The Kings of Baralacha la Photo

Photographer’s Note

Trucks enroute to Ladakh on the perilous Leh - Manali highway are often caught in unseasonal storms like the one that left Baralacha la under a metre of snow in October!

Here you have these trucks coming down a frozen road without any traction aids whatsoever.

more than a few dozen will go off the road every year!
A salute to the brave drivers that do this journey as a part of their daily lives.....

ngythanh, Praetzer, kolesn, cool_krishna, sn00zie, hajle, Dakota55, chander has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Praetzer (1657) 2005-02-13 12:39

I haven't been up north (yet). What's the best time of the year to visit?
Well exposed; Nice, the 2 red spots in a winter lanadscape. Good sky too.

waterboy (20) 2005-02-13 12:48

awesome work.

bboss (3516) 2005-02-13 18:32

Great picture, it really works with the truck right in the middle. You dont want to go to close to the edge...
I did this route once in a truck, and it was scary enough with no snow!
Are these guys just fearless, or do they do some extra praying to keep themselves safe? I remember the truck driver lighting some incense when we were getting to a nasty bit, and I'm still alive so I guess it works.

cool_krishna (465) 2005-02-14 2:27

Wow Vijay, you are soo damn lucky to be based in such fantastic locations.. But this shot is not in the same league as most of your others specially 'Raamsa' (which was terrific). Honestly, the composition is landscapish.. And I personally didnt like the color of your frame.
As always a wonderful and informative note with the pic. Keep sharing the wonderful sights of himachal for us. Cheers.

kolesn (577) 2005-02-14 3:36

Thanks for sharing a pictured story!

sn00zie (2384) 2005-02-16 22:40

whoa! what a picture... and a scary thought

pbnadkarni (0) 2005-03-26 1:30

Great framing and very interesting subject matter! Well done and informative. I applaud your efforts!

ngythanh (8490) 2005-11-20 11:15

I am searching travel info for LEH and LADAKH then run into this beautiful photo.

If you could, please give me some advice on how to reach this "kingdom" from the capital.

Thanks,

Thanh