Photo Essay: A Journey to Ladakh.

By Achin Gupta.

I read somewhere: “There are two kinds of travellers, those who have journeyed on the Manali-Leh highway and those who are planning to”. A few months back, I graduated to the first kind. These are memories from a trip I can’t forget; a trip that took me to Leh, Nubra Valley and the majestic Pangong Lake.

Disclaimer: All photos in this story are taken with a regular point and shoot camera, and not edited.

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1. THE MANALI - LEH HIGHWAY

One of the world’s highest motorable roads. To arrive in Leh, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Ladakh, we must cross five high mountain passes through the mighty Himalayas.

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2. SPECTACULAR AND STRANGE LANDSCAPES

In the fragile Himalayas; they were submerged under water thousands of years ago, and these granular pointy structures were formed due to constant erosion of the mountain soil in the harsh climatic conditions.

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3. TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE IN LEH

 I always fell short of words in trying to describe this lovely city. Very humble and honest people live in this part of the world, and some greens survive the harsh weather too. 

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4. SUNSET FROM THE SHANTI STUPA

; a magnificent landmark situated on a hill top, from where the sunset paints the stark brown mountains in golden colors, in the backdrop of a pure blue sky. Soak in the peace as you sip your evening tea from the top of the world.

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5. SOLITUDE AT THE TSEMO MONASTERY

Perched above Leh Palace, Tsemo Monastery is a short hike from the palace, and a tranquil place to spend some "me" time.

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6. DRIVE TO NUBRA VALLEY

Across the world’s highest motorable pass, ‘Khardung-La’, at 18,380 feet.

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7.  BACTRIAN CAMELS OF THE "SILK ROUTE" ERA

A remarkable attraction of Nubra valley, the other being its sand dunes. Locals claim that these camels were used by traders during days of the famed ‘Silk Route’, and originally belong to central Asia. How did the sand reach this attitude? It is evidence that this great valley was once submerged underwater.

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8. THE SKYLINE OF NUBRA VALLEY

is dominated by a giant Buddha statue at the valley's biggest monastery, and is a sight to behold against the backdrop of dramatic blue skies.

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9. THE LOCAL MEANS OF TRANSPORT

aka yaks! I spotted one walking over the snow far away.

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10. THE FAMOUS PANGONG LAKE

Surrounded by stark brown mountains, bluer than the sky, and so clean that you can see pebbles at its base. Words and pictures can do no justice to its beauty.

Ladakh is home to a very fragile and sensitive eco-system. Please try to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible by using local operators and guides, staying at family-run homestays, choosing public transport, eating local food, and carrying all your plastic waste back to the city.

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AUTHOR BIO: Achin is an IT professional, and a traveller at heart. He wants to see the world, inspire others through his experiences, and see India on the world map for its heartwarming hospitality.

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