Photo Essay: A Journey to Ladakh.

By Achin Gupta.

Shanti Stupa, Ladakh tourist placesI 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.


***

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.


Manali to Leh, Ladakh pictures

***

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.


Ladakh photos, Leh Ladakh

***

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. 


Leh photos, Ladakh places to visit

***

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.


Shanti Stupa, Ladakh tourist places

***

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.


Tsemo monastery, Ladakh places to visit

***

6. DRIVE TO NUBRA VALLEY
Across the world’s highest motorable pass, ‘Khardung-La’, at 18,380 feet.


Nubra valley, Ladakh photos

***

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.


Nubra valley camels, Ladakh places to visit

***

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.


Ladakh monastery, Buddhism Ladakh

***

9. THE LOCAL MEANS OF TRANSPORT
aka yaks! I spotted one walking over the snow far away.


Ladakh yaks, Ladakh blogs

***

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.


Pangong Lake, Ladakh photos

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.


***

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.


***


Visit www.indiauntravelled.com for experiential (and responsible) travel experiences in offbeat destinations across India, and join India Untravelled on Facebook and Twitter. 

To contribute guest posts / photo essays to this blog, please see our contribution guidelines and send your story ideas to blog@indiauntravelled.com

15 comments:

  1. Beautiful shots Achin...loved them all!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Siddhartha, it inspires to hear good words from travel bloggers and photographers like you. Your blog is amazing.....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Stunning shots, mate! I wish to graduate to the first kind soon. I've always wanted to go to Ladakh. Your blog raises temptations to the next level.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Ashish, you are a buddy !!
    If you can promote this article in your circle [India and International], that would be great. I want more people to get inspired by this, get curious about this place and visit. This will help promoting our country on International level and you can help me with your bit. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is my dream destination and after reading this blog and seeing the spectacular views i am going to make it real soon...thanks for sharing so much beauty n majesty with us...

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is my dream destination and after reading this blog and seeing the spectacular views i am going to make it real soon...thanks for sharing so much beauty n majesty with us...

    ReplyDelete
  7. Excellent work, Achin. keep it up..wud like to see more stories coming from your pen!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks Abha. Your feedback is encouraging.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Tapan, sure...I will try my best to share such stories and travel journeys on India Untravelled

    ReplyDelete
  10. wow this is so very motivating , a real treat to d eyes, it will be dream come true if i am able to plan it.good work nd excellent story achin ji.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you mam for your kind feedback. If my writing can inspire others to travel, my job is done. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Very crisp and beautifully pictured. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Woww bhai..the article,photographs,and the experience you have shared leave us spellbound and motivate us to plan our trip soon...waiting for the next blog eagerly...

    ReplyDelete
  14. Awsome...Nice click and very good info...helpful for our next trip...:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow that's a nice post with such an amazing information of ladakh tourism and great collection of photos. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

Tell us what you are thinking...