Seeking Shen — A Photographer’s Challenge

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In February this year, I was in the magical Spiti Valley leading my “Seeking Shen” snow leopard photography expedition with a group of 8 close friends. We had 3 scanners, 8 porter’s and 2 drivers who were entrusted with the task of informing us of the snow leopard sightings. On day 4, we were photographing a red fox near the famous Ibex Point, when one of the scanners, Rinzin called me. He excitedly informed me that he had seen two snow leopards, although they were spotted very far from our current location. I immediately called for a group meeting and discussed the scenario with my friends. In complete agreement, we all decided to trek to the Badang Nallah area where the leopard duo had been sighted.

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While the scenery alone is worth the trek, capturing a photo of a snow leopard demands careful preparation. Our porter’s had carried food, water, energy supplements and our gear, which helped ease our journey to Badang Nallah. Looking ahead to the mountain ranges, I saw that four of my crew had already reached Badang Nallah, and I, too, had to get on my feet and buckle up. AK my porter advised me to rest as I was losing consciousness from low oxygen, The temperature was -28 degrees, and it was bone-chilling cold. He made a bed out of my ski jacket, and I slept on the snowy ground for good 10 minutes .In difficult times, we pray to the Almighty for strength, and I, too, called up the gods whom I trust and with the confidence I got from my silent payers I started walking, and after 30 minutes of trekking in the heavy snow, I reached my final destination, Badang Nallah, and photographed the snow leopard duo.

Here is a frame of a snow leopard habitat from the majestic Himalayas, taken after three hours of hiking seven kilometres. I dedicate this image to my lovely crew members, who made this possible. See you all in February 2025!