Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

I took this photo in Ladakh, in northern India. Ladakh is high in the Himalayas, and is largely barren, with gorgeous views of vast brown landscapes and snowcapped peaks. However, there are thriving Buddhist and Islamic cultures there, and the landscape is also dotted with army bases intended to protect the border with Pakistan. This photo captures preparations for a Buddhist ceremony. I was struck by the appearance of toughness of the women in Ladakh, many of whom I saw working on construction projects alongside the road on some of the highest motorable passes in the world. While these women were fortunate enough not to be swinging pickaxes along the roadside, I think they nonetheless exude a certain toughness in their faces. I certainly admire the ability of people to live in such a harsh climate and continue to have such vibrant communities.