Leh Ladakh Through Your Camera Lens

When you are surrounded by such pristine beauty, it’s hard to resist the temptation of pulling out your camera every minute of the journey! Sheer cliff faces, clear lakes that reflect a multitude of colours, roads snaking through the mountains and Tibetan monasteries clinging impossibly to the ridges – picture composition is an easy task in this erstwhile Himalayan kingdom. Here’s our list of 10 spots that will give you memorable images of Ladakh.

Pangong Tso:

 The highest lake in the world, Pangong is undoubtedly a photographer’s delight. The calm waters of the lake reflect the ever-changing colours of the sky – you can see it turn from grey to a brilliant blue. The pinks and purples of dusk are also worth capturing. In fact you can spend an entire day here clicking away happily, not to mention shooting excellent time-lapse videos.

 

Khardung-La:

 The highest motorable road gives great views of the mighty Himalayan peaks in Ladakh. Since it’s a sensitive area, used by the Indian Army frequently, make sure you have the necessary permissions in place before you start filming.

 

Taglang La:

 The second highest mountain pass in Ladakh is another place for sweeping views of the mountains and the valleys of the region. If you’re lucky you may even spot a Changpa (nomadic tribe) herdsman guiding his goats and cattle through the rugged terrain.

 

Bara-Lach La:

 The meeting point of three mountain ranges, Zanskar, Pir Panjal and the Himayalas, this pass will give you great landscape shots including those of the rivers Bhaga and Yunam.

 

More Plains:

The stark beauty of these plains is unparalleled. Flanked by mountains, the road that runs through the plains will make you stop time and again for photos. At points, you will drive alongside the Sumkhel Lungpa River and at places you will see stunning sand and natural rock formations.

Nubra Valley:

The mesmerising sand dunes of Hunder in the Nubra Valley provide a great photo-op. Camel safaris on the two-humped Bactrian camels are offered in this region and you can get a picture-perfect shot of the camels against the backdrop of the sand dunes.

 

Lamayuru Gompa:

One of the oldest monasteries in Leh, Lamayuru was founded in the 10^th century. Most of the monastery is in ruins but there are interesting caves carved out of the cliffs. Late evening is the best time to visit here to catch the last light of the day that casts a golden glow over this picturesque gompa.

 

Shergol Monastery:

This tiny cave monastery clings to the hill and almost appears to be suspended in mid-air. The interior of the monastery is also worth photographing as it is decorated with beautiful frescoes.

Matho Gompa:

Another ancient monastery in Ladakh, Matho Gompa is especially vibrant during the annual Matho Nagrang Festival. Featuring masked and costumed dancers, blindfolded oracles and lilting music, it’s a spectacle worth seeing and capturing for posterity.

Tso Moriri:

Located in the secluded Rupshu Valley, Tso Moriri Lake is the largest in the region and home to several rare birds and animals. The 300 year old Korzok monastery nearby hosts the colourful dance festival of Korzok Gu-stor.  

 

So pack your camera and head to the mountains. MakeMyTrip offers several Leh & Ladakh holiday packages you can’t miss!