The World Through the Lens of a British Female Photographer: Her Journey Across the Himalayas with the Last Yak Caravan.

 

Mala and her friends here, have asked me to share my story:
I am an adventure and ethnographic artist from UK
I have a curiosity for humanity and for the people who roam the farthest corners of the earth.
My images capture - the human spirit, survival stories and the fragile connection between people and nature. 

I am in search of the World’s remaining nomadic people. Many of the nomadic people in these remote wild places, cannot be photographed in the same way again – as these landscapes and ways of life are changing fast. This record now has historical and archival significance - this visual legacy will serve as a memory for the next generation of nomads’ who may not witness their nomadic existence.

I have already been incredibly fortunate to spend a few months with the Tibetan people of the Chang TangPlateau on the Indian side of the boarder in Ladakh.

Deep in winter, amongst the snow covered peaks the rhythm of an ancient way of life and pure survival exists on the slopes of the vast mountain scape. 

I share here some of my images here:

I had the privilege to know and travel with this amazing legend of the High Himalaya – Tinley of the Dolpo-Pa- an inspiration to his people and all who met him – curious warm generous – a rare spirit. He understood and lived in tune with his land. He led one of the last nomadic yak caravans of the world – across the Nepalese Himalaya. 

For over a thousand years, the Dolpo-pa people of Nepal have pursued a biannual journey, the bloodstream of the Himalaya. These high altitude traders transport life’s essentials across the mountains, pursuing the ancient grain-salt trade, between the Dropk-pa of Tibet and Rong-pa of Southern Nepal. 

I share here some of my images here:

My Nomadic People Project:

The Moken People – Nomads of the Ocean - in the Mergui Archipelago:

The Mongolian Nomads of the South Gobi Desert - Mongolia:

The Sami People – Nomads of the Arctic:

I have been incredibly lucky to have gained an intimate insight into this nomadic way of living - one that has huge respect for nature and the lightest impact on the environment. This intimacy has led to some rare and incredible encounters and lifelong friendships.

I feel a huge responsibility to how we are respecting our planet and to how I lead my life. As climate change is the overarching issue of my generation – it feels incredibly important to be able to use the power of photography to encourage the protection of our planet.

My entire nomad project has evolved through ‘empathy’ the connections and friendships I make.

I am here now in China for a few weeks and plan to go into the wild remote Tibetan lands of Sichuan and Qinghai. I am in awe of the Tibetan people – their resilience, their way of life, their inescapable survival – a remarkable people. 

My heart is what has always ruled me. I choose passion, curiosity, intuition and empathy, exploring, learning and sharing as much about the world and my place in it, as I can.

I think it’s still fairly unusual to be a women travelling alone as an artist in these remote wild places - but I think being a strong, independent woman – gives you a tenacity and sensitivity that somehow offers you a key to moments of human endeavor not often shown.

I encourage women to follow their heart and passion – to be part of a strong community of like-minded people across the globe – who support and empower us. I am always happy to connect with you.