Nominations for Indiahikes September 2024 Photo Contest

We received some splendid entries for the September 2024 Photo Contest. 

The contest this month was all about the transition from monsoon to autumn. The post-monsoon season is a great time to do treks as one gets to experience clear skies, revealing the majestic peaks. The greenery begins to fade and autumn colours unfold. There’s a drop in the temperature and the atmosphere becomes cooler. 

For this contest we were looking for photographs that bring out the essence of trekking during this season. We were curious to know what our trekkers have experienced and we’re glad to have received some good entries.

We have finally chosen the Top 10 Nominations for this month after many reviews and discussions.

Our judge will pick the Winner and Runner-up from these entries. 

Which is your favourite photograph? We also have a Trekkers' Choice award that you can vote for! Your votes will decide the winner of this award.
You can vote only once, so take a look at all the entries before you cast your vote.

Here are the Top 10 photos from our September 2024 Photo Contest

1. Kedartal - Vinod Shelke

Would you climb to an altitude of 15,500 feet to witness a mesmerising view of a glacial lake, sitting amid a cauldron of big mountains? Here’s a beautiful photo of the Kedartal Lake with a majestic view of Mt Thalaysagar and Mt Bhrigupanth. 

The clear sky and pleasant weather with soft sun rays, produce an amazing reflection!

2. Bali Pass - Maulik Patel

Trekking to Bali Pass after the monsoon is a great experience as you get to witness astounding mountain views and clear skies. The photographer has captured the magnificent Swargarohini in all its glory. It is rare to be able to witness this landscape completely snow-draped in September.

3. Har ki Dun - Prakash Hazari

Would you love to spend time and stay in a picturesque village setting like this? Here is a beautiful photo of the Gangaad Village. If you’re looking to go on a 500-year-old culture trek, this is the perfect trek for you! Trekkers get to learn a lot about the rich culture and daily life of the villagers. 

The architecture here is so in harmony with their mountainous surroundings which is very beautifully captured in this photo.

4. Deoriatal Chandrashila - Dilip Singh

The Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is a paradise for bird lovers. Here is a remarkable photo of the Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler in its natural habitat. We are in awe of how meticulously and patiently this image was captured.

“One of the first beautiful birds I snapped at Sari Base Camp” says Dilip.

5. Nafran Valley - Kaif Mastan

This is how the nights from the Arram Pathri campsite look! After a long day of walking through the enchanting pine forests and endless meadows, looking at a sky with infinite stars is a wholesome experience. “It was a magical night” says Kaif.

6. Pench Mowgli Trek - Bipul Mayank

These are the very same forests where Rudyard Kipling’s characters of The Jungle Book were born! Our recently opened trek in the Pench Tiger Reserve gives you the chance to explore the flora and fauna of Central India. A walk through Bodha Nala, a refreshing stream, is one of the major highlights of this trek. After walking for hours through the thick forests, the view of this stream rejuvenates the trekkers.

7. Rupin Pass - Sharada Prajna

This breathtaking view from Rupin Pass is a sight to behold! The Rupin river flowing through the U-shaped Rupin Valley with the view of the Dhauladhar range feels like a dream! As you trek through the valley, you are constantly in awe of the landscapes.

8. Gaumukh Tapovan - Sambrita Roy

“Gaumukh, the source of Ganga, the source of life” is how the photographer describes this photo. Standing in front of this 30 km long glacier, looking at the Bhagirathi river flow from the snout, with majestic mountains surrounding you, you feel a certain sense of peace and fulfilment. It is a rewarding experience for all the trekkers, and the energy is so sacred that there is an instant feeling of calmness.

Standing in front of this 30 km long glacier, looking at the Bhagirathi river flow from the snout, with majestic mountains surrounding you, you feel a certain sense of peace and fulfillment. It is a rewarding experience for all the trekkers, and the energy is so sacred that there is an instant feeling of calmness.

9. Nafran Valley - Ganesh Raja 

Here’s another excellent night sky photo from the Nafran Valley. It is extremely wonderful to stargaze right after the monsoon season in the Himalayas, as the sky is very clear and the views of the galaxies are astounding!

10. Brammah Valley - Anand Wani

Who wouldn’t want to camp on a river delta surrounded by silver birch trees on one side and high-rising mountains on the other side! Here’s a photo from the Kiddar campsite with a stunning view of the Kishtwar peaks. Brammah Valley is one of the very few treks where you get to camp next to the summit, which is one of the unique experiences that this trek offers.

We thoroughly enjoyed looking at every photo that we received. 

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

We will announce the winners on October 31, 2024. Stay tuned!