Top Photos from Indiahikes December 2022 Photo Contest!

December 2022's challenge was was to share your happiest moments on the trek through some great photographs.

It was not an easy challenge. Capturing an emotion, like happiness, requires good photography skills. The theme slightly leaned towards technical photography where facial expression and the framing as per the mood of the photo were crucial. And unfortunately, we could not find any winners who did justice to the theme.

Yet, we received some wonderful entries that warmed our hearts :) And I would like to share them with you here.

Here are the Top 8 entries that we felt should be featured on Indiahikes Website.

Below, we are laying out our Top 8 photos for the month of December 2022.

1. Sandakphu-Phalut - Vadiraj B.S.

Being on a trek releases many happy hormones. And this photo reflects that high beautifully! A Himalayan trek could indeed make you jump with joy :)

2. Brahmatal - Isha Kadhi

While sharing this beautiful photo Isha shared the memories attached to this image, "Sharing laughter with a friend as we realize that we are finally among the beautiful snowcapped mountains. Emotional moment as she held snow for the first time on Brahmatal summit with beautiful Mt.Trishul in the background. Happy moment with a local dog as he tagged along with us on the whole trail."

3. Kuari Pass - Eshika Jain

On similar lines, Eshika Jain too shared her favourite memory. To her, the favorite memory comprises of the purest hugs, being together forever, on top of the world and warm hearts :)

4. Har Ki Dun-Ruinsara Tal - Vadiraj BS

This is a delightful photo from a trek that is steeped in culture. You come across ancient villages on this trek. And that caught Vadiraj's attention. "Children's smile is always infectious and seeing children laugh will always make you happy," is what he said while sharing this photo.

5. Goechala - Ashwin Kumar

The photographer named this memory as Distinct Delight. He said, "This is one of our favourite moments during the Goechala Trek. The first pristine views of Mt. Pandim enroute Thansing. Sheer joy to behold."

6. Pin Bhaba Pass - Santhosh Anantha

That feeling when you have your beastie to share your joy and sense of achievement of reaching summit together.

7. Har ki Dun-Ruinsara Tal trek - Sumeet Singh

This photo depicts a warm victory on the Himalayan trek. Sharing the backstory, photographer Sumeet Singh says, "My friend had never visited north India, nor the Himalayas. I asked him to come with me on 'Har ki Dun' trek. He agreed but I was worried whether his body could bear that cold. Whether he will be fine at high altitude or not. But his fitness amazed me! We both completed trek together :) He was happy and content to be in the laps of Himalayas, and he thanked me for asking me to come trekking along me."

8. Pin Bhaba Pass - Om Gajjar

This photo was shot in a monastery on the way back from Pin Bhaba Pass.

"The moment captured is when you realize what you just witnessed in the trek: harsh conditions, rough weather; but you came out stronger and more resilient on the other side," shares trekker Om Gujjar. Describing the photo he says, "This is a photo shot early in the morning when you are able to connect with nature the most. The Tibetan flags, with their vibrant colors wrapping the subject gives this immense sense of joy and peace just by looking at the photo."

This month's photo contest turned out to be an exception. But we thank you for sending it your entries :)

We are soon announcing the theme for January 2023's photo contest. Stay clued!