The Himalayas: Up, close and personal

A photography exhibition by mountaineer couple Vineeta and Divyesh Muni gives you a glimpse of the mystic and magic of the Himalayas from close range

For centuries, the Himalayas have drawn mountaineers to brave unpredictable weather and risk life and limb for breathtaking views.



But as the saying goes, it's the journey that matters and if it leads you through gorgeous valleys, stunning lakes and rugged terrain, it's a great idea to document it for the common man. That's how Himalayan Mystique, an exhibition of 58 framed images and a slideshow of 100 images, materialised.

Mumbai based mountaineers and photographers Vineeta and Divyesh Muni, who met and fell in love while trekking, are behind this exhibition. "It includes glacier lakes, valleys, sunrises and sunsets, moonlit views and rare photos of the Siachen Glacier and Nandadevi. The images, captured over three decades, showcases the mountains in uncommon hues such as pink, purple and orange at varied altitudes. We had to sift through 15,000 photographs," informs Vineeta, a commercial artist.

The photographs are stunning but don't speak of the hardship behind capturing them. "One needs the passion and drive to lug out a camera when you are exhausted and facing bad weather conditions. Plus, carrying camera equipment adds to the weight of a heavy backpack," admits Divyesh, a Chartered Accountant. Vineeta is among the first women to have walked the length of the Himalayas (4,500 km) while Divyesh Muni has climbed 25 Himalayan peaks.

The couple witnessed the August 2010 Ladakh cloudburst and will donate proceeds from the show to the Rebuild Ladakh initiative. Divyesh call it the "battlefield in the wild" and remembers his fear. "After three decades of mountaineering, the fear remains. It isn't bad; this is what keeps a mountaineer alive, cautious and respectful of the environment."

Till March 20, 12 pm to 8 pm; At Piramal Art Gallery, NCPA, Nariman Point; Call 22824567