23/01/2026
Which mountain range has the best light? Some of the most spectacular views in the world, have awkward light angles at sunset or sunrise. This fairly well known view of Ama Dablam in Nepal is absolutely spectacular to witness in person. However the angle of the light at sunset and the surround mountains, don’t give much to work with in late October. I think closer to June, the suns angle would be more behind me and thus potentially reflect on the peak. Of course this is monsoon season, so the chances of getting light through the clouds would be slim. Also I’m not sure if the peaks to the west would allow light to hit the peak at sunset. There are so many factors that affect how light “feels” in a given area. To me the Sierra Nevada in California has a very distinctive feel to it. Warm, dry, usually clear skies, very direct. As you go further north, the Canadian Rockies also have distinctive light. Greater cloud coverage and more angled light due to being farther north, create what is probably my favorite palette in the world. It’s softer than the Sierra, complex but not over saturated. As you head further North to say Alaska the light gets even softer. Faint pastels that are quiet and peaceful complement the snowy landscape but less frequently give you brilliant color filled skies. Nepal is closer to the equator than any of the previous examples, similar to Tampa Florida. However the altitude and extreme landscape of the mountains creates an interesting mix of light which is hard to put my finger on. It certainly doesn’t often have the spectacular light shows one might associate with a tropical latitude. It’s rarely as pastel as other cold snowy northern ranges but also not as harsh as the lighting in the Sierra.
