Nominations for Indiahikes Monthly Photo Contest: December 2024 Edition

Throughout the year, we wait for the big snow season. And without a doubt, the mountains and landscapes are in a dreamy setting throughout this time. This month was all about experiencing winter on our treks. 

While it is not easy to trek in winter, and capturing photos is a task in the freezing cold weather, our trekkers have blown our minds with their photos this time! We received amazing entries in this edition of the photo contest and it was a delight to go through over 1000 photos. 

After much deliberation, we've narrowed it down to the Top 10 Nominations for this month's photo contest. Our judge will now have the tough task of selecting the Winner and Runner-up. 

Additionally, we're also have a Trekkers' Choice Award! Cast your vote for your favorite photograph to determine the winner of this award. You have one vote, so explore all the entries before making your selection.

1. Kuari Pass - Hithesh V K

When we say the Kuari Pass trek offers some of the grandest mountain views, this is what we mean! As you trek towards the summit, you are surrounded by a sweeping panorama of snow-clad peaks. The feeling is both humbling and exhilarating. You are in the vast meadows with the mountains standing majestically right in front of you. Witnessing such grandeur is an unforgettable experience for many.

2. Brahmatal - Madhuparna Pal

When we talk about winter, Brahmatal is the first trek that comes to mind. While most photos showcase the beauty of the landscape and mountain views in winter, here’s a photo that shows how the trees beautifully blend in with the snow! 

The trek passes through some dense forest sections, and you will be amused by the sight of the Oak and Rhododendron trees soaked in fresh snow.

We are in awe of the perspective with which the photographer has captured this photo, keeping Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti in the frame.

3. Kedarkantha - Nitin Mhapsekar

Kedarkantha is one of the most popular winter treks in India, and this photo shows why. You come across such breathtaking landscapes, covered in deep layers of snow. You look around and everything is in shades of white. You’re mesmerised by the views!

While on the other side, our technical guides do the tough job of clearing out the snow and making the trail visible for our trekkers in the freezing cold. Both the aspects have been crisply captured by the photographer.

4. Sandakphu Phalut - Balasubramanyam Mohan

You get to see some of the best sunrises and sunsets in winter. We come across multiple photos that capture the different hues, while the sun is rising. But rarely do we get to see a photo that captures the contrast in the landscape beautifully! While the sun is slowly emerging, in the background, the foreground is still covered with frosted snow. The photo has been clicked at the right moment which makes it special!

5. Kuari Pass - Jagannath K

Here’s a photo that totally captures the essence of trekking in the Himalayas in winter. Yes, you are surrounded by such dreamy landscapes and mountain views that take your breath away! 

Kuari Pass gives you the most breathtaking mountain views, taking you through beautiful oak forests, and vast meadows. And in winter, the views are clear and you feel like the mountains are very close to you! This picture-perfect photo is taken from the Chitrakantha meadow, with astounding views of the Hathi Ghoda peaks.

6. Kedarkantha - Pratik Agarwal

Here’s a mesmerising sunset view from the Pukhrola campsite! This campsite is nestled in one of the biggest clearings on this trek, surrounded by pine trees. It is one of our favourite campsites in the Gaichawan route as you get to see some really breathtaking sunrises and sunsets here! 

“Pukhrola is a tranquil campsite nestled in snow. The sky was illuminated by the fiery hues of sunset that day!”, shares Pratik.

7. Pench Tiger Trail - Kedar Date

Pench is one of the most unique Central Indian treks that is slowly gaining popularity. Trekking in the buffer zones of Pench Forest Reserve is like stepping into the world of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book! We keep telling our trekkers that this trek is a paradise for nature lovers as it is filled with various natural elements! Here’s an image of the orb-web spider making its way out of the web. We truly admire the patience with which this photo has been captured, it is not easy to get such a crisp shot!

8. Kuari Pass - Darshan Varia

Here’s another stunning view from the Kuari Pass trek! We encounter a lot of photos from different sections of this trek, but this photo is special. The photographer has been lucky enough to have gotten such clear views from Jhandi Top, as most of the times the weather is foggy covering the peaks. You get to witness Mt Kamet, Mandir Parbat, Mana Parbat, Deoban, Nilgiri Parbat, the Hathi Ghoda peaks, Dunagiri, all in one frame!

9. Sandakphu Phalut - Upendra Kulkarni

The biggest reason to do the Sandakphu Phalut trek is the grand views of the big mountains. It offers the breathtaking experience of seeing four of the world's tallest peaks. Here’s a classic view of the Sleeping Buddha, beautifully covered in Alpen glow.

10. Kedarkantha - Sai Rohith

Witnessing snow is a first-time experience for many! To walk through the fresh snow right after snowfall is a moment that’ll get etched in your mind forever! You are surrounded by pine forests and you come across some small clearings on the trail, where you get to see the sky clearing up. In this serene setting, you feel like you’re truly in winter wonderland!

We thoroughly enjoyed looking at every photo that we received this season. 

We have picked the Top 10 entries and now it’s your turn to show love to your favourite entry out of these.

Vote for your favourite entry in the form below: 

We will announce the winners on January 30, 2025. Stay tuned!