Best Cameras & Lenses for Trekking Photography in Nepal

Nepal offers some of the most photogenic landscapes and cultures on Earth. But carrying heavy camera gear at altitude is a real challenge. Here's how to balance image quality with weight.

The Lightweight Champion: Mirrorless

For serious photographers who want top quality without the bulk:

**Sony A7C II** (~$2,200): Full-frame in a compact body. Incredible dynamic range for those high-contrast mountain scenes.

**Fuji X-T5** (~$1,700): APS-C with stunning color science. The film simulations are perfect for Nepal's warm tones.

Recommended Lenses - Wide zoom (16-35mm or equivalent): Essential for mountain panoramas and temple interiors - Versatile zoom (24-70mm or equivalent): Your workhorse for 80% of shots - Telephoto (70-200mm): Wildlife in Chitwan, mountain details, portraits from a distance

The Action Camera: GoPro Hero 12

At 154g, there's no excuse not to bring one: - Selfie POV from suspension bridges - Underwater shots in rivers - Timelapse of cloud movements over peaks - Strapped to your pack for hands-free trail documentation

Phone Photography Tips

Modern phones (iPhone 15 Pro, Pixel 8 Pro, Samsung S24 Ultra) are genuinely excellent: - Use **ProRAW/DNG** mode for maximum editing flexibility - **Night mode** for star trails and monastery interiors - **Ultrawide** for tight temple courtyards - **Telephoto** for mountain close-ups

Essential Accessories

**Extra batteries**: Cold kills battery life. Carry 3-4 and keep them warm in your sleeping bag
**Microfiber cloths**: Dust and moisture are constant
**Dry bags**: Protect gear in monsoon and river crossings
**Lightweight tripod**: For star shots and long exposures (Peak Design Travel Tripod recommended)

Storage

Bring more cards than you think. Budget 20-30GB per day for serious shooters. A **portable SSD** (Samsung T7) for nightly backups weighs only 58g.