Sunrise in the Himalayas

what a beauty!

www.andrewcastellano.com

Annapurna Circuit - Trek Day 17

Each morning dozens of trekkers wake up at 5am to begin the thousand-foot climb from Ghorepani (9,500') to the summit of Poon Hill (10,531'). They make this pilgrimmage in the dark in order to witness one of the most spectacular scenes in the Himalayas (or the planet for that matter)...sunrise on Poon Hill. From this perch, you can watch as the sun's first rays light up the entire Annapurna range and then light up the imposing face of Dhaulagiri across the Kali Gandaki valley. It is well worth the climb...and worth the effort to carry your best camera, a tripod and lots of film!

This is a photograph scanned from a film negative. It was not "photoshopped", other than to adjust the brightness/contrast levels. I used a print from the original negative as my target for the adjustments. I also performed a small amount of noise reduction to eliminate some of the scanner noise, but I had to leave some of the graininess in there, otherwise it looked completely fake!

Featured on the Outstanding Night Shots Photo Blog.

This photo has notes. Move your mouse over the photo to see them.

To take full advantage of Flickr, you should use a JavaScript-enabled browser and
install the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player.

Comments

← prev 1 2 next →

(155 comments)

Dan65 says:

Gosh. Speechless. Congratulations on this phenomenal photograph.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

asawaa says:

What a beautiful image!
hitting on all cylinders...

A Big Fave
Please add this to www.flickr.com/groups/bigfave
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

acastellano says:

A Big Thanks!!!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

MrHRdg says:

Tremendous shot! I love the different layers of colour and shade.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Mario 2R's says:

Fabulous shot!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Manuel Bóo says:

Preciosa

I saw this in A Big Fave
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

birdyboo says:

That is wonderful! What a marvelous sight!
--
Seen in A Big Fave (READ THE RULES FIRST!) (?)
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Terretta says:

Six perfectly discreet layers, like making a landscape from construction paper.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

JRodrigues. says:

It´s a fave!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

mortimer? says:

I dream more and more to be able to make such treck when I see your shots!

--
Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

My Name is Merle says:

Absolutely beautiful. Beautiful layering, beautiful shades. A fave.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

igbylover says:

this looks too good to be true. great shot!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

mailcarlinhos says:

Very nicely done. I love the layering effect of the mountains.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Ros and Ali says:

Beautiful and evocative photo - great shadows and silhouettes
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

traiecto says:

very nice composition, great layers
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

45street | www.victorpuig.com says:

Stunning colors and light !. Fantastic. Beautiful picture. Brilliant composition.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

zotosi says:

I like the composition
beautiful pic
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

idogu says:

nice range of colors

3-2-1
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Ed Karjala says:

Amazing tone and depth. Beautiful composition.
(3-2-1)
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

idg says:

impressive - love the colour and the subtle silhouettes

viewed from 3-2-1 pool
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

shashamane says:

Achingly gorgeous.

3-2-1( ........ and faved!)
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

pixespaña says:

wow, what wonderful colourful layers

321
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

iraklis says:

Beautiful shades and colours!
3-2-1
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

c-m-c-b says:

Beautiful depth. Lovely colouring.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Terrible76 says:

Fantastic colors
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

raineys says:

Such a beautiful, lovely shot, and appreciate the details of the trek!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

A.Kumari says:

Love the layering of colors. Impressive shot!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Robby Edwards says:

Fantastic! What a magnificent view!
--
Seen in 3-2-1 (?)
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Mike Carter says:

Lovely subtle colour shifts.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

katie072 says:

this has such nice atmosphere. really nice layering of colors. gorgeous place.
3-2-1
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Bob Duck says:

An excellent image..with a great backstory.

3-2-1
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

_Jezza_ says:

wow wow wow!!! Absoluty amazing photograph!!!!! this is sooo awsome!!!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

stoute schoenen says:

Gorgeous and magnificent!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

acastellano says:

This photo is challenging agave 'americana' from the pool of Highly Competitive - Flickr's 100 Best. Good luck Adam!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

bolandrotor says:

you have captured one of miracles-sun rising in mountains. It is incredible to see it every time.But I would like to see something more,some conception.I see it in defender's. His idea,compostion and colours are breathtaking. Your's is beautifull
noneof100#1
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

khosey1 says:

I've gotta go with this one -- in my view, part of the composition of a photograph (although the defender did a great job of unique and appealing composition) is getting just the right angle, waiting for just the right light to hit the mountains ... you've certainly done it here. Nature gave you the concept, but you captured it beautifully.

One of 100 #1
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

CORpicX [deleted] says:

Ohhh, I really like this shot. I find it better than the defenders just becasue the defenders doesn't seem very interesting to me.

They both have similar lines and patterns, but I like the grand power, and mixture of colors more of yours.

one #2
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Le Jhe says:

Weell, I would say that you have a stunning subject where the defender's got a more flat one, but.. I really much like the point of view and the technical doings of the defenders. Texture, focus and curves really gets me attention on his. While yours is good, I am not so enthousiastic.

noneof100#2
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

laurenz says:

This photo has been blogged at Outstanding Night Shots, the photo blog of the Outstanding Night Shots and the Outstanding Sunrises/Sunsets groups.

This brings back memories of a morning many years ago when I undertook the same trip. Onepicture of the incredibly yellow sky is on my website.
It's all still very vivid in my memory - I can only recommend the Annapurna circuit!
How has travelling in Nepal been affected by the recent political developments?
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

pauly... says:

this is breathtaking.

*views: 400*
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

zphoto says:

fantastic photo
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

wolfy1280 says:

oneof100#3
I prefer the different shades of the mountains really to the details of the leaves.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

acastellano says:

@laurenz: Thank you! It is an honor to be on your Outstanding Night Shots blog. I am not sure how the political problems have affected trekking in Nepal. I was going to say that you should ask zphoto...too bad I didn't say it sooner because he just left a comment here and might have been able to give us some insight.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Mostly Sunny Sky says:

Right angle, right lighting, grandeur of the landscape. Sorry for the Agave close-up, but this vote is a no-brainer to me! Instant fave!

oneof100#4
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

rufustelestrats says:

Love the landscape.
Hard choice but it is certainly interesting.
Great color and composition.
oneof100#_5_
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

jamie B says:

Congratulations!
This photo has been accepted in the pool ofHighly Competitive-Flickrs 100 Best .
This status can be contested!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Seba.it says:

Great shot !
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

(Rimbaudian) says:

Your photo in the pool of
Highly Competitive-Flickrs 100 Best
is currently being challenged by

Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Michael DaKidd says:

Too fabulously, spiritually, FAVE to be ignored...
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Carmen Lario says:

¡Bonitos tonos y bonito paisaje!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

skind24 says:

Wowowow!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

joschmoblo says:

this is sooo beautiful!!! i love the color tones in this photo!!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

CharlieBrown8989 says:

This is a great shot.....

Please post this to

www.flickr.com/groups/feng-shui

My I feature your pic on my blog??

Thanks....
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

acastellano says:

Absolutely!!!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

(Rimbaudian) says:

This photo was in the pool of Highly Competitive-Flickrs 100 Best but has been successfully challenged
Please help us keep the tags in order and remove the "accepted@1of100" tag, thanks!
We look forward to the next submission!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

behindblueeyes says:

Shangra-la indeed!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Thaozilla says:

so beautiful, its like a painting!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Terretta says:

What does it mean, "challenged"? This photo was better and that "challenger" is already gone. How is the challenge computed? How could those of us who like this image have helped?
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

acastellano says:

Thanks Terretta, much appreciated. When the photo is challenged, members of the Highly Competitive-Flickrs 100 Best group vote on which they like better, the challenger or the defender. The first to get five votes wins the challenge. Most of the votes come from the next people who want to post a picture to the pool, because you have to vote for five before you can post. Any member can vote though, so all you have to do is join the group and vote for the pictures you think deserve to be in there. As you can see, the system works pretty well because the quality of the pool is excellent.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Terretta says:

Where are the votes tracked? I saw some likeoneof100#4 before the challenge, none after? Hmm.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

acastellano says:

All of the voting takes place in the comments of the challenger's photo. The challenge starts with a comment like this: This photo is challenging Sunrise in the Himalayas.... and ends with the comment that says Congratulations! This photo has been accepted.... The only comment on the defender's shot during the challenge is the one that says Your photo...is curently being challenged by....
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Terretta says:

Got it -- thanks for the explanation.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Druw says:

Impressive
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Super Duper!! says:

Too great
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Dave Curtis says:

You have a superb photo stream, I must come back for another look when I have more time!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

f0rbe5 says:

Just stunning and fully justifying my first

You are my winner!
Please add this photo to
www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Chris Lombardi says:

well, looks like you had a nice summer! love the layers of color here.
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

Kayakman says:

Your Canon photo is outstanding!
Please add this photo to
flickr.com/groups/Canonshowcase/
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

acastellano says:

reloaded 12/3/06 with slightly more noise reduction, otherwise virtually identical.
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

kimbar says:

Stunning shot, a new fave and I look forward to seeing your other work.
** "Seen in Canon Showcase" **
Posted 37 months ago. ( permalink )

aluytenuk says:

Outstanding 'receding ridges' shot. Lots of layers, just the right amount of contrast and the tree silhouettes and bit of cloud are the icing on the cake.

Have to get around to scanning my Annapurna Circuit slides one day soon.
Posted 36 months ago. ( permalink )

stuant63 says:

That is wonderful. You captured real beauty that day.

--
Seen next to a fellow photo of Mountains & Clouds. (?)
Posted 36 months ago. ( permalink )

sylweczka says:

super great!!!
Posted 36 months ago. ( permalink )

mona, eh says:

Wow you've been around the world and back. Good for you and us to enjoy your images.
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

WhiteGoldWielder says:

splendid!
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

Bob Duck says:

Truly excellent!!

******************************************
Please consider adding this wonder to:
FIVE STARS GALLERY (Admin invitation only)
www.flickr.com/groups/fivestarsgallery/

tag with : "fivestarsgallery"

and present yourself and your work here
www.flickr.com/groups/fivestarsgallery/discus s/7215759424....

If you agree just send us a quick message so that we can accept you as a new FIVE STARS member...
******************************************
Posted 35 months ago. ( permalink )

AaverageJoe says:

This is just stunningly beautiful...
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

wazari says:

Thanks for the story, you captured it beautifully...
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

mlykb9 says:

stunning.
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

Sarey* says:

Stunning shot, very beautiful...

Nominee
Congratulations!
Your picture has been nominated for
"Amazingly Beautiful World " TOP 10% ** INVITED IMAGES ONLY **
Please add this photo to AmazinglyBeautifulWorld
Please tag with "ABW"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

aluytenuk says:

Back again to invite this image to a new group I've started called Outstanding Natural Landscapes.
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

Célinou says:

Dreamy!

--
Seen in Views: 3000 (?)
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

duskie78 says:

Amazing photograph!! Lovely!

I think this is a great image !
You are invited to join and add it to:

Well done. Please remember to tag image ~ FlickrsBest ~ images without the tag are likely to be removed by the 'sweeper'
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

reno_fog says:

Beautiful
Hi, I'm an admin for a new group called Never Been There
www.flickr.com/groups/never_been_there/ , and we'd love to have your photo added to the group

--
Seen in Flickrs Best (Invitation or Award Only) (?)
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

stokrotka49 says:

What amazing layers of colors!
This is definitely one of Flickrs Best

Well done.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Mono Andes says:

Wonderful landscape!! A paradise...

You are invited to post this image to "Spectacular Landscape, invitation only"
www.flickr.com/groups/spectacular_landscapes/
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

acastellano says:

Thanks all for the comments and invites!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

forested_streams / David says:

Totally awesome!!!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Murfomurf says:

Wow- I wish my lungs could stand it up there! Congratulations on achieving a great shot at a great height!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

outdoorstudio says:

A w s o m e !
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

arawak812 says:

fantastic morning view..........

This is one of a kind piece of work !!!
please take a moment to join One Of A Kind
we'd love to have your photo added to our group.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

baalands says:

Fantastic picture. Such colors!

Now I've seen it all on
Never Been There
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

le seul et unique {CannonZ} says:

You are invited to my Freakin Awesome group!

--
Seen in your Top 20 (or so)... set. (?)
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

cuvu says:

I would certainly have this on my wall - perfection.
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

acastellano says:

I definitely want to go back! With or without seeing this photo, the memories of the first trip make me want to return. It is a fantastic country, not only because of the scenery. The Nepali's must be some of the friendliest people in the world.
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

publik_oberberg says:

Hallo, ich bin der Administrator der Gruppe Flickr Envy (invited images only), und wir freuen uns, Ihr Foto unserer Gruppe hinzuzufügen.

great!
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

pappy824 says:

Beautiful sunrise.

Seen in Flickr Envy!
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

Vivi-Mari (not very active now ;-)) says:

the perfect view, what can I say!

Seen in Flickr Envy!
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

Anneli* [deleted] says:

Very very beautiful! Instant fave.

Seen in Flickr Envy!
This photograph became an

Please post it to the InstantFave group!
--
Seen in Flickr Envy (invited images only) (?)
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

Tucapel says:

This photograph became an

Please post it to the InstantFave group!
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

← prev 1 2 next →

(155 comments)

Would you like to comment?

[?]

	acastellano's photostream
		393 uploads

This photo also belongs to:

	Top 20 (or so)... (Set)
		53 items

	Nepal (Set)
		48 items

	Getty Artist Picks Aug/Sep 09 1 (Set)
		18 items

	Sunrise, Sunset -- Anything Sun! (Pool)
		0

	Magic Moments (Pool)
		0

	Splendour of Mountains (Pool)
		0

	Nepal Images (Pool)
		0

	top-f [ 25+ faves ] (Pool)
		0

	Feng Shui - Wind & Water (Pool)
		0

	3-2-1 (Pool)
		0

	Outstanding Travel photos - please read description before posti (Pool)
		0

	Himalayas (Pool)
		0

	Fav/View >= 5% - please read the RULES! (Pool)
		0

	Lonely Planet (Pool)
		0

	Pigment Of Imagination (Pool)
		0

	TRAVELPIX (Pool)
		0

	SUNSET&RISEPIX (Pool)
		0

	yellow \| orange \| red (Pool)
		0

	The Original 200 Views (Pool)
		0

	Mountain (Pool)
		0

	canon film photography (Pool)
		0

	The Best: BRAVO (INVITED images only) (Pool)
		0

	Outstanding Sunrises / Sunsets (15 favs or more please!) (Pool)
		0

	BRILLIANT: commented with brilliant (Pool)
		0

	Like a Painting (Pool)
		0

	Nepal: Treking around Annapurna (Pool)
		0

	Mountains & Clouds (Pool)
		0

	Trek Nepal (Pool)
		0

	*GreatPixGallery 50 Faves+ (Pool)
		0

	*GreatPixGallery 100 Faves+ (Pool)
		0

	*GreatPixGallery 200 Faves+ (Pool)
		0

	Landscapes 101 (Unlimited) (Pool)
		0

	15 Faves and less than 300 Views (when added) (Pool)
		0

	20 Faves and less than 400 Views (when added) (Pool)
		0

	30 Faves and less than 600 Views (when added) (Pool)
		0

	25 Faves and less than 500 Views (when added) (Pool)
		0

	35 Faves and less than 700 Views (when posted) (Pool)
		0

	40 Faves and less than 800 Views (when posted) (Pool)
		0

	Spectacular Landscapes-invited images only :-) (Pool)
		0

	Flick-O-System: ? degrees of separation (Pool)
		0

	*GreatPixGallery 300 Faves+ (Pool)
		0

	50 Faves and less than 1000 Views(when posted) (Pool)
		0

	AGFA Film: A Tribute (Pool)
		0

	***FIVE STARS GALLERY*** (invitation ONLY by Admins) (Pool)
		0

	**A Big Fave (Invite Only)-Post 1/Fave or Comment 2 (Pool)
		0

	Views: 10000 (Pool)
		0

	National Geographic: Are You Good Enough? Post 1, Nominate 3 (Pool)
		0

	Amazing mountain landscape (Pool)
		0

	Canon Showcase (Awarded Photos Only!) (Pool)
		0

	Lonely Planet: Photo Challenges - "Eyes" (Pool)
		0

	╠ 1 year ago- 1 an déjà- Hace 1 año ╣ (Pool)
		0

	Lonely Planet Publications: Photobook (Pool)
		0

	Flickrs Best (Invite only - SWEEPER ACTIVE) (Pool)
		0

	WildLandscape: 100 Views 10 Faves (Pool)
		0

	Favorites: 250 (Pool)
		0

	ABW Gallery ~ Amazingly Beautiful World ~ (by Invitation Only) (Pool)
		0

	Outstanding Natural Landscapes (Pool)
		0

	Never Been There (Pool)
		0

	Nepalphoto (Pool)
		0

	World100F – The QualityGroup (Pool)
		0

	Nepal: Yesterday and Today (Pool)
		0

3 galleries contain this photo

329 people call this photo a favorite

Additional Information

Taken on November 12, 1999
Viewed 13,100 times
Replaced on December 3, 2006

Add to your map

Yay location removed

...

(Some formats are OK.)

Or, remove it from the map.

Go to the map

You	Sign in \| Create Your Free Account
Explore	Places \| Last 7 Days \| This Month \| Popular Tags \| The Commons \| Creative Commons \| Search
Help	Community Guidelines \| The Help Forum \| FAQ \| Sitemap \| Get Help