My trip to Zanskar was purely by luck. In winter, the road from Leh — the capital of Ladakh — to Zanskar is usually closed due to snow. But with a new highway under construction, the route is open to local travel twice a week when weather permits. I happened to be there just before the peak winter months, during one such brief window, and decided to visit the valley for the first time.
That mid-morning, as we reached Stongdey Monastery clinging to a rugged cliff, I felt as though I had stepped into a hidden sanctuary of the Himalayas. The valley rested quietly beneath us, encircled by snow-clad giants. Normally, the Zanskar River would be frozen solid by this time of year, but due to shifting weather patterns, it was still flowing — its vibrant turquoise colour standing out like a living vein through the frozen landscape.
The light wasn’t ideal for photography, yet the view itself felt alive with stories. I launched my DJI Air 3S drone and used its telephoto lens to capture a vertical panorama of that moment — a fleeting balance of serenity and grandeur.
Looking back, this photograph feels like a quiet reward for taking chances. I went to Zanskar with no expectations, yet it offered me one of the most peaceful sights I’ve ever seen. It reminds me that some moments aren’t planned — they simply unfold before you when you are open to them.
