Intimate Spiti
For centuries, Spiti Valley remained a hidden Buddhist enclave, forbidden to outsiders, nestled at 3 800m between India and Tibet.
An immersion into another world
Tucked between deep valleys and high Himalayan peaks, Spiti Valley feels like another world. Often called the original Tibet, it is a land where Buddhist monks once hid treasures in mountain caches, now long forgotten.
We will explore the valley's daily and spiritual life at extraordinary altitudes. Living with local families, we will share their homes and routines, herding yaks at 4,000m one day and cooking local dishes the next.
Spiti's Buddhist heritage, full of legends and mysteries, runs through the whole journey. In the monasteries, monks and nuns will open their doors and tell us about their spiritual path and the discipline it requires. Their morning prayers and chants offer a rare moment of peace, far from the pace of life back home.
We will also celebrate the annual mask festival alongside the villagers, a day of colour and joy.
Then, a 2-day trek with two nights under canvas will lead us into the vast wilderness of the high mountains, where we may spot some of their elusive wildlife.
Throughout the expedition, you will follow in-depth photography training covering portrait, landscape and action, as well as a post-production workflow on your own images, adapted to your level and goals.
Where the Himalaya opens up
Extraordinary Himalayan landscapes
Stay with local families
Attend a mask festival
Learn from young nuns
The itinerary
Arrival in New Delhi
Travelers arriving from around the world are welcomed at the airport and transferred to a boutique hotel. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
A day in New Delhi
A journey to India would not be complete without a dive into the bustling streets of its capital. After a copious breakfast and an introductory talk by your expedition leader, we explore New Delhi in all its colors and smells.
Drive to Manali, the gateway to the Himalayas
An early departure to beat Delhi traffic, then 10 hours of comfortable driving as we progress into the mountains. Arrive in bustling Manali for the night.
Entering Spiti Valley
A breathtaking journey across the mountain passes with as many stops as we desire. We arrive in Spiti Valley in the afternoon and begin acclimatising to altitude.
Key Monastery, an introduction to Buddhist life
Morning photography lecture by Thomas before heading to Key Monastery for a day with monks. Visit of the most important monastery in the valley. Portrait photography training.
Towards Pin valley
We leave Kaza behind and venture deeper into the valley and onto Pin valley. We stop on the way to observe the beauty of the landscape. In the afternoon, we are welcomed by our guests and wander around their beautiful homestead.
The Mask Festival
We join the monks early in the morning as they prepare for the festival in their monastery. We spend the day observing the festivities,and learning about buddhist traditions. A fun day to focus on action and portrait photography.
The way to Lalung, our favorite village
After a morning taking portraits of our hosts, we bid our farewell and stop in Dankhar to visit the old monastery. We continue our drive to reach Lalung before sunset and take in the beauty of its terraced fields. We meet our new hosts and enjoy a warm dinner.
Family portraiture
We learn more about our hosts and organise a portrait session to discover the beauty of their traditional outfits. We enjoy a nice walk in the village and meet local people.
Reaching Demul
It's time to leave Lalung and drive to the high altitude village of Demul. The views are breathtaking as we cross the pass. We make it to our homestay and witness a traditional dance by the local women. We go home early to rest before our trek starts.
Wilderness trek
Two days walking deeper into the mountains, setting up camp under the stars, searching for mountain goats, birds of prey, and the elusive snow leopard.
Kibber
Final photography sessions in Kibber, particularly beautiful in the afternoon.
Drive back to Manali
Time to say goodbye to Spiti valley. We drive back to Manali.
Drive back to New Delhi
We drive back to New Delhi and enjoy a last dinner together. This is the end of our Spiti valley expedition.
Departure
Our driver drops you at the airport to connect with your international flight. Have a safe journey!
India, in their words
“Spiti expedition was incredible photographic, cultural and spiritual experience. Thank you, Thom and Emi!”
“To me, the best part was to learn how to communicate with the people that I didn't know and ask permission for taking photo of them. Thomas and Emilie were amazing. We got to know each other and built friendship during the trip.”
“I've travelled with Thom and Emi in India and Madagascar. They are excellent leaders, sorting unexpected issues with skill and efficiency. They also guide you to the best photographic opportunities and freely impart their knowledge and guidance.”
From first message to departure
- 01
Apply
Fill in the short application form. It takes two minutes and doesn’t commit you to anything.
Apply now - 02
Meet us
Pick a time for a video call right after applying. We get to know you, answer your questions and make sure the expedition is the right fit.
Pick a time - 03
Secure your spot
Once we both feel it’s a match, a deposit of 1 680 € confirms your place. The balance is due 90 days before departure.
- 04
Get ready
You receive our handbook with gear, clothing and reading tips, and we go over visas and travel details together.
Taxes included. Deposit of 1 680 € to secure your place.
What's included
- Airport transfers in New Delhi and Manali
- 3 nights in 4-star hotels in New Delhi
- 2 nights in a hotel in Manali
- 3 nights in hotels in Spiti Valley
- 5 nights in homestays
- 2 nights in tents
- 4x4 vehicles with dedicated drivers throughout
- Professional guide & translator for the full expedition
- Full board: all meals, snacks, tea, coffee & soft drinks
- Photography workshops, lectures & editing sessions by Thomas
- Spiti Valley entrance fees
- Donation to community development project
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
No commitment until our call · A 1 680 € deposit confirms your place · All taxes included
Not sure yet?
Book a 20-minute callTwo of us, by your side
Sensitive to the human condition and its relationship with our environment, Thomas has traveled and worked in dozens of countries. He often works for NGOs on humanitarian and development projects, believing that well-crafted images can be a genuine force for good.
An experienced expedition leader, passionate storyteller and inspiring teacher, he will share his hard-earned access to and knowledge of the remote communities you'll visit, while helping you take your photography skills to the next level.
Thomas first discovered Spiti Valley in 2016, and has returned multiple times since. Few people know its communities and landscapes as intimately as he does.
Emilie plans every expedition down to the smallest detail, from the first scouting trip to the last transfer. On the ground, she takes care of logistics, so that you can focus on the encounters and the photographs.
With years of film production behind her, she also brings a gentle, attentive eye to every encounter, especially with women and children.
Giving back to the communities we visit
Our commitment in Spiti Valley supports the development of solar heaters and greenhouses, directly benefiting the families we stay with during our expedition.
With a background in humanitarian and development affairs, Karai is particularly careful about the impact of its presence as guests. On top of paying our hosts for their hospitality, we provide direct financial support to local initiatives in each destination.
Our environmental commitmentthe period Spitian can cultivate their fields due to the high altitude
of our local fees directly fund development projects
Questions & answers
Everything you need to know before booking. Still have questions? Write to us