Nominations Out! Indiahikes January 2023 Photo Contest

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.