Ladakh – A Heaven On Earth Poem by Gita Ashok

Surrounded by rock,
caressed by wind,
embedded in stillness,
the picturesque Ladakh landscape
is truly awe-inspiring.

The magnificent opulence of
the formidable Himalayas
makes you wonder if it’s real
or just a giant picture post-card.

Ladakh – an Indian plateau –
with the highest altitude
is nestled safely within
the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges.

The Indus river flowing
merrily through Ladakh
infuses life and hope
into its civilization.

The lush greenery
around its bank
seems to wake you up
from your reverie.

White clouds engulfing the mountains
are reflected in the crystal clear water.
The green valley silently
bears testimony
to Nature’s endless bounty.

Snow-covered, slippery roads,
barren mountain ranges
and serene, sparkling streams –
all embellish Ladakh’s landscape.

With high altitude
comes low oxygen concentration
making you gasp intermittently.
Yet Ladakh is a
Heaven on Earth.

The frigid wind mercilessly cuts
through your bones and causes
goose-bumps to form all over the skin.
Yet Ladakh is a
Heaven on Earth.

A nature lover’s paradise,
a photographer’s obsession,
an artist’s inspiration,
a traveller’s cynosure,
Ladakh is all these and more.
Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth.


22 June 2010
5: 10 pm