The platform of Shanti Stupa, a peace promoting pagoda at an altitude of 3,600 meters, offers magnificient views of snow-covered Himalayan summits, Leh, Jammu & Kashmir.
LADAKH
Nestled between the Himalayas and the Karakoram Range, and cut through by the namesake Indus River, the remote region of Ladakh finds itself in a global hotspot. With India, Pakistan and China, three nuclear powers are in severe dispute about closeby territories. In stark contrast to the tense situation, the overwhelming mountains, deep valleys and monasteries spray a certain tranquility. The mountains' peacefulness is reflected by the people living a secluded life in the remotest places of this high desert region. In the past, the limited accessability to this region allowed shaping a distinct Ladakhi, Tibetan influenced culture. But since the internet has connected Ladakh to the rest of India and its dreams, young Ladakhi people have developped doubts about living such simple, secluded lifes and maintaining their cultural heritage in the future.
A side arm of the Shyok River runs through the arid Hunder valley, Hunder, Jammu & Kashmir.
Ladakhi woman, Leh, Jammu & Kashmir.
A Ladakhi man wearing a traditional headpiece, Leh, Jammu & Kashmir.
The valleys of the Nubra River and Shyok River converge, Diskit, Jammu & Kashmir.
A man is offering rides on Bactrian camels to tourist, who are an important source of income in the region, Hunder, Jammu & Kashmir.
The residential monks of Diskit Gompa enjoy unobstructed views of the broad Nubra Valley, Diskit, Jammu & Kashmir.
Diskit Gompa, the oldest monastery in the Nubra Valley, follows Tibetan Buddhism, Diskit, Jammu & Kashmir.
Prayer flags that promote peace, compassion, strength and wisdom, adorn the monastery, Diskit, Jammu & Kashmir.
In the evening sun, two school children are doing their homework on top of the steep hill of Kyigu Drak Temple, Leh, Jammu & Kashmir.
On the outskirts of Leh, a Buddhist stupa is overlooking the closed stands of Kigu Tak Market and the valley, Leh, Jammu & Kashmir.
After his prayers, a man is leaving the courtyard of the Ladakh Jokhang Temple through a narrow alley, Leh, Jammu & Kashmir.