GOOD TO KNOW

WELCOME TO INDIA WITH STEVE McCURRY

This document contains some important information ahead of your trip to India.

Please read through it. Should you then have any questions, you are most welcome to contact Hans Elmqvist at Zoom Photo Tours on +46 70 180 90 99 or by email, hans.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com

WELCOME TO INDIA WITH STEVE McCURRY

This document contains some important information ahead of your trip to India.

Please read through it. Should you then have any questions, you are most welcome to contact Hans Elmqvist at Zoom Photo Tours on +46 70 180 90 99 or by email, hans.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

YOUR FLIGHTS
International flights are booked on your own (the Kolkata–Varanasi domestic flight is included). You should arrive in Kolkata no later than 11:00 on 16 October, and not book your return from Varanasi earlier than approx. 16:00 on 22 October. If you need help with flights or extra hotel nights, contact us at info@zoomphototours.com or +46 70 180 90 99. Make sure the name on your ticket matches your passport.

Note! In order for us to book the domestic flights we need a copy of you passport. Please send it to hans.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com

SEND US YOUR FLIGHT TIMES
Send your flight times to info@zoomphototours.com so we know when you arrive in Kolkata and travel home from Varanasi.

LUGGAGE
Airlines normally allow one checked bag and one piece of hand luggage. Weight and dimensions vary – check your airline’s website. A soft bag/holdall is easiest to stow.

CHECK-IN
Check-in must be completed at least two hours before departure for domestic flights in India and up to three hours before departure for international flights; we recommend being at the airport in good time as there can be queues.

PASSPORT & DOCUMENTS
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry and have at least two blank pages.

Note! Bring a paper copy and a digital copy of your passport, visa, insurance and airline ticket.

VISA
Most nationalities require an Indian e-Tourist Visa (eVisa). Check the requirements for your nationality and apply in good time via indianvisaonline.gov.in. The visa fee is not included in the price. The application asks for a contact address in India and the hotel address according to bleow:

Your contact in India:
Mr. Sanjay Ojha, IBN Tours Private Limited, Shop No 114 D (FF), Hari Nagar Ashram, New Delhi – 110014 (INDIA)
Phone number: +91 981 055 39 37. Mail: sanjay.ojha@ibntours.com

First hotel stay in India:
The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, 1, 2, 3 Old Court House Street, Dalhousie Square, Kolkata 700069, India
T: +91 33 4444 7777, Duty Manager: +91 9163329100

CURRENCY / EXCHANGE
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR); approx. 1 USD ≈ 92 INR (check the current rate). Bring both USD and INR. Cards work at the hotels, but cash is needed in many shops and ATM withdrawals carry fees – it is wise to exchange before you travel. Bring some USD in smaller denominations for tips and small purchases.

VACCINATIONS
Review your vaccination cover in good time. Your basic cover (tetanus, diphtheria, polio) should be up to date and Hepatitis A is recommended (in some cases Hepatitis B). Contact a travel health clinic for current advice, including any malaria precautions.

TRAVEL & CANCELLATION INSURANCE
Not included in the price. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance that also covers your photo equipment, plus cancellation cover. The policy should also cover medical evacuation and repatriation. Bring your insurance certificate and emergency number.

WHATSAPP GROUP
We have set up a WhatsApp group where you can share images and information with Steve McCurry, the tour leader and the other participants. If you have WhatsApp you should have receive an invitation on your phone.

If you do not have WhatsApp, download the app and let us know at info@zoomphototours.com. If you have any problems, email Alexander: alexander.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com.

PARTICIPANT LIST
A participant list is enclosed with this information. If anyone has chosen not to share their details, only their name is listed.

SPECIAL DIETS & ALLERGIES
Do you have allergies or special dietary needs? Let us know in good time at info@zoomphototours.com and we will pass it on to the hotels and guides.

ITINERARY

OCTOBER 16–22 2026

Throughout the trip Steve McCurry gives talks, tips and advice, and in the evenings assists with image editing and review. The exact days and times depend on India’s famously unpredictable traffic and the time we devote to photography. Steve is present at every photo session, offering guidance and on-the-spot insight.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

NOTE! FOR THOSE OF YOU ARRIVING A DAY/SOME DAYS BEFORE
If you are arriving the day before or some days before and have booked overnight accommodation or would like accommodation , we have reserved some rooms at Lalit Great Eastern. Please let us know as soon as possible if you would like a room and also if you would like arrival transfer.

Keeping in mind that the hotel check in time is 2.00 PM.

DAY 1, (Oct. 16) – ARRIVAL IN KOLKATA
On arrival you are met by our local representative at the airport outside the custom clearance with a sign with your name. You then be taken to the luxury hotel Lalit Great Eastern where you will be met by Steve McCurry and a prepresentative from Zoom Photo Tours.

After check-in we will start with lunch at the hotel at 1 PM followed by a short introduction by Steve McCurry. Then we will head out on our first photo expedition into the heart of the city.

We document the lively atmosphere of the Esplanade, a historic and bustling area full of people and trade. Our journey continues through Bara Bazaar, one of India’s largest wholesale markets, where thousands of traders sell everything from spices to textiles.

We also visit the iconic Howrah and Sealdah railway stations, capturing commuters’ daily lives and the city’s constant movement. The day ends at the magnificent Howrah Bridge, where we photograph the evening light and reflections in the Hooghly River. Back at the hotel we enjoy a welcome dinner and discuss the photographic adventure ahead. (L, D)

DAY 2-3, (Oct. 17-18) – COLOURFUL KOLKATA
These two days are devoted to exploring the city’s vibrant atmosphere and rich culture. We start the mornings at Mallick Ghat Flower Market, capturing colourful garlands and vendors preparing for the day’s trade. We then visit the Maidan, a vast open space where locals gather to play cricket and take morning walks.

We continue to Kumartuli, a fascinating district where skilled artisans create impressive deity statues for Durga Puja. Here we document the whole process – from raw clay to finished sculpture – and meet the artists who devote their lives to this traditional craft.

Next stop is College Street, known as the “paradise of books”, where we capture the atmosphere of the narrow, packed bookshops. In the afternoon we visit Hatibagan Market and New Market, two iconic shopping areas where Kolkata’s energy is at its most intense. During these days Steve challenges us with photo exercises that develop our skills. (B, L, D)

DAY 4, (Oct. 19) – KOLKATA TO VARANASI
In the morning we continue exploring Kolkata’s intense city life. After lunch we fly to Varanasi, where we check in at the first-class Hotel Hindusthan International (The HHI), located in the city centre.

In the evening we take part in the magical Ganga Aarti ceremony on the riverbank, where burning lamps and sacred songs create a captivating atmosphere. (B, L, D)

DAY 5-6, (Oct. 20-21) – THE PULSE OF VARANASI
During these days we explore the vibrant life around Varanasi’s 84 ghats, the stone steps that line the seven-kilometre riverfront. Among others we visit Manikarnika Ghat, the famous cremation site, which offers some of the most compelling visual stories and makes it a unique place to document life and spirituality in India.

As Vijayadashami (the final day of Durga Puja) falls during one of these days, we get a unique chance to document the great procession in which deity statues are carried to the river and ritually immersed – a spectacular event full of colour and emotional farewells.

We also visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Varanasi’s narrow lanes offer authentic street-photography subjects at every corner. On one of the days we take a sunrise boat trip on the sacred Ganges and capture pilgrims bathing in the water. We also visit Varanasi Railway Station – the lifeline of India in motion.

In the evenings we witness the spiritual Aarti ceremony by the Ganges, a profound ritual with flaming torches and rhythmic movements. (B, L, D)

DAY 7, (Oct. 22) – MORNING PHOTOGRAPHY THEN HOMEWARD
After a final morning of photography in this fascinating city, we head to the airport for the journey home. (B, L)

PHOTOGRAPHER

STEVE McCURRY • Documentary photographer

Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic figures in contemporary photography for more than five decades. Born in Philadelphia, he made the first of his many trips to India early on – with just a bag of clothes and film. He has received several of the industry’s most prestigious awards, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal, and the Royal Photographic Society’s Centenary Medal for his life’s work. In 2019 he was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame. This is his first workshop in India in over 25 years. More information: stevemccurry.com

HOTELS

KOLKATA: LALIT GREAT EASTERN *****

VARANASI: THE HHI ****

GOOD TO KNOW

TIPPING
Tips for shared activities, meals, porters and drivers are included in the price. The exception is the main guide who accompanies the whole trip – the guideline is USD 15 per day, paid locally at the end of the trip (participants pool the amount together). Tipping is voluntary.

ELECTRICITY
220–230 volts. For chargers with a two-pin plug (type C) you usually do not need an adapter, but it is wise to bring a universal adapter (types D/M also occur). A power strip with 2–3 sockets is handy.

CLIMATE
In October it is warm and fairly humid after the monsoon, often around 30°C during the day and cooler in the morning.

CLOTHING
Light summer clothes. Bring covering garments (shoulders and knees) and a scarf for temples and sacred sites, comfortable walking shoes and a light rain jacket.

PHOTOGRAPHY & RESPECT
In street photography it is good manners to ask permission for portraits. Be especially considerate at Manikarnika Ghat (the cremation site) – photographing cremations is sensitive and often prohibited. Respect signs and always follow the guide’s and Steve’s instructions.

STOMACH UPSET
Never drink tap water – buy bottled water. Complimentary bottled water (usually 1–2 bottles, marked “with our compliments”) is provided in your hotel room and replenished daily. Brush your teeth with bottled water, and avoid ice and unwashed fruit. Bring hand sanitiser, loperamide (e.g. Imodium) and rehydration salts (e.g. Dioralyte).

MEALS & DRINKS
Meals are included as per the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner). Bottled water is included during transfers.

LANGUAGE
The official languages are Hindi and English. Most people in the tourism industry speak basic English.

PHONE & WIFI
There is wifi at the hotels, but speed and stability vary. For data, an eSIM or local SIM card is handy. Call via WhatsApp or FaceTime when you are connected.

TIME DIFFERENCE
India is UTC+5:30. During the trip in October it is 3.5 hours ahead of Central Europeantime.

WATER
Drink only bottled water, including when brushing your teeth. Avoid ice unless you know it is made from purified water.

TRAFFIC
Traffic in the cities is intense and chaotic. Stay alert when moving around on the streets.

DRONES
Drones require special permits in India and are in practice not allowed for tourists in the cities – leave the drone at home.

LAUNDRY
Laundry at the hotels is quick and inexpensive – better to bring less and wash along the way.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Hans Elmqvist, Zoom Photo Tours: +46 70 180 90 99
Steve McCurry: +1 646 318 76 48
Local guide/agent in India: Sanjay Ojha, +91 981 055 39 37
Emergency number in India: 112

PACKING LIST

Below are some equipment tips. This is not a must but rather guidelines.

BAGS

Soft suitcase/holdall (easy to stow).
A camera bag.

SHOES & CLOTHING

Comfortable walking shoes for lots of walking.
Sandals or lighter shoes.
Light summer clothes.
Covering garments and a scarf for temple visits.
Cap and sunglasses.
A light rain jacket.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Mobile phone and power bank.
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes.
A small torch.
Universal adapter and power strip.
A sewing kit.

MEDICAL ITEMS

Plasters and antiseptic cream.
Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts.
Paracetamol or similar.
Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Prescription medication in your hand luggage (original packaging, ideally with a doctor’s note).

CAMERA EQUIPMENT

A system camera.
Wide-angle/standard zoom (16–70 mm) or primes up to 200 mm.
Spare batteries and memory cards.
A dust- and cleaning kit for the camera.
A laptop with Lightroom or Photoshop.
Back up your images every evening to two locations (e.g. laptop + external drive).