Cycling Expedition crossing highest pass with an incredible landscape in 5 days

This is a weeklong Himalayan high altitude mountain biking or cycling expedition organized by the Youth Hostel Association of India. There are many youth hostel India national programs every year and this is one among them. The experience that you gain is something incredible.

YHAI National Himalayan Mountain Biking Leh itinerary

(LEH-LAMAYURU - SKURBUCHAN - SAKAR-2 - HENISKOT - FOTULA PASS - LAMAYURU - LEH
Day-01: Reporting At Leh (11,500 Ft.) (Jimmy Guest House)
Day-02: Acclimatization & Orientation (Transfer To Main Base Camp Lamayuru)
Day-03: Equipment Distribution & Bike Trial Riding
Day-04: Ride to Skurbuchan (43 Km, 9750 Ft,)
Day-05: Ride to Sakar-2 (38 Km, Via Sanjak, 10.550 Ft)
Day-06: Ride To Heniskot(Chulungthan) (25 km.Via.Khangral ,11.400 Ft)
Day-07: Ride to Lamayuru ( 27 Km, crossing Fotula Pass 13,450 Ft. )
Day-08: Transfer to Leh Camp.
Day-09: Camp breaks after Breakfast (09-00 a.m.)

Leh to Lamayuru - Day 1

Day one of the mountain biking expedition in Leh was more of travel from the main base camp at Leh to Lamayuru camp (starts from day 3 in the above itinerary list). On reaching Lamayuru camp we practiced for a while and went for an acclimation ride at Lamayuru village, just before sunset. The national mountain biking expedition event organized by the youth hostels association of India, YHAI is exceptionally good. Read More on - Leh to Lamayuru mountain biking.

Moonland to Skurbuchan – Day 2

Day two of the mountain biking expedition is from Lamayuru to Skurbuchan via Domkhar. The first 5 kilometers are all downhill, covering Moonland and multiple hairpin curves. The rest of the route is all flat, on the banks of the Indus river. We stopped at Domkhar for lunch and visited the Rock Art sanctuary. Post lunch we continued our cycling all the way to our next campsite at Skurbuchan. More on - Lamayuru to Skurbuchan

Skurbuchan to Shakar via Sanjak– Day 3

Day three of our cycling, from Skurbuchan to Shakar was another exciting one. Cycling next to the Indus river, the amazing landscape, cycling through the apricot farmland, river crossing, cycling next to the stream, cycling downhill and extremely tiring uphill followed by camping next to the stream. More on - Skurbuchan to Shakar

4000 years old Domkhar Rock Art Sanctuary

Domkhar rock art sanctuary is located at Domkhar village in Leh, next to the banks of the Indus river. The place is known for artwork that was made by travelers in pre-historic times. People in this region grow apricot and apple, which is the main source of income. This place is for those who love the historic artwork by our great ancestors. There are numerous rock-carved figures, thought to date back between 2000 and 4000 years.

Sakar to Haniskot – Day 4

Our stay in a guest house next to the stream at Sakar was great fun. We explored the place and started cycling, crossing small villages, till we reached national highway 1. The landscape around is so beautiful and looks like a painting with high contrast. The landscape is so unique, the soil erosion forms unique structures, untouched by humans. The mountains in the background, the green patch in between, and the river in the foreground look very much like the one from our primary school painting class textbooks. On day 4 we covered a distance of 38 kilometers from Sakar 2 to Haniskot via Sanjak. More on Sakar to Haniskot

Kanji – An Extraordinary village with some amazing people

Kanji is a Himalayan village that is incredibly secluded. The settlement is roughly 12 kilometers from Haniskot, which is located on the NH1 Kargil-Leh route and is only accessible for four months of the year. Kanji is well-known for its harsh scenery and the perilous path between Haniskot and Kanji. More on this remote village Kanji.

Haniskot to Lamayuru via Fotu La - Day 5

The first half of the day is all uphill cycling all the way to Fotu La (pass) also called TV tower. The view from this place is breathtaking. It was drizzling and was super cold. From here it is all the way downhill to Lamayuru with a viewpoint in between. It was so cold that my fingers were numb, literally frozen, and couldn't even change gear while riding. Did not have to press hard on pedals as it was all downhill. By the way, Fotu La s the highest point in this high altitude mountain biking expedition organized by the YHAI - Youth Hostel India.

Mountain Biking video playlist

Here is the complete playlist of High altitude mountain biking or the Lamayuru cycling expedition. You will get a feel of how the place is and how enjoyable the place is, showing some of the extreme landscapes.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBtUUJUvar6rgtkL-WsWPY4t3ni4pgCIc

Mountain Bikes used

If you are with Youth Hostel then the gear cycles or MTBs will be provided and is part of the fee that you pay. Else, here are some of the mountain bikes that I would recommend - Firefox, Decathlon BTWIN, Polygon. I have been using Polygon and you may want to check how good it is in the blog post Cycling at Turahalli Forest.

Here is a playlist that I have created for each of those days and the 2 off-track places that we covered. One of the best cycling expeditions I have ever been to and made many new friends.

That’s was my experience of traveling to this place. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Buy me a coffee to support my work or you can go to my store to buy some of my images. Also, do not forget to join my FriendZone by signing up for my newsletter.

Battling the highest pass of Fotu La - Cycling Expedition - Day 5

The first half of the day is all uphill cycling all the way to Fotu La (pass) also called TV tower. The view from this place is breathtaking. It was drizzling and was super cold. From here it is all the way downhill to Lamayuru with a viewpoint in between. It was so cold that my fingers were numb, literally frozen, and couldn't even change gear while riding.

Did not have to press hard on pedals as it was all downhill. By the way, Foto La s the highest point in this high altitude mountain biking expedition organized by the YHAI - Youth Hostel India. By the way, currently the program is known by the name Lamayuru Cycling Expedition.

Exploring Haniskot and Kanji

We had arrived in Haniskot the day before from Sakar and slept overnight in the Haniskot government guest house, which was still under construction at the time of my visit. We visited a secluded village called Kanji because we arrived early and had plenty of time to explore. It is a unique community filled with monasteries and kind people. If you're in Haniskot, you should definitely pay this establishment a visit.

Cycling uphill to Fotu La

The climb uphill to Fotu La had consumed all of our time on this particular day. The terrain is arid and seems desert-like, and the intense light may quickly tan your skin. Fortunately, the brilliant blue sky turned gloomy within an hour of leaving Haniskot. This made our uphill riding less strenuous. On the ride up to the Fotu La TV tower, there were a few little stores selling cool beverages and snacks.

Pass Crossing near Fotu La

By the time I got to the top, what had started as a drizzle had developed into severe rain. I was absolutely soaked, and the very cold weather made uphill riding and gear switching much more difficult. As you can see in the video, there is no protection of any type at the pass, so I had to seek cover behind a truck and begin my descent swiftly despite the rain.

Fotu La, also known as Fatu La, is a mountain pass on the Srinagar-Leh route in India's Zanskar Range in the Himalayas. It is the highest point on the roadway, at 4,108 metres, exceeding the famous Zoji La. Fotu La is one of two high mountain crossings that connect Leh and Kargil. The other is Namika La.

https://youtu.be/LybQElP1irk

Lamayuru Moonland of Ladakh

Cycling at Lamayuru

When you gaze at the distinctive terrain of Lamayuru, it is both enchanting and amazing. This is commonly referred to as the 'Moonland of Ladakh' or simply Lamayuru Moonland. It is located in Lamayuru, a community located around 100 kilometres from Leh on the Kargil-Leh route. The moon-like terrain is unusual and is thought to have been formed by the drying of a large lake. We were ecstatic because it looked stunning, and for a little minute, we thought we were in an other nation.

Moonland, Lamayuru, Ladakh, India

The landscapes on the journey from Leh to Lamayuru are breathtaking, and we wanted to stop at every moment. Lamayuru is also well-known for its ancient monastery. Some pieces are in fair shape, while others have been well kept. There are just a few homestays here, and one of them is directly outside the monastery gate. Needless to say, the view from the monastery and on the route up to the monastery is spectacular. Further down the road, is a ground where we camped. After completing the Lamayuru cycling expedition, we attempted the Zanskar river rafting, wich was even more adventurous where one of our rafts capsized.

Lamayuru Camp

That’s was my experience of traveling to this place. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Buy me a coffee to support my work or you can go to my store to buy some of my images. Also, do not forget to join my FriendZone by signing up for my newsletter.

National Memorial Chorten - A magnificent peaceful structure

Memorial Chorten is one of Thimphu's most recognizable landmarks and is located in the city's center. Throughout the day, visitors will see old Bhutanese folks circumambulating the Chorten. Chorten literally means "Seat of Faith," and Buddhists typically refer to such structures as the "Mind of Buddha." With its beautiful murals and detailed sculptures, the Chorten is an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture and artwork.

National Memorial Chorten entrance

Who built Thimphu chorten?

The chorten's construction has been created to show it as "one of Thimphu's most conspicuous religious buildings." The Memorial Chorten, located in the center of the city, is a Tibetan-style chorten, also known as the Jangchup Chorten, modeled like a classical stupa, with a pyramidal pillar capped by a crescent moon and sun.  It was erected in 1974 in memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 3rd Druk Gyalpo.

The distinctive characteristic here is the outward flaring of the rounded section to provide the appearance of a vase (a pyramidal shape), as opposed to a dome shape. The chorten portrays a great number of larger-than-life representations of wrathful deities with their feminine consorts.

Memorial Chorten Architecture

The chorten is a big white tower crowned by a golden spire and a smaller golden spire over the front porch. It is accessed by a tiny garden and a gate with three slate carvings. The three guardian bodhisattvas – Avalokitesvara (the symbol of compassion), Majur (the symbol of wisdom), and Vajrapi (the sign of strength – are depicted on the gate's exterior. Slates depicting images of Ngawang Namgyal, Gautama Buddha, and Padmasambhava are carved on the inside.

To the left are large prayer wheels. On a daily basis, many elderly Bhutanese visit the chorten to circumambulate it, whirl the big red prayer wheels, and pray before the shrine. It has four gates, but only one is available to devotees who wish to visit the shrine. To the left are large prayer wheels. On a daily basis, many elderly Bhutanese visit the chorten to circumambulate it, whirl the big red prayer wheels, and pray before the shrine. It has four gates, but only one is available to devotees who wish to visit the shrine.

The Chorten is circumambulated solely in a clockwise orientation (reciting prayers and whirling the enormous red prayer wheels), as is the case with other religious sites in Bhutan. The Monlam Prayer Festival is celebrated here, and the Je Khenpo (Bhutan's religious leader) addresses and blesses all who gather for the event.

Where is the National Memorial Chorten?

The National Memorial Chorten is located at the Thimphu City Centre in Bhutan. You can drive all the way to this place. Other tourists attraction in Thimphu include the Dzong, the World’s largest mountaintop statue of Buddha Dordenma, Thangka painting gallery. In addition, there are other tourist attractions like the historic house full of artifacts, monasteries, traditional paper mill, etc. Also, read Top 10 Spectacular places to visit in Bhutan and if you are interested in knowing even more in detail then the best guide would be Lonely Planet Bhutan.

Here in this place, you will find a lot of elderly people near the gain prayer wheels. If you are into Portrait photography then these people can be an ideal subject. Just make sure to request them if it is ok to capture their photos.

We visited the Memorial Chorten early in the morning and went further to Dochula Pass and unique monastery by the name Chimi Lhakhang. That's was my experience of traveling to this place. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Buy me a coffee to support my work or you can go to my store to buy some of my images. Also, do not forget to join my FriendZone by signing up for my newsletter.

Absolute mandatory Hiking Accessories to carry

Having the right hiking accessories is super important to have a pleasant hassle-free experience. I have been on multiple weeklong high-altitude Himalayan treks in the last few years. And in this blog post, I will be sharing all of these details based on my experience of trekking in the mountains.

At Satsar campsite with my 60 liters backpack, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Kashmir, India

Trekking Backpack - 60L

Having a good quality trekking backpack of min 60 liters is one of the most important hiking accessories. Do not blindly get some random backpack that is not designed for your back. This is an important point to consider when you are carrying your backpack and that too for a week-long trek. If you are suffering from back pain then you might want to consider offloading the backpack. I usually offload my bag as I carry another 8 kgs of a camera backpack.

Hiking Daypack - 10L

Hiking daypack is mainly used when you go around the campsite for a short hike and to carry some of the hiking accessories like water bottles, a small point-and-shoot camera, etc. If you planning to offload your main trekking backpack then the daypack will be one of the mandatory hiking accessories.

Trekking Shoes

Blisters are a common thing when you go on long hikes and this happens when your legs are not comfortable with the shoes that you are wearing. You can either rent shoes if you are not into regular hiking or if you are concerned about hygiene and love to hike more often then I would highly recommend buying Forclaz 500 shoes which are ideal for hiking. You can easily use these shoes for at least 8 to 10 Himalayan weeklong treks. The shoe may be used even in snow or rain as it is waterproof and provides good breathing.

Clothing

• For a week-long trek, I would recommend having 2 or max 3 full-sleeve shirts. Full sleeve to avoid skin tan. Covering your body is the best way to avoid tanning than any cream.

Pant made into shorts while crossing a stream during the 10 days hike in Goa, India.

• Also, have 2 quick-dry pants that are convertible to shorts. Converting it to shorts is super helpful when you want to spend time at the campsite or while crossing the stream etc. These 2-in-1 pants are a bit expensive but totally worth it.

Cold weather Clothing

• Duck feather full-arm down jacket is a must for sub-zero or temperatures of below 5 degrees.
• Cold weather woolen gloves. Also, on top of this have a waterproof gloves.
• Inner thermals one pair or max 2 for a weeklong trek. You wear thermals only at campsite and not while hiking. Even if it cold in the mornings, just have a wind proof jacket and not a down jacket or thermals.
• Do not cover your ears with cotton. You will get acclamatized sooner without them at higher altitudes. Instead have a woolen cap or a simple biker's mask will do.

Ravindra Joisa in front of Tarsar Lake, Kashmir, India

Swiss Knife

Swiss Knife or similar knife from other brands. Always must-have hiking accessories where ever you go. There are many cheaper models with almost similar features. Make sure it has a knife, scissors, screwdrivers, etc.

Wet weather hiking accessories

• Rain cover for your backpack or camera bag.
• Wind proof jacket for morning and evening cold weather while hiking. Also it can act as rain cover too.
• Or you can go for a Poncho, not that comfortable like having a wind proof jacket but you can quickly wear it in no time if there is a sudden rainfall. Poncho can cover your top portion of the body along with your daypack.

Biker's Mask or Head Band

The most underrated inexpensive hiking accessories. I use it all the time to prevent myself from burning the sun to avoid skin tan than using the expensive SPF sunscreen creams. These are super breathable, you just need to get used to it a bit. Decathlon has some super thin and quick dry Biker's mark for a low price. You can even use it from wind to cover your ears and also as a headscarf. Check out the video below.

https://youtu.be/TT-FnH6a8ME

Sunglasses

Have good quality sunglasses especially if you prefer winter treks under heavy snow. All this can also help you with skin tan or dark circles around your eyes usually seen after the trek. With the headband and sunglasses, your face will usually be covered fully, and on top, you have the suncap.

Suncap

When you consider a suncap, it is not just any other cap. The one that is made specifically for trekkers is an ideal thing to buy. It has an extended skirt on the backside covering your neck. Also, if it is cold at campsites you might want to cover your head with a woolen cap.

Sleeping Bag Liner

A sleeping bag liner is not one of the mandatory hiking accessories, but I would highly recommend carrying one if you are concerned about hygiene. These days even the liners are provided by hiking groups but they are not lightweight and take a lot of space. The one that is mentioned can be folded to the size of a mobile phone and is super light and keeps you warm.

On the way to Bagwabasa campsite, Roopkund trek, Uttarakhand, India

Headlamp

It is better to carry a headlamp than a torch. Not just any other headlamp but a good one where you can switch between regular light and night (red/blue) light, useful when you are in a group.

Hiking Pole

The hiking pole provides additional balance and support. Having 2 will be ideal and perfect. Research says, using of hiking pole will improve your performance while hiking in not just providing balance but along you can hike for longer distances.

Other Hiking Accessories

Other trekking accessories include:

• Plastic covers for used, unused, or wet cloths. Also, to keep you camera batteries and powerbanks full charged. Cold weather can drain your battery. You may want to check my cold weather photography essentials article.
• Carry a lunch box, a mug and a spoon. Stainless steel leakproof lunch box for packed lunch. You need not carry a plate and use the same for having breakfast and dinner too or for having coffee or tea. Avoid the plastic lunchbox as it is hard to clean the greasy food items. Also, the metal box will keep you warm when hot food is served.
• High Strength Elastic Tying Rope with Hooks. This can be used to tie just about anything or to dry your cloths or wet socks at your campsite etc.
• Socks - have one for each day. Wollen socks for cold weather. Make sure to keep the used socks outide the tent as a good hygiene practice or in a plastic cover
• Have your first aid kit handy with tablets like cetirizine, Dolo 650, Electral Powder etc
• Have a small piece of spong as big as the one used for dishwasher. This is for spong bath as it is hard to take bath while hiking under cold weather.
• Keep your toiletry kit as small as possible. Carry only the necessities: a toothbrush, toothpaste, tiny soap, toilet paper, a little moisturiser, lip balm, and a roll-on deodorant. Because you won't be able to take a bath on the walk, don't stock up on soaps and shampoos. Carry miniature-sized items.
• Hydration pack or water bottles, 1 or 2 liters should be fine. Usually mountain waters are clean and you usually do not need any filters.
• Sunscreen just doesn't work, I believe it is more of a marketing gimmick to sell cold cream as per my experience. Also, even if it does you need to apply 5 times a day at regular intervals which is hard. Have cold cream instead and a lip balm and apply the balm frequently.
• Mandatory documents, ID proof for forest entry.

Fresh snow, season's first snowfall at Tarsar campsite, Kashmir, India

In addition to this, if you are going solo, you might want to get many more things like cooking gas, food items, a tent, a sleeping bag, safety gear, etc. But, the one mentioned above is when you go on a hike with some hiking groups like Indiahikes or Trek the Himalayas, etc.

https://youtu.be/-ulRUS1n8o4

Carrying Camera Heavy Gear is a terrible IDEA while Trekking in groups

Note that this is not a sponsored post and most of the trekking accessories have been carefully selected after experimenting with these products in the last 7 Himalayan weeklong treks that I have completed and also weeklong treks in western ghats in southwest India. Something that I use for at least another 7 Himalayan treks. If you find this information useful then consider buying me a coffee to support my work and join my friendzone for more stories.

Kunzum Pass with incredible and stupendous views

This picturesque gateway that leads to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys is well-known among motorcycle enthusiasts. The Kunzum Pass, also known as Kunzum La, is one of India's highest motorable mountain passes, standing at 14,931 feet (Kunzum pass altitude) above sea level in Himachal Pradesh. A huge number of bikers come to this location to enjoy the most thrilling ride across Kunzum Pass's beautiful entryway. The Goddess Kunzum (Durga/Devi/Parvati) mandir, which is located on the top of Kunzum and guards the pass and wards off the bad force, is also well-known.

High altitude meadows at Kumzum pass

How to get to Kunzum Pass?

Kunzum pass is located halfway between the famous tourist destinations of Manali and Kaza, and it takes nearly half a day to get there. Take the new Atal tunnel from Manali. A left turn after exiting the Atal tunnel will lead you to Leh, which is a picturesque journey. When compared to the Rothang pass, the Atal tunnel will save you at least 3-4 hours of travel time, but you will miss out on the gorgeous route. The Rothang pass path, by the way, is now restricted.

Prayer flags at the entrance of Kunzum Devi temple

At the Atal tunnel's exit, turn right and follow the Chenab river till you reach 'Chacha Chachi' Chandra Dabha. A humorous signboard reads "WiFi Available" in bold letters, followed by a line printed in small letters that reads "27 kilometers ahead." Before visiting Chandra Tal Lake or Kunzum Pass, this is a great area to stop for lunch. Cross the bridge and continue on the gravel road to Kunzum pass, taking no detours unless you intend to see Chandratal Lake, which I feel you should. On the way, you get to visit the place by the name Chhatru which is the last day of the Hampta Pass trek, a beautiful crossover trek from Kullu valley to Chandra Valley.

Kunzum pass to Manali dirt road

The alternative route to the Kunzum pass is from Kaza. You may either take a shared cab for roughly ₹ 500 or board the popular Himachal public bus, which is always jammed. This uneven dirt road drive might be stressful. Only SUVs with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive are suggested for this terrain. Also, as of this writing, there is no fuel station on the road from Manali to Kaza or anywhere near Kunzum pass.

Horse grazing at Kunzum pass

Places around Kunzum Pass

Visitors frequently visit this temple to seek Goddess Durga's blessings and to visit Chandratal Lake, which is only 7 kilometers from Kunzum Pass. However, this brief trip on a dirt road is filled with hairpin twists and is quite risky. People stop here for photography and to see the stunning Bara-Sigri Glacier because the road is so picturesque.

Views of the spectacular Chandra Bhaga mountains, which are covered with snow-capped peaks and large glaciers, as well as the Spiti valley, which features desert-like scenery, can be enjoyed while driving. There are no tourist amenities here; however, travelers can seek lodging or dining options in the nearby community of 'Losar,' which is about 16 kilometers from Kunzum Pass. Also, you might find campsites on the way to Chandratal.

Chandratal Lake - The Alpine Lake

https://youtu.be/h1rUVWy_JKc

Chandrataal - Alpine Lake

The lake of Chandratal is a detour off the main route that connects Batal and Kunzum pass. It should be noted that camping is no longer permitted at Chandratal. The water and the landscape around are stunning. You may drive all the way to Chandratal's parking lot and then take a short trek from there. Hiking around Chandratal can take a long time, and because it is an alpine lake (14,000+ feet), there is a considerable risk of altitude sickness.

Kunzum Pass

Kunzum devi mandir at Kunzum La

The Kunzum Pass, which connects Spiti and Lahaul Valleys, is higher in elevation than Rohtang Pass. Tourists visiting Lahaul, Spiti, and Manali use it as one of the most popular and widely used passes. Prayer flags are easily seen in and around Kunzum Pass, indicating Buddhist influence. Apart from motorcycles, hikers and adventure seekers go to this location to complete the 12 km walk to Chandratal, another renowned destination in the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Because the pass is at a high height, with strong sunlight/UV rays and severe cold winds, it is recommended that you get acclimatized to high altitude.

https://youtu.be/h25k_4sz2JQ

From Kumzum Pass, you can go further towards Kaza and visit the historic Key Monastry, beautiful Kibber village, go on a summit climb to Kanamo Peak, explore Kibber wildlife sanctuary to see the Himalayan snow leopards, visit the high altitude post office, Chicham suspension bridge and explore the Spiti valley.

I hope you found this blog article interesting. Now that you have gone through the post, will you be adding this to your travel bucket list? Comment below and I will let you know what other places you things you need to know. You might wish to share this post with your like-minded friends and add this destination to your bucket list of places to visit. If you enjoy my work, please consider joining my FriendZone, which is absolutely free, as well as subscribing to my YouTube channel. You may also help me out by buying me a cup of coffee to keep me going.

5 Most Important Cold Weather Photography Essentials

The Himalayas have temperatures ranging from plus 10 to minus 40 degrees Celsius ❄️. Cold weather photography at this altitude, particularly in extremely cold weather, can be difficult. When it's that cold, photography, and just about everything else, becomes tenfold more difficult. However, the icy, snowy, white winter wonderland-like images are well worth it. Here are some of my recommendations for cold weather photography, based on my time in the Himalayas and several travels to Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and other Himalayan mountainous locations.

Snowfall at 12,451 feet Tarsar Lake, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Cold weather photography essentials

?Battery and its Performance

The performance of batteries is hindered by extremely cold conditions. Extras batteries should be kept in a warm pocket close to your body. For my full-frame DSLR camera, I normally take four camera batteries, which will last for a week if properly packed and stowed.

According to my cold weather photography experience, at approximately 0 degrees Celsius at the camping and sub-zero at night, the battery depleted by roughly 17 percent in all the unused batteries after 3-4 days. So, to retain the charge, I store my batteries in a plastic zip locker and I keep them in a warm location, such as the inner pocket of my down jacket.

Also, remember to carry extra batteries and power banks for smaller gadgets like GoPro or DJI Action camera. Most of the action cameras have a Type C charger and power banks can easily support this A power bank with 20,000 mAh and above is recommended.

Mystery Skeletal lake, Roopkund at 14,882 feet in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

?Use of Filters

Snow white can cause blindness, hence sunglasses are usually recommended. The same is the case with the camera, and you'll need filters. However, don't underexpose the shot; else, the snow will seem grey. If you're interested in long exposure photography, cold weather photography might be tricky. On the white section of the histogram, the snow-white might blow up. As a result, it's a good idea to use ND filters and set the stops dependent on the intensity of the light. Recovering from whites in the histogram can be challenging if the image is over-exposed.

?Water-resistant backpack

A water-resistant backpack for cold weather photography is a must. In addition to having a water-resistant cover for your DSLR, it is highly advised to have a rain/snow cover. The Lowepro backpack that I have comes with an attached rain cover in it. Else you can always buy additional coverage based on the volume of your bag. Again, this cover is useful for light showers but now for heavy rain or snow. It is better to take shelter in a proper place, maybe in a tent if you are in the wild.

That's me experimenting with Cold Weather Photography at Hampta Pass at 14,009 feet, Himachal Pradesh, India

?Carbon Fiber Tripod

Having metallic tripod arms can make it hard to hold while in cold weather photography. A rubber coating on top of the metal or a carbon fiber tripod leg can be super helpful as it is a bad conductor of heat or cold. From basic rubber-coated flexible tripods to high-end carbon fiber tripods, there are many that you can buy based on your budget. Note that carbon fiber tripod is expensive and lightweight. It is ideal if you are into cold weather photography up in the mountains when you are on a hike for a few days, for example, while hiking in the Himalayas.

?Personal Apparel

When you are considering cold weather photography, it is important to consider your personal clothing too. For example, in addition to regular clothing, there are other things to keep in mind. For example, the thermals, windshield jacket, down feather jacket, cold weather hiking shoes, woolen cap, and most importantly, the hand glows which has optional openings. So that it is easy to operate your camera if it has touch screen options.

The fixed tent and the layer of snow underneath at Bagwabasa campsite, Roopkund.

These points that are mentioned above are based on my personal trekking experience in the Himalayan snow-clad mountains. I go for weeklong trekking in the Himalayas every year and cold bad weather is always a concern. Cold weather photography can be super challenging, and I usually avoid winters as it is extremely hard to hike to the destination and the trail remains closed.

You might want to check my outdoor activities where I have discussed in detail all my previous treks. Also, consider subscribing to my Youtube channel or you can even buy me a coffee to support my work.

Top 10 Spectacular places to visit in Bhutan

Bhutan is a culturally and ecologically distinct country. It is the planet's last remaining Buddhist kingdom, perched high in the Himalayas. It has established the Gross National Happiness ideology, in which development is assessed using a comprehensive approach to well-being rather than merely GDP. Tourism, hydroelectric power, and agriculture are the kingdom's main sources of revenue. Well, there are many places to visit in Bhutan, but if you are on a budget trip and have just a few days to spare then here are the top 10 places to visit in Bhutan.

To start your journey, you may directly fly to Paro which might be expensive, or fly to Bagdogra in India and drive to Bhutan. The drive here is scenic as you cross the tea gardens and mountains all around. In the north of West Bengal, there is a diversion to the right which will take you to Bhutan where you need to cross the Teesta river.

The other route will take you to Gangtok, Sikkim which is another beautiful place. Stay overnight once you cross the border at Phuentsholing. On the next day get a visa on arrival and pay the fees to proceed further. You may find the latest updated details here.

By the way, you might want to check the best camera travel gear that I use to travel light and be safe. Also, you might want to get this complete guide with in-depth details on everything you need to know and cover all the places when you plan to travel to Bhutan.

Here goes the list of top 10 places to visit in Bhutan

Phuentsholing

? Phuentsholing, the doorway to the country of thunder dragons, is frequently referred to be the Himalayan Kingdom's residence of kings and queens. Moreover, time flows slowly here, and the residents' simplicity fits the natural tranquility. In addition, at barely 300 meters above sea level, this Bhutanese commercial hub is located next to the Indian town of Jaigaon in the foothills of the Himalayas. In Phuentsholing, there are several sites to visit where you can see the richness of Bhutanese, Nepalese, and Indian cultures. After that, the next stop from Phuentsholing is Paro.

https://youtu.be/kL_wbvBNj_M

Tiger's Nest

?The Paro Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), nestled high in the Himalaya Mountains, is one of Bhutan's most prominent cultural and religious landmarks. This video provides a summary of the hiking trail, what to expect, as well as architectural details of the monastery. It is a 2 to 3 hours of a hike uphill with some beautiful views. This hike is ideal for those who don't want to go for a week-long hike but interested in a short day hike. If you are considering any hike then this is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan, to start with.

https://youtu.be/EvVTGjyqVr0

National Memorial Chorten

☮️ This huge chorten is one of Thimphu's most obvious monuments, and it is the center of daily devotion for many Bhutanese. The whitewashed chorten, with its sun-catching golden finial, has complex mandalas, sculptures, and a shrine dedicated to the popular king, as well as elaborately painted annexes facing the cardinal directions.

Places to visit in Bhutan should include the National Memorial Chorten as the approach to this is in the middle of Thimphu town. The action lasts from early morning until late at night, although visitors are forbidden from attending at night to give devotees a break. Keep an eye on the devoted group of elderly timers who are churning away at room-size enormous prayer wheels beside the main entrance.

Thangka Painting and Art Gallery

?The traditional art of painting the life of Buddha on fabric or silk appliqué is known as Thangka. The origins of the Thangka painting may be traced back to Tibetan Buddhist art. These works were created in Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, and India. The 'mandala' is seen in Thangka paintings composed of cotton, silk, and human skin (Mandala in Sanskrit means is a spiritual and ritual symbol representing the universe). The life of Buddha is commonly depicted in Thangka paintings. This gallery is not just one of the places to visit in Bhutan but an ideal place to purchase authentic artwork.

A person must train for years to become a thangka artist, and the paintings are extremely uncommon and costly, with prices reaching into the thousands of dollars - sample painting and my complete collection mainly used for home decor. These thangkas are composed of natural color stone crushed plant leaves and roots, as well as 24k gold dust. Your places to visit in Bhutan bucket list must include a visit to this art gallery which is located in Thimphu.

https://youtu.be/wicAdpMcENw

Buddha Dordenma

? World’s largest mountaintop statue of Buddha Dordenma is located in the western parts of Bhutan, Thimphu. A must-visit place if you are in Thimphu. The huge structure of Buddha (Shakyamuni) is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The view from here is breathtaking as it overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. This huge structure of Buddha is a new addition to this historical place and is now one of the top places to visit in Bhutan.

https://twitter.com/ravindrajoisa/status/908281280151748608?s=20

Dochu La

? The National Memorial, Dochu La, or Dochu Pass, is at the pass's center peak with 108 stupas or Chortens. It's midway between Thimphu and Punakha, Bhutan, and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. Dochula Pass is around 3100 meters high, and the area is still hazy. The weather at Dochula Pass is beautiful and clear around December, allowing you to see the Himalayan mountain range.

https://youtu.be/5_l3ecLzsII

Chimi Lhakhang - Fertility Temple

⛩️ There is one less known and unique monastery by the name Chimi Lhakhang, with a lot of 'penises' around. Yeah, you heard that right. Chimi Lhakhang, located in the Punakha requires district-level permission. In addition, Chimi Lhakhang is on the way to Punakha Dzong. It is just over 100 kilometers from Paro and 65 kilometers from Thimphu. Meanwhile, reaching the Chimi Lhakhang monastery from the highway is an approx one-kilometer hike. Above all, the hike is scenic, crossing the paddy fields, via the Yowakha village full of handicraft stores, paintings, and prayer flags. Also, the hike can be even more picturesque if you take the back entrance, next to the Puna Tsang Chu river.

https://youtu.be/upoqSUIXGyo

Punakha Dzong

? Punakha Dzong – meaning ‘great pleasure’ or ‘joy castle’, is the administrative headquarters of Punakha. Also, it is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan, and one of its most beautiful buildings. Moreover, Punakha Dzong served as the administrative headquarters until 1955. Above all, the Punakha valley, the location of Dzong is in between the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers. Punakha is Bhutan’s winter capital. Punakha Dzong tops the places to visit in Bhutan.

https://youtu.be/uhqiYPu6Q2M

In addition to Punakha Dzong, there are many Dzongs at different places to visit in Bhutan. The one in Thimphu is spectacular, especially late in the evening when all the lamps are illuminated one by one. Most of the Dzongs are lit up and look amazing and a perfect place for nighttime architecture photography.

Punakha Suspension Bridge

? Suspension bridges are ideal for Bhutan’s high mountains and deep valleys. Punakha Suspension Bridge is a wonderful illustration of this, for the decoration of colorful prayer flags. This is one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges. In addition, it connects Punakha Dzong to Shengana, Samdingkha, and Wangkha villages across the Po Chu river, which is usually not listed in the places to visit in Bhutan. It is, nevertheless, astonishingly stable for a 520-foot-long suspension bridge. Moreover, the east side of the river is an excellent starting place for multi-day hikes in the surrounding mountains. Also, the bridge provides a beautiful view of the river and valley.

https://youtu.be/Fc0by-do5Dg

Punakha Campsite

⛺ Camping in Punakha along the banks of the Mo Chu River is a dream come true. Firstly, the golden dunes and flowing water create such a stunning scene that will make you speechless. Secondly, around the river are tiny establishments where you may spend time with the locals. You may also witness the perfect Bhutanese architecture at Punakha Dzong in the twilight. The campsite at Punakha is one of the top places to visit in Bhutan known for its beautiful misty mornings that appears truly magical, next to the river.

https://youtu.be/m-R1E_-EBZ4

Places other than these top 10 places to visit in Bhutan

So, these are the top 10 places to visit in Bhutan. Other places include the Ha valley that stretches along the Haachu river in west Bhutan. In addition, you may want to cover the Dzong present in Paro and Thimphu, and do not forget to see the lighting late in the evening. Also, visit the old traditional paper mill which is right next to Thangka Painting and Art Gallery.

When visiting some of the locations, please be considerate. Unbeknownst to them, outsiders may pay a visit. For example, the clothing code for entering the monastery, the use of a camera. It is important to consult while visiting places in Bhutan with your local guide.

In conclusion, for those who want to experience the true Buddhist culture and heritage then this is the place to visit. For more info and places to visit in Bhutan, you may want to buy this book by Lonely Planet Bhutan where you will find the details on the local festivals, hotels, restaurants, and many more. Also, it has more details on For those who have time these if you are on a budget trip and have just a few days to spare then here are the top 10 places to visit in Bhutan is just the tip of the iceberg. And finally, support my work by Subscribing to my YouTube channel and joining my FriendZone for more.