A Photography Dream- Ladakh.
Since the time I picked up my first DSLR, I have always fancied a trip to Ladakh with the best of the equipments to build a strong portfolio of travel photographs.The planning has been on for the past 4 years which involved taking baby steps learning the basics of photography, regular local photwalks, learning the magic of post processing and ofcourse saving up to buy my favourite camera- the Canon 5D mk2 along with the best of lenses. Like everything in life, after much wait I suddenly took the plunge to plan the Ladakh trip. There were certain criteria in my mind while I was planning the same. 1. One point agenda- Photography 2. Stay at local Ladaki home to taste the real Ladakh through their eyes 3. On the road as much as I can. Stop.Click.Vroom. 4. Take the risk, travel alone, feel the adrenaline rush! The trip plan was a success and I left for Ladakh on June 22nd,2012- along with these gears: 1. Camera: Canon 5D mk2 and Canon 450D 2. Lenses : Canon EF 24-70mmf/2.8L, Canon EF 50m f/1.8, Canon EF 75-300 f/3.5-5.6 , Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 , Tamron 90mm f/2.8 3. Bag: Lowepro Microtek and Passport Sling, Wildcraft Alpinist 4. Britelite ultrastrong LED torch 5. Victorinox Swiss Knife 6. Sipper 7. Nikon Binoculars Click on each picture to know the EXIF details The Gears The Gears by tamagna ghosh The trip was via Delhi and I landed at the Leh airport on 24th at around 10AM. But the awesomeness had already started while the flight was hovering over the misty Leh mountains. The view was breathtaking. Refer to "The Bird's eye view". The misty Ladaki mountains, the green canvas of trees had already transported me to another world.Flying from an urbanjungle called Mumbai to a place like this left me awestruck! A Bird's eyeview by tamagna ghosh I had already booked a tour with a local Ladaki travel agent. I had made sure that I get a local driver-cum-guide who would have anough knowledge to take me to the innermost part of the place and answer my random queries and questions. So, I got into my Maruti van and glided over this road which was like a carpet ride.I wished to run up to the horizon and just let it all go! Approach Road by tamagna ghosh The local Ladaki agent named Rigzin, made the best of the arrangements at a local Ladaki home. The view from my room was breathtaking and I am sure, you wont deny that:) The View by tamagna ghosh I wasnt happy with the view from my room as the window frame blocked by panoramic vision. I ran up to the open terrace, to let the nature sink in deep.This is what I was welcomed with and I am not complaning a bit. Panoramic by tamagna ghosh Heres another view of the beautiful Ladaki Homestay. This was very near to the main Leh market and the best part was the closeness to Shanti Stupa. Green.Homely. by tamagna ghosh I ventured out in the full moon night with my camera and tripod to get the Shanti Stupa in all its glory .. Shine.Peace. by tamagna ghosh As I look back to my trip I feel that the homestay was the best ofthe ideas. Getting to know the lifestyle of Ladaki locals, their dreams, ambitions, way of living and love for Bollywood :)Bright, colorful and designer ladaki home is a norm. Most of the furniture are made of wood grown by themselves. Ladaki.Home by tamagna ghosh Most of the congregation and adventure discussions happens in the kitchen early morning. The sun rays coming though the huge glass windows adds to the soothing atmosphere. Before clicking this picture, the family spoke to me about theur dreams, ambitions and how each son in the family is spending their school and college life in Delhi. The 2 sons, come home during vacation and help their parents in servicing to the numerous tourist who keep flocking.during the peak summer season.