7 Movies That Capture the Beauty of Ladakh

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Ri (2023) 

This film by Achal Mishra, accompanied with music by Tajdar Junaid, is a meditative experience through Ladakh. The film captures Ladakh at its blue hour, each frame flowing into the other. 

3 Idiots (2009)

This film by Rajkumar Hirani is remembered for many relatable themes and characters it has explored. The memorable ending of this film that is shot at the pristine Pangong Lake in Ladakh, has had a huge impact. Ladakh tourism quadrupled three years after this film was released. The site now has many cafes, photo props and picture points modelled after the film.  

Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) 

This romance drama directed by Yash Chopra tells the story of a larger than life love and that emotion represents itself in the landscape. Shahrukh Khan plays the role of Samar, a bomb disposal specialist. We see sequences of him driving through the breathtaking Nubra Valley in Ladakh and many more captivating visions.  

Namdev Bhau (2018) 

This film directed by Dar Gai is an adventure drama about a journey in search of silence. The film tells the story of Namdev Gurav, a chauffeur from Mumbai who travels to Ladakh in search of quietude. 

Lakshya (2004) 

This coming of age war film is directed by Farhan Akhtar. It tells the story of a young man who joins the Indian Army in search of a passion and purpose. The film’s sequences were shot in Changla Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable roads. 

Road to Ladakh (2003) 

This film written and directed by Ashvin Arun is a romance thriller. The story is about an American journalist who meets an Indian on the run for suspected drug dealing. The film treats the moonscape of Ladakh as an additional character in the story.  

Dil Se (1998) 

This romance musical directed by Mani Ratnam is the story of Amar, a journalist who falls in love with Meghana, who is part of a rebel movement. Following her, he reaches Ladakh and travels across the landscape. We see frames of the cold desert, lakes and the famous Hemis and Thiksey Monastery of Ladakh.  

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