In this Guest Post, Saurabh Pandey explores how Life and Light are the two main recurring themes (often interconnected) that have helped him make memorable images in Ladakh. His photo essay presented below was made on Darter’s Mountains and Monasteries tour of Ladakh in July 2014.
Standing out – We had gone to Shanti Stupa at sunset and I witnessed that the sun was creating a beautiful mix of shadow on one of the mountains and a beautiful golden glow on the other . The subject of this shot was a monastery which was standing out amidst the shadows.
View from K-Top – This shot was taken in Khardungla Pass, which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world . This road is a salute to our Indian Army and Border Roads Organization which have been instrumental in making this accessible to general people. If you look at the roads in this picture , you would get a perspective into one of the most exiting journeys of your life.
Riding over the clouds – This shot was taken in Khardungla Pass wherein hundreds of bikers from the world come to undertake one of the most challenging drives of their life. Some of the bikers in this shot were driving uphill, on the way to the pass.
A view of Nubra Valley – This silhouette was taken in one of the most unique landscapes in the world where sand dunes meet beautiful snow capped peaks . A few tourists visiting the area , riding the double humped camel with the backdrop of the beautiful dry mountains of Ladakh, provide a unique perspective of the Ladakh region.
Into the Light, Into the Gateway of Heaven – This picture was taken in a monastery in Nubra Valley . I was sitting on the foot steps of the monument when I noticed an old monk walking out . This picture signifies the following feeling “As I move from darkness into light , I take a step forward into the gateway to heaven” . The monks body is partly in shadow as he is moving forward and the beautiful background, glowing in sunlight shows the beauty which this place has to offer.
Drama of Clouds – This picture was taken in one of the smaller sand dunes of Nubra valley. The blue skies along with a dramatic cloud formation was a sight which I wanted to capture .
In the Meadows – This was photographed on the way to Pangong Tso. We came across many lush green meadows where horses, sheep and yak were grazing peacefully.
Living in Paradise, albeit briefly – Tents on the banks of Pangong Tso give the curious traveller a place to spend a few days in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Colours – I photographed this after sunset at Pangong Tso. Ladakh reveals its secrets to the most patient of travellers.
Blues – This was photographed after sunset at Pangong Tso. As the night sets in, a deep blue settles down on the lake making it an experience that can’t be forgotten.
Recitals – I photographed this monk reciting his prayers at Hemis Gompa (monastery). He didn’t mind me sitting in the same room with him. When he finished his recitals, he gave me a broad smile and struck up a conversation. He even offered me tea, something that I really cherished.
Devotion – A monk steps into a monastery and folds his hands in devotion to the Buddha.
About the Guest Author – Saurabh Pandey (fotokatha.com) is a banker by profession. His love for the camera took him to explore various genres of photography. His love for travel lead him to some of the most beautiful landscapes spread across the country and capture the experience through his lens.
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