October in the mountains makes for stunning shots of landscapes. The grass is a magical sun-baked golden and is sprinkled with fresh frost every morning. You can also see the clearest views of big mountains of our country. For the October 2021 Trek Photographer Of The Month contest, we received over 500 photographs. Each photograph was unique in its own way – an interesting frame, great perspective shots, unique night photographs, and never-before-seen photographs of some of the world’s highest summits.

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

Winner

Dr. Haridarshan – Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Tapovan is one of our best campsites, at 14,203ft.  This spectacular photo captures the first rays of the sun lighting up the crown of Mt. Shivling. This picture captures the colours beautifully! Congratulations Dr. Haridarshan! You have won the first prize, a Trek Voucher of Rs 5,000 along with this great day pack by Adventureworx!  

First Runner up

Sanghamitra Kumar – Sandakphu Phalut Trek

In this morning shot on the Sandakphu trek, you see a group of trekkers huddled together, watching the magnificent Sleeping Buddha over a bed of clouds. It is one of the best compositions shot through the perspective of trekkers watching the Sleeping Buddha. Congratulations Sanghamitra Kumar! You have won the first runner prize, a Trek Voucher of Rs 3,000.  

Second Runner up

   Ravi Gupta – Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

You will never see the glittering colours of Mt. Shivling during the sunrise anywhere in the world. It’s a visual treat for the trekkers and photographers. Especially when shot like this with a telephoto lens, the close-up view is stunning! Congratulations Ravi Gupta! You have won the Second runner prize, a Trek Voucher of Rs 2,000.  

Trekkers Choice Award

Sagar Dubey – Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

The beautiful sunset of Mt. Chaukhamba, Mt. Janhukut, Mt. Mandani Parvat from Deorital Campsite. Picture by Sagar Dubey.

Usually, trekkers see the reflection of Mt. Chaukhamba from Deoriatal. But there is a watch tower near the lake from where you get the best spot to photograph Mt. Chaukhamba, Mt. Mandani Parvat. Time your short for sunrise or sunset, like the photographer did in this one.  Congratulations Sagar Dubey! you have won the trekker choice award.

Nominations

 Ganesh Devadiga – Goechala Trek

This is one of the rarest views of Samiti lake. We appreciate that the photographer took a different view at the right time. It shows the perfect reflections of snow-capped mountains with autumn colors. This Samiti lake freezes during the winter season.  

Srikanth Chikkala – Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

This picture shows massif of Mt. Bhagirathi with trekkers in the foreground. The three sisters: Bhagirathi I, II and III are nestled together in one isolated massif. The entire massif stands tall from its base to the summit. This is a different perspective from other photographs.  

 Prasan Hegde – Goechala Trek

In this picture, we appreciate the photographer using a triangle composition at the right time. It shows a great establishment shot of the Thansing campsite along with Mt. Pandim in the background.

 Sachin Nayak – Buran Ghati Trek

It’s been a while since we saw pictures of star trails in our photo contest entries. This nomination is dedicated to the sheer effort it takes to step out of the tent at night, set up the camera in freezing cold and wait for that perfect shot.  

 Arjun Prasad – Kedartal Trek

This picture shows a beautiful combination of flowers, autumn colours, green grass and snow-capped mountains on the Kedartal trek.  

Soumyadeep – Goechala Trek

Autumn is one of the best trekking seasons. The grassy vegetation at higher altitudes turns red before turning into gold. This picture captures the colours beautifully with a clear blue sky!  

Suneel Shah – Kuari pass Trek

This is a rare photo that captures the ridge walk experience during the summit day on the Kuari Pass trek. While the ridge walk is short, it offers some stunning views of the garhwal himalaya ranges.  

 Vishal Gupta – Goechala Trek

Trekkers walking on the beautiful wooden-log trails at Goechala trek. This section is dark and silent. The experience blows your mind away as you trek through thick dense forest.

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