These are the photos and written reflections from the 2025 Ripple Effects photo event in Kinnaur, India. This project was organized by Zed.tells, “a creative and collaborative endeavour to strengthen and expand the existing knowledge heritage of Kinnaur.” Learn more about Zed.tells here.
By: Kapila Brice
Nako Lake, Kinnaur
Autumn’s gold, lake’s song, and the soul in quiet prayer
By Kapila Brice
Spiti River, taken en route Leo
मेरी हर एक बूंद क़ीमती है समझने वालों के लिए,
नादानों को तो बेहता पानी भी खारा लगता है
By Shashwat Sood
Photo Captured at Mebar village(Kinnaur), July 2025
In a quiet Himalayan meadow, a small plant held a single drop of water like a treasure. Formed from mist, the drop rested safely in its leafy bowl a symbol of nature’s wisdom.
Even one drop can sustain life.
Conserve every drop. Nature does.
What if the next manmade disaster doesn’t give us time to take a photo?
By Varun Negi
Shongthong, July 2025
छु रंग — this striking waterfall in Shongthong wasn’t always here. It was formed as part of the Sai Ram Company project, where excess water from a pipeline system is released, creating a controlled yet powerful fall. A spectacle born from intervention — beautiful, but a reminder of how human hands now guide nature’s course.
Carry the question with you. What if the next manmade disaster doesn’t give us time to take a photo?
Ek Kinnaur, Ek Awaaz.
तितली प्यासी है
By Shivam Sharma
Saryan vatika , village Mebar Distt Kinnaur , July 2025
” तितली प्यासी है” एक मार्मिक और विचारोत्तेजक कहानी हो सकती है जो हमें जीवन के कई पहलुओं पर विचार करने के लिए प्रेरित करती है।
उसे पानी की तलाश थी। वह इधर-उधर उड़ती, फूलों पर बैठती, लेकिन उसे पानी का कोई स्रोत नहीं मिल रहा था।
उसने देखा कि उसके सामने पानी ही पानी है।
लेकिन तितली को अभी भी पानी का एहसास नहीं हुआ। वह सोचती रही कि पानी कहाँ है, जबकि वह उसके सामने ही था। उसे पानी का पता नहीं लगा।
इस कहानी में, तितली की प्यास और पानी की तलाश हमें जीवन के कई पहलुओं की याद दिलाती है। जैसे कि हम अक्सर अपने सामने मौजूद अवसरों और समाधानों को नजरअंदाज कर देते हैं और दूर की कौड़ी लाने में लगे रहते हैं।
Steel Dreams, Concrete Desires
By Pramiti Negi
Shongthong Karcham Hydropower project, July 2025
At the foothills of my home, construction continues.
The song of the river is washed out by echoes of blast and hums of the machines.
And the Mountain Yields, not by Choice.
Steel Dreams, Concrete Desires
By Pramiti Negi
Shongthong Karcham Hydropower project, July 2025
At the foothills of my home, construction continues.
The song of the river is washed out by echoes of blast and hums of the machines.
And the Mountain Yields, not by Choice.
By Poonam Chauhan
Ronnam Sorang (Lippa), June 2025
In Lippa, this lake is considered sacred.
Where fresh mountain waters gather into lakes, they become not just nature’s gift but sacred reflections of local faith.
By Anjali Negi
Mebar village Kinnaur, July 2025
Water — gentle, pure, and full of grace.
A quiet blessing from the skies.
But this same drop, when gathered in rage,
can sweep away forests and flood dreams.
It’s not water that changes —
it’s the time, the way, and the hand that disturbed its balance.
By Anjali Negi
Mebar village Kinnaur, July 2025
Water — gentle, pure, and full of grace.
A quiet blessing from the skies.
But this same drop, when gathered in rage,
can sweep away forests and flood dreams.
It’s not water that changes —
it’s the time, the way, and the hand that disturbed its balance.
By Anjali Negi
Mebar village Kinnaur, July 2025
Water — gentle, pure, and full of grace.
A quiet blessing from the skies.
But this same drop, when gathered in rage,
can sweep away forests and flood dreams.
It’s not water that changes —
it’s the time, the way, and the hand that disturbed its balance.
By Anjali Negi
Mebar village Kinnaur, July 2025
Water — gentle, pure, and full of grace.
A quiet blessing from the skies.
But this same drop, when gathered in rage,
can sweep away forests and flood dreams.
It’s not water that changes —
it’s the time, the way, and the hand that disturbed its balance.
चश्मे का पानी / नागास ती
By Chander Zolang Mathus
Himalayan Water Springs, Meeru Village
Himalayan water springs are the lifeline of tribal communities in Kinnaur. These natural sources provide clean, pure drinking water that sustains not only human life but also supports agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and local livelihoods.
In Kinnaur, many springs are seen as sacred, deeply connected to spiritual and cultural practices. Their presence is essential not just for daily life, but also for maintaining the delicate ecosystems and biodiversity of the region.
Protecting these springs means protecting the future.
Water conservation today ensures a sustainable planet tomorrow
चश्मे का पानी / नागास ती
By Chander Zolang Mathus
Himalayan Water Springs, Meeru Village
Himalayan water springs are the lifeline of tribal communities in Kinnaur. These natural sources provide clean, pure drinking water that sustains not only human life but also supports agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and local livelihoods.
In Kinnaur, many springs are seen as sacred, deeply connected to spiritual and cultural practices. Their presence is essential not just for daily life, but also for maintaining the delicate ecosystems and biodiversity of the region.
Protecting these springs means protecting the future.
Water conservation today ensures a sustainable planet tomorrow
चश्मे का पानी / नागास ती
By Chander Zolang Mathus
Himalayan Water Springs, Meeru Village
Himalayan water springs are the lifeline of tribal communities in Kinnaur. These natural sources provide clean, pure drinking water that sustains not only human life but also supports agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and local livelihoods.
In Kinnaur, many springs are seen as sacred, deeply connected to spiritual and cultural practices. Their presence is essential not just for daily life, but also for maintaining the delicate ecosystems and biodiversity of the region.
Protecting these springs means protecting the future.
Water conservation today ensures a sustainable planet tomorrow
Raldang Garang
By Varun Negi
Barang, July 2025
पिरयो रलडंग गारंग बोयाशिस ज़ंगतियु देन छुगशिस
What makes this pressured stream sacred? Flowing from the mighty Raldang peak and joining the Zangti (Sutlej River) in Kinnaur, this aggressive waterway is both feared and revered. In local tradition, it is appeased through offerings and rituals by Barang Nagas Ji, the village deity of Barang, and other divine spirits.
स्थानीय परंपरा में इसे एक पवित्र नदी तथा एक आक्रामक धारा भी माना जाता है, जिसे बारंग नागेस जी तथा अन्य देवताओं द्वारा बलि या प्रसाद चढ़ाकर प्रसन्न किया जाता है।
Kinnaur caged in steel and stone
By Ritik Negi
Karcham Wangtoo Hydropower project, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, July 2025.
Kinnaur, once a free and untouched land, now looks like it is trapped in cages made of dams and concrete. The tall structures block the natural flow of rivers, and heavy construction covers the mountains, taking away the wild beauty of this place. It feels like nature here is locked up, struggling to breathe.
Silver Veil of the Mountains
By Ritik Negi
Photo Taken at Ribba Kande, Ukhyang Santang,Kinnaur.
The glacier water flowing into Ribba is the true source of life and prosperity for the village. This image shows the sacred water springs, called Nagas, which spreads like a silver veil over the mountains.
By Rahul Negi
Jani village, Kinnaur | June 2022
The village deity visits Yana Sorang (lake) during a dry spell, a traditional ritual to pray for rain.
The Drying Mirror: A Silent Cry from Dharamshala’s Dal Lake
By Tanvi Sharma
Once a serene and reflective body of water nestled among the towering deodar trees, Dal Lake in Dharamshala is now a haunting mirror of climate change. This photograph captures its present state, cracked earth where ripples once danced, and scattered puddles where children once watched their reflections.
This image does not just depict environmental degradation; it speaks of disrupted lives, and a community caught between reverence for nature and the harsh realities of a warming world. Dal Lake’s silence is not absence, it is a call to action
The Long Journey of Water (Paathro Aakpa Sinchai Nehar)
By Mahesh Ronseru
Kashang, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh | September 2021
The villages of Rarang, Khadura, and Aakpa in Kinnaur didn’t have enough water for many years, especially for farming. In the 1980s, a plan was made to bring water from far away — from a glacier 12,000 feet high and 26 kilometers away. After many years of hard work and delays, the canal was finally completed in 2012. Today, more than 2,000 people from Rarang, Khadura, Aakpa, and Pangi use this water. Nearby natural water sources have also started drying up over time due to changes in the climate. That’s why this canal became even more important. These images are taken as representatives from three villages go to maintain the canal.
Villagers step into the icy glacier-fed stream to redirect the water — routine but grueling work that keeps the canal flowing.
The Long Journey of Water (Paathro Aakpa Sinchai Nehar)
By Mahesh Ronseru
Kashang, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh | September 2021
The villages of Rarang, Khadura, and Aakpa in Kinnaur didn’t have enough water for many years, especially for farming. In the 1980s, a plan was made to bring water from far away — from a glacier 12,000 feet high and 26 kilometers away. After many years of hard work and delays, the canal was finally completed in 2012. Today, more than 2,000 people from Rarang, Khadura, Aakpa, and Pangi use this water. Nearby natural water sources have also started drying up over time due to changes in the climate. That’s why this canal became even more important. These images are taken as representatives from three villages go to maintain the canal.
Villagers step into the icy glacier-fed stream to redirect the water — routine but grueling work that keeps the canal flowing.
The Long Journey of Water (Paathro Aakpa Sinchai Nehar)
By Mahesh Ronseru
Kashang, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh | September 2021
The villages of Rarang, Khadura, and Aakpa in Kinnaur didn’t have enough water for many years, especially for farming. In the 1980s, a plan was made to bring water from far away — from a glacier 12,000 feet high and 26 kilometers away. After many years of hard work and delays, the canal was finally completed in 2012. Today, more than 2,000 people from Rarang, Khadura, Aakpa, and Pangi use this water. Nearby natural water sources have also started drying up over time due to changes in the climate. That’s why this canal became even more important. These images are taken as representatives from three villages go to maintain the canal.
Villagers step into the icy glacier-fed stream to redirect the water — routine but grueling work that keeps the canal flowing.
The Long Journey of Water (Paathro Aakpa Sinchai Nehar)
By Mahesh Ronseru
Kashang, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh | September 2021
Local representatives from the villages offer prayers to Kro (visible in the corner as people pose), the village deity, performing rituals for the canal’s protection and continued flow.
The Long Journey of Water (Paathro Aakpa Sinchai Nehar)
By Mahesh Ronseru
Kashang, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh | September 2021
A distant view of Rarang village, seen from the height of the canal path — a reminder of how far the water travels to reach home.
By Mahesh Ronseru
Brown dipper in the Baspa River near Karcham Wangtoo Hydropower dam site.
By Yowan Negi
June 2025
In the month of June we went for the routine maintenance of Paathro Aakpa Sinchai Nehar. The community managed Kuhl (water canal) system is a lifeline to us.
By Yowan Negi
June 2025
In the month of June we went for the routine maintenance of Paathro Aakpa Sinchai Nehar. The community managed Kuhl (water canal) system is a lifeline to us.
By Yowan Negi
June 2025
In the month of June we went for the routine maintenance of Paathro Aakpa Sinchai Nehar. The community managed Kuhl (water canal) system is a lifeline to us.
By Yowan Negi
June 2025
In the month of June we went for the routine maintenance of Paathro Aakpa Sinchai Nehar. The community managed Kuhl (water canal) system is a lifeline to us.
By Yowan Negi
June 2025
In the month of June we went for the routine maintenance of Paathro Aakpa Sinchai Nehar. The community managed Kuhl (water canal) system is a lifeline to us.
Are clouds a form of water?
By Preeti Saryan
Hilltop of Asarang Village | Thung Listi Mid June 2025
Although the village falls in the rain-shadow region of Kinnaur but has no dearth of clouds. In the mornings, the entire valley (the village and path along the Tirang khad) gets filled with clouds. Clouds form when water evaporates, in this case, from the river/stream and comes in contact with the dust particles in the air. The water vapours condense around these particles and slowly form clouds. If there are so many clouds then why is it still a rain-shadow region? What is required to make it rain? (I want to leave it as question for students- they can stick answers on sticky note — or may be we can collect answers in someway—will have to think) Dr. Preeti Saryan is a scientist with PhD in Plant Ecology.
The science around the freshwater springs
By Preeti Saryan
The photo is taken during a study to understand the flora around the freshwater springs in Kinnaur. The freshwater springs can be of two type – directly glacial melt or emerging from an aquifer. If the water feels slightly warm during the winter then it is definitely emerging from an aquifer. Have you noticed that the plants are different around the springs, rivers, streams or other water sources? See if you can think of 5 plants which grow around wetlands.
Rise and fall of life around water
By Preeti Saryan
Spiti valley near Gomati River | June 2025
Our ancestors chose to live/settle around water as it brings life, evident from these photos.
And rivers were also considered a sacred path that takes us to heaven after we die.
Rise and fall of life around water
By Preeti Saryan
Spiti valley near Gomati River | June 2025
Our ancestors chose to live/settle around water as it brings life, evident from these photos.
And rivers were also considered a sacred path that takes us to heaven after we die.
Rise and fall of life around water
By Preeti Saryan
Spiti valley near Gomati River | June 2025
Our ancestors chose to live/settle around water as it brings life, evident from these photos.
And rivers were also considered a sacred path that takes us to heaven after we die.
Beautiful or Dirty?
By Preeti Saryan
Asarang Village | June 2025
What do you see: water emerging from the soil, or disorganized, dirty-looking water? Can’t seem to find words right now – basically I want people to think about wetlands and how it is generally seen as wasteland, dirty (because if you step in it then it may dirty your shoes/clothes).
This is a photo of how water emerges from an aquifer (one of the ways); they might not look majestic, or like big streams when they emerge but they may sustain thousands of life when it flows on the surface.
If you were this bird, what would you be thinking?
By Preeti Saryan
Bageshwar, UK
The photograph is taken at a small town of Bageshwar (UK) where the water from hotels/houses nearby was flowing into the Gomati river. Water always is not self-cleaning. The harsh chemicals in our detergent, soaps, facewash, shampoo, dishsoap kill the microbes which can clean the water. Like how we take care of our body and think about junk food ruining our bodies, we need to think about taking care of our water system too (especially when the dirty water is flowing down into our farmlands – like in most village in Kinnaur)
If you were this bird, what would you be thinking?
By Preeti Saryan
Bageshwar, UK
The photograph is taken at a small town of Bageshwar (UK) where the water from hotels/houses nearby was flowing into the Gomati river. Water always is not self-cleaning. The harsh chemicals in our detergent, soaps, facewash, shampoo, dishsoap kill the microbes which can clean the water. Like how we take care of our body and think about junk food ruining our bodies, we need to think about taking care of our water system too (especially when the dirty water is flowing down into our farmlands – like in most village in Kinnaur)
Launch the Avalanche
By Preeti Saryan
Mebar Village
The photograph is taken in Mebar village which gets an avalanche every year. Can you think of any ecological role of this form of water?
I want people to know that to our “alpine and subalpine ecosystems, avalanche is neither positive nor negative. It’s simply an inherent ecological disturbance like a windstorm, wildfire or volcanic eruption. Such disturbances foster landscape diversity and create their own distinct habitats” (from: https://www.sciencing.com/positive-negative-effects-avalanche-8527959/)
We tamed a wild river, stuffed it in a tunnel and called it ‘green energy’. Ecosystem gasping? Aquatic life vanishing? – But at least we have got the electricity
Tukpa valley, from the bridge near Chasang village
baspa river ko electricity ke liye divert kiya hai, lekin pehle wala rasta bhi rakha hai taki jab river control nahi ho to excess water ko release kar diya jaye. Hum environment ko sustain nahi kar rahe, him use apne convenience ke hisab se adjust kar rahe hai. Him environment ko sustain nahi kar rahe, hum bus profit drive kar rahe hai.
Water ek renewable resource hai lekin fresh water nahi
Or hydropower ek conventional source of energy hai which means ese source of energy jo finite hai.
Or agar in future is project ke koi deawbacks hote hainlong term mai to project wale to ye bol ke chale jayenge ki “hum to fakir admi hai jhola leke kahin bhi chal padenge ji”
Lekin jo wahan ki community hai unhe iske consequences face karne padenge or agar is project se whan ke people ko koi fayesa pahicha hai to wo kya is sacrifice ko justify karta hai Kya unhe iske liye paise mile Koi permanent employment 24/7 electricity Kich esa jiska koi alternate solution nahi ho sakta
Agar han to congratulations Or agar na to fir kya?
Lekin jab environment mai disbalance ke consequences sab ko equally effect karenge without any discrimination
Chhitkul -A confluence of three water bodies
By Tanisha Negi
A Nagas and a Nalang join the mighty Baspa river, bubbling and full of life. Later forced to squeeze through the Kupa dam.
Are you trash?
By Tanisha Negi
Baspa river, near Chitkul village, July 2025
You love leaving a little piece of you behind but are you full of trash?
Tik Naagin (Name of the spring)
By Tanisha Negi
Ribba | July 2025
Nagas. Water. Life.
Days of youth
By Tanisha Negi
Chitkul village | July 2025
One day we will look back and understand.
Days of youth
By Tanisha Negi
Chitkul village | July 2025
One day we will look back and understand.
Ice Stupa, Hango Village, Kinnaur
By Chering Labra
तस्वीर जनवरी 2024 को ली गई ।
इसमें हांगो गाँव के युवा साथी लद्दाख़ के तर्ज पर Ice Stupa बनाने के लिए जा रहे हैं। Ice stupa बनाने का मुख्य कारण जलवायु परिवर्तन। समय पर बर्फ का नहीं पडना। वर्ष 2023 में ज़रूरत अनुसार बर्फ नहीं पड़ी जिससे 2023 पहली बार गाँव के लोगों ने खेत में पानी डाल कर बिजाई की। इससे पूर्व बर्फ पिघलने के बाद बर्फ के नमी से बिजाई करते थे।
Ice stupa बनने से कुछ हद तक पानी की समस्या को कम किया जा सकता था।
परंतु जिस जगह में हमने इस कार्य को शुरू किया वहाँ तापमान माइनस में था तो Sprinkler 1.5 घंटे से ज़्यादा काम नहीं कर रहा था और पाईप पुरी तरह से जमना शुरू हो गई थी।
फिर दूसरा पाईप लाकर कोशिश किया परिणाम वही ।
Ice Stupa, Hango Village, Kinnaur
By Chering Labra.
तस्वीर जनवरी 2024 को ली गई ।
इसमें हांगो गाँव के युवा साथी लद्दाख़ के तर्ज पर Ice Stupa बनाने के लिए जा रहे हैं। Ice stupa बनाने का मुख्य कारण जलवायु परिवर्तन। समय पर बर्फ का नहीं पडना। वर्ष 2023 में ज़रूरत अनुसार बर्फ नहीं पड़ी जिससे 2023 पहली बार गाँव के लोगों ने खेत में पानी डाल कर बिजाई की। इससे पूर्व बर्फ पिघलने के बाद बर्फ के नमी से बिजाई करते थे।
Ice stupa बनने से कुछ हद तक पानी की समस्या को कम किया जा सकता था।
परंतु जिस जगह में हमने इस कार्य को शुरू किया वहाँ तापमान माइनस में था तो Sprinkler 1.5 घंटे से ज़्यादा काम नहीं कर रहा था और पाईप पुरी तरह से जमना शुरू हो गई थी।
फिर दूसरा पाईप लाकर कोशिश किया परिणाम वही ।
Ice Stupa, Hango Village, Kinnaur
By Chering Labra.
तस्वीर जनवरी 2024 को ली गई ।
इसमें हांगो गाँव के युवा साथी लद्दाख़ के तर्ज पर Ice Stupa बनाने के लिए जा रहे हैं। Ice stupa बनाने का मुख्य कारण जलवायु परिवर्तन। समय पर बर्फ का नहीं पडना। वर्ष 2023 में ज़रूरत अनुसार बर्फ नहीं पड़ी जिससे 2023 पहली बार गाँव के लोगों ने खेत में पानी डाल कर बिजाई की। इससे पूर्व बर्फ पिघलने के बाद बर्फ के नमी से बिजाई करते थे।
Ice stupa बनने से कुछ हद तक पानी की समस्या को कम किया जा सकता था।
परंतु जिस जगह में हमने इस कार्य को शुरू किया वहाँ तापमान माइनस में था तो Sprinkler 1.5 घंटे से ज़्यादा काम नहीं कर रहा था और पाईप पुरी तरह से जमना शुरू हो गई थी।
फिर दूसरा पाईप लाकर कोशिश किया परिणाम वही ।
Ice Stupa, Hango Village, Kinnaur
By Chering Labra.
तस्वीर जनवरी 2024 को ली गई ।
इसमें हांगो गाँव के युवा साथी लद्दाख़ के तर्ज पर Ice Stupa बनाने के लिए जा रहे हैं। Ice stupa बनाने का मुख्य कारण जलवायु परिवर्तन। समय पर बर्फ का नहीं पडना। वर्ष 2023 में ज़रूरत अनुसार बर्फ नहीं पड़ी जिससे 2023 पहली बार गाँव के लोगों ने खेत में पानी डाल कर बिजाई की। इससे पूर्व बर्फ पिघलने के बाद बर्फ के नमी से बिजाई करते थे।
Ice stupa बनने से कुछ हद तक पानी की समस्या को कम किया जा सकता था।
परंतु जिस जगह में हमने इस कार्य को शुरू किया वहाँ तापमान माइनस में था तो Sprinkler 1.5 घंटे से ज़्यादा काम नहीं कर रहा था और पाईप पुरी तरह से जमना शुरू हो गई थी।
फिर दूसरा पाईप लाकर कोशिश किया परिणाम वही ।
Ice Stupa, Hango Village, Kinnaur
By Chering Labra.
तस्वीर जनवरी 2024 को ली गई ।
इसमें हांगो गाँव के युवा साथी लद्दाख़ के तर्ज पर Ice Stupa बनाने के लिए जा रहे हैं। Ice stupa बनाने का मुख्य कारण जलवायु परिवर्तन। समय पर बर्फ का नहीं पडना। वर्ष 2023 में ज़रूरत अनुसार बर्फ नहीं पड़ी जिससे 2023 पहली बार गाँव के लोगों ने खेत में पानी डाल कर बिजाई की। इससे पूर्व बर्फ पिघलने के बाद बर्फ के नमी से बिजाई करते थे।
Ice stupa बनने से कुछ हद तक पानी की समस्या को कम किया जा सकता था।
परंतु जिस जगह में हमने इस कार्य को शुरू किया वहाँ तापमान माइनस में था तो Sprinkler 1.5 घंटे से ज़्यादा काम नहीं कर रहा था और पाईप पुरी तरह से जमना शुरू हो गई थी।
फिर दूसरा पाईप लाकर कोशिश किया परिणाम वही ।
Ice Stupa, Hango Village, Kinnaur
By Chering Labra.
तस्वीर जनवरी 2024 को ली गई ।
इसमें हांगो गाँव के युवा साथी लद्दाख़ के तर्ज पर Ice Stupa बनाने के लिए जा रहे हैं। Ice stupa बनाने का मुख्य कारण जलवायु परिवर्तन। समय पर बर्फ का नहीं पडना। वर्ष 2023 में ज़रूरत अनुसार बर्फ नहीं पड़ी जिससे 2023 पहली बार गाँव के लोगों ने खेत में पानी डाल कर बिजाई की। इससे पूर्व बर्फ पिघलने के बाद बर्फ के नमी से बिजाई करते थे।
Ice stupa बनने से कुछ हद तक पानी की समस्या को कम किया जा सकता था।
परंतु जिस जगह में हमने इस कार्य को शुरू किया वहाँ तापमान माइनस में था तो Sprinkler 1.5 घंटे से ज़्यादा काम नहीं कर रहा था और पाईप पुरी तरह से जमना शुरू हो गई थी।
फिर दूसरा पाईप लाकर कोशिश किया परिणाम वही ।
Temso
By Tanzin Gyalbo
September 2019
The lake is sacred to the people of Kanam, Labrang and Gangyul valley. During Phulaich festival, people go to Temso to collect flowers, and offer prayers to the Sawnig (fairies).
Water sources along the Sacred Kora
By Tanzin Gyalbo
Lalanti 1 (On the way of Raldang Kora) | August, 2017.
Water sources along the Sacred Kora
By Tanzin Gyalbo
Lalanti | August, 2017.
Water sources along the Sacred Kora
By Tanzin Gyalbo
Lalanti | August, 2017.
Water sources along the Sacred Kora
By Tanzin Gyalbo
Lalanti Top | August, 2017.
Water sources along the Sacred Kora
By Tanzin Gyalbo
Udhgam of Lalanti | August, 2017.
Water sources along the Sacred Kora
By Tanzin Gyalbo
On the way of Raldang Kora | August, 2017.
Water sources along the Sacred Kora
By Tanzin Gyalbo
Between Lalanti and Chitkul Jyot | August, 2017.
The Kailash Parikrama, also known as the Raldang Kora, is a sacred pilgrimage observed in Kinnaur. In earlier times, pilgrims would walk the entire route from Thangi to Chitkul. Since the construction of a 20 km jeepable road up to Charang in 2015-16, the trek began further ahead at Charang.
From Charang, it took us about eight hours of trekking to reach Lalanti, where we camped for the night. The next morning, starting at 7 a.m., we arrived at Chitkul Jyot by 2 p.m. From there, it was another three to four hours on foot to reach Chitkul village. In all, the pilgrimage spanned nearly 100 kilometers, completed in just two days of walking.
By Tanzin Gyalbo
Baiyo Nagas, village Kilba, Kinnaur | April 2019
The sacred spring is considered the origin place of many deities including the village deity of Kilba.
By Tanzin Gyalbo
Vinoti Peak | September 2017
Source of Yulla Nala
Evening view of Pagramang Lake
The Pagramang Lake, located above Yulla village, is regarded as sacred. It can be reached through a pleasant trek of about 4–5 hours from the village. From the lake, an additional 3–4 hour ascent leads to the Vinoti Peak. Near the summit lies the Nagin Lake, a vital source that feeds several streams, including the Yulla Nala.
Note from Pramiti: The descriptions were orally given to me by Gyalbo uncle over a phone call. To know more about the belief systems surrounding Nagas you can read : https://www.voicesofruralindia.org/naagas-a-water-conservation-belief-system-of-kinnaur/
Leh, Ladakh | 14th November 2024
“Monochrome Moments of the Mountains” is a visual narrative capturing the stark beauty and silent warning signs of our rapidly changing high-altitude ecosystems. Through black-and-white photography, this story reflects on shifting snow patterns, the impacts of early snowfall, and the vital role of these mountains—often called the “Third Pole”—as a crucial water source for millions. It brings attention to the fragile balance of nature, disrupted by climate change, and the urgent need for action.”
Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir | 27th May 2025
Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir | 4th June 2025 (left)
Leh, Ladakh | 31st May 2025 (right)
Nubra valley, Ladakh | 14th November 2024
Ripple Effects International 