India’s diverse landscapes are the envy of the world. Picture tropical ports like Mumbai, buzzing cities like Delhi, or the remote mountains further inland.
Travel company Expedia’s Insta Guide to India captures the country at its best, through travel bloggers and prolific Instagrammers such as Neelima Vallangi.
Neelima’s work displays the region of Ladakh, here’s some of her best shots…
Losar Festival
As you’d expect, Ladakh is home to traditionalist tribes whose customs remain largely free from western influence. Come winter, locals dress in colourful masks and engage in dances which make for incredible photo opportunities.
TSO Moriri Lake
If you’re tough enough to manage the climb, then this alpine lake is one of India’s most serene spots. It’s also one of its highest, at 4,522 metres above sea level!
Kyagar Tso
Turquoise waters aren’t just found in the tropics. This saltwater lake holds a charm entirely of its own, comprising azure shades alongside the snow-capped peaks of the mountains.
Thiksey Monastery
Buddhism plays an important role in society here, and along with it a powerful sense of spirituality and tranquillity. The Maitreya Buddha statue here is the largest in Ladakh, towering two storeys high above worshippers and tourists.
Traditional Ladakhi Attire
Simplicity is best – a saying which rings all the more true when looking at the smiles on these young Ladakhi’s faces. These textures and colours are not only practical, they also make for a great photograph!
Stok Kangri
Wrap up, and hike into Ladakhi’s mountains for views which’ll stay with you for life. Stok Kangri is the highest mountain of the Ladakhi Himalayas, with a summit standing 6,153 metres high. The region is best viewed from a higher perspective – grab your walking boots and go see for yourself.
Pangong-Tso
Tibetan for “high grassland lake”, Pangong-Tso is far more charming than its name suggests. Its pebbly beaches and choppy waves straddle both India and China, and are a hallmark of any visit to Ladakh.
Stakna Monastery
Perched above the banks of the Indus River, Stakna Monastery is as scenic as it is spiritual. Another of the region’s Buddhist landmarks, its iconic setting is perfect for Instagram.
Zanskar River
When it snows here, everything appears stripped back, primitive and wholly beautiful, no matter the time of year.
Stones near Hemis Monastery
When the sun reflects off these stones, a warming glow forms which contrasts from the disparate nature of their surroundings. On top of that, they blend in beautifully with the colours of the earth and mountainsides.
