Nominations Out! Indiahikes January 2023 Photo Contest

Forest on the Trek

By Latika Payak

2023-01-25

We received some splendid entries for the January 2023 Photo Contest. The theme was Forest on Treks.

For this contest we were looking for photographs that bring out the essence of trekking in a forest. The heady scent of pine, oak, and rhododendrons. Dried leaves crackling under your feet. These form the first, indelible memory of the trek. Simply because you always begin your Himalayan trek by stepping into a forest. And, these forest sections set the mood.

And we're glad to see that quite a few photographs were able to do justice to the experience of trekking in a forest.

It was difficult to pick just 8 photos but top nominations. And after multiple rounds, we were able to zero in on these 8 photographs. Take a look at them and vote for your favourite photograph :)

The voting form is at the end of this blog.

1. Kedarkantha- Rupali Jadhav

Kedarkantha trek is known for its beautiful and immersive forest. In winters, the forest dons a Christmas-y feel with its tall pine trees.

This is view from the Juda ka Talaab campsite. You camp here when you are trekking to Kedarkantha from the Sankri route.

2. Ali Bedni Bugyal - Atish Waghwase

This is our favorite photo of the forest on the Roopkund trek. Which is also currently used on Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek. The oak and rhododendron forest in this section is so dense that barely any sunlight passes through the trees. That's why this section looks so dark.

You come across this section of dark forest while descending from Ran ka Dhar and entering the Neelganga Valley.

3. Deoriatal-Chandrashila - Yogesh Shinde

If you wish to see blooming rhododendrons in the Himalayas, Deoriatal-Chandrashila is the trek to do in spring. And this photo shows you why. There are so many rhododendron trees on this trek! It makes the entire trail come alive with colour.

This section of blooming rhododendrons is on the way to Chopta.

4. Deoriatal-Chandrashila - Abhishek Gurudutt

This section, right after the Akash Kamini river, is the least frequented section on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek. It's one of the most enjoyable and lush sections of the trek. Notice the undergrowth on the floor of the forest. It's a beautiful blend forest that looks alpine and tropical.

The Akash Kamini river flowing through the dense forest

5. Kedarkantha - Shreyan Chatterjee

Unlike the forest on Deoriatal-Chandrashila, the forest on Kedarkantha trek are not so dense. But they are equally picturesque. The forest floor is covered with fallen leaves that crunch as you walk over them.

Trekker walking through the forest section filled with ancient oak trees.

6. Sandakphu-Phalut - Vedant Agarwal

This trek skirts on the border of India and Nepal. It has a culture of tea houses. For most part of the trek you will stay in tea houses. But on a coupl of days you get to camp in the forest. And that's a treat!

The sun rays penetrating through the forest in Molley with a pet horse created a beautiful canvas.

7. Tamenglong Forest Trek - Meijianlung Pamei

We saw one of the most dense forests on this treks. The trek takes you deep inside the virgin jungles of Manipur, many sections of which are reminiscent of the Amazon forests.

Sun light filtering through the dense forest of Manipur.

8. Sandakphu-Phalut - Vedant Agarwal

Notice how the golden sunlight is filtering through the forest of Sandakphu-Phalut trek. The forest on this trek is especially magnificient because it's situated in the Singalila National Park.

Golden sun rays through the forest of Molley

We loved going through all the forest photos that you shared with us. But we are looking for the top 3 photos. And one of them is the Trekker's Choice Photo. So use the form below to vote for your favourite photo.

We will announce the winners on January 30, 2023.

Latika Payak

Senior Content Writer

About the author

Latika is a Senior Content Writer and one of the rare team members who has seen Indiahikes from its initial days. She was among the first few to begin creating content at Indiahikes, documenting treks around Maharasthra, interviewing trekkers and writing their stories.

Latika started trekking after joining Indiahikes and has trekked to Roopkund, Hampta Pass, Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Tarsar Marsar, and Har Ki Dun.

With a strong background in print media and have worked with several publications. Latika is always hunting for great stories hidden in the folds of the mountains. Horror stories from ancient routes and villages of the Himalayas are her favourite.

She is presently working on bringing out news from the remote trekking regions of our country.

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