Zanskar

Shadows fall upon the mountains giving them facial features. The fields of scree spew forth from ancient times. There is such a contrast between the slow moving mountains and rocks, to that of the mighty river and clouds that carve through the range. At either end of the valley lie ominous snow capped peaks. Daring one to continue, but also reminding one of the challenges passed.
Now is harvest time and plump peas wait to be picked. Some will end up as food, while others will become the future crop. Sheep are guided by the natural features, creating an enormous pasture, walled by mountain peaks.
Stone is the most abundant resource and all of man’s impact here is tied to the stone. Stones of all shapes, sizes, and composition fill the land waiting to be picked, placed, and transformed into something new. Stones and running water are the only constants here. Some say the beauty of the Himalayas lie in its simplicity, that the mountains bring them peace. For myself I find gazing at the slopes to be full of complexity, so busy that it hurts my eyes to look upon a spot for more than s a few seconds.
Clouds play shifting roles of drama; allowing light to some, playful, while others swallow creating mystery even fear. The stone remained unchanged, even the mighty flow of the river does not smooth over the jagged rocks that proudly claim their space in air. It seems as though I exist in a pocket of sun, while rain pulls the clouds, drawing strands of their hair to the ground at either end of the valley. Some rock faces cling to the light while other embrace the dark shadows as though long ago some sinister deal had been struck with the clouds.

VIS Intern, Nate Thayer