Over the past few months, I've noticed that most trekkers don't know what autumn in the mountains looks like. Is it snowy? Is it too dry? Is it green? Will there be flowers? Will I get views? 

I get so many such questions from people planning treks in September, October and November.

I realise that we haven't really shown trekkers anywhere, exactly what autumn looks like — How the forests look, what the meadows are like, what the mountain views are like, what the sunsets and sunrises are like. 

So today, I'm showing you what autumn looks like through some terrific photographs taken in autumn. All of these photos were actually shot by trekkers in the months of September, October and November. 

These are not highly edited photos, so you can safely assume that the colours of the mountains are as vibrant as you see in the photographs. 

1. The meadows of Ali-Bedni Bugyal in October 

The meadows of Ali Bugyal at sunset. Picture by Sandhya UC

Most trekkers assume October to be dry and browning. Look at the photo here. That’s nor really the truth. The meadows are so full of life that you will find it hard to see such colours in other seasons. Add to it the splendour of golden light during sunset and sunrise, and this is what you have!

The meadows of Ali Bugyal in autumn. Picture by Shruthi Navarathna

If you notice the above two photos, they are more or less shot at the same location. The only difference is the time of the day, and the weather. The meadows are a moist honey-coloured hue. It’s a pleasure to walk on them bare feet! As you climb higher up on the same trail, the trail turns from green to yellow to orange to red. 

3. Colours on the Har Ki Dun trek in October

The valley towards Maninda Tal on a bright autumn day. Picture by Biman Dey Sarkar

Har Ki Dun is one of those treks that is incredibly beautiful at any time of the year -- spring, summer, winter. Autumn, too, has its own charm. The entire valley takes on an apricot hue, be it the grasslands, the forests or the mountainsides. The teal blue river in the valley adds to the charm.

4. The Swargarohini Massif seen on the Har Ki Dun Valley 

A clear view of the Swargarohini Massif from the Har Ki Dun Valley. Picture by Gautam Doshi

It’s not just the Har Ki Dun valley, but also the mountian ranges around. You get the best views of the Swargarohini massif in autumn.  "The clarity of the view makes you feel like the mountain is much bigger and much closer," shares Sandhya UC, co-founder and COO of Indiahikes. 

The forests of Ghairoli Patal on the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek in autumn. Picture by Piyush Sharma

It's true that meadows and mountain views are stunners in autumn. But the forests are no less. Most of the lower forests, of oak and maple trees, are bursting with colours in autumn. Go late in September, you'll see them yellowing. Go in October and you'll see a striking orange. Go in November and you'll walk on a copper-coloured forest floor. It's magical in any of these months. 

Morning light in a beautiful clearing on the Kedarkantha trek. Picture by Swathi Chatrapathy

Kedarkantha is known for its clearings. They're extremely charming, lined by coniferous trees with soft undulating grass in between. But it's not just Kedarkantha. Even Kuari Pass, Gidara Bugyal and especially Ranthan Kharak have lovely clearings. The best part is that you camp in several of them! 

7. The most vivid skylines during sunset and sunrise

Sunset seen from the Chandrashila Summit. Picture by Vivek Saini

When we talk about colours of autumn, it's not just the land, but also the sky. We have never seen as vivid sunsets as we have seen in autumn. There is a science behind it too. 

"During this time of year, weather patterns allow for dry, clean air to sweep across country, and more colors of the spectrum make it through to our eyes without getting scattered by particles in the air, producing brilliant sunsets and sunrises that can look red, orange, yellow or even pink," says this website, on why sunsets and sunrises are more vivid in autumn. 

8. Dramatic skies give rise to dramatic silhouettes

When we conduct our photo contests in the months of September, October and November, we have seen the maximum number of silhouette shots, each one more striking than the other. What makes them magical is not the silhouette, but the spectacular skylines that usually form the backdrop. 

9. Surreal colours and hues on big mountains

The Chaukhamba Massif seen from the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek. Picture by Sayantan

On treks where big mountains dominate the scenery, the experience is something else altogether. Be it the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek in Uttarakhand, the Sandakphu trek in West Bengal or the Goechala trek in Sikkim, all of them make for stunning mountain-viewing experiences. Take the next few pictures for instance. 

10. The Kanchenjunga Range (Sleeping Buddha) seen from Sandakphu during sunset

Sunset from Sandakphu over the Sleeping Buddha. Picture by Kartik Vasan

Sandakphu is one of the most rewarding treks to do in autumn. Not only do you see the Kanchenjunga range at close quarters, but you also see the Everest, Lhotse and Makalu peaks in the same frame. In an otherwise rainy and cloudy region, you get stunning, clear views in autumn of all these mountains. 

11. Up-close and squeaky clear views of big mountains

Autumn colours on the Goechala Trek. Picture by Milan Shet

Goechala is one of those treks that can be done only in two seasons -- summer and autumn. It's closed off at all other times of the year because of weather constraints. But out of the two open seasons, if you have to choose, September-October would be the season to choose. Given that the trek is all about the big mountains, the best time of the year to experience them is autumn, much like you see Mt Pandim in the above picture. 

12. Mt Bhrigupanth and Thalaysagar seen from the banks of Kedartal

A heavenly view from Kedartal. Picture by Padmanava Sen

Kedartal is one of those few treks in Uttarakhand that takes you to a cauldron of big mountains. It's not just the views though. The setting is so magical, with the blue waters of Kedartal forming a gorgeous foreground for the mountains. In the morning hours, when the water is still, the reflection of the mountains in the water is so clear that it's hard to tell which one is real -- the mountains or the reflections. 

13. Another stunner of a view -- Mt Nanda Devi seen from the Kuari Pass trail

An all time favourite picture of Mt Nanda Devi from Gorson Bugyal. Picture by Vaibhav Jain

There's a certain reverence attached to Mt Nanda Devi. Being able to see such approximate views and with such clarity is a possibility only in autumn months of October and November, and only from a trek like Kuari Pass. 

14. The Bhagirathi Peaks on the Gaumukh Tapovan trek 

A dramatic walk towards Tapovan, with the Bhagirathi peaks looming over trekkers. Picture by Dhaval Jajal

Much like it's neighbour, Kedartal, Gaumukh Tapovan is another trek that gives you up-close views of big mountains. Mt Shivling, Mt Meru, Mt Sudarshan, the Bhagirathi sisters -- all of them are your constant companions on this trek. "I've never experienced such clear and intimidating views of these 6000+ metre peaks like I did in October at Gaumukh-Tapovan," shares Dhaval Jajal, who shot this picture. '

Clear skies on the Pin Bhaba Pass trek in September. Picture by Ashish Bhatt

The Pin Bhaba Pass trek, on its own, is an incredibly dramatic trek. The crossover from Kinnaur to Spiti is a splendid one, where you see surreal colours immediately upon crossing the pass. The colours and mountains around are more pronounced in September, when the skies clear out and leave behind only snow-capped peaks set against desert-like landscapes of Spiti. 

16. One of the most popular trekking locations, unrecognisable in autumn

Walking towards the Upper Waterfall Campsite on the Rupin Pass trek. Picture by Jason Lim

Very few people know of the beauty of Rupin Pass in autumn. In summer, most of the alpine sections above 11,000 ft are buried in snow. But in autumn, when the snow is washed off, you have a completely raw experience of the alpine sections, right from the Upper Waterfall camp, across the pass and towards Rontigad. 

17. True autumn colours of Sikkim seen at Dzongri

The colourful grasslands around Dzongri. Picture by Somaditya Ghosh

The Kanchenjunga National park, in which the Goechala trek is laid out, is a riot of colours in autumn. Especially once you cross the treeline is when you see the real colours, as you step into the grasslands towards Dzongri. The entire trek, even around Samiti lake has unbelievable hues of orange, vermillion and crimson, which you have to see to believe. 

18. Dayara Bugyal in stiriking autumn colours

A lone trekker appraoches Dayara Top in autumn. Picture by Vinod Krishna

Most trekkers have seen Dayara Bugyal resplendent with greenery and wild flowers. This is ususally how it it in summer. They have also seen it in winter, when the meadows are buried under snow. Very few have experienced the other side of these meadows, where they are a gorgeous shade of honey. Set against a forget-me-not blue sky, these meadows make for one of the rarest experiences in autumn. 

Trekkers take in the view of the Swargarohini massif and surrounding peaks from Phulara Ridge. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

When it comes to ridge walks, Phulara Ridge takes the cake. With over 5-6 hours of walking on a ridge, this makes for a tremendous mountain-viewing experience, especially in autumn when there's nothing between you and the mountains. It's a rare privilege to be alongside the Garhwal Himalayas, at eye-level, for so many hours together! 

20. The meadows of Gidara Bugyal in November

A view of the Gidara meadows in November. Picture by Izzat Yaganagi

In November, when we explored a different route to Gidara Bugyal, we were stunned when we stepped into the Gidara meadows, not because of the vastness or the remoteness, but because of the striking autumn colours. It was a golden brown as far as our eyes could see, turning reddish-brown towards the peaks. 

That brings us to the end of this photo story on what trekking in autumn looks like. 

To sum it up, trek in autumn for four reasons: 

The monsoons wash the skies of all hanging dust and haze. The air in the mountains becomes crisp and squeaky clear, making Autumn the best time for mountain views. Big mountain views are at their best. Every fold, every crack is seen with full clarity.

Long distance views are also at their best. You see mountains that you never knew existed if you were trekking in spring or summer.

Some of my favourite views from autumn are, Tapovan with Mt Shivling towering over, Dayara and Gidara Bugyals with their 270 degree mountain panorama, the Phulara Ridge walk and Sandakphu with long distance views.

2. Very little chance of weather disrupting your trek

I have also noticed that we get very little weather disruptions on our treks in the months of October and November. Summer sees afternoon showers every day while winter and spring tend to get sporadic snowfall. Autumn weather disruptions are almost unheard of. Again, an after-effect of clear skies. If you want guaranteed great weather, a rarity in the Himalayas, choose autumn.

If spring is the time for flowers, autumn is for the colours of leaves, grass and the skies. The forests are colourful, teeming with yellow and red foliage. The grassy vegetation at higher altitudes turn red before turning into gold. The skies are also at their colourful best especially at sunset. If you wish to see the colours of the mountains, trek in autumn. My favourites for colours are from the Har Ki Dun valley, Goechala, Buran and Rupin valleys.

Being the non-traditional season for trekking, most trails are rather empty in autumn in our country. You are likely to have the entire campsite to yourself even on popular trails.

You'll find a list of the best autumn treks to do here.

autumn september october november photo story 

What Do Treks Look Like In September, October and November? Find Out Through 20 Autumn Photos

Warwan Valley Trek is the grandest in our country. At Indiahikes, we call it ‘The’ Warwan. There is no trek you would have done that can match the experience of this trek. And no trek you do after this will come close.

This is what our Chief Explorer & Senior Trek Leader, Nitesh Kumar, realised when he led a team to Warwan Valley (on August 7th, 2022). He said, "One emotion to describe this trek is in a sentence — Warwan sab ka Baap hai, kasam se!"  

In his words, "How does a single trek have everything at once, and every day? Each day, the landscapes differed, and those landscapes' scale was huge, even for my lens."

This trek was extremely special for Nitesh for a big reason. "I realised that as we entered our 76th year of independence, I led my 76th team as a Trek Leader at Indiahikes. I'm really proud of that, and this time it was even more special because it was the Warwan!"

So today, we want to take you through this long photo story that Nitesh has put together. Through some of the best photos we have seen of Warwan Valley, he takes you on the whole trek through his lens. 

Before that, do take a look at this map of the Warwan Valley trek, to get a bearing of the locations in the photographs. 

Panikhar Village, located in Suru Valley, is a beautiful village full of farms and fields. This is also the basecamp for the Warwan Valley Trek.  

The trek starts from Panikhar Basecamp and on the second day you trek to Denora. From Panikhar, it is a 13 km trek to Denora. Notice the brown barren Ladakhi landscape as you trek.

“When I reached Panikhar and started for Denora. My eyes started glittering to see those colours, patterns, shapes and drama. I wish I could take a buffer day at each campsite. I was getting emotional seeing all this,“ explains Nitesh.

Enroute to Denora with Chalong Nar gushing on the left. You’ll walk around 12 km today. The Chalong Nar will be present throughout the trail. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Looking back at the trail from Panikhar. You’ll notice the mountains are almost barren showing the ladakhi landscape  

Denora Campsite. Plain river basin. Denora is the confluence of two rivers. You’ll witness multiple meadows between the rivers, each lushier than the other. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Barren Ladakhi  Landscape. We see this at the starting of the Warwan Valley trek. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

On the third day, the trek from Kalapari to Kaintal Meadows via Lomvilad Pass is the longest and most challenging day on the trek full of adventure!

View of Kalapari Top as you start your trek from Kalapari. In monsoon, the slopes are carpeted by pink flowers.  Picture by Nitesh Kumar

You walk on boulders to get to the Alpine Lakes on the other side. Trekkers witness the Alpine Lakes immediately after this walk. 

Breaktaking view of Kalapari Top overlooking the Alpine Lake.The walk is bouldery and full of loose rocks. Picture by Nitesh Kumar  

Glacier depositing into the Lake. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

You walk alongside the lake towards the glacier to get close to Kalapari Top. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Glacier walk enroute to the base of Kalapari Top. Picture by Nitesh Kumar 

The glacial walk reminds you of Khumbu Icefall on Everest. This glacier deposits down from Kalapari Top!

“Going through those glaciers was like waking up the giant and thundering falls of icebergs was literally like Arctic Live Documentary”, said Nitesh

Glacial lake on your right just before Lomvilad Pass. Picture by Nitesh Kumar 

"Bracken is a gigantic monster himself, but sleeping along with him, I can't ask for more! I woke up in the middle of the night and was just staring, and then the morning light fell on him. I'm getting goosebumps even while writing this now.

Those cracking sounds of walking on the glacier are still running fresh, and I wish I could feel that again in life! “explains Nitesh

Magnificent Bracken Glacier. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Steep descent towards Bracken Glacier. The descent to the glacier is a tricky one. You need to navigate through very loose moraine and rocks. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Flat walk from Bracken Glacier towards Kaintal Meadows. This marks the end of the kilometre long walk on the bracken glacier.  Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Final Steep descent towards Kaintal Meadows. It is an hour of descent through very rough moraines before you get to the basin of the river that emerges from the bottom of the glacier. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

"The breather after tricky sections and to get everyone safe. But when I looked back, I saw the Trans Himalayas bidding me goodbye with a big hug.", said Nitesh. 

Back view of Bracken Glacier from Kaintal Meadows. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Lost World. The ending of trans himalayan mountain ranges. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Enroute to Kaintal Campsite. You’ll start to notice the changing colours on the trek. From Barren Ladkahi landscape to white glacial walks to tinges of green meadows.  Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Riveting Kaintal Campsite. It’s a memorable experience to camp in such expansive landscapes. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

The next day, you trek from Kaintal to Humpet. The trail climbs a hillock which follows a flat grassland. Beyond a hillock is almost always another grassland. These grasslands are the highlights of the day’s trek.

You find grasslands filled with horses grazing in the wild. These grasslands of Sar alternate with a grassy river basin. It is quite an exquisite walk!

“Kaintal to Humpet was hands down my favourite stretch from the entire trek. I haven't walked for 15km straight on any Himalayan trek. This was like a walk with god's own theatre screens around, and this stretch was the ultimate meditation. I can walk on this trail every day of my life!!” described Nitesh. 

Wide Valley walk towards Humptai. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Trekkers crossing through streams. There are 7-8 streams to cross today, usually at the end of every grassland. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

First signs of Civilisation as you reach the valley. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

River snaking through the Humpet Valley. The landscape turns completely green from hereon. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Beautiful Humpet Campsite. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

From Humpet, the trek becomes dramatically different from the day earlier. The trek descends two valleys to the meticulous grasslands and the supremely beautiful village of Sukhnai.

The setting of villages is too perfect even for pictures. Fences border the trail you walk on. Willow trees jut out between houses. Mud-baked lanes crisscross the village. Flower beds line the hills around the houses. To top it, a clear stream runs through the village! All in a way that distinctly resembles the Gaulish village from Asterix comics. This setting is unique to this part of Kashmir.

“Humpet to Sukhnai was like detachment feelings that the trek was about to end, and I didn't want this! I wish Sukhnai camp wasn't close, but the moment I saw it from a distance, I got a big smile and rushed like Munni in Bajrangi bhaijaan at the climax.” bawled Nitesh

Border fences on farmlands acting as the start of Warwan Valley. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Enroute to Sukhnai. You start seeing the villages from here.Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Beautiful houses of Warwan Valley. You will be trekking on trails bordered by fences. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

Villages of Warwan Valley. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

That brings us to the end of this beautiful photo story. 

For Nitesh, this was one of his most incredible experiences ever. "On the final day of Warwan, I was literally jumping inside. When I saw those lush green wide valleys with such beautiful villages across, I couldn't believe I was in India. Was this not Switzerland or any other part of the world? I couldn't soak that in for even a moment - It was Kashmir. I could never have dreamt of being here.

Warwan will definitely be the most grateful moment of my life. I still feel the more I put this feeling into words, the more I fail to justify it. Between all the ups and downs of work, the meaning of our work just gets sidelined, which I believe must never. But not only does this trek change our trekker's life but also mine as it reassures and answers the 'whys' of our work! "

This photo story takes you to the famous Warwan Valley trek in the most remotest parts of Kashmir through a Trek Leader's lens.

35 Of The Most Spectacular Photos From The Warwan Valley Expedition

35 Spectacular Photos From The Warwan Valley Expedition

On the occasion of World Photography Day 2022, here's celebrating some of the best photographs we have received this year from our trekkers.

At Indiahikes, we have always wanted to celebrate trek photographs. It is a unique skill to capture the indescribable beauty of the mountains in photographs. Very few photographers do justice to it. 

But here are the Top 12 photographs that we think tell a story and transport you immediately to the location.

1. Milky Way from the Tilandi Campsite, Brahmatal Trek. 

If there's a photograph that made us all collectively gasp, this one is it. What a spectacular showcase of the milky way on a clear night at Tilandi. This is one of those few campsites from where you get such open views, and the photographer has done a terrific job of being at the right place at the right time. (That's not easy, given that it is definitely below 5 degrees outside!)

| Camera Settings: Shutter – 1/10, Aperture – 2.8, ISO – 1000, Focal length – 18mm.

2. Traversing a tricky snow section on the way to Kuari Pass

Life in the mountains is hard. And this photograph captures every bit of that beautifully. Cutting through deep snow with ice axes, trekkers and guides are trudging along on the final stretch of Kuari Pass. The raw foreground, in contrast with the bright background makes for a beautiful contrast! 

| Camera Settings: Shutter – 1/500, Aperture – 11, ISO – 200, Focal length – 48mm. (Captured on Panasonic DC S5)

3. The mysterious forests behind Abin Kharak on the Ali-Bedni-Bugyal Trek

We usually see such misty forests only in the movies. But seeing these forests for real on the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek, right behind your campsite can send chills down your spine. The photographer has made terrific use of monochrome to share a compelling setting! 

| Camera Settings: Shutter – 1/250, Aperture – 2.2, ISO – 50, Focal length – 2.2mm. (Captured on Mobile)

4. Between snow and clouds on the Kuari Pass trek

Very dramatic shot from Kuari Pass trek. We loved the perspective here, with trekkers walking in huge expanse of snow field. One can gauge the vastness of the landscape here. On top of that striated clouds add lot of drama. 

|Camera Settings: Shutter – 1/6400, Aperture – 10, ISO – 200, Focal length – 20mm. (Captured on Panasonic DC S5)

5. Alpenglow on Mt Shivling, Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

This picture had us weak in the knees. You will perhaps never see a sunrise as glorious as the one on Mt Shivling, and this photograph tells you exactly why! It’s a visual treat for the trekkers and photographers. Especially when shot like this with a telephoto lens! The close-up view is terrific!  

| Camera Settings: Shutter – 1/1600, Aperture – 5.6, ISO – 200, Focal length – 600mm. 

A lot of our trekkers go through a humbling experience on reaching the summit. But having an opportunity to capture it on camera is rare. To capture such a picture, the photographer had to step into an intimate frame. That requires building comfort and trust. And what wonderful golden light the he has managed to splash across the frame! 

| Camera Settings: Shutter – 1/460, Aperture – 1.8, ISO – 100, Focal length – 6mm.(Captured in mobile)

7. Camping above Ruinsara Tal on the Bali Pass Trek

This picture is from one of our own -- the head of our Film Making team, Dhaval Jajal. We've heard so much about the settings around Ruinsara Tal. Even though the lake itself isn't the hero, the grassy knolls, the mountains around, the glaciers in the distance make for an incredible setting. We have rarely seen camping life captured in such a beautifully lit frame at this location. 

| Camera Settings: Shutter – 1/500, Aperture – 2.2, ISO – 50, Focal length – 5mm.(Captured in mobile)

We keep thinking that Gidara Bugyal can never be captured well enough in a horizontal frame, even in a panorama mode. Yet, here's a shot capturing the meadows in all its glory with a vertical shot! With golden light falling on the green meadows with snow-capped mountains in the background, the photographer has found the exact right moment to capture this shot. The grazing herds make for wonderful subjects, making the photograph more wholesome.

| Camera settings: Shutter - 1/1500 | Aperture - 1.8 | ISO - 100 | Focal length - 6mm. (Captured in mobile)

9. Reflection of Kanchenjunga and Kabru ranges on the Samiti Lake at Goechala

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.  

| Camera Settings: Shutter – 1/2000, Aperture – 1.9, ISO – 150, Focal length – 5mm. (Captured in mobile)

10. A panoramic shot of the Sleeping Buddha from the Sandakphu trek

The Sleeping Buddha is perhaps one of the most photographed landscapes in the trekking world. Yet, here’s a vast panoramic shot that took our breath away. We love the colours of the sunset captured in this picture, the sharpness of the elements and the depth of field in the photograph. 

| Camera Settings: Shutter – 1/80, Aperture – 5, ISO – 400, Focal length – 66mm.

Here's a stunning bird's eye image showing us the Pangarchulla summit and views of Mt Chaukhambha, Mt. Neelkant and Mt Dronagiri in the background. What makes this image truly rare and unique is that the photograph used a drone to capture this image. We get a clear picture of the massive mountains that we don't usually witness because of hazy skies. It's a spectacular image!

| Camera Settings: Shutter – 1/1250, Aperture – 2.8, ISO – 200, Focal length – 18mm.

12. An intimidating view of The Rupin Waterfall 

Picture by Indiahikes Photographer Jothiranjan 

Here's another in-house photograph, by our photographer Jothiranjan. Very few people have been able to capture the majesty of the towering 1,500 ft Rupin Waterfall. Here's a photograph that does exactly that. As soon as we saw it, we knew it was the best capture out of the 1000+ photographs he brought back from the trek. The play of light, the greenery, the contrasts, the scale, the perspective, the photograph has everything going for it! 

We wish we could share more photographs, but we will save the other ones for another time. If you're a photographer and would like to join us on assignments as a Photo Trekker, you're welcome to read about it here and apply. You will find details under the "Content" roles. 

To see more photographs, follow our Instagram account, where we share the best photos and videos from the mountains everyday. Follow this link here. 

Celebrating World Photography Day 2022 With Some Spectacular Trek Photographs!

Photos Photography day 2022 Photo article photo story pictures photograph 

“I was hooked to trekking since my school days. I used to go on short one-day hikes with my friends around Pune. I wanted to explore many more treks. However, with time, I got busy with work and then with family. Years just went by. My trekking plans took a back seat.

But that spark never faded. I got the chance to go on my first Himalayan trek after crossing 50, in 2007. I went to Bhrigu Lake with a friend. Although the weather didn’t allow us to reach the summit, I was moved by the natural beauty. Seeing the Himalayas in front of my eyes changed my outlook. I vowed to go on as many treks as I can.

In 2010, I did the Valley Of Flowers trek. My husband, Vishwanath Shenoy, had been sailing so he couldn’t accompany me on these treks.



Mrs. Sandhya and Mr. Vishwanath Shenoy on the Sandakphu trail.

Finally, in 2016, we went on a trek together. We summited Deoriatal Chandrashila. It was our first trek with Indiahikes. My husband was 66 at that time. It was such a fulfilling experience for him that he started trekking regularly after that.

Over the next few years, he went to the Valley Of Flowers and summited the highest peak of the Sahyadris. Then in 2020, we signed up for the Sandakphu trek with Indiahikes. But the pandemic struck and we couldn’t go.

As multiple lockdowns were enforced, our activity levels also came down significantly. I wasn’t sure if we will ever be able to trek again. But my husband was determined to go to Sandakphu. He didn’t give up hope and waited for the pandemic to subside.

Towards the end of 2021, we started to re-up our fitness levels. Our aim was to do that trek. I was very apprehensive all the time but my husband had never been more convinced. His positive attitude gave me a lot of confidence.



In March 2022, at the age of 67 and 73, I and my husband completed the Sandakphu trek. I was surprised by how comfortably we did it!

Here’s what my husband has to say – “I have been a sailor all my life. I am used to facing tough situations. You need to be prepared but ultimately, it’s all in the mind. If you think you can do it, you will.”

After being on this trek, I can surely say that it is indeed all about the mindset. And that age is just a number!”

- Sandhya Shenoy, Indiahikes Trekker

How This Couple Proved That Age Is Just A Number

“I was closest to my father; he meant the world to me. But as they say, life is uncertain. It took a turn for worse and I lost my father to cancer. My world came crumbling down.

Unable to summon the strength to deal with the loss, I turned to alcohol. I could only go through each day if I was out of my senses. I felt the pain a little less that way.

Besides drinking and smoking, the only thing that comforted me was spending time in nature. So in 2016, after finishing my graduation, I went on my first trek to Hampta Pass.



Spending those peaceful days in the mountains allowed me to come to terms with reality. Plus, I was grateful that I was fit enough to do the summit despite my unhealthy addiction.


The trek brought me back to my senses. I came out of my unwanted habits and started trekking regularly. In the next two years, I went on 8 more treks!



In 2019, I was going to hit the double-digit mark; I was all set to go on my 10th trek. But, once again, the uncertainty of life hit me.

A day before my expedition, I met with an accident. The shin bone of my right leg was broken. To mend it, a plate and a screw were inserted. I didn’t know when would I be able to walk again.

It took me a year to just get back up on my feet. I then gradually started walking. Once I made enough recovery, there was just one thing that I wanted to do - go on a trek. However, the pandemic made my wait longer.

It was mid of 2021 and I hadn’t been on a trek for almost 2 years. I was to undergo another operation, to get the plate and the screw removed, in January 2022. I knew I won’t be able to trek for another year after the operation.

So I decided to go on one before that. The pandemic situation was also a lot better by then.



Neha taking in the views on the Kuari Pass Trek

Finally, in November 2021, I did the Kuari Pass trek. That too without any major difficulty. I was so uplifted that I also went to Brahmatal in January 2022, just before my operation!

The sense of satisfaction and joy I felt after completing these treks cannot be expressed in words. It made me realise that we can achieve much more than we think. We just have to push ourselves a little harder."

- Neha Kotian, Indiahikes Trekker

How Even A Serious Leg Injury Couldn’t Keep Neha From Trekking

“I took the path of sustainability early on in my life. I am the kind of person who is cautious of her everyday life choices, such as food, clothing and waste decomposition.

I think I imbibed it from my elders. They prefer using homemade products that are much less harmful to nature.

This is the reason I was drawn to Indiahikes as soon as I came across its website. When I read about the Green Trails initiative, I felt hopeful and motivated. It resonated with me instantly.

The initiative seemed to be asking a simple but deep question - ‘We safeguard the ones we love. So why not do the same for the mountains? We love them after all!’

I just knew I had to go on a trek with Indiahikes. Soon, I signed up for Hampta Pass.

Since I saw a reflection of my way of life in their approach towards nature, I wanted to do something from my side to contribute. I was that pumped up!

I thought about what more can I do to leave the mountains in a better condition. That is when I came up with the idea of using homemade toothpowder and cleansing products on the trek.

The ingredients used in our regular toothpaste do not only harm us but also the environmental waterways. It may not seem like a big deal since it’s just a few spits but when we look at its collective usage, it becomes a much more serious matter.

Similarly, products like face wash, hand wash etc are also loaded with harmful chemicals that cause damage to the mountains. There are herbal alternatives available but you cannot trust them completely.

So before going to Hampta Pass, I prepared toothpowder and face wash powder at home using basic kitchen ingredients such as besan and haldi. I only used these on the trek.

I did the same on my recent trek to Kuari Pass too. In fact, this time, I also introduced the self-prepared products to my fellow trekkers. I explained my reasons to them.

Over the years, trekking with Indiahikes has only inspired me to become more thoughtful towards nature. It is like having a like-minded friend who pushes you to get better.

Nature gives us so much peace and calmness. Being sustainable is the least I can do in return.”

- Nivetha (@at_nivetha), Indiahikes Trekker


Nivetha idea homemade toothpowder on treks 

How Nivetha Came Up With The Idea Of Using Homemade Toothpowder On Treks 

“I had been smoking for 20 years. I would smoke a pack a day. I didn’t enjoy it after a point, but I couldn't help it. My addiction was bad. My habits took a turn for worse once the lockdown got imposed. I started drinking frequently. I would eat out a lot. My activity levels dropped to zero.

I was aware that my habits were taking a toll on my health. I was in my late 30s after all; I couldn’t afford to live that away. However, I struggled to quit those habits.

I was on the verge of losing hope when my friend Sirisha introduced me to trekking. I went through the indiahikes website at her suggestion. It was a whole new world for me; I was instantly drawn into it. I wanted to go on a trek but knew I was nowhere near ready.

Sirisha had planned to go on the Goechala trek in April 2022. It was November 2021. I told her to count me in.
I had four months to work on my fitness. As the Indiahikes team suggested, I began by jogging.

I struggled badly. When I failed to make any progress even after repeated attempts, I was pushed to stop smoking. It worked like magic! My endurance went up within a week. I then quit drinking as well.
Each time I craved a cigarette or a drink, I reminded myself of my goal of reaching atop a mountain. That kept me going.

To take my preparations to the next level, I started cycling. That is when I really started to enjoy the process. I wanted to be my fittest self. I participated in several cycling events and finished a 200 km ride in one go. In March, I did over 1100 km of running and cycling combined. The efforts I had put in paid off as I completed the trek to Goechala with ease! If there's one thing I realised, it was that the high of making it to the highest point was way better than all other highs!

I felt grateful that my body supported me so well. I vowed to always take good care of it.

Trekking made me realize the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The sport came to me when I was at my lowest point and gave me a life-changing push to come out of it.” 

Trekkers often share such mindboggling stories with us! This one was narrated by Balaji Nathan. We hope he climbs many more mountains! 

Deciding to trek pushed quit smoking Balaji Nathan trekking inspires lifestyle changes 

How trekking inspires lifestyle changes - Balaji Nathan’s Story

The excitement in my voice rose as I came to know that I was to go on another trek after a gap of three years, the previous one being Dayara Bugyal.

The experience of being in the mountains once again has added another feather of memories in my hat. I, Stuthi Aithal, 11 years old, would like to share my experience of going to the Kuari Pass Trek in March 2022.

On the 20th of March we reached Tapovan, our basecamp, from Rishikesh. The previous day, I had an exciting flight all the way from Lucknow to Dehradun. The next day we had a rather long but mesmerising trip from Rishikesh to Tapovan. After a short introduction with the guides- Laxman Uncle, Anil Bhaiyya and Trek Leader Parthy Sir, we retired to our rooms.

The next day we started our trek, which was very tedious and reminded me of my most tiring days. It was a difficult day as we had to acclimatize properly and the trail was dusty and dry leaves and twigs crackled under our feet as we treaded on them and in places the lush green grass felt soft and mushy.

The first day's climb was a challenging one for me, perhaps the most tiring day of the trek.

With steep ascent and frequent encounter with beautiful trees along with the wonderful stories about Uttarakhand and nature from Anil Bhaiyya we finally reached the best campsite that I had ever been to – Akhrotghetta.

At Akhrotghetta, our tent was located just beside the famous walnut tree with the wonderful view of the mountain peaks - Hathi-Ghoda, Rishikund and Dronagiri. 

That afternoon, I went walnut hunting and found many in their shells but many of them were charred. While telling my experience and discovery to my mother I entered our tent and put my walnuts into a bag. 

The following day, we woke up early and were able to witness the beautiful sunrise over the Himalayas sipping the refreshing black tea. I bid goodbye to Akhrotghetta and the tiny stream which gurgled joyfully and lulled me to sleep at night. 

That's me with my mom and dad on the first day of the trek. 

On the second day of our trek which was fairly easy, we spotted patches of snow! On the way to our second campsite Khullara we paid our respects to Lord Ganpati at a tiny temple. We finally reached a rather overcrowded Khullara and had a filling lunch. There it was very windy and colder than Akhrotghetta, so we were always packed in warm jackets and sweaters. In the night, the temperature went down to -5 or -6 degrees. 

When I came to know that I was to climb the summit the next day, I was very excited and had a deep sleep dreaming all about playing and sliding in the snow. We woke up around 4:30 am in the morning so that we could start our trek for the summit day early. The temperature was -0.1 degrees when we had started to walk on snow. 

Throughout the day’s trek we had to tread through the snow. I trekked along with a lot of enthusiasm although at times, I nearly lost hope of reaching the summit. The scariest part was around a corner where many boulders with melting snow on them and a cliff on the other side, but thankfully with the help of Anil Bhaiyya I could cross the section with ease. 

When I finally reached the summit, I triumphantly pranced around with a piece of chocolate promised by Harshil Bhaiyya (one of the trekkers). Everyone praised me for being able to conquer the summit of Kuari Pass at the age of 11.

Reaching the summit was a wonderful achievement for me.

After enjoying the view of 32 peaks, clicking many photos and hearing the story from Anil Bhaiyya on why the trek was named Lord Curzon’s Trail and Kuari Pass we started to descend down . At a particular point, I started to slide down and it was rather fun but, in the end, I always used to slide down like a ball on a slide.

At just 11, Stuthi has not just completed the Dayara Bugyal trek, but has also gone on to complete the more demanding kuari Pass trek. She pens down her experience here.

Story

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