Shifting shadows [Leh, Ladakh]

As unchanging and static as mountains may be , when the clouds above drift and cast those shifting shadows on the precipitous slopes of rock and stone , these mountains look totally different from one moment to the next. This constant play of light and shade on the arid mountainscape , for me, is the quintessential image of Ladakh.

At sunset, the evening shadow cast by the surrounding peaks engulfs the ridge on which the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (Leh) sits and finally swallows the gompa into darkness. Quite a sight to see from the vantage point of Shanti Stupa. Right here, the range has already been plunged into darkness while a little bit of light still lingers on the gompa..

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, as seen from Shanti Stupa. Leh.
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