The short answer
For the Milky Way you need a dark site, a clear sky and a camera that can take long exposures on a tripod. A wide lens with a fast aperture is ideal. Start with an exposure of around 15 to 20 seconds and adjust, since longer exposures make the stars trail.
Good places are the high villages of the Khumbu and Annapurna regions, Mustang and the western plateaus. Wind and cold can shorten battery life, so keep spares warm. Always scout in daylight so you can find your way and frame a foreground.
Key facts
- Gear
- Camera, wide lens, tripod
- Start with
- About 15 to 20 s exposure
- Cold
- Spare batteries
- Best sites
- High villages, Mustang
How it works
- Scout by dayFind a safe, open spot.
- Set up earlyBefore darkness.
- Use manual focusZoom on a bright star.
- Test exposuresAdjust to taste.
- Warm the gearKeep spares inside your jacket.
Insider tip
Frame a temple, flag or peak in the foreground to add depth.
Avoid this
Do not set up on an unprotected edge or road in the dark.
Related questions
Do I need a special camera?
No, any camera with manual mode and a tripod works.
Is phone astrophotography possible?
Newer phones have night modes that give decent results.
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