The Indiahikes Monthly Photo Contest is back, and we're inviting all December trekkers to share your best shots.

Trekking in December can be tough! The air is cold, and the ground is a mix of fluffy snow and slippery ice. It's a real challenge to find your way on those snowy trails. 

Taking photos in these conditions isn't easy. Your hands are freezing and the snow can sometimes block your view, making it hard to capture the perfect shot. Despite all the challenges, the thrill of exploring the winter landscape makes it all worthwhile.

For many, seeing snow for the first time would have been truly special. 

Take this opportunity to share with us your favourite moments. Let's celebrate the incredible memories you made on the trail.

Note: It is a contest, the photo needs to be technically sound and well-framed. (No selfies and self-portraits)

1. The photo must be taken during your trek with Indiahikes in December 2024.

2. A maximum of 5 entries is allowed per person.

3. The image size must be less than 10 mb.

4. The photos must be submitted in the following format

   “Trek name – Your name – Caption” 

    For eg. “Buran Ghati - Aditya Ramesh - A view of the Litham Campsite"

5. The photos can be in portrait or landscape format

6. The photos can be clicked on any device.

Regarding copyright: Copyright for all images submitted as a participant remains with the respective photographers. However, each photographer grants a worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual license to Indiahikes to feature any or all of the submitted images in any of their publications, their websites, and/or in any promotional material connected to this competition (with due credit).

Please note: If the above conditions are not met, we will not be considering your photos for the contest.

The last date to submit your entries is on January 22nd, 2024, 11:59 pm.

We will announce the Top Nominations on our website on January 24th, 2024 and declare the winners on January 30th 2024.

We have special prizes for our top 3 photographs:

The Grand Prize winner gets a trek voucher from Indiahikes, worth Rs 5000. You can use this on any upcoming Indiahikes trek within India. The Grand Prize winner also gets a thoughtfully designed 32-litre backpack sponsored by Adventure Worx.

The First Runner-Up gets an Indiahikes trek voucher worth Rs 3,000, which you can use on any Indiahikes trek within India. 

We also have a Trekkers Choice Award, where trekkers vote for their favourite shot among our nominations! The Trekkers’ Choice Award winner gets a Goodie Bag from Indiahikes. 

Also, all Participants will get a 20% discount voucher from Adventure Worx*

Remember, the last day to participate is January 22nd, 2025. Looking forward to seeing your best photographs. Good luck!

Indiahikes Monthly Photo Contest - December 2024 Edition

November in the mountains makes for stunning shots of landscapes and clear mountain views. It's also an excellent time to observe many wildlife species, as they migrate to warmer climates to avoid the cold. Our trekkers were fortunate enough to spot some species and capture them brilliantly! This month, we received nearly 800 shots, including numerous animal and bird photos that made it to the nominations.


Here we are, with the winners of the Indiahikes Monthly Contest: November 2024 Edition:

While leopards are not as commonly sighted as tigers in Pench Tiger Reserve, they are present and can be spotted, especially in the buffer zones and peripheral areas. Here’s a stunning photo of a leopard spotted during the safari.  As thrilling as it sounds, you have to be observant and lucky enough to spot animals as they love to remain discrete. Only a talented photographer can ace such a shot! 

Congratulations Susmit Datta! You have won the Grand Prize, with a trek voucher from Indiahikes worth Rs 5000, valid until November 2025, and a 32-litre backpack by Adventure Worx, which you can use on all your future treks.

You walk on the meadows for a short while as you trek from Molley to Phalut. This route offers one of the finest views of the Kanchenjunga massif and all the other peaks around it, collectively known as the ‘Sleeping Buddha’. 

“This was our walk over the meadows to Phalut. We had clear skies, and

capturing the trekkers with the Sleeping Buddha as a backdrop, made my day”, shares Sakthi. 

Congratulations Sakthi Kumar! You have won the Runner-Up Prize, and you will be getting an Indiahikes Trek Voucher of Rs. 3,000 valid until November 2025.

On the Sandakphu Phalut trek, you get the experience of seeing four of the world's tallest peaks. Here’s another mesmerizing view of the Sleeping Buddha. This view often leaves trekkers teary-eyed.

Congratulations Dilip Krishnan! You have won the Trekker’s Choice Award and a Goodie Bag from Indiahikes. Your photo got the maximum number of votes from the trekkers!

This concludes the November 2024 Edition of Indiahikes Monthly Photo Contest. If you liked these photos, you should definitely check out the nominations here.

Our November contest will start shortly as we wrap up. We will return very soon with more breathtaking images that celebrate trekking.

November 2024 Edition: Photo Contest Winners

November 2024 Edition: Indiahikes Photo Contest Winners

This month’s contest brought together more than 150 participants from our community, resulting in a collection of over 800 photographs. We received some really good wildlife photographs this time and we cannot stop admiring them! 

The transition period from autumn to winter brings a unique set of wildlife sightings. As temperatures drop and the skies get clear, many animals adapt their behavior and movements. They start migrating to warmer regions to survive the cold, making it easier to spot them. The landscape also gets drier as winter approaches.

This month, we chose Top 7 Nominations for the November 2024 edition. 

Our judges will review these exceptional images and select the Winner and Runner-up.

We also have a Trekkers' Choice Award, where you can vote for your favourite photo. The photo that receives the maximum number of votes wins this award. 

Please remember that you have only one vote to cast, so we encourage you to take your time and look at each photo before selecting. You'll find the voting form at the end of the nominations.

We keep telling our trekkers that Pench is a paradise for wildlife lovers. You get to spot varieties of species and the beautiful Indian Roller is one of them! Indian Rollers often perch on trees or bushes near water bodies, hence commonly seen throughout the trail. Here is a remarkable photo of the bird in its natural habitat. We are in awe of how meticulously and patiently this image was captured.

Here’s a photo that depicts the iconic rolling meadows of Dayara with the backdrop of Mt Bandarpoonch and Mt Kalanag. As you trek from Chilapada towards Dayara Top, the tree line ends and you find yourself at the edge of the meadows. You’re blown away by the grand, vast landscape. This is one of the major highlights of this trek that most trekkers cherish.

Red Pandas are an endangered species native to this region. Keep your eyes peeled for them while trekking in the Samanden forests, especially in areas with dense Rhododendron and Bamboo trees. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They are shy and easily disturbed. Hence you need to be patient and quiet while trekking to spot them and capture a lovely shot like this!

Here’s a breathtaking flyby of a Yellow Billed Blue Magpie! It is a common sight on the Sandakphu trek, but you need a keen eye to observe its intricate details and colours. It is a beautiful bird with a bright yellow bill and a long, blue tail, wonderfully captured by the photographer. It is often seen flying through the forests and perched on branches.

We have picked the Top 7 photos and now it’s your turn to show love to your favourite entry out of these. 

Vote for your favourite entry in the form below: 

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

Nominations for Indiahikes Monthly Photo Contest : November 2024 Edition

We are back with the November edition of the Indiahikes Photo Contest! This is an exclusive contest for Indiahikes trekkers who trekked with us in November. 

Trekking in November is an experience in itself. As autumn ends and winter begins, you observe different elements that change during this transition period. The autumn foliage has faded, leaving behind a tranquil landscape of golden-brown leaves. 

The reduced humidity and clear skies provide breathtaking views of the mountains. The trails are less crowded, and offer a sense of solitude and peace, allowing you to connect with nature more profoundly.

Share with us your best photographs captured during your trek in November. Take this opportunity to connect with us and share your trek stories.

Note: It is a contest, the photo needs to be technically sound and well-framed. (No selfies)

1. The photo must be taken during your trek with Indiahikes in November 2024.

The last date to submit your entries is on December 22nd, 2024, 11:59 pm.

We will announce the Top Nominations on our website on December 26th, 2024 and declare the winners on December 31st, 2024.

Remember, the last day to participate is December 22nd, 2024. Looking forward to seeing your best photographs. Good luck!

Indiahikes Monthly Photo Contest - November 2024 Edition

With more than 500 entries, the October 2024 Photo Contest showcased an incredible variety of landscapes! The photographers brought their adventures to life for us, from the spectacular autumn colors at Goechala to the clear night skies at Rupin.

Here are this month's contest winners, without any further delay! Our trekkers have also selected their favorite photo, while our judge has chosen two of the 500 photos. 

Here’s a mesmerising photo of Mt Shivling. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful-looking mountains in our country. We love how the photographer has captured the subtle details in this photo. The crescent moon adds to the charm!

Congratulations Nandita Satpati! You have won the Grand Prize, with a trek voucher from Indiahikes worth Rs 5000, valid until October 2025, and a 32-litre backpack by Adventure Worx, which you can use on all your future treks.

The Lower Waterfall Campsite has some of the most magical night views. Not only does a sky full of stars light up the night, but the 1,500 ft Rupin Waterfall glistens in the night light right outside your tent. “We got swayed away by the moonlit, star-studded night at the base of the Rupin Waterfalls” describes Vineeth.

Congratulations Vineeth V Rao! You have won the Runner-Up Prize, and you will be getting an Indiahikes Trek Voucher of Rs. 3,000 valid until October 2025.

We have a saying at Indiahikes about the EBC trek: “You sign up for the trek because of EBC, but you love the trek because of Gokyo Ri!” The Gokyo-ri route takes you to the most pristine lakes of the Everest region, which you do not see on the classic EBC route. It’s what trekkers fall in love with, like this lake here: the Cholatse Lake. We love this picture of a trekker having his “wow” moment.

Congratulations Kumar Pratyush! You have won the Trekker’s Choice Award and a Goodie Bag from Indiahikes. Your photo got the maximum number of votes from the trekkers!

This concludes the October 2024 Photo Contest. If you liked these photos, you should definitely check out the nominations here.

Our November contest will start shortly as we wrap up. We will return very soon with more breathtaking images that celebrate trekking.

We often talk about autumn being a festival of colours, and hands down, the best time to get mountain views. These nominations will tell you why. 


Much to our pleasure, we spent the month looking at a few of the most colourful landscapes. While some transported us to the heart of the Himalayas, some took us to the far east, where autumn shades filled the landscapes with golden hues. 


Going through over 500 photos was a delight. Yet, choosing the best 10 was the hardest task for us! Here are the Top 10 Nominations!

Our judge will pick the Winner and Runner-up from these entries. 
Other than that, we also have a Trekkers' Choice award! Your votes will decide the winner of this award.

You can vote only once, so look at all the entries before you vote. You’ll find a form where you can vote at the end of the nominations.

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

Trekking to Goechala in this season is a photographer's dream. The trail is a riot of colours from the first day to the last. Here’s a photo of the Prek Chu River surrounded by fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges. We loved this photo especially because of the framing, the well-framed leading lines and the natural colours retained in the processing.

2. Gaumukh Tapovan - Abhinaba Chakraborty

On the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, you don’t just see the best views of Mt Shivling. You see Mt Shivling right from the base to its summit. We receive a lot of photos of Mt Shivling, but this one has our heart. The photographer has captured the mountain in its most dramatic setting: the sun rays falling on the tip of Shivling.

One of the biggest highlights of the Goechala trek is the sunrise from Viewpoint 1: the alpenglow on the Kanchenjunga Range. It is a sight that will stay etched in your mind. Soudipan has captured the most stunning moment of the trek very beautifully.

Most of us don’t realise it, but trekking in the Indian Himalayas gives us some of the rarest opportunities, like camping at the base of a 6,000 m summit. It’s a privilege very few in the world can boast of. This is why we loved this shot, which captures early morning camping life at the base of Mt Shivling. Mt Meru, another 6,000 m peak casually looks on from the background.

7. Deoriatal Chandrashila - Mandar Deshmukh

Deoriatal-Chandrashila Trek is a trek to see birds. It is one of the Best Himalayan treks for Bird Watching. For us at Indiahikes, Monals, the state bird of Uttarakhand, are prettier than peacocks, with their unreal colours. Yet, they are rare to find, and even rarer to capture. Which is why this picture by Mandar has made it to our list of nominations.

We rarely receive photos of the landscapes from this part of the Goechala trek. This is the view from Dzongri. As you ascend towards Dzongri, the vegetation transitions to alpine meadows. These meadows are characterized by short grasses and wildflowers. We wish there was a little more light in this photograph, but we liked it for the location of the shot.

Here’s another mesmerising photo of Mt Shivling. It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful-looking mountains in our country. We love how the photographer has captured the subtle details in this photo. The crescent moon adds to the charm!

10. Gaumukh Tapovan - Abhinaba Chakraborty

Blue sheep (bharals) are extremely shy animals native to the high Himalayas. While most of us sight these quiet herbivores from afar, especially as they wander about on mountain tops, we rarely get to see them at such proximity, and better yet, capture them on camera. That is why we loved this picture by Abhinaba.

We thoroughly enjoyed looking at every photo we received. 

Now that we have selected the Top 10 entries, it is your chance to vote for your favourite. Use the form below to cast your vote. You can vote only once.

We will announce the winners on November 30, 2024. Stay tuned!

Indiahikes September 2024 photo contest nominations

Nominations for Indiahikes October 2024 Photo Contest

The October 2024 Photo Contest is now open! This is an exclusive contest for Indiahikes trekkers who trekked with us in October. You’re welcome to participate and share the best pictures from your Indiahikes treks with us.

Last month, we received some amazing pictures from our trekkers. We had the opportunity to observe their photographic abilities, and we are pleased to be able to connect with trekkers and expand our community.

As we step into autumn, the raw beauty of the mountains is on full display. The once vibrant green slopes are now adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors - fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges. The air is crisp and clean, carrying the scent of fallen leaves. As the sun rises, casting long shadows across the valleys, the mountains seem to glow. The silence is broken only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant melody of a mountain stream. 

Show us the most beautiful side of the mountains you have seen this season. Whether it is trails lined with trees, a carpet of colorful leaves, or still, reflective lakes mirroring the autumn colors, we want to see them all!

Share with us your best photographs captured during your trek in October.

Given that it is a contest, the photo needs to be technically sound and well-framed. (No selfies)

Click here to send us your top 5 photos 

1. The photo must be taken during your trek with Indiahikes in September 2024.

The last date to submit your entries is on November 22nd, 2024, 11:59 pm.

We will announce the Top Nominations on our website on November 25th, 2024 and declare the winners on November 30th, 2024.

Remember, the last date to participate is November 22nd 2024. Looking forward to seeing your best photographs. Good luck!

The September 2024 Photo Contest received over 850 entries, and the range of landscapes they featured was astounding! The photographers brought their journeys to life for us, from the breathtaking vistas at Kedartal to the pristine night skies at Nafran to the subtle golden meadows of Rupin.  

With no ado, here are the three winners of this month's contest! While our judge has chosen two of the best pictures from 850 entries, our trekkers have chosen their favourite entry as well. 

Would you climb to an altitude of 15,500 feet to witness a mesmerizing 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!

Congratulations Vinod Shelke! You have won the Grand Prize, with a trek voucher from Indiahikes worth Rs 5000, valid until September 2025, and a 32-litre backpack by Adventure Worx, which you can use on all your future treks.

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.

Congratulations Sambrita Roy! You have won the Runner-Up Prize, and you will be getting an Indiahikes Trek Voucher of Rs. 3,000 valid until September 2025.

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.

Congratulations Sharada Prajna! You have won the Trekker’s Choice Award and a Goodie Bag from Indiahikes. Your photo got the maximum number of votes from the trekkers!

Thus, the September 2024 Photo Contest comes to an end. You should absolutely check out the nominations here if you enjoyed these pictures.

As we finish up, our October contest will soon begin. We'll be back soon with more stunning photos that honor this trekking community.


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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.


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.

“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.

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!

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!

Indiahikes september 2024 photo contest nominations

Nominations for Indiahikes September 2024 Photo Contest

After the successful completion of the photo contest last month, we’re back with the September edition. 

We have opened up the September 2024 Photo Contest, an exclusive contest for Indiahikes trekkers who trekked with us in September 2024. 

We received some wonderful photos from our trekkers last month and we are overwhelmed by the responses that we got! We got to see their photography skills and we’re happy to be able to get in touch with trekkers and grow our community.

As the monsoon season gradually gives way to autumn in the mountains, the landscape undergoes a dramatic makeover. Last month, the landscape was lush and green, with vegetation at its peak, thanks to the heavy rainfall. Rivers, streams, and waterfalls were at their fullest, with crystal-clear water rushing through the valleys.

Slowly as the monsoon's grip weakens, the skies begin to clear, revealing the majestic mountain peaks. The lush greenery starts to fade, and autumn's golden hues start to appear. 

This month is all about the transition between these two seasons, and we are eager to see what our trekkers have experienced. 

Share with us your best photographs captured during your trek in September.

The last date to submit your entries is on October 22nd 2024, 11:59 pm.

We will announce the Top Nominations on our website on October 25th 2024 and declare the winners on October 31st 2024.

Remember, the last date to participate is October 22nd 2024. Looking forward to seeing your best photographs. Good luck!

We have ended the August 2024 Photo Contest, exclusive for trekkers who trekked with us in August. 

We are amazed by the number of participants and responses we have received! We cannot be happier to see so many people engaging and contributing to building a stronger community. Everything about this month's contest was exciting.

In this month’s contest, we wanted to showcase the most beautiful side of the mountains in the monsoon. We also received some stunning entries that portrayed smaller elements of trekking. Shortlisting 10 nominations from more than 1000 photos was tough. And choosing the winners was tougher!

Finally, here are the Winners of the August 2024 Photo Contest.

We cannot stop admiring how precisely this picture has been shot with great effort and patience. The photographer has shot the Himalayan Griffon vulture from over 12000 feet. You definitely need a vulture’s eye to capture a shot this majestic! Watching the Griffon glide into the air is a sight to behold! 

Camera Setting: Shutter 1/1000, Aperture F 4, ISO 200, Focal Length 150mm.
(Captured in Camera - Telephoto Lens)

Congratulations Yash Trikannad! You have won the Grand Prize, with a trek voucher from Indiahikes worth Rs 5000, valid until 30th September 2025, and a 32-litre backpack by Adventure Worx, which you can use on all your future treks.

Here’s a photo that captures the stark and deserted mountains of Spiti. The vast landscapes of this range consist of rocky terrains and earthy-tone mountains.

“Spiti, where every step echoes the silence of rugged wilderness” is how Saket describes this photo. Complimenting the majestic mountains, the clouds add the right amount of drama to this photo. The view is a treat to the eyes, indeed!

Camera Setting: Shutter 1/1600, Aperture F 1.8, ISO 100, Focal Length 10mm.
(Captured in Mobile)


Congratulations Saket Gaurav! You have won the Runner-Up Prize, and you will be getting an Indiahikes Trek Voucher of Rs. 3,000 valid until August 2025.

This picture caught our attention for its perfect symmetry. The photo was shot early in the morning when the sun rays are subtle and sky is clear, creating a reflection so exquisite! 

This is the Chandratal Lake, which is one of the major highlights of the Hampta Pass trek. The view of the lake is very rewarding to trekkers as it is not visible until you reach near it. The water is so crystal clear and untouched that one can see the underlying layers. It is surrounded by Buddhist flags and the energy is so sacred that there is an instant feeling of calmness. 

Camera Setting: Shutter 1/1653, Aperture F 1.8, ISO 50, Focal Length 10mm.
(Captured in Mobile)

Congratulations Suraj Kanale! You have won the Trekker’s Choice Award and a Goodie Bag from Indiahikes. Your photo got the maximum number of votes from the trekkers! 

With that, we come to the end of August 2024 Photo Contest. If you loved these photos, you should definitely take a look at the nominations here. 

As we wrap this up, we will be starting our September contest soon. We’ll be back with more wonderful photographs that celebrate this world of trekking. 

August 2024 Indiahikes Photo Contest Winner

We restarted our photo contest this month, and we are overwhelmed by the responses! We are glad to have more than 200 participants in our contest! We received 1000+ entries and it was a delight to see all the beautiful compositions and how each photo had a story to tell. 

The month of August is a great time for post-monsoon treks with lush green landscapes, verdant valleys, hills and meadows, misty mountains, gushing streams and their rhythmic sounds, vibrant wildflowers, dramatic cloud formations, and stunning rainbows.

We received wonderful photos from our trekkers showcasing these amazing elements from our treks. With multiple rounds of reviews, discussions, and selection, we have finally chosen our Top 10 Nominations. 

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 August 2024 Photo Contest

1. Warwan Valley - Phaneendra Kollipala

Have you come across an ideal landscape setting with a view of the stunning mountains, and valleys meeting to form a river delta? 

And what’s more thrilling than camping at this spot?

We keep telling our trekkers how breathtaking the landscapes of the Warwan Valley are, and this photo depicts it so well! This trail leads to Sukhnai village from the very scenic campsite, Humpet. 


Camera Setting: Shutter - 1/1800, Aperture - F 2.4, ISO 200, Focal Length - 10mm.
(Captured in Mobile)

We love to see our trekkers bond with each other and indulge in different activities. Playing cricket at 13000 ft altitude with a stunning view like this is a dream come true for all trekkers! 

Trekking to Miyar Valley during monsoon is a great experience as it is less explored and untouched. This trek takes you to the heart of Lahaul through quaint villages and remote valleys.   


Camera Setting: Shutter - 1/1400, Aperture - F 1.8, ISO 200, Focal Length - 10mm.
(Captured in Mobile)

We cannot stop admiring how precisely this picture has been shot with great effort and patience. The photographer has shot the Himalayan Griffon vulture from over 12000 feet. You definitely need a vulture’s eye to capture a shot this majestic! Watching the Griffon glide into the air is a sight to behold! 

Camera Setting: Shutter 1/1000, Aperture F 4, ISO 200, Focal Length 150mm.
(Captured in Camera - Telephoto Lens)


This is the Chandratal Lake, which is one of the major highlights of the Hampta Pass trek. The view of the lake is very rewarding to trekkers as it is not visible until you reach near it. The water is so crystal clear and untouched that one can see the underlying layers. It is surrounded by Buddhist flags and the energy is so sacred that there is an instant feeling of calmness.  

Camera Setting: Shutter 1/1653, Aperture F 1.8, ISO 50, Focal Length 10mm.
(Captured in Mobile)

We have seen so many photos from Tarsar Marsar but this one is special!

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!

Here’s an image of the Milky Way rising above the Lidder Valley. 

Camera Setting: Shutter - 1/10, Aperture - F 1.8, ISO 1200, Focal Length - 10mm.
(Captured in Mobile)

You would have often seen excellent photos of the lakes, meadows, and valleys of Kashmir. Here’s a lovely picture of an old man with his grandson crossing the Satsar Pass. It portrays their relationship beautifully! 

The photo shows their emotions and gives a tiny glimpse of the life of the local villagers in the mountains.   


Camera Setting: Shutter - 1/170, Aperture - F 2.4, ISO 200, Focal Length - 10mm.
(Captured in Mobile)

Have you seen animals together in their natural habitat and felt like they might be having a conversation?

Marmots are frequent visitors on this trek, which is one of the highlights of this trek, as they are found only in certain regions of the Himalayas.  

It is very rare to be able to capture such a heartwarming moment as the marmots are mostly in their burrows. You will only get a shot like this if you are lucky enough! 


Camera Setting: Shutter - 1/1000, Aperture - F 5.6, ISO - 800, Focal Length - 200mm.
(Captured in Camera -Telephoto lens)

This photo is a beautiful composition of different elements of nature in one frame, highlighting the flora of Kashmir. After two days of walking through the forests, the panoramic view of the Tulian Valley feels heavenly! Surrounded by tall pine trees and majestic mountains, one feels like a very teeny tiny part of nature.  

Camera Setting: Shutter 1/1700, Aperture F 1.8, ISO 100, Focal Length 10mm.
(Captured in Mobile)

Here’s a picture worth a thousand words! Our recently explored and newly opened trek in Madhya Pradesh is a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers! The Indian Roller is frequently spotted in this region and Arun has captured it in its full glory. 

Camera Setting: Shutter 1/320, Aperture F 7.1, ISO 125, Focal Length 500mm.
(Captured in Camera - Telephoto Lens)

“Spiti, where every step echoes the silence of rugged wilderness” is how Saket describes this photo. Complimenting the majestic mountains, the clouds add the right amount of drama to this photo. The view is a treat to the eyes, indeed!

Camera Setting: Shutter 1/1600, Aperture F 1.8, ISO 100, Focal Length 10mm.
(Captured in Mobile)

We loved going through all the photos that you shared with us. It was like a virtual trek we went on through these beautifully captured shots. Not just one, but many of them! Your narratives captured everything that brings out our love for nature and passion for photography. 

We have picked the top 12 entries and now it’s your turn to show love to your favourite entry out of these. 

We will announce the winners on September 30, 2024. Stay tuned!


Nominations for Indiahikes August 2024 Photo Contest! 

We're thrilled to announce that after a long hiatus, we're back with our much-loved monthly photo contests. 

We have opened up the August 2024 Photo Contest, an exclusive contest for Indiahikes trekkers who trekked with us in August 2024. 

We have been running our photo contest ever since the beginning of Indiahikes. Our aim through this photo contest is to celebrate treks and trails through the eyes of our trekkers. They often catch us by surprise with rare perspectives of the landscapes and cultures they see in the mountains. 

That’s what we want to see this month too. 

Photo Contest

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