Winners Announced - Trek Photographer of the Month September 2021

September in the mountains is a month where seasons change. Our monsoon treks come to an end, and a colourful autumn season begins. Trekkers can see vivid hues of bright reds, oranges, and browns, punctuated by lively green grass. It is also the time when you get the best mountain views, and clear visibility in the skies. Our trek photographers have made full use of this.

We received over 200 entries for the Trek Photographer of the Month contest. Each picture had its own story to tell. From stunning night shots of the Milky Way overlooking campsites, raw colours of autumn, this month’s entries made us go weak in the knees.

With that, we announce the winners of the Trek Photographer of the month September 2021 and the Trekker’s Choice Award Winner:

Winner

Sooraj Kumar – Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

One can never get tired of the Kedartal Lake and the astounding views of the reflections in it. Here’s one such shot framed beautifully, capturing a lovely play of light and shadow.

Second Runner up

Pritish Bhanushali – Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Only photographers know the sheer effort that goes into shooting a night shot. The cold weather, the bone-chilling winds, the numb fingers… In such a setting, it isn’t easy to frame a good shot, capturing two of the most beautiful mountains in one frame, and managing to capture a shooting star! Just for the effort, this photo wins the second runner up spot!

Trekkers Choice Award

Aditya S Rao – Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Trekkers had a tough choice this time. So did our judges. Our judges chose Sooraj’s photo as the first prize, even though it had the maximum number of votes. Which is why we are awarding the second-most voted for photograph the Trekker’s Choice Award.

Very rarely do photographers capture texture so beautifully. Most trekkers who visit Sandakphu capture the colours of the sunset and sunrise. Most of them are long shots framing the mountains in the distance. Here is a rare shot of the grasslands of Sandakphu, glowing a golden shade during sunset. A rare shot and one we love.

Nominations

Rupendra Yadav – Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Subhash Harkidun – Ruinsara tal Trek

Rahul Jha – Kedartal Trek

Subhash – Har Ki Dun Trek

Vinayak Oak – Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Ujjwal Hadial – Buran Ghati Trek

Thank you for participating! We’ll be back with more.