A Night in a Himalayan Kingdom

Stars trail around the north celestial pole as photographed from a sacred Buddhist site in Leh, northern India. Leh was the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. As added by the photographer: “The panoramic startrail is made by two cameras taking a two-hour sequence of image with identical lens and setting. The image highlight the Spituk Gompa situated high over the banks of the Indus river. A tranquil spot to contemplate and shoot trails of brightly shining stars at Leh. Om Mani Padme Hum, the six syllable Buddhist mantra, is beautifully carved in wood at the Spituk Gompa temple. In the background mountains, vehicles can be seen coming down from Khardung La – one of the world’s highest motorable pass.” Ajay Talwar and Nilesh Vayada