Nothing inspires creativity like travel does. Nothing inspires travel like the breathtaking vistas of Ladakh that have been a favourite spot for travellers for many years. The majestic snow-capped mountains and a surreal, stark landscape come alive with the colourful communities of Ladakh that hardly anyone sees amongst the motley of tourist. Most of Ladakh’s tribes keep to their villages that are hidden behind towering mountains. Each of this village has a story to tell. Narratives about their cultural legacy, conversations about their lives and times in such a harsh environment and tales about the rich folklore of Ladakh that remains isolated amongst the Trans Himalayas very much like the land itself. But there’s one travel company that is giving a chance for these stories to be told, documented and shot in a way that creates a positive impact on the community. Little Local, a travel agency focused on responsible, community-based travel in tandem with Roots Ladakh is a 3-year young travel start-up based in Ladakh is organizing an immersive travel workshops in May 2018 in a remote, unexplored village in Ladakh in Zbalung, Henasku
Being held from May 26 till June 3, 2018, the workshop will take the participant through Zbalung Henasku that literally translates to ‘the invisible village’. Nuzzled amidst desolate mountains somewhere between Kargil and Leh, Zbalung was once a thriving village and a critical stop along the Silk Route. Today it lies nearly abandoned with less than 300 residents living there. Through the workshop participants would be expected to document the village, the people, their history and culture through films, photographs and write-ups. Working with experienced mentors, in semi-structured session, the participants would also conduct a technical architectural study of the place to evaluate the site for possible restoration. The aim is to also ideate and propose a long-term livelihood intervention that will supplement their current incomes as well as design a visual identity for Zbalung to restore it’s lost glory. The workshop will be led by a team of practitioners from the field of design, filmmaking and research.
The programme has been planned over a week, keeping aside adequate time for acclimatisation, and four days of complete immersion in these respective places. Participants will stay in traditional homestays and get ample time to interact with locals and fellow travellers. Evenings would be spent under the stars and around the bonfire exchanging experiences.
Little Local is specifically looking for artists, designers, film-makers, photographers, architects and writers. It is a great chance for creative minds looking out for an immersive travel experience combined with hands-on learning and creating a community impact. Interested people need to go the website and fill out a form highlighting their skills and interest in the programme, thereafter which they would be contacted by the Little Local Team.
The cost of each of is Rs 29,999/- and is inclusive of stay, meals, internal logistics, workshop and mentors. Travel to and from Leh is not included.
For more details about the Zbalung workshop, check out their website here and Facebook page here.
Little Local is also organising another workshop at Garkone Village to document the culture of Brokpa Tribe.
Read more about it here.
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