Pushkar Festival Tour

October 30 – November 9, 2019

FirstLight is going to India!! Join us on this incredible photo expedition to Delhi, Jaislamer, the Thar Desert, Jodhpur, and the legendary Pushkar Camel Fair 

One of my favorite places to photograph is India. I’ve been a number of times across the country, but I’ve never had the opportunity to go to the Pushkar Camel Festival. Join me for this incredible adventure!  Going to the great unknown is quite similar to shooting an assignment for National Geographic: you do a lot of research (about 70-80% of my contract on a story is research, so I’m ready when I arrive.) and you head into the place. Discovery is always a part of an assignment, but it’s discovery honed by that research. We’ll be working with one India’s top outfitters, who’ll fill in the infrastructure, giving us time to discover and photograph this incredible place.

Possibly the most romantic state in India, Rajasthan, famous for its striking desert landscape and colorful festivals, is steeped in tales of chivalry, honor, warriors and royalty. Its legendary cities of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Jaipur are resplendent with stunning forts that bear silent witness to the bravery and might of the Rajput warriors. Opulent palaces of breathtaking grandeur and whimsical charm pay tribute to its regal past and abound with treasures of artistic skills long forgotten.                                                          Enjoy 4WD jeep safaris to local villages in the middle of the desert and explore the rural life of the Bishnois.  We’ll explore the incredible tribal and cattle fairs of Pushkar

 

 Detailed Itinerary:

 Day 01:  October 30, 2019: (Wednesday): Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi. On arrival, you will be met and greeted by our representative and will be transferred to the hotel. (Rooms will be available from 1400 Hrs)

An orientation and briefing with your tour manager followed by a welcome dinner.

Overnight at the Hotel (D)

 

Day 02:  October 31, 2019 (Thursday): Delhi

After breakfast, full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.

We will head out to explore “Old Delhi” with its narrow dirt roads, its myriad people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Driving past the Red Fort(we will visit the more elaborate Red Fort in Agra), we trade our motor vehicles for bicycle rickshaws, which will take us into the heart of Chandini Chowk (the silver square – so named because of the silver merchants). Negotiating alleyways, which seemingly get narrower and narrower we end up at the Jama Masjid, the largest Muslim mosque in India.

Later visit the capital city of modern India, New Delhi is a well laid-out main metropolitan area built by the British when they moved their capital here from Calcutta in 1911. It blends internationalism and tradition, with many interesting museums and art galleries here. We will drive past the President’s Palaceand visit India Gate in the Lutyens’ Imperial City.

Visit Humayun’s Tomband Qutub Minarthat pay homage to the mighty Afghan & Mughal Empires.

Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D)

 

Day 03:  November 1, 2019 (Friday): Delhi-Jaisalmer (By flight)

After breakfast, we will drive out to visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, situated in the heart of New Delhi. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh Gurudwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, and the pool inside its complex, known as the “Sarovar”, whose water is considered holy by Sikhs and is known as “Amrit”.

As with all Sikh Gurudwara, the concept of “Langar” (Common Meal) is practiced, and all people, regardless of race or religion may eat in the Gurudwara kitchen (langar hall). The Langar (food) is prepared by volunteers who like to help out.

Later transfer to the Delhi airport to board the flight to Jaisalmer:

DEL/JSA            SG 2984            ETD/ETA: 1520/1635 Hrs

(Baggage allowance on this flight is 15 Kgs and 07 Kgs hand luggage; however, we have included 05 Kgs extra checked baggage allowance in our quote)

 On arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in.

Jaisalmer   founded in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often described as Golden City & rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage the commanding Fort etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its entire awesome splendour.

Later, we will drive out to Bada Bagh where the royal family members were cremated. Later watch and photograph sunset on the Jaisalmer fort.

Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D)

 

Day 04:  November 2, 2019 (Saturday): Jaisalmer

After breakfast visit the old town of Jaisalmer & visit Jaisalmer Fort,built in the year 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Perched on 80m high hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts, the golden hued Fort is standing like a sentinel in the bleak desert landscape. It is the only “Living Fort” in India & within its ramparts has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely Havelis (Mansions), Palaces& beautifully sculptured Jain Templesof the 12th-15th century AD & of course skilled artisans & ubiquitous camels.

We also visit magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli in the heart of the town. It was built by the rich merchant Guman Chand Patwa & his sons, whose business stretched between Afghanistan & China. It is the most elaborate & magnificent of all the Jaisalmer Havelis & is virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer’s legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade & gold.

Afternoon is free to wander around the lanes and by lanes of this city.

Later we drive down 40 km away from Jaisalmer to Khuri to take the Camel ride on the Sand Dunes of Khuri while the sun is setting down.

Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D)

 

Day 05:   November 3, 2019 (Sunday): Jaisalmer-Thar Desert (By surface approx. 180 Kms/3.5 Hrs)

In the morning we’ll have a sunrise shoot of the Gadisar Lake.

After breakfast drive to Thar Desert (Dechu). On arrival, check-in to the camp.

 Thar Desert (Dechu) is an ideal base to explore Indian desert life, culture, wildlife and landscape of breathtaking beauty. Within Dechu’s timeless horizons, you will find yourself one with nature.

Late afternoon 4WD jeep safari to see the desert life upclose.

We will visit the villages of various tribes like the camel herders, the shoe makers, the weavers, the potters and the Bishnois.  This is an experience to see the rural India.

We will also do a Camel safari in middle of the desert.

Overnight at the Camp (B, L, D)

 Day 06:   November 4, 2019 (Monday): Thar Desert-Jodhpur (By surface approx. 120 Kms/03 Hrs)

Morning we will again do a jeep safari to visit the more villages in the Desert.

Later drive to Jodhpur. On arrival, check-in to the hotel.

Jodhpur,the second largest city in Rajasthan & has landscape dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort topping a sheer rocky ridge.

Late afternoon walk around the medieval markets of Jodhpur. We will also organize the Tuk Tuk ride.

Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D)

 Day 07:   November 5, 2019 (Tuesday): Jodhpur

After breakfast, visit the Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of the most impressive & formidable structures anywhere in India. Built by Rao Jodha, this 5km long Fort is on a 125m high hill & has some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels latticed window.

We also visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur.

Late afternoon walking tour of the “Old Blue City” as well as the medieval bazaars of Jodhpur.  So named because of the blue indigo used in the white wash of the houses, this area of Jodhpur is a delight for the photographers.

You will also enjoy a hi-tea here atop a local house as you admire the blue city and the fortress.

Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D)

 

Day 08:   November 6, 2019 (Wednesday): Jodhpur-Pushkar (By surface approx. 200 Kms/05 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pushkar and check into our Swiss Tents. Each of these tents have private attached toilets with running cold water and hot water will be supplied in the morning and evening. There will be proper beds as well as electricity in each tent.  All tents are also air-conditioned.

We’ll enjoy in the amazing spectacle called Pushkar. Thousands of camels, horses and other cattle along with their owners camp in the sand dune. Trade goes brisk and deals are made and animals exchanged.  It is an assemblage of men with large colorful turbans, women wrapped in exquisite jewelry from head to toe, and children dressed in colorful, traditional attire.

Overnight at the Camp (B, L, D)

 

Day 09:   November 7, 2019 (Thursday): Pushkar

You will have full day to wander Pushkar. The fair is initially devoted to the trade of camels, sheep, horses and cows. Their owners, dressed in colorful attire use all of their persuasive skills to sell them at the most competitive prices. The festival also offers the women an opportunity to purchase a huge variety of jewelry items. There are also stalls where colorful clothing is sold as well as tattoo shops, jugglers and fire dancers. As the fair nears its climax, various competitive events are held, such as camel races, musical chairs, and beauty contests.

We will also visit the Brahma temple as well as the Pushkar Lake where thousands of people bath every day. (Photography is prohibited at the temple and at the lake).

Brahma temple is the only temple in the world where Lord Brahma is worshiped and the main attraction of Pushkar. The temple has a special position in Hindu pantheons. There is life-size four-armed idol of Lord Brahma – the creator in the vestibule.

Overnight at the Camp (B, L, D)

 

Day 10:   November 8, 2019 (Friday): Pushkar-Jaipur (By surface approx. 145 Kms/03 Hrs)-Delhi (By flight)

Early morning, you will have one more chance to photograph Pushkar fair.

After breakfast drive to Jaipur for 03 hours n order to board the flight to Delhi.

 

DEL/JSA            AI 492               ETD/ETA: 1330/1425 Hrs

(Baggage allowance on this flight is 15 Kgs and 07 Kgs hand luggage; however, we have included 05 Kgs extra checked baggage allowance in our quote)

On arrival, transfer to the hotel close to the airport for check-in.

After some rest enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel (B, L, D)

 

Day 11:   November 9, 2019 (Saturday): Delhi Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Delhi International airport to board the flight for onward journey.

Pricing

This is limited to a group of 10 or less

Price for this incredible photographic adventure is $ 10,100.00 USD per person

Single room supplements are available for $ 1,400.00 per person 

To register for this event, please click here

 

The above price includes:

• Double room on sharing basis. Single supplements are available at a cost of $ 1,400.00 per person
• Full board throughout the tour (Starts with the dinner Day 01 and ends with breakfast on Day 11).
• Private airport arrival and departure transfers for each participant.
• All sightseeing by air-conditioned Mini Coach as per the program.
• Assistance at all the airports by our representatives.
• Services of an English speaking Indian trip leader throughout the tour staying in same hotels except the hotel in Delhi.
• Entrances to the monuments as per the program.
• Bicycle Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
• 01 Camel Ride at Khuri Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer.
• 02 Jeep safaris in the Thar Desert.
• 01 Camel ride in the Thar Desert.
• Bottled water during drives and meals.
• Welcome and farewell dinner with a glass of wine or beer in the hotel.
• 05 Kgs per person extra baggage allowance on the domestic flights.
• Tips to the bell boys, porters, restaurants, safaris and drivers etc.
• GST (Goods & Services Tax) as applicable.

 

The above price does not include:

• Your international airfare to India and return
• Any expenses of personal nature like laundry, beverages, alcoholic beverages, telephone calls etc.
• Any expenses caused by factors beyond our control like flight cancellation, or hazards beyond our control.
• Any medical or evacuation insurance

 If interested, please fill out a registration or call/email us. As we have to launch these with a minimum of 6, we’ll ask you to wait until August 1, 2019 (if we have confirmation prior to this date, we’ll let you know asap) to purchase your plane ticket, so we can confirm that this is a “go”

phone: 303 730 2894

email: Jay@FirstLightWorkshop.com