Photos

Kyi Kyi Tso Tso Lhargyalo..every mountain traveller says this crossing the passes of Ladakh...a small thanks and war cry of the Ladakh Scouts Regiment.
This shot was taken at the Baralacha La, on the Manali Leh highway, looking benevolent in the kind sunshine right now.
A killer pass it is probably the most dangerous due to its fickle weather changes and has notched up hundreds of victims through the ages.

. The Manali Leh highway has in these parts acquired the same cult status as Route 66 in the USA ! It opens from late May ( now ) to the 15th of October every year. After the 10th of October travellers make the journey at their own risk after signing the indemnity at the Army posts! If it snows heavily the Pass then closes for the next 6 months till next May. You may walk out but your transportation will be left behind....and you will walk for 3 days before you will see human habitation!
The Baralacha La is a pass connecting three valleys that slope away to the left, right and centre back of the picture.

Seen from the air this configuration looks almost perfectly like the three pointed star of the Mercedes logo! It connects to the valleys of the Zanskar, Spiti ( Kunzum La ) and Lahaul and thanks to its windswept nature due to 3 funnels directing extremely cold winds at it, remains hostile , unpopulated and so -- pristine!
Reposting after running it through Neat Image since there seemed to be excessive noise all through the picture!