Lighting The Himalayas Team's Journey From Leh To The Remotest Village Of Ladakh
Updated: August 03, 2017 15:24 IST
NDTV once again unites with GHE to tackle the energy poverty situation in the most secluded and backward region of Zanskar, Ladakh, by installing Decentralized DC Micro grids with a sustainable and holistic economic model. Season 1 of Lighting the Himalayas witnessed the 2500 year old Phugtal Monastery's transition from darkness to light. Season 2 will see the illumination of the remotest village of Zanskar, called Shade. Here are a few images of the expedition team's journey to Shade village.
The road from Leh to Sarchu offers the most picturesque views along with delightfully well paved roads for over 500 Kilometers.
The team's first day on the road turned out to be more adventurous than planned as a massive landslide on the Leh-Manali Highway obstructed the traffic for over six hours.
The team ran into several landslides and flooded streams beyond the National Highway and they had to redirect the water flow and make a temporary path to make way for the cars.
The freezing winds and rain made the trek on Zanskar's glaciers far more challenging than expected but the view from the virgin mountains made it all worth the effort.
It took the team three hours to cross the Shingola Pass on foot after it was shut down due to heavy snow fall and floods.
After walking for over six hours from Zanskar Sumbdho, the team arrived at the gateway of the Zanskar valley.
Fluttering flags and shiny Chortens make for a dramatic and charming entry into the village of Kargaik.
On the way to Shade, the team came across a young girl from Purne village who sat there enjoying the most enchanting and tranquil atmosphere that her valley has to offer.
Even the lamas of Phugtal tread carefully while on the hanging bridge of Tsarap river. This bridge marks the entry into Phugtal valley from the south side.
The view of the night sky from NDTV crew's tent was just as breathtaking as the trek to Phugtal.
The thin air of Ladakh might be a cause of inconvenience for trekkers but it is also the reason behind the giant twinkling stars spread across the crystal clear skies.
Reaching the final destination of the expedition was a gratifying moment. Shade village has evolved over centuries, all the while securing their tender heritage away from the clutter of civilization.
The deep wrinkles adorning these women's faces are testimony to a life lived in arduous conditions and the electrification of their village is responsible for the wide smiles.
Finally the people of Shade will have the luxury of brightening up their homes at the click of a button. The excitement in this room was reaching its breaking point at the time of Decentralized DC Micro grids installation.
On July 18, 2017, the estimated 3000-year-old village Shade was illuminated with the solar power.
The excitement is evident on the faces of the people of Shade.
"We never thought that such light could be brought to our homes, that people would give this to us for nothing in return, we are truly blessed." said an old man of the village.
