As we left the summer and heat of Delhi and headed towards Spiti, I was thinking of sunny and clear blue skies, cool breeze, pristine lakes and rivers. But as we approached we were greeted with one surprise after another. In a land widely known as a cold dry desert, there was incessant rain for at least three days. The sun refused to come out. We experienced landslides, blocked roads and really wet and cold weather.
Life has its way of surprising us and this trip had made me realize that even if everything does not go as planned, it’s all up to us to make the best use of the situation. So out came the camera, safely wrapped of course in the “lapet”.
The beautiful monasteries, the mystic dance of the Buddhist monk that we were lucky enough to witness, the warmth of the local people, the serene Kibber village, the rugged beauty of numerous spots that dotted along our way and compelled us to stop and shoot - to the exasperation of the driver, and of course the gang, made this trek a very memorable experience.
Rains over, another ecstatic moment awaited us at Kunzum La. The dappled brown of the mountains that we had crossed a few days back had been transformed to a blinding white blanket. The whole experience was astonishing and beautiful at the same time.
At long last, the much awaited sun surprised us again, this time by happily beaming at us. While we were heading back to Delhi I could reflect upon the calendar perfect imagery that I had wanted to shoot and smiled in fondness on the varied and enriching experience that the drifting clouds blessed upon us.
Thanks Shailan and Jogi for making this possible
5. Amita Vikram Pratap
Spiti trek was the first of its kind trek I ever did, so I didn't know what to expect and how to prepare well too. However the trek was organized so well that I didn't feel anything amiss and and couple of things which Ii didn't take were available. Kudos to the food, everything one could ask for was available of a home made taste. The conditions were hygienic and comfortable (as much as we could ask for in a difficult terrain like that)
A suggestion someone made during the trek which Ii vote for is.. to ensure proper communication between the different vehicles, we can have walkie talkie sets.
6.Shweta Poddar
Spiti was overall an amazing and a very different experience for me. I enjoyed every bit of it. Since I had last been on a trip which involved some amount of trekking probably 12-13 years back, there was some amount of hesitation before leaving but once we were there I didn't want to be back in Delhi!
I thought it was very well organized and co-ordinated. The staff was amazing and so was the food!
Also, because of the weather etc., there was a certain kind of uncertainty, which added to the excitement (not in some of us) to the the trek!
As of now I can only think up of positive feedback for the trip.
I would most definitely repeat it till I can :)
7. Sujata Khanna
Ladakh for me was a wonderful experience! It was my 5th consecutive year to Ladakh and yet apart from the fact that the place mesmerizes me every time - this time was special! I love traveling and I love photography and merging the two created magic and add to that a wonderful group of people who share the same passion...heavenly!
Since, I was the 'freshest' member into the PhotoSensitive family, having completed my Photo-One Workshop in August...I think this opportunity for me was amazing - to be able to apply everything I learnt was fun and then again learning so much more...whether through my mentors or the experienced group. The group used terminologies at times which had me lost...realized they are much more experienced time and again...but then that added to my advantage of learning from all possible directions :)
Rest, the accommodation, the food, the car journeys, the flight - everything was F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C!!
Last, but not the least, THANK YOU so much Jogi and Shailan for your time and so unconditionally sharing your knowledge with us! I shall look forward to the next family outing of PhotoSensitive!
8. Chirag Shah
To be very honest, I actually had time of my life. Cannot really express in words how I enjoyed every moment of the trip; barring of course the Tso Moriri night! It was indeed great to see you all again, the next day morning!
Overall Arrangement: Impeccable. We never had to actually wait for any conveyance, or food or any other necessity. This speaks about your arrangement skills, as organization / people specializing in these, are usually found wanting!
Jasmine Tea every night, that too right from the Boss, was just perfect icing on the cake. How I miss that now.
Food: No two thoughts — absolute perfect. The morning breakfast was just too good, always. Thankfully, I didn't’t took the entire trip to realize what was good in the breakfast, both food and Tea;). Speak with Shailan Sir, for more insights. Not to speak of excellent dinner … discussing always the Schedule for next day!!!
On giving your precious Time: This was one of the highlights of trip. You both were always at our beck and call. This is indeed very appreciative. As, often you don’t get value even after shelling out. But with you both at the helm, it was value-addition at its best — fewer inputs, maximal outputs!
And all these when you had organized the trip for the first time! I am sure, The Thomas Cook and Sita’s of the world have a thing or two to learn on trip organizing and playing host!
Thanking you both for making this one of the most memorable trip of the life! Sadly, like all good things in life, this also ended.