Spirituality and Himalayas- A Beauty Worth Capturing in A Camera

Its a fact that travelling in the mountains teaches a lot, which is possible only while being in nature. Probably, that is the reason why even before there were any temples and pilgrimages in huge numbers that saints and sages travelled from time immemorial and meditated here to gain enlightenment. And if you are a photographer of any genre, at least one trip is a must to experience the colours of nature painted all around you.

The Himalayas have a sense of spirituality connected to it which calls for a compelling return. The game of the shadows and light over the vast landscape, played by the Sun and the clouds, often resembles the dance of Gods. At the upper landscape, called More plains, you get the feeling of Central Asian Steppe, if lucky enough you would come across the Kiangs (wild asses) as well.

You can still experience some solace from civilization, the landscape is aloof and lonely, gives an opportunity to interact with oneself. Loneliness is a force that can kill you if you are unprepared for it, but if you carry it beyond your horizon, you can use it to your advantage. A Photographer left alone in such an aura with its camera does a lot of self-actualization at its own pace.

This part of the Himalayas, called Leh Ladakh, is predominantly Buddhist in religious views and very peaceful too. As you reach near Leh, human habitations start appearing more eminently. A small Buddhist monastery with local people deeply immersed in their prayer, rotating the prayer wheels can be seen.  These are the wheels of time embedded with the mantra “Au? Ma?i Padme H??” (the jewel in the lotus ). So, it’s not just landscapes that you should be capturing but rather everything from portraits to social documentary to sustainable tourism and a well-planned photo-shoot that the place can imbibe it all. Those who live in tough landscapes like this are strong believers, they have a lot of faith in God. They acquire a beautiful expression of calmness. So, shoot raw, the photographs come out worth printing.

These structures called Pagodas are before the beginning of most villages to keep away bad spirits. They often resemble the mountain tops in their shape.

Humanity has a tremendous capacity to make life possible where ever they go. In such difficult terrain, there is a boom of prosperity through agriculture. The quality of being self-sufficient and following the sustainable lifeways of the locals is admirable. And when documented in the right way, it always brings international attention. On a bright sunny day, the band of colours made by the fields, mountains and the sky creates a magical treat for the eyes. No shutterbug can miss this opportunity.

The mighty altitude of the Himalayas is a constant remembrance of the loftiness of the human soul, its vastness is a prototype for the universality of human consciousness. The soft colours in the Leh sky have been an attraction from the rooftop restaurants. The local cuisine with fancy crockery is yet another opportunity for a mouth-watering food photography shot.

Gold in the sky turning into soft pink to mauve is like Roerich painting the evening sky live right in front of your eyes.

Glimpsing the mountains from a distance, the never-ending roads, being breathless, the sound of winds is mystical. One gains a lot from the mountains. The experience adds up to one emotional, spiritual, physical, and nowadays virtual quotient too.

On the other side of the Leh is Majestic Nubra valley with river Shyok and stunning white sand dunes. You can easily spot Bactrian Camels too.

So set yourself out, with a full-frame or cropped sensor or a phone camera, though wider angles are much required, cycle or trek to match the pace of nature and take photos for a lifetime.

The thrill of the unknown, the risk of difficulties, a test of one’s own courage, a zest to try to know oneself from inside is what one discovers.