Perched at an altitude of 4,250 meters, Pangong Tso stands as one of the largest brackish lakes in Asia. Spanning a remarkable 135 kilometers along the India-China border, this captivating lake is reachable after a scenic 5-6 hour drive from Leh, traversing the breathtaking countryside of Ladakh and the Chanla Pass, the third highest motorable mountain pass in the world at 5300 meters.
While summers are fleeting in Leh, Pangong Tso exudes an enchanting aura under the clear skies of the season, drawing millions of tourists annually. Visiting Pangong is essential to witness the earthly paradise it embodies, especially for travellers in pursuit of solitude amidst its renowned allure. This long-exposure photograph captures the serenity of the lake in the evening, just as day trippers have returned to the city, leaving behind a tranquil ambiance.
Located 40 kilometers west of Leh City and situated at an elevation of approximately 3300 meters above sea level, Basgo is a historic town nestled on the banks of the Indus River. Renowned for its Castle Ruins and adjoining Monastery, which houses three temples—Chamba Maitreya (featuring a Clay Image of Maitreya), Serzang Temple (housing a Copper-built Image of Maitreya), and Cham Chung Temple (originally constructed as a Mosque but later transformed into a Maitreya shrine). Constructed in the 16th century by Namgyal rulers, Basgo's remarkable perch atop a hill, overlooking the remnants of the ancient town and enveloped by vibrant, rugged mountains, renders it one of Ladakh's most unique monasteries. Once a cultural and political hub of the region, Basgo continues to be prominently featured in Ladakhi Chronicles. In 2000-2001, the Monastery was honored as one of the world's 100 most rare heritage sites by the World Heritage Foundation.
Lamayuru Monastery , a centuries-old monastery in Ladakh, nestled within the surreal "moonscape" terrain.
Built in the 11th century, Lamayuru monastery is situated at a distance of 127 KM from Leh at a height of 3,510 meters. The monastery and the surrounding landscape is Affectionately known as “lunar” landscape or “Moonscape” on the earth. The scenery is undeniably remarkable, showcasing uniquely shaped geological formations and a lunar-like terrain sculpted into the majestic Greater Himalayas.
Leh never fails to enchant with its rugged landscapes, but its most captivating allure lies in the ever-changing dance between radiant light and enigmatic shadows. I captured this photograph en route from Leh to Nubra Valley, tracing the path along the Shyok River.
Golden hour in Nubra Valley...
Located approximately 150 kilometers north of Leh, Nubra Valley stands as the northernmost region of Jammu & Kashmir. Here, the convergence of the Shyok River and the Siachen River carves out a vast valley, acting as a natural boundary between the Ladakh and Karakoram Ranges. To the north of the valley lies the renowned Siachen Glacier. Renowned for its cold desert terrain, found between Diksit and Hunder, the valley presents a distinctive landscape adorned with sand dunes juxtaposed against snow-capped mountains.
Confluence Of Zanskar & Indus
The verdant-hued Indus River begins its journey in the Tibetan Plateau near the Manasarovar range, while the gleaming blue Zanskar originates in the Zanskar valley. These two rivers meet in the picturesque Nimmu valley, nestled between Leh and Kargil. Their distinct colors make the confluence a breathtaking sight, best observed during the spring and summer months, from March to May.
