Spiti Valley
A week and a half in India's high desert, following the old Hindustan–Tibet road up through the gorges and sleeping above 3,500 metres. The plan was to point the camera at whatever the weather allowed. The weather allowed monasteries, storm light over the river, and the darkest night skies I've ever stood under.
Jun 20, 2025
The climb out of the lowlands — cloud forest, drizzle, and a loaded yak sharing the trail. Spiti makes you earn the desert.
Jun 21, 2025
Woke to pine slopes in blue, ended in gold — first sight of the valley towns from above, and a monastery catching the last warm light.
Jun 22, 2025
A slow acclimatisation day. Walked up to the prayer flags and let the six-thousanders do the rest.
Jun 23, 2025
Short on photos, long on memory — chased the snow line by day, then stitched the galactic core together long after midnight.
Jun 24, 2025
Monastery day: painted gates, mani stones, butter tea. The storm that chased us back down the river valley made the best light of the trip.
Jun 25, 2025
Deeper into the high desert — badlands cliffs, a prayer hall lit by butter lamps, and a road that simply vanished into weather. Stayed up for the Milky Way; worth every shiver.
Jun 26, 2025
The blue lake day, ending below the monastery village as its lights came on one by one.
Jun 27, 2025
The way out: a darkening lake, braided rivers, and a quiet drive back down.