National Geographic Expedition's

India Photo Expedition with photographer Steve Winter featuring the Pushkar Camel Fair

Magical desert cities, captivating people, and vivid colors have long drawn National Geographic photographer Nevada Wier to northern India. Join Steve on a once-in-a-lifetime photography expedition to Delhi and Rajasthan. With your camera at the ready, delve into the markets and fortresses of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, live among the Bishnoi desert people, and witness the celebrations at the Pushkar Camel Fair.

Outline Itinerary

DAYS 1 – 3
October 30, 31, and November 1 - Newark/Delhi, India
Depart for Delhi, arriving early in the morning. After lunch, head into 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.
The Shangri-La Hotel (L, D)

DAY 4
November 2 – Delhi/Jodhpur
Fly to Jodhpur and head into its lively Clock Tower Bazaar. Later, explore the "blue city" and the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Taj Hari Mahal (B, L, D)

DAY 5
November 3 – Jodhpur/Jaisalmer
Drive to Jaisalmer today, and visit the gardens and royal monuments of Bada Bagh. Taj Rawal-Kot (B, L, D)

DAY 6
November 4 – Jaisalmer
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, and discover the Jain temple complex within it. (B, L, D)

DAY 7
November 5 – Jaisalmer/Jamba
Photograph the market as it comes to life this morning. Then drive deeper into the desert to Jamba, home of the Bishnoi tribes, desert dwellers who worship nature.
Dera Sand Dune Resort (B, L, D)

DAY 8
November 6 – Jamba
Set out to photograph the desert 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. (B, L, D)

DAY 9
November 7 – 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 (B, L, D)

DAY 10
November 8 – 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. (B, L, D)

DAY 11
November 9 – Kalakho Village Area
Drive two hours into the countryside, and photograph traditional Rajasthani life in Kalakho, on the banks of a monsoon lake. Gather tonight for a festive farewell dinner.
Dera Lakeview Retreat (B, L, D)

DAY 12
November 10 and 11 – Kalakho/Delhi/New York
Drive to Jaipur Airport and fly to Delhi. Enjoy an early dinner before boarding your overnight return flight. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Arrive USA

Steve Winter
National Geographic photographer Steve Winter first visited India as part of a year-long, around-the-world trip in 1978, spending months traveling throughout the country. Since then, he has worked extensively in Asia, most recently photographing for a 2006 India special issue of National Geographic Traveler. Steve covers both people and culture and endangered animals, and has created eight articles for National Geographic magazine, including jaguars, the Irrawaddy River, and the creation of the world's largest tiger reserve in Myanmar. Steve looks forward to sharing his love of India and to helping you capture memorable photos as you explore this colorful region together. Steve will accompany the October 30, 2008 departure.

Please go to our slideshow page to see images from Rajasthan and the Pushkar Camel Fair

Call us toll free at 1-800 MY INDIA (1-800-694-6342) or email us to request a detailed day-to-day itinerary.

Rajasthani miniature

Painted hut, Jaisalmer

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

"How thoroughly I enjoyed the tour of Rajasthan!  It was a visual and photography treat for the senses."
- Anne Ainsworth, IL

At the Pushkar camel fair

Banjara gypsy, Pushkar