Ladakh Photo Trek Part 3
Nubra Valley is being developed with guest houses and luxury tent accommodation. It is a good idea to visit it sooner rather than later.
After the official workshop ended, as often, we offered an extension on the trip. The planned extension was to Srinagar Kashmir and the surrounding valley But as you might know the Kashmir region was faced with unprecedented flooding and there was no way we would be able to lead a workshop in such surroundings. So Piet, Alou and I had to put our heads together in a hurry and come up with an alternative for Kashmir. The obvious choice became the one we went with: the amazing Nubra Valley.
A sign posted at Khardung La.
The Nubra Valley is located Northeast of Leh over the Khardung La (Khardung Pass). The Khardung La is touted as being the highest motorable road in the world at 5,602 m (18,379 ft). Frankly I doubt that. Our GPSs all came in closer to 5,334 m (17,500 ft). Nevertheless, it is high! So much so there is a sign posted in all caps that reads, “STAYING FOR MORE THAN 20-25 mins CAN BE HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH”.
Once over the pass you drive a windy (winding?) road to a city called Diskit then on to another called Hundar. It was in Hundar we stayed the night in luxury tents. These are tents with permanent concrete flooring with carpet and a huge king size bed. Also each tent has a toilet and shower with hot water (on call). It was also in Hundar that we found the two humped bactrian camels. In Diskit we visited the Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery in the area.
Interested in what gear or settings I used. As always just click the photo and you will find the EXIF data.
Hundar was the home to the two humped bactrian camels.
A man and his camel silhouetted against the Karakoram range.
An old man walks his dog in the small village of Diksit, Ladakh.
A monk at the Diskit Gompa prepares offerings made of yak butter.
A local man prays to the Buddha as sunlight is shining into a small gompa in Hundar.
Next to the Diskit Monastery sits this 35 meter statue of Maitreya Buddha or the future Buddha.
Given we only had three nights in Nubra, there was plenty to photograph. Speaking of… this will be the last of my images of this trip. In the next post I want to post a few of the participants’ images. We had a talented group and as always I want to share with you their visual take of this trip.
Matt these photos are excellent. The second (man and camel) is sublime. Regards.
Thanks Max. It is a stunning location.
Actually Matt, it is interesting that you have posted these pictures. Our church supports an orphanage (somewhere) in the Kashmir region. They have been devastated by the recent floods. As I type we are trying to raise more funds to help their rebuilding efforts.
Your photos are poignant and timely indeed. Regards. Max.
Great Pictures Matt.
I can’t choose between the pictures. Very pleasant to the eyes.
Thanks Ralph. It been a long time. I hope you and your family are doing well.
I’ve always wanted to visit Hundar, the area around there & up to Kargil.
Impressive photos too!
We are exploring the idea of doing an Enfield trip. Would you be interested in that?
As always, Matt, beautiful pictures! They do nothing but make me want to join you on every trip to learn how to do this! Thanks for sharing.
All of these images evoke Ladakh. I’m particularly drawn to the shot of the man praying to the Buddha.
Thank you Nicolo. You should come and join us.
Excellent photos.
Hi Matt, the man and his camel as shilouette is a exciting great photo, also the others fine,too. Hope I can try out my XT-1 soon to shoot monks in this great area, but for this I have to save money first…..during this time I have to check your website again to look for more stuff.