The Nuns of Kungri

The series of images was taken during an expedition to the Spiti Valley by the foothills of the Himalayas, located in the high altitude cold desert belt of Himachal Pradesh. Fortunate to spend several days at the nunnery in Kungri, located high in the Himalayas in the north-eastern part of Himachal Pradesh. The nuns ages ranged from young teenagers to the eldest in her 80's. They explained that usually the second born is sent to a nunnery or monastery, the families are very poor and at least they are able to learn a basic education. The days are long with prayer and work. All the nuns cook, wash and clean as well as study and meditation. I was captivated by their warmth, the smiles and their shared community despite the hardship of their lives and the lack of any modern conveniences.