The Western Himalaya in India's Kashmir is an impressive barren, sweeping landscape. The area remains politically "disputed" as both Pakistan and India claim the mountains, valleys and passes.

   
Zanskar Traverse is a three week, 175 mile journey across nine high passes.
Vertigo and panic grips me as I face the exposed, narrow, loose shale track.
Phuktal Gompa. Budhist monastery carved into limestone cliff.
Ponies taking well-earned break, while I madly search for lost camera.
Time stands still in the Village of Pishu.
3,470m
Campsite just outside of Pishu. Stray donkeys meet up with our pack animals.
After a 1,000 metre altitude gain in a day, a view like this makes it worthwhile
Fording raging rivers swelled by the spring melt.
Unforgetable approach to Shingo La. Life seems more intense and vivid up here.
Summit of Shingo La. 5,070m (16,630 ft). "Death by Cold Pass" in Tibetan.
Young monk at the doors of perception
Traffic jam on the trail.
Sharing the track with fellow Himalayan travellers.
Tolkien-esque scenery amidst the Zanskar gorges.
7000 people live amidst ancient Budhist kingdoms atop the Roof of the World.
Varied topography. One day it's fresh snow, the next it's a lush field of barley
Zanskar rose.
Thanks for visiting. All photos copyright.
John G. Soos, PhD Vancouver, 2004