Waiting to Enter for Worship
Location: Leh, Ladakh, India
Tiske Monastary
November 2004

Photographer:
E.K. Schafhauser


Time stands still as three souls wait atop Tiske Monastery. To be embraced by the ancient folds of the Himalaya is to experience the creation of the earth turned up on it side. The very presence of the people that live closer to the heavens than most other humans on this earth reflect the timelessness of the landscape.

The Tiske Monastery is located above 11,000 feet surrounded by 22,000 foot Himalaya Mountains. In winter a person must be hearty and seriously tough. Although it is sunny during the day nighttime temperatures drop drastically finding oneself wrapping up as soon as the sun goes down.

This woman stands in wait to enter one of the monasteries worship shrines. The scenery of the surrounding Zanskar Range of the Himalaya embraces the two spectators of the festival below.