Road tripping-Photowalli Gaadee

19/06/2024

Take that road trip with your loved ones. My aunt and I kept making these plans, to travel together after her retirement. She retired too late and passed away too early, for us to enjoy those months together. The past two road trips, have probably been the worst times, one has spent on the road. Loss is never easy but loosing someone who has been by your side through the worst of times, is even harder. But that’s the thing about the road, it makes it easier to grieve, to reminisce and to look at the bigger picture and to enjoy the night. I believe, everyone I love, whether dead or alive, will know how I feel when I look up at them. That the sky connects us through distance and death. So, take that trip and spend time under the skies, so that when they’re gone, it keeps you together.

01/01/2024

Happy New Year Jaanemans! Have a great year with your loved ones...make some fabulous memories, take lots of pictures and hug them as tight as you can! For the ones who are struggling... emotionally, physically, mentally or financially- khudda reham kare hum sabke dilo pe! Hope things look up for everyone. Love and light. Rabb Rakha

19/11/2022

Sonmarg
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25/09/2022

24.7.22- Dras, which is the second coldest inhabited place in the world, isn’t really a tourist destination but a pit stop for travellers riding/ driving to Leh and for truckers transporting material to and fro- Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and J&K.Since we reached a couple of days before Kargil Vijay Diwas, it was hard to find accommodation. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated with great fervour on the 26th of July, to commemorate the victory of the Indian side, in making the Pakistani’s leave the mountains of Kargil that they had occupied. Captain Vijay Batra, who was the main protagonist of the movie Shershah, was one of the 527 soldiers who lost their lives, in securing India’s position. , , ,

29/08/2022

23.7.22- Lamayuru/Khalsti. Before my memory fails me again or I plan some new shenanigans…let’s just get this one out of the way, to slightly indulge my narcissism and ofcourse to share the pictures, I promised people they would find on my page. So here goes, just the last few posts, from this trip.

10/08/2022

22.7.22- Kargil/Hunderman Village/Namikala/Enroute Lamayuru. The Hunderman Village, is close to the border and the Museum of memory, should be on your list if you intend going to Kargil. Driving aimlessly, is my favourite activity and when I combine it with photography, sone pe suhaga! Nothing calms my mind and bring me more pleasure than an open highway, wind blowing through my hair, deafening music intercepting my fleeting thoughts and meeting people who please my soul.

04/08/2022

21.7.22- Sani Monastery/ Rangdum/Pensila Pass/ Drang Drung Glacier/Enroute Kargil. Though this was a back breaking route, as there's extensive construction going on in Zanskar Valley, one's been told that in a few years one will be glad that one visited, now, as this is to become one of the most sought after destinations in the north of India. The road less travelled, is usually where all the gems lie, where one chances upon- weddings taking place, not-so popular monasteries, melting glaciers, obscure eateries by the side of what is supposedly a highway and people who please you with their kindness and warmth. #

01/08/2022

20.7.22- Padum/ Karsha Monastery/Sani Camping Site. The map has changed since my last trip, the demarcating line is a little faint but it's there, nevertheless.

29/07/2022

19.7.22- On the way to Phugtal Gompa/Phuktal Monastery/ Purni and then Padum. This was by far the toughest ride...one's never been more nervous. I was literally shaking by the time we reached the 'car parking area' which was perched on top of a hill, from where I was certain the car would topple over, due to the size of the non existent road. I couldn't make it to the Gompa which the locals claim is only an hour and a half of a hike, while some of the tourists we met later said that it takes between 4-6 hours. I'll never know because I just walked around a hundred steps and turned red, started panting , had to take a few hits of oxygen, rested for a bit and only then could I walk back to the car. The pictures were taken at the spot where I was resting (lucky me, I got one of my fav portraits from this trip, thanks to ill health and on camera flash). Unfortunately, to my utter dismay and despite much coaxing, my companion too didn't get to visit one of the most unusual monasteries in Ladakh, as leaving me by myself, apparently, isn't an option.

28/07/2022

18.7.22- Jispa/ Shinkula/ Enroute Purni
From Jispa we were supposed to go to Leh and then move towards Nubra, to a camping site..But things unfold in mysterious ways. One wrong turn and a chance encounter with someone, sent us on an incredible journey, honestly, I really wasn't prepared for. But one is so glad things turned out the way they did.

27/07/2022

Though, most of my journeys are by myself, this couldn't be a solo trip, as high altitudes are rather detrimental to one's health. I'm glad I was with someone who is always entertaining and incredibly good at handling pressure and difficult women. We left on the 16th night, as it was pouring, I didn't make any pictures, that night. These are from the 17th of July- Kullu/ Manali, enroute Jispa.

19/02/2022

02/02/2022