Road to Ladakh

Perched on the western end of the Tibetan plateau in the great Himalayan range, Ladakh was an independent kingdom for 900 years up until the 19th century. In modern times Ladakh has come under Indian jurisdiction. Ethnically and culturally closer to Tibet and a fascinating mix of Buddhism, Islam and ancient belief systems, Ladakh remains enchanting and remote.

Its geographical isolation has maintained traditional ways of life much revered by many although the hardships of village life and work in altitudes up to 4500 meters (15,000ft) with surrounding peaks of nearly 8000 meters (26 000ft) are not to be underestimated. Possessing the highest motorable roads in the world, much of the region is only accessible by road for a short period in the summer. 

This image series from 2013 explores the majesty of the terrain from Himachal Pradesh to Leh, the timelessness of culture and the geopolitical tensions of a region whose territorial boundaries remain in dispute between India, Pakistan and China. This body of work is further expanded upon in the book Departures.