More than a cultural photo tour, this was a journey into slow seeing and sacred moments in the Himalayas.
In May, I journeyed to Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of Upper Mustang, Nepal, to photograph one of the Himalayas’ most sacred and visually striking celebrations, the Tiji Festival.
This wasn’t just another photography trip. It was a cultural photo tour designed for those who seek more than beautiful images, for those who want to experience authentic Nepal, connect with its people, and capture the rhythm of life in sacred spaces.
Witnessing the Spirit of Tiji Festival
The Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang is a three-day Buddhist celebration symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Monks from nearby monasteries gather to perform ancient rituals, masked dances, and prayers that have been passed down for centuries.
Photographing Tiji isn’t about pointing your lens at the spectacle, it’s about understanding its essence. The altitude is high, the light is ever-changing, and there’s no fixed script. Life unfolds naturally here, guided by faith and tradition.
Each frame demanded patience, respect, and presence. How do you photograph prayer? Or the echo of a mantra carried by the Himalayan wind?
For me, the most powerful image wasn’t of the large crowds or the grand ceremonies. It was of the curios children behind monks, the gunshot by the local showing the terrain of Mustang in the background and the young monks transporting masks to the festival site from the monastery.
The Art of Slow Seeing
This journey reminded me that photography is not just about capturing, it’s about connecting. In the stillness between moments, stories reveal themselves. Every photograph became a conversation between the seen and the unseen, the outer ritual and the inner devotion.
Our Upper Mustang photography tour invited participants to practice slow seeing, to move beyond quick snapshots and instead engage deeply with people, culture, and landscape.
If you’re a traveler, photographer, or creative drawn to Nepal’s vibrant festivals, timeless cultures, and the art of seeing slowly, I’d love to connect. My photography journeys span the full breadth of Nepal, from the misty lowlands of the Terai to the rolling mid-hills and the dramatic Himalayan landscapes.
Each journey is shaped by curiosity and respect an invitation to experience Nepal not just as a destination, but as a story unfolding through light, people, and place.
About Bishal Sigdel
I’m a Kathmandu-based photographer and visual storyteller, specializing in culture, people, and landscapes of Nepal. My work explores the intersection of documentary and visual poetry, where stories of place and spirit meet.
📸 Let me craft a personalized photography tour for you (Write me) — from the ancient streets of Kathmandu to the high desert landscapes of Mustang.”
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