Gulmarg blooms, Kashmir, India

Gulmarg blooms, Kashmir, India, a photo by sandeepachetan.com | 720,000 views on Flickr.

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It was late July when we visited Gulmarg, and got a rare chance to see Gulmarg without the snow. The lush green meadows are covered with flowers and a variety of butterflies fluttering around them.

Camera Canon EOS 5D, Taken on July 12, 2013

Enroute Phuktal monastery, Cha, Zanskar valley, India

Enroute Phuktal monastery, Cha, Zanskar valley, India, a photo by sandeepachetan.com | 720,000 views on Flickr.

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Cha village was where we camped overnight on the way to the Phuktal (also called Phugtal) monastery. A motor-able road ends several kilometers before the monastery. One has to walk through the high mountain passes of the Greater Himalayas for several hours (around 5 for the locals, we took a little less than 8 hours) to get there.


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Mountain town Purga, Ladakh, India

Mountain town Purga, Ladakh, India, a photo by sandeepachetan.com on Flickr.

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Frozen river - Greater Himalayas, India

Frozen river - Greater Himalayas, India, a photo by sandeepachetan.com on Flickr.

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Frozen landscapes of the Zanskar valley - Drang Drung glacier on the Penzila

It was post our lunch at Rangdum. The sun had started to go down, and we could feel a sharp chill in the air.

As our trucks trudged up to 4200m, the highest point in Penzi la, we excitedly kept our eyes out for the Drang Drung glacier.

Suddenly at a turn, it presented itself. As a splash of white against the rugged browns of the Zanskar mountains. It was an enormous glacier, melting in full flow at this peak of summer.

Camera Canon EOS 5D Taken on July 20, 2013

Just by the lake, Ladakh, India

Just by the lake, Ladakh, India, a photo by sandeepachetan.com on Flickr.

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It is not frequented by too many tourists. You have the entire Tso Moriri lake just to yourself!

Camera Canon EOS 5D Taken on August 1, 2013

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Taj Mahal, Agra, India, a photo by sandeepachetan.com on Flickr.

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Camera Canon EOS 5D Taken on August 14, 2013

Mountain Landscape - Tower hill, Kashmir, India

Mountain Landscape - Tower hill, Kashmir, India, a photo by sandeepachetan.com on Flickr.

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Sanasar, Jammu, India


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Rock formations on the Leh Manali highway, India

Rock formations on the Leh Manali highway, India, a photo by sandeepachetan.com on Flickr.

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They looked like needles rising in the sky, reminding us of the sand castles we built on the beach as kids. 


Except that they were gigantic! And this wasn't really the sand at the beach. 


These were the mighty Greater Himalayas, withered with age by their only constant companion- the ferocious winds.


We take you on a journey with us, read full story Passes we crossed

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Taj Mahal, Agra, India, a photo by http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Taj Mahal in the rains, Agra, India

Taj Mahal in the rains, Agra, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Foto la or Fotu La - Lamayuru, Ladakh, India

Foto la or Fotu La - Lamayuru, Ladakh, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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The last and the highest pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway. The roads are in an excellent condition and it is a pleasure to drive. Read more

We take you on a journey with us, read full story Passes we crossed

En-route Tso Moriri, Ladakh, India

En-route Tso Moriri, Ladakh, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Holy lake of Sani, Zanskar valley, India

Holy lake of Sani, Zanskar valley, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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We had an enforced stay in Sani, a small village in Zanskar, around 6km before its headquarters, Padum. Communal tensions had brought Padum to a shutdown.

Which meant we had to put up in Sani, a village with no real hotels (or guest houses) and no drainage system (read toilets or bathrooms!). Next to this holy lake was a big camping ground, which was of no use to us, since we weren’t carrying any tents.

But who needs any commercial set ups when the locals are so warm and friendly?

A lone shopkeeper in Sani agreed to host us for the two days of the Sani festival. He charged us a pittance for a cozy room, unlimited supply of fresh, local food, impromptu cookery lessons and loads of entertaining conversations!

Kids of Chatpal, Kashmir, India

Kids of Chatpal, Kashmir, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Chatpal, Kashmir, India

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Taj Mahal, Agra, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Parkachik glacier, Kargil, India

Parkachik glacier, Kargil, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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The Parkachik glacier is 1km away from the village of Parkachik.

Much of the snow had melted when we saw it in the month of July, but it sill made for an interesting look especially with the mighty Himalayas surrounding it.

This picture was taken from a truck in which we travelled from Parkachik to Zanskar.

Kokernag Botanical Garden, Kashmir, India

Kokernag Botanical Garden, Kashmir, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Since we were staying in the accommodation right inside the garden, we visited the Kokernag garden right at sunrise. An ideal time for birding, specially by the natural spring that flows through it.

Developed by the J&K Tourism department, it is the biggest garden in Kashmir. A hot-spot for Sunday family outings, it is choc-a-bloc with kids playing, couples romancing among the roses and the elderly resting under Chinars.

Woman from Leh, Ladakh, India.

Woman from Leh, Ladakh, India., a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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We saw her on our way to Tso Moriri, near village Himya.

She was basking in the sun, readying for the harsh winters of Ladakh, creating beautiful patterns on a shawl she was weaving on a traditional wooden loom. Threads in reds, greens and yellow were getting interwoven at a dizzyingly fast pace. We wanted to ask her about her design process, but realised she would think we were fools asking such questions.

For, these skills, passed down generations are their inherent gifts!

By Sandeepa Chetan (www.sandeepachetan.com)

Cyclists from France - Rangdum, Kargil, India

Cyclists from France - Rangdum, Kargil, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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They were cycling from Kargil to Padum, a 250km gravel road, in Zanskar valley. In Zanskar, they were going to volunteer as teachers in a school they had helped build earlier.

Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, India

Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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17th November 2013
Waahe Guru Ji kaa Khalsa
Waahe Guru Ji ki Fateh
A Very Very Happy Gurpurab, Guru Nanak Jyanti to All

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Sani Festival, Zanskar valley, India

Sani Festival, Zanskar valley, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Mountain Landscape - Leh, Ladakh, India

Mountain Landscape - Leh, Ladakh, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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From Thiksey monastery to Leh in Ladakh

When you just turn back and see the doors heaven open?

Padum, Zanskar valley, India

Padum, Zanskar valley, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

Foto la or Fotu La - Lamayuru, Ladakh, India

Foto la or Fotu La - Lamayuru, Ladakh, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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The last and the highest pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway. The roads are in an excellent condition and it is a pleasure to drive. Read more

We take you on a journey with us, read full story Passes we crossed

Tso Kyogar, Ladakh, India

Tso Kyogar, Ladakh, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Kyogar lake - A trailer before Tso Moriri

Our favorite Tso Moriri photo

Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, India

Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple is the most sacred place of worship for the Sikhs. Read more

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Adalaj Ni Vaw, landing space of step well, Ahmedabad, India

Adalaj Ni Vaw, landing space of step well, Ahmedabad, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Gujjar kids from Rajouri district, Sonmarg, Kashmir, India

Gujjar kids from Rajouri district, Sonmarg, Kashmir, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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We met these Gujjar kids on our way to the Thajiwas Glacier in Sonmarg. Gujjars are a nomadic tribe of shepherds who move up to the greener pastures in the hills in the summer. Come winter, the move down to the plains with their entire households and flocks.

Due to this lifestyle, the kids usually miss out on conventional schooling. These kids had attended a nomadic school and as proof, they recited to us the alphabet, numbers and also some song and dance. They were happy to receive chocolates as their award.

Read full story on Kids of the hills

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Lachung la - Journey from Leh to Kelong, India

Lachung la - Journey from Leh to Kelong, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

Lachung la or ( Lachulung La, Lāchālūng La, Lungalacha La). The second pass of the Leh-Manali route, it is a long meandering pass with its peak at 4891m.

We take you on a journey with us, read full story Passes we crossed

Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, India

Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple is the most sacred place of worship for the Sikhs. Read more

View more photos on Sikhism

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Barley fields - Tso Moriri, Ladakh, India

Barley fields - Tso Moriri, Ladakh, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

These barley fields separate the village Korzok, the base village for Tso Moriri from the lake itself.

The whites (of the houses) of Korzok, followed by the greens of barley fields leading to the stunning blues of Tso Moriri lake itself, sealed by the browns of the Greater Himalayas is the general colour palette of this landscape!

Look for our another favorite Tso Moriri photo

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Lunch time at Phuktal monastery, Zanskar, India

Lunch time at Phuktal monastery, Zanskar, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

Yeah, that's the meal time view. It wont cost you a dime. Just a lifetime of being a monk!
However, just for this day, you get to savour it!

The monks had gathered for lunch by the time we reached the Phuktal monastery.
You are welcome join them. You go sit next to them, they ll give you a bowl and serve you the same food that the monks have for lunch. After some chanting, the lunch begins.

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Gujjars the nomadic tribe - Chatpal, Kashmir, India

Chatpal, Kashmir, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Chatpal trek through village Thimran

For some baffling reason, we skipped breakfast and set out for a day trek without any supplies. Obviously, very soon, hunger struck.

By then, we were beyond the villages and there were only these Gujjar deras – settlements, around. Our guide approached them, and they invited us over for tea.
The woman was unwell; they were leaving to see the doctor, around 10km away. All by foot.

And yet, they gave us some hot namkeen chai – salty tea. And apologised for the rush and not being able to serve us anything more!!

This photo is from an on-going series of Friendly families we met on the road.

Women at Sani Festival, Zanskar valley, India

Women at Sani Festival, Zanskar valley, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Prayer Flags - Tso Moriri, Korzok, Ladakh, India

Prayer Flags - Tso Moriri, Korzok, Ladakh, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Read more on Tso Moriri lake

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Taj Mahal, Agra, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Nek Chand Rock Garden, Chandigarh, India

Nek Chand Rock Garden, Chandigarh, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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The story behind this Rock Garden is very interesting and inspiring.

Read more on Wikipedia

Aharbal waterfall, Kashmir, India

Aharbal waterfall, Kashmir, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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A passageway along the gushing river makes for an exciting approach to this thrilling

Construction worker at Tanglang la

Journey from Leh to Kelong, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

We saw him from our bus on Tanglang la.

Hailing from far off places, these road maintenance workers stay on these mountain passes for 4-5 months a year when the road is open for traffic.

In these months, they earn around Rs.20K to take back home.

The only highlight of their day is the 2-3 buses that cross this road. Otherwise they completely disconnected from civilisation.

Hats off to their endurance!

This photo is from an on-going series of People with Tough Jobs.

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Rohtang pass - Leh to Manali Journey

Rohtang pass - Leh to Manali Journey, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Rohtang pass. The undisputed monster of the Leh-Manali highway.

We take you on a journey with us, read full story Passes we crossed

More landscape photos from Kashmir | India Collection

Tso Moriri, Ladakh, India

Tso Moriri, Ladakh, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

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Mighty, endless, vast, abundant, clear, beautiful and pure…it touches you and moves you like only Nature can. At Tso Moriri, all you can do is bow down and feel blessed for having witnessed it.

Mighty mountains, snow capped peaks, lush green fields and the deep blue water stretching to the horizon, Tso Moriri offers it all. Due to its long distance Tso Moriri from Leh, It is not frequented by too many tourists. Which means, when you visit Tso Moriri, you will most likely, have it all to yourself!

Look for our another favorite Tso Moriri photo

Hawa Mahal on Diwali Day, Jaipur, India

Hawa Mahal on Diwali Day, Jaipur, India, a photo by SandeepaChetan - http://sandeepachetan.com/ on Flickr.

Happy Diwali!

Photograph taken last year on same day.