. The rest of the day is free to rest and acclimatise. At an altitude of 3,490 meters (11,450 ft), Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world.
DAY 6
■ LHASA In the morning, we visit the most famous landmark and political center of Tibet, the Potala Palace. The approach to the Potala requires climbing many steep steps, so we take it slowly. Once inside we explore the many rooms with their beautiful murals and sculptures. After lunch, we take a short drive to the Sera Monastery on the outskirts of Lhasa. Here we will have a chance to mingle freely with the monks and print our own sutra texts on traditional long paper. In the debating courtyard we will witness the monks honing their debating skills in an elaborate clapping ceremony. After dinner, workshop on today’s photography.
DAY 7
■ LHASA We join the pilgrims flocking to Jokhang Monastery this morning, to visit the spiritual center of Tibet. Said to be built over the heart of an evil goddess, the Jokhang is the hub of concentric circles of monasteries emanating out of Lhasa. After lunch, we walk over to Drepung Monastery with its enormous hall holding thousands of silk-bound scriptures, and we experience thousands of lamas chanting en masse. In the evening, we meet for Christian’s entertaining lecture and mini-workshop on photographing for Better Moments.
DAY 8
■
LHASA TO GYANTSE This morning we leave Lhasa to drive to Gyantse, stopping for lunch at the holy lake of Yamdrok Tso (4408 m) with its turquoise water and snowcovered peaks (over 7,000 m) in the distance. Gyantse is a laid-back, attractive town with a splendid view of the Kumbum Stupa, consisting of 8 levels and containing 75 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world.
DAY 9
■
GYANTSE TO SHEGAR The old fort, Shegar Dzong, towers above Gyantse and offers amazing views of the surrounding valley. We photograph the fortress at sunrise. Later, we will drive from Gyantse to Shegar, visiting Xialu Monastery, built in 1000 AD, on the way. This evening, Christian Nørgaard will give a lecture “Exploring Mt. Everest through the times”.
DAY 10
■
MT. EVEREST BASE CAMP Although there is only 100 km from Shegar to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,200 m), it takes about four hours to get there, as the winding roads demand caution. But the views are stupendous on a clear day, featuring a huge sweep of the Himalaya range including peaks over 8000: Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Gyachung and Cho Oyu. When we finally get to Base Camp, the first sight of the mighty Everest is breathtaking. Tonight, Christian will focus on your best shots so far.
DAY 11
■
SHIGATSE TO LHASA Morning train to Lhasa. During our trip Christian Nørgaard will lecture about travel and portrait photography.
DAY 12
■
LHASA TO KATHMANDU Morning photography before we fly back to Kathmandu. Tonight we will hold our farewell dinner in the center of Kathmandu
DAY 13
■
KATHMANDU AND HOME FLIGHTS An easy morning with photography and private shopping before our international flights back home.
IMPORTANT Due to the weather, we point out that, changes to the program may occur.
PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
AIRPORT PICK-UP Better Moments arranges one pickup and one return to the airport on the day of arrival and departure respectively.
Quick guide We want you to travel in the greatest possible comfort and to know that you have received as much information as possible.
■ RELIGION
■ QUICK GUIDE
Religion is extremely important to the majority of Nepalese and Tibetans, and travellers should endeavour to respect their customs and beliefs. Always walk around Tibetan Buddhist religious sites or monasteries in a clockwise direction, and when in a monastery do not wear a hat, smoke or touch frescoes. In addition, refrain from climbing onto statues, mani stones or other sacred objects.
■ GETTING THERE
■ LANGUAGES
The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, lies in the Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres (4,600 feet) above sea level in central Nepal. It is the largest metropolis in Nepal, with a population of 1.5 million in the city proper and 3 million across the Kathmandu Valley. It has a multiethnic population within a Hindu and Buddhist majority. The Tibet Autonomous Region, called Tibet for short, is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China, formally established in 1965 and located on the Tibetan Plateau. The area is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpa, Qiang, and Lhoba peoples and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han Chinese and Hui people. Tibet is the highest region on Earth, with an average elevation of 4,900 metres. The highest elevation in Tibet is Mount Everest, on the border with Nepal, rising 8,848 m above sea level. The Mt. Everest North Base Camp in Tibet lies at an elevation of 5,150 metres.
Better Moments can make your bookings for flights to and from Nepal as well as additional overnight stays.
■ VISA All visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. It is the responsibility of each traveller to obtain all valid travel documents and visas before arrival at this destination. On our first day in Kathmandu, Nepal, our local guide will apply for visas to enter Tibet on behalf of the whole group..
PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN NØRGAARD
■ WEATHER Pack for all seasons. Layers are a good idea. Kathmandu Valley is in the warm temperate zone where the climate is fairly temperate with cooler nights. In Tibet, the weather is highly unpredictable, and three to four seasons could appear within a span of 24 hours. Hail and snow over the high mountain passes is not uncommon and it will be cold at Mount Everest North Base Camp in Tibet at 5,150 metres.
In Kathmandu the major languages are Nepali and Nepal Bhasa, while English is understood by many. In Tibet, the main language spoken is the Tibetan language. Other languages like Mandarin and English are also used in the tourism industry.
■ HEALTH Check with your doctor which vaccinations or medications are recommended for this destination. Remember to plan well ahead with vaccinations. Allow up to six weeks to receive the full course, as some vaccinations require more than one dose, and some should not be given together.
■ CURRENCY Nepalese rupee (Nepal) and Chinese Yuan (Tibet).
PRICE & BOOKING
Equipment ■
CAMERA The camera list is for inspiration, since you know better than anyone what equipment you prefer.
□ B ring you own laptop computer
and storage medium Camera bodie(s) Tripod Lenses,If you are working with a 24x36mm camera system, lenses from 12mm to approx. 55mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 180 mm. If you are working with a medium format camera, lenses from 28mm to approx. 80mm is obvious. And a "long lens" such as a 300 mm. Bag for all camera gear Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses Charger for batteries Spare batteries Standard power converter Raw processing software Memory cards and card wallets Memory card reader USB key to exchange images
□ □ □
□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
■ NICE TO HAVE □ Lens extenders □ C amera straps for ease of □ □ □ □
changing from one camera to another Graduated filter set Filter holder High quality polarizing filter Lens belt
PHOTO BY SISSE BRIMBERG
Whether this is your first trip or your ”hundredth” workshop with us, it’s always helpful to have a rundown of what items you may want to pack so you have a travel checklist. Bookmark this packing list, because you’ll want to refer back to it to make sure you’ve thought of everything you might want to bring.
Travelling with the Best Han Lei is a PhD in Computer Science from Australia and has studied photography as a hobby for 5 years. In July 2017 he was awarded Better Moments Photographer of the Month for his wonderful photo of the jumping fisherman (at right), captured in Burma. This same photo was also selected and highlighted by National Geographic as one of the best entries in their Your Shot photo community.
Passionate photographer Han Lei participated in the Burma with the Best workshop in March 2017, led by Steve McCurry, and returned home with a selection of outstanding photos.
Han Lei writes about this trip: “I would like to thank Better Moments and Steve McCurry for their professional and patient guidance during this fantastic Burma Workshop, which is greatly helpful to improve photographic skills. I am really grateful for that from the bottom of my heart. I feel so proud and honoured to be named Photographer of the Month in July. This is such a drive that will motivate me to continue my photography journey with more passion and dedication to it."
" This will motivat
PHOTOS BY HAN LEI
te me to continue my photography journey" Han Lei
BETTER MOMENTS APS Allerød Stationsvej 4 | DK-3450 Allerød | Denmark Tel.: +45 31578747 | E-mail: info@better-moments.com
STAY IN TOUCH
WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH