If you see the mesmerizing beauty of Ladakh in pictures, a territory so beautiful and savage, it will inspire you to pack your bags and plan a road trip. The region is full of high-altitude plateaus, lakes and mountain ranges. Within the turmoil of oft-contested Kashmir, it is one of the few places in the country where a photographer might encounter frozen lakes and extreme winter weather.
Winters in the region depict an unforgiving yet undeniably beautiful landscape that is concurrently lonely and awe-inspiring. The harsh conditions of the land envelope it in silence, suffering no transgressors. Here is the mystic beauty of the Ladakh region in pictures.
Ladakh’s sky and land are equally mysterious and alluring in the winters.
Image: Venkitesh Ramachandran
The wilderness of the Changthang Valley in Ladakh looks straight out of a painting.
Image: Arun Thakur
This hidden gem of northern India is laden with valleys, rugged landscapes and moody weather.
Image: Venkitesh Ramachandran
15th century Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (Leh castle) is perched atop a rugged hill in Leh, Ladakh.
Image: Arun Thakur
The beautiful winter landscape creates a fascinating winter wonderland.
Image: Venkitesh Ramachandran
The town of Leh with minimal vegetation and rough terrain, but local residents seem to lead a pretty interesting and joyful life.
Image: Arun Thakur
When the winter months come to Ladakh, all life gets frozen, everything from water to vegetation.
Image: Venkitesh Ramachandran
There are many lakes in Ladakh, reflecting the beauty of the stunning landscapes.
Image: Arun Thakur
Passionate photographers always find a way to capture the lonely and moody shots of the beautiful mountains and lakes in extreme conditions.
Image: Venkitesh Ramachandran
Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed Chorten on a hilltop in Leh district, Ladakh.
Image: Arun Thakur
Traversing through this extreme terrain in winters is tremendously risky as the roads are frozen and slippery.
Image: Venkitesh Ramachandran
Given the mountainous terrain, shepherds don’t find much vegetation for their migratory flocks.
Image: Arun Thakur
The color contrast of this photograph creates a vibe of mystery and thrill.
Image: Venkitesh Ramachandran
Changthang Valley: Ladakh is filled with valleys and lakes, perfect for pictures.
Image: Arun Thakur
Ladakh presents an unforgiving yet beautiful landscape that is simultaneously lonely and awe-inspiring.
Image: Venkitesh Ramachandran
Beauty can be found in rather unexpected places, and Ladakh’s unfiltered beauty sure proves that.
Image: Arun Thakur