Ladakh: A Land Above the Clouds

Ladakh: A Land Above the Clouds

Our recent photography expedition to Ladakh was one of those journeys that is difficult to put into words.

With seven guests, we travelled through some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the Himalayas, supported by our wonderful and intrepid drivers from Gatpo Adventures — Sonam, Nawang and Dorjey.

From Leh and the sweeping views available from Shanti Stupa and Thiksey Monastery, framed by fluttering prayer flags, we travelled into the remote Aryan Valley and the villages of Garkhon and Dah, spending time with the Brokpa people and photographing life and portraits in their homes.

We crossed Khardung La at around 5,300m before descending into the ancient Silk Road landscape of the Nubra Valley. At Diskit Monastery, we joined the monks for morning prayer and butter tea, turning prayer wheels and simply absorbing the atmosphere.

Then higher still, to the Changthang Plateau and the extraordinary blue waters of Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri.

Perhaps the greatest privilege was meeting the semi-nomadic Changpa people, sharing tea and cheese made from their Pashmina goats’ milk and learning something of their remarkable way of life.

There were spectacular landscapes and unforgettable photographs, but it was the warmth, hospitality and friendship of the people we met that made this journey truly special.

Here are images from this expedition. I’m running another photography expedition to Ladakh next year, 15 – 25 August 2027. If you’re keen to be part of it, you can find out more and reserve your place here.

And here are portraits of our drivers: Sonam, Dorjey and Nawang.