Visiting the middle school in Bodgang, a still rather untouched village above the road on the way to Turtuk, Shyok Valley, Baltistan, India
The unexpected is always the best. Our travel companion Luc suggested to stop in the small village of Bodgang, There was not really anything to see, a few shops along the road, fields running towards the river. Then someone pointed uphill and so we climbed that way to find a lovely village surrounded by fields and apricots trees.
The locals were surprised about our visit and interest in their village. Taking our time and doing nothing in particular but wandering around did the trick. Even without a common language we managed to interact with the villagers and get their trust. This way we were able to make some incredible photos.
Balti woman in Bodgang, a still rather untouched village above the road on the way to Turtuk, Shyok Valley, Baltistan, India
The motives were so unique: women roasting grain in huge flats pans over open fire, little girls collectively washing their hair in the small stream crisscrossing the village and women wearing the traditional jewelry – necklaces and hairbands made of semi-precious stones.
Walking by the local middle school, we were waved in and invited for tea by the headmaster of the school, Mr. Tsewang Dorje. The students were basically teaching themselves by reading textbooks, sitting on carpets. The vast majority were girls, the few boys were kept in the back of the class room. For some of the girls it was confusing having their photo taking, they didn’t know whether to smile, look serious or even hide their face. Meanwhile the boys were drawing attention by acting silly.
Balti old man in Bodgang, a still rather untouched village above the road on the way to Turtuk, Shyok Valley, Baltistan, India
A few kilometers further down is the “Hot Spot” of the Nubra Valley – Turtuk. Somehow we feel that with the hype that Turtuk is experiencing now, soon Bodgang will follow to cash in on their picturesque setting. Who could blame them?
Comments are closed.