For those keen photographers who want to capture nature’s pure beauty but can’t find a place in Kathmandu, you must visit Chitlang. It would not be wrong to call Chitlang a photographer’s paradise. From serene landscapes to cultural richness to diverse ecosystems, this little town offers great opportunities to enhance your photography skills.
From the serene waters of Kulekhani to the vibrant colors of local festivals like Kartik Nach, there is an intense diversity you can add to your photo collections. Be it a professional photographer or an avid hobbyist, get your cameras ready as you prepare to shoot some beauty shots of this gem of a place.
What are the best spots for photography in Chitlang?
1. Satdhara (Seven Springs):
In the middle of a peaceful jungle, you can hear the sounds of water flowing from several natural springs. Popular as Satdhara (Seven Springs), it is an idyllic place for anyone to create beautiful mirror-like images.
And the surrounding natural beauty and some ancient temples add an extra cultural dimension to your photos. Also, you can have a picnic nearby and create more fun and memorable photos with your loved ones.
2. Bheda Farm:
Imagine photographing a picturesque landscape with grazing animals and traditional farmhouses. And you don’t have to travel to Europe for that. In Chitlang, we have our very own Bheda Farm (Sheep Farm), which is the largest ground in Nepal.
The lush green forests on the hills and the traditional Newari architecture of the farm buildings add an extra touch of beauty to your photographs. Also, capturing the animals grazing and just existing in their natural habitat will result in emotional and authentic photographs.
3. Kulekhani Lake:
A lake is often a great place for photography. At Kulekhani, the calm waters will give you a chance to snap beautiful reflections of the surrounding hills and mountains. Imagine the outcome of photographing the combinations of water, mountains, and lush greenery.
4. Chandragiri Hills:
Many upcoming photographers view Chandragiri as an excellent photography hotbed because it reflects a 360-degree panorama of Kathmandu Valley along with the Himalayan peaks. The photogenic view of urban and rural landscapes will prove too attractive to resist for any photography enthusiast.
Not just nature but there are cultural attractions like temples which are great for cultural photography and photos taken during a cable car ride hit different.
5. Newari Villages:
Nepal’s traditional architecture and cultural heritage give photography a tale to tell. Chitlang, an ancient Newari town is rich in culture and tradition. The old, wooden Newari-styled houses with their intricate wood carvings, tiled roofs, and courtyard give a visually appealing backdrop for photography.
Along with that, you can also capture the local people’s daily activities like farming, weaving, and traditional crafts. That is one great way to let your photographs speak about the people and history of Chitlang.
6. Religious Sites:
There are no grand religious sites in Chitlang but still, there are temples and shrines scattered throughout the village which are dedicated to local deities with folk beliefs. There is also deep spiritual beauty connected to these places.
What’s wonderful about these temples is that they feature intricate carvings, and beautiful murals and are established in serene environments. These factors make them deeply suitable for photography.
7. Golden Hour:
Just after sunrise or before sunset, you can sit at any high point and take a picture-perfect time to catch the warm and soft light photos of the surroundings. A golden hour photography can never go wrong.
Tips for Capturing the Best Shots
1. Image Sharpness:
Shooting with a tripod will ensure sharp images, especially in low-light conditions.
2. Play with Angles:
As a photographer, you are supposed to play with angles for unique compositions.
3. Pay Attention to Details:
A photographer knows what small details mean and how big an impact they provide in a photo. Capture the intricate details of local handicrafts, texts, and nature.
4. Respect Local Culture:
Have a sense of respect for the locals and their traditions.. Never disturb people or their privacy. If somebody doesn’t want to be photographed, then be kind and respectful of that decision.
5. Golden Hour:
Photographers often wait for the golden hour, meaning right before sunrise or after the sun sets, when they can capture a picture-perfect photo of the place. That time of the day plays a significant role in capturing a heartwarming picture.
What other activities are famous in Chitlang?
Photography is an excellent way to capture and preserve the beauty of Chitlang but there are other activities you can equally enjoy doing in this town. Make sure to try these activities next time you’re visiting Chitlang:
1. Hiking and Trekking:
Do you want a hiking or trekking spot but not that far from Kathmandu? Chitlang provides that to you. What could be more stunning than getting a chance to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views? Your photography skills could also be useful here. Don’t forget to carry your camera.
2. Cycling:
Another great adventure and good exercise that you can enjoy in Chitlang is cycling. You never know what hidden gems you may discover while cycling through the trails of this valley. No problem if you don’t own a bicycle. There are plenty of places to rent one.
3. Birdwatching:
Chitlang is home to many species of birds that city people never knew existed. Keen photographers keep your cameras with you as you never know when a new species sits on a tree right in front of you.
4. Picnicking:
A picnic becomes most memorable when spent in a tranquil spot by a lake or a river with your loved ones. Have a barbeque party, have good food, play some games, and take lots of pictures to make memories of a lifetime.
What are the Cultural Experiences I Can Participate in Chitlang?
1. Village Tour:
To understand the local culture and lifestyle of Chitlang in a better way, you must visit the traditional Newari villages yourself, meet the locals, and listen to their stories. The locals of Chitlang are kind and innocent. Most of them are farmers by professions who grow organic crops so you may also learn some tips and tricks from them.
2. Try local cuisine:
One perk of traveling is that you get to try different local delicacies that you would not be familiar with otherwise. Since Chitlang is mostly a Newari town, you can try different delicious Newari dishes like samay-baji, bara, choila, juju dhau (local curd), and others.
3. Cultural performance:
Chitlang is historically rich in its culture and tradition. The town celebrates many festivals and one of its main is Kartik Nach which is only celebrated in the Patan district of Nepal. So, it’s a visual treat for people who haven’t seen it yet.
The performance falls in the month of Kartik and thousands come together to watch the religious dance and gaiety. The festival is conducted in honor of Lord Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu.
4. Yoga and meditation:
City people often do not find any place to relax, reflect, or meditate. It’s because there’s always so much noise and people around us. You can find your inner peace through yoga and meditation in the peaceful surroundings of Chitlang.
Conclusion
Chitlang is one of the most beloved locations for photographers who want a mixture of everything that will make their job creative and beautiful. Along with nature’s brilliant display of hills, forests, mesmerizing landscapes, and wildlife, Chitlang also serves as a cultural and traditional hub for anyone wanting to learn and relish its past chapters.
Combining all the fun activities like hiking, trekking, boating, etc with photography, you can truly enjoy the beauty of real Chitlang. If you are seeking more fun adventures in Chitlang, feel free to visit our website or contact us directly.
FAQs
1. When is the best time to visit Chitlang photography-wise?
Ans: If you want to capture Chitlang’s best beauty, spring and post-monsoon will be the best seasons. Both spring and post-monsoon give great visibility, clear skies, stunning views, and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.
Also, imagine the beauty of the lush greenery and blooming flowers that create picturesque scenes. After the monsoon is gone, the beautiful terraced fields are filled with colorful crops giving you a stunning photographic opportunity.
2. Why is monsoon bad for visiting Chitlang?
Ans: Monsoon season (from June to August) isn’t generally considered a good time to visit Chitlang as the trails are slippery and muddy and rainfall can limit the visibility of natural beauty. Also, rain affects outdoor activities and you can not capture the beauty and cultural charm of the town in pictures.
