Ladakh is a place that can prove very challenging for a photographer. Often the way a photographer takes a photograph is by focusing on the action in the frame. The irony in Ladakh is that the action is everywhere, making most of the photos dynamic as the landscapes is so unique and scenic. I would recommend visiting Ladakh during summer when there is a possibility of adjusting to the local climate. The joke that was played on me in Ladakh was that I had the biggest disadvantage due to my height (6’3″).

Ladakh is about 5,753 m above sea level, which implies that the oxygen level is low giving those people a hard time who are not used to these high altitude conditions of low temperature and pressure. I was lucky enough to get my own oxygen tank to allow myself to acclimatize to the climate. Some of my friends had headaches, nausea and other disorientating effects. Some things just can’t be treated with medicine, but rather time can help you get well. High altitude is one of such things; especially if you trek for 100 Kms.

During my trip, I helped a local community school by participating in a community service program. This program allowed me to experience 3 different professions in a matter of just 2 days, and this gave me an idea of how it would be to be a dentist, sales person as well as an optometrist assistant. It was quite interesting to be in one of the most unique places on earth yet repeatedly hear that there is no place like home.

Ladakh in my opinion is the “Venus fly trap” land, a pretty place with an initial downside on one’s health; especially the Sun’s effect on eyesight. If one needs to run away from hectic life, why not Ladakh where you could trek without any phone signal or electricity, just like a “lone survivor”.