Mountain KINGDOM THE

chris_parkes_ THE KINGDOM Mountain Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ Lesotho is landlocked by neighbouring South Africa. It is a country within a country. It is so mountainous that’s its lowest altitude is the highest of any country on Earth. It’s name means “The Mountain Kingdom”. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ Lesotho’s geography offers landscapes that rival New Zealand and the great parks of the USA for sheer spectacle. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ That includes the 400m high Maletsunyane Falls... Maletsunyane Falls Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ Breathtaking gorges... Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ Topographic wonders that go on for days and days. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ Katse Dam Water is one of Lesotho’s biggest exports, sourced from huge projects like the Katse Dam. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ Katse Dam Sunrise over the Katse Dam. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ Outside of the capital city Maseru and towns like Thsaba Tseka, you’ll find villages like Ramoliehi. Here you’ll find huts insulated against the high altitude, with thatch roofs, wood, stone and mud. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ You’ll need a sturdy vehicle to explore Lesotho: outside of the capital and main roads, conditions can be demanding even on 4x4’s. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ Most people still make their living off the land,through subsistence farming like these carved terrace fields near the Maletsunyane Falls. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ Arable farming is still a way of life here, so herds of sheep and goat are still part of everyday life outside of the larger towns. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ Farming is done by hand, the land tilled by hoe and pick to grow crops. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ Horses are still a common method of transportation in Lesotho. You often see them galloping off with their riders in the distance as you drive around the country. Made with Steller

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chris_parkes_ The Basotho people are best-known for these distinctive blankets. Each print tells a special story too, and these blankets are exported at considerable sums. These are very special; they will accompany the wearer from birth to death. As an infant you will be swaddled in your blanket, and when you are laid to rest you will be wrapped in it too. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ These blankets offer protection from the effects of high altitude, keeping out the cold but also warding off the intense sunlight. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ This image is edited.... slightly. This is what a lack of light pollution allows us to see; light a thousand years old, that light was there before us and will be there will be when we are gone. I like how it’s enormity and it’s beauty reminds us of that life is precious because it does not last forever. Made with Steller

chris_parkes_ You’ll need to rotate 🔄 your phone to get the full effect of the 180 degree view of the Milky Way that night. Isn’t it awesome how small we are? That’s the emotional power of the landscape of Lesotho. Made with Steller

CREATED BY Chris Parkes Chris is a photographer and visual storyteller. SHARE Made with Steller Download Steller to view and create the world's best travel stories. Visit Steller.co