We'll base ourselves in Upper Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj) at an elevation of 5,900 ft (1798 m) to explore the diversity this ancient culture has to offer. From traditional ways transported from the homeland of Tibet, to the integration of youth into Indian society and the global, western world, there will be plenty to focus your camera on. The goal of this workshop is not only to improve your skills with camera and lens, it's to explore the energy and dynamism that lies behind a culture held intact by pride and spirit. In the course of it all, you will produce a photo-essay based upon subject or theme of your choice. Both David and Ashwini will be on hand full-time to give instruction and guidance, when needed. We will work in digital and students should bring along a laptop with image-processing software, in addition to their camera equipment. Visa Information: Tourist visas are required for entry into India. Please contact your nearest Indian consulate or embassy for details and an application form. Waiver of liability: Before departure, you will be requested to read, accept and sign an agreement which releases us from any responsibility of liability in the event of any of the situations mentioned below. We also assume no responsibility if a traveler is refused entry into a country for any reason. It is the traveler's sole responsibility to ensure all travel documents are valid and effective. A passport, valid for six months after the intended date of return is required in many cases for travel overseas. Some countries may require visas for US or non-US citizens. Please check with the corresponding consulates prior to leaving. This is the traveler's responsibility. TCI and its instructors cannot assume any liability whatsoever for injury, sickness, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence of or default of any travel agent, hotel, carrier, restaurant, company, airline, or person rendering any of the services included in this workshop titled, Tibetan Culture - Photo Workshop in India, or by act of God, act of war or terrorism. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage, changes or delays due to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, weather or other causes beyond my personal control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omissions and schedule changes, forced stopovers, rerouting or acts of any governments or authority. We reserve the right to decline or accept any person as a member of this workshop-expedition or to cancel or alter its itinerary without notice. It is also the responsibility of the traveler to keep informed on deposit and payment date requirements. It is highly recommended that all individuals obtain adequate travel insurance. A final note: TCI reserves the right to cancel this workshop should we be unable to reach the minimum of 12 participants. In such a case, full refund of the deposit will be made.
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Workshop ItineraryDay 1 / 17 October (Friday): Fly to Delhi. Day 2 / 18 October (Saturday): Early morning arrival in Delhi. You will be met and assisted at the Airport by David Bathgate and transferred to your hotel. Following a leisurely breakfast, we will embark on a guided tour of Old and New Delhi. Beginning our tour in the chaotic but colourful old section of the Indian capital, we'll visit the magnificent Red Fort that was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1648. In New Delhi our tour continues with a visit to the Jantar Mantar Observatory that was built by the Maharaja Jai Singh to study astrology and predict eclipses. Our final destination is the Qutab Minar, or tower of victory rising five storeys and impressively ornate. Early evening transfer to the Delhi railway station to board the overnight train to Pathankot. Day 3 / 19 October (Sunday): Early morning arrival in Pathankot and transfer to minibus for 21/2-hour drive up the beautiful Kangra Valley to Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, seat of the Tibetan Government in Exile. Orientation walk around the hilltop town of McLeod Ganj with David and Ashwini in the afternoon. Welcome dinner at our hotel, followed by an overview of the workshop to come. Day 4 / 20 October (Monday): Photography workshop begins. Remainder of the day for taking pictures under the guidance and support of David and Ashwini. Supper at your hotel. Evening review of day's photographic take and discussion of next days assignment. Overnight hotel. Day 5 / 21 October (Tuesday): One hour travel by private transport to the Norbulingka (Tibetan arts and crafts) institute followed by visit to nearby Buddhist nunnery. Return to Mcleod Ganj. Evening meal and photo reviews. Selection of a photo-essay topic to be worked on for the remainder of the workshop. Overnight hotel. THE NORBULINGKA INSTITUTE The tranquil and charming Norbulingka Institute is set in a park inspired by the Dalai Lama’s summer residence in Tibet. It is modelled on traditional Tibetan styles. Surrounded by green fields and villages of the Kangra Valley, the Institute stands against the backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar range of Mountains. Dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture in both its literary and artistic forms, the Institute comprises workshops where masters, artists, crafts people and scholars pass on the traditional knowledge and skills of statue making, thangka painting, appliqué, tailoring, woodcarving and metal craft in a unique bid to preserve the endangered heritage of the Tibetan people. The Institute includes the unique Seat of Happiness Temple, a centre for higher learning for Tibetan students and a museum of hand-crafted dolls displaying the elaborate costumes of old Tibet. The Norling crafts outlet provides the opportunity to obtain original and affordable hand crafted gifts in the Institute. Days 6-11 / 22 - 27 October (Wednesday): Work on photo projects. Suppers followed by reviews and critiques, as well as occasional presentations by guest speakers. Day 12 / 28 October (Tuesday): Finish up photo-essay project. Early supper followed by presentation of student work to the group. Day 13 / 29 October (Wednesday): Morning at leisure. Early afternoon departure by minibus to Pathankot to board overnight train to Delhi. Transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure in Delhi. Farewell supper. Overnight hotel. 30 October (Thursday): 14 Depart Delhi. |













