Leh palace

That unforgettable evening in mid-September 2023 in Leh is forever etched in my memory, a testament to the magic of serendipity and the entrancing beauty of nature. As an ardent lover of photography, I had always aspired to capture the glorious Leh Palace during the golden hour from the vantage point of the Shanti Stupa. As the sun began its descent, kissing the horizon and casting long, dramatic shadows, I found myself in a race against time. The clouds played an impish game of hide-and-seek with the sun, and as I wearily ascended the steps of the stupa, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of despondency. It felt as if my dream shot was slipping away, obscured by the obstinate clouds that hung low in the sky. As I stood there, panting and disheartened, I shared my feelings with a fellow photographer, a stranger until that moment, but a companion in our shared pursuit of capturing beauty. And then, as if the universe itself had overheard our conversation, the clouds began to part. The sun, now a fiery ball of red, peered through and bathed the Leh Palace in its resplendent golden glow. It was a sight to behold, a perfect blend of nature and history, frozen in time just as I had always envisioned. With my heart brimming with joy and my eyes welling up, I pressed the shutter. The sound echoed around us, a testament to the mission accomplished. The casual words from my fellow photographer resonated with the moment - "Someone has listened." It was true indeed; it felt as if the cosmos had conspired to fulfill my dream. As we exchanged smiles, a profound sense of gratitude filled me. It was an evening of miracles and blessings, a moment in time that mirrored the transcendental beauty of Leh itself.