For years, Goa has been all about its golden beaches and historic forts along the coast. But on probing deeper, we realised that Goa's true essence lies in its wilderness - its rivers, hills, dense forests, backwaters, and waterfalls.


Our trek through the dense Netravali forest gives you a glimpse of what it is like to trek in the rich, lush green regions of the Western Ghats. The trek takes you through the heart of this forest, and it is undoubtedly a paradise for nature lovers. 


Not only that, this trek also takes you to some of the hidden gems in South Goa. 


Here are some photos that’ll give you a glimpse into the beauty of this trek:

The forest section is the major highlight of this trek. You get to experience the raw beauty of the forest, you almost feel like you’re walking in an evergreen forest! You will see butterflies fluttering and birds chirping. “If you slow down and take a moment to observe your surroundings, you’ll find many small natural elements that’ll amaze you!” describes Zonal, who recently returned after leading a group.

You walk beneath a thick canopy of leaves, sunlight filtering through in dappled patterns. The air is cool and humid, filled with the scent of damp earth and a chorus of birdsong accompanies you all the way. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

You might spot ancient Teak, Crocodile bark, and Kokum trees. The Kokum tree is known for its distinctive fruit, the Kokum, whose sherbet makes for a refreshing drink. It is also used in various Goan dishes and is an important ingredient in local cuisine. These trees contribute majorly to the biodiversity of the forest. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

The forest floor is covered with a thick layer of undergrowth, you'll find shade-tolerant species like ferns, mosses, and certain types of shrubs that are well-adapted to low-light conditions. Trekkers love observing these plants and their interesting patterns. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

Walking through Netravali is like entering a hidden botanical paradise. You will come across various species of fungi that play a crucial role in nutrient cycling within the forest. You’ll find some of them growing on wood. They feed on dead or decaying wood, break them down, and return the nutrients to the soil. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

Look out for funnel spiders along the trail. You’ll definitely come across many of them as they thrive in moist, humid environments. You’ll notice their webs hidden under rocks, logs, or leaves with a funnel-shaped entrance. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

Here’s a lovely photo of the Rustic butterfly. The orange-brown wings with the yellow patch makes it easy to spot. They can often be seen flying around flowers and puddles. Photo by Megha Gupta

Keep an eye out and observe, you might be able to spot some fascinating anthills during your trek. Pay attention to the ground as you walk, you might come across anthills of varying size and shape, some with very complex structures. Photo by Megha Gupta

Here are some wonderful shots of the diverse species found in the Netravali forest. While there are many birds and insects that can be commonly spotted, the Malabar Grey Hornbill is one of the rarest, and difficult to spot as they easily camouflage with the dense forest cover. They have a distinctive appearance with a large beak, and they tend to make loud cackling sounds. Perhaps you'll be rewarded with a sighting! Photos by Megha Gupta

The trek starts at the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary gate and goes through the forest to the Savri waterfalls. The forest changes from deciduous trees to bamboo groves and finally you descend toward the waterfall, you start getting views of the upper layers of the Savri Waterfalls. Here’s a photo that gives you a glimpse of the waterfall from a distance. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

Trekkers feel rejuvenated at the sight of the waterfall, after a long walk through the forest. The waterfall creates a natural pool at its base, perfect for swimming or simply soaking in the cool water, so do not miss out on spending some time here and getting the experience of a natural fish spa! Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

You drive through some of the most interior villages in Goa to reach the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary Base Campus. The road will pass through several charming Goan villages and you’ll likely encounter some winding roads and scenic landscapes. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

The base camp is situated within the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, which is away from the light pollution of cities and towns. Hence it improves the visibility of stars and it is a great experience to stargaze through the night, locating constellations and planets, especially during the dry season. Photo by Abin Asokan

In the initial sections of the trek, you walk through the teak forests and enter into the grasslands before the steep climb to the summit. The trail is filled with many natural elements like termite mounds and ant hills. This region is known to be inhabited by leopards but they’re hard to spot as they’re solitary and elusive creatures. Photo from Indiahikes archive 

“I felt like I was back in my childhood days, climbing trees and walking in the wild,” shares Samidha, an Indiahikes trekker. Photo by Abin Asokan

After a challenging climb, the view of the Salaulim Dam is a treat to the eyes! The view comes as a surprise, as you don’t get to see it until you reach the highest point. While you’re at the summit, if you’re lucky, you might spot the Indian Swiflet. They are renowned for their incredible and swift flight. They can dart and weave through the air with remarkable precision. Photo from Indiahikes archive 

I hope this gave you a glimpse into the hidden paradise of South Goa’s forests. The Netravali Forest Trek definitely offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of Goa. Through this trek we’ve realised that Goa’s real beauty lies in its wilderness.

To know more about this trek, click here.

Discover the Forests of Goa Netravali: A Visual Photo Story in 15 Best Photographs

When we talk about winter, Brahmatal is the first trek that comes to mind. It is among the first treks after Kedarkantha that we opened as a winter trek at Indiahikes, and boy did trekkers love it. 

Brahmatal is magical in winter. The brown oaks are draped in snow. The small clearings and grasslands resemble snowfields, the frozen lakes are at their serene best. And the sunsets? They're beyond imagination. 

This trek has become our second most popular winter trek over time. The photos below will tell you why. 

Let me take you on a visual journey to Brahmatal in winter!

The Brahmatal trek starts from our Lohajung basecamp. The village welcomes you with stunning views of Mt Nanda Ghunti and Mt Trishul. This is how beautiful the village looks after snowfall: It's all white, with patches of green. Photo by Gayatri Karnik

On the first day of your trek from Lohajung to Gujreni, after about 2 kilometers, you will get breathtaking aerial views of Lohajung village. The pine trees create a stunning contrast against the landscape. Photo by Gayatri Karnik

On your way to Tilandi, you come across this serene lake surrounded by Oak, Pine, and Rhododendron trees. This is Bekaltal. Bekaltal is an oligotrophic lake, replete with algae and surrounded by dense forests. Our trekkers love sitting by the side of the lake and sharing stories. Photo by Prajwal Prabhakar 

The Brahmatal trek has a few of the most exquisite campsites, especially the camp at Tilandi, which remains a talking point for every trekker. “The sunset at Tilandi is an especially wonderful experience. You are above a blanket of clouds. The sun is setting as a huge orange ball in the distance. I’ve seen so many trekkers get contemplative or teary-eyed watching this sunset,” says Dhaval Jajal, a Senior Trek Leader, who has led several teams to Brahmatal. Photo by Chandana Puttalingaiah

The forests on the Brahmatal trek are dense and dark, especially between Bekaltal and Tilandi. These forests give off a woodsy smell. In winter, you will be awed by the sight of the Oak and Rhododendron trees soaked in fresh snow. When you wake up in the morning and open your tents, this is exactly what you witness! Photo by Anirban Banerjee

As the altitude increases, you get to see Cirrus clouds. These are thin layered clouds that can be found only in high-altitude regions. The sky looks like it has been painted with subtle brush strokes in white. The Cirrus clouds slowly start fading away as the sun comes up. Photo by Satyen Dasgupta

Through this trek, you walk through some of the most magical Oak and Rhododendron forests. The reality of trekking in the winter includes gloomy days with no sunlight for hours together! It does remind you of the scenes from Chronicles of Narnia, at the same time you yearn for the warmth of the sun. Photo by Vishwajeet Chavan

From the Jhandi Top, you get exceptional views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. The ridge covered under a carpet of snow is a delight to trek on, and the stunning views of the peaks add to the whole experience. Photo by Divya Ramakrishna

Here’s a view of the Brahmatal campsite during snowfall. This campsite is surrounded by dark, umber-brown oak forests. These Oak forests are centuries old. “The sunsets from here are lovely. When the sun's rays fall on the trees, the barks and branches turn golden brown. It is definitely a sight to behold!”, describes Shachi Tripathi, one of our experienced Trek Leaders. Photo by Santhosh

When you are close to reaching the Jhandi Top, the mountains are hidden behind. After the final climb, the mountains suddenly put up a majestic show and you’re wowed by the views! At Jhandi top, you are almost at the center of the mountain views. To your right rises the massive Mt Trishul and to your left stands Mt Nanda Ghunti. Photo by Satyen Dasgupta

Here’s a photo that’ll remind you of the Windows wallpaper collection. On the way to Brahmatal from Jhandi Top, in the peak winters, you might come across such picture-perfect landscapes that’ll astound you! Photo by Chandana Puttalingaiah

The Brahmatal Lake is one of the major highlights of the trek. The setting of the lake is so picturesque that you cannot stop admiring its beauty. The lake being situated at an altitude of  12,250 feet, is semi-frozen in the winter with the clouds reflecting on its surface. Contradictory to the Bekaltal Lake, the Brahmatal is an oligotrophic lake with low levels of nutrients and lower productivity. Photo by Sudhir Varni

In some regions, the whole ground is covered in layers of snow, which might be around 2 feet deep. Walking on the snow is not very difficult because it gives a soft cushion underneath your feet and helps you have smooth landings. You don't feel the unevenness of the terrain. You also hear the soft sound of snow with each step you keep! Photo by Vishwas Krishnamurthy

This is the ridge that takes you to Brahmatal Top. It is one of the most beautiful ridge walks in our country. It is a challenging and tricky section at the same time. You feel a sense of thrill and adventure as you cross the ridge. Photo by Jitendra Pati

Throughout the trek, Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti, are your companions. At the highest point of the Brahmatal trek, Brahmatal Top,  a new set of mountains open themselves up before you. You see Mt Neelkanth, and Mt Hathi Ghoda while Trishul and Nanda Ghunti are to your right. That is why we say Brahmatal is one of the treks with the best mountain views! Photo by Britto Roshan Tirkey

I hope this photostory transported you to a world of snow-kissed peaks, dense forests, and tranquil lakes. The thrill of trekking in the Himalayas, surrounded by such breathtaking beauty is an experience that will forever etch itself into your memory. 

15 Photos That’ll Give You a Glimpse of Brahmatal's Winter Magic

The biggest reason to do the Goechala trek is the grand views of the big mountains you see. It’s every trekker’s dream to witness the first rays of the sun falling on the majestic mountains. Our trekker, Soudipan who trekked to Goechala last month shared some wonderful photos with us, and we cannot stop admiring them!

Witnessing the beauty of Kanchenjunga and the serenity of Samiti Lake was a transformative experience for him. Soudipan says “Seeing its splendor in person has always been in my heart, and Goechala, with its reputation for offering one of the finest views of Kanchenjunga in India up close, has been a personal milestone I was determined to reach.” 

Look at some of the best photos and the story behind it!

Here’s a view of the magnificent rolling hills from Dzongri Top. “As the sun started coming up and the clouds started to clear, the stunning landscape started to reveal itself”, describes Soudipan. Photo by Soudipan Maity.

This is a beautiful view from the Dzongri top just after sunrise. You can see a magnificent hide-and-seek play going on between the clouds and mountains. Photo by Soudipan Maity

The first rays of the sun cover the landscape in a golden hue. Photo by Soudipan Maity

Here’s a close-up view of the Kanchenjunga. “The first time we witnessed this magnified view of the Kanchenjungha, it was an instant hypnotizing feeling. No wonder, it is regarded as such a beautiful mountain” says Soudipan. Photo by Soudipan Maity

The ridge walk towards Dzongri Top is beautiful. The trail invites you with colorful Buddhist flags. At 13,670 ft, Dzongri Top is the highest point from which you get a 180-degree panoramic view of the mighty peaks. For most trekkers, Dzongri is a reward on its own. When trekkers reach the top point, they almost feel like they’re on the summit. Photo by Soudipan Maity

The entire trail has beautiful flora, from small wildflowers covered in dew drops to magnificent rhododendron trees. Photo by Soudipan Maity

You get grand views of Mt. Pandim and Mt.Tingchen Khang in their full glory from Dzongri. Photo by Soudipan Maity

Mt. Pandim slowly revealing itself from within the clouds at Dzongri. Photo by Soudipan Maity

On the sixth day of the trek, from Dzongri to Thansing via Kokchurang, you walk down to this bridge across the Prek Chu River. Trekkers like spending some time on the bridge and experiencing the cool breeze of the river. Photo by Soudipan Maity

The Goechala trail is known for its brilliant biodiversity. You will most likely encounter a beautiful butterfly going about its day near the Prek Chu River. Photo by Soudipan Maity

One of the biggest highlights of the Goechala trek is the sunrise scene on the Kanchenjunga range. The view from the viewpoint and Dzongri is incredible! The soft alpenglow on the mountain top is a sight that will stay etched in your mind. Photo by Soudipan Maity

You get a glorious view of the Kanchenjungha range in the morning light. In this photo, Kabru Dome and Kanchenjunga stand magnificently. Photo by Soudipan Maity

Words would fall short to describe the picturesque and serene Samiti Lake! “It seemed to appear even more beautiful from the high vantage point as we descended towards the lake” describes Soudipan. Photo by Soudipan Maity

The Samiti Lake is one of the major highlights of this trek. As you descend from the summit, the lake beautifully unveils itself. Look at the crystal-clear waters of the lake creating dominant reflections of the surrounding mountain ranges! Photo by Soudipan Maity

Here’s a panoramic view of the Samiti Lake. The lakeshores are home to mountain goats and bluebirds which you are most likely to spot. Photo by Soudipan Maity

The pristine Prek-Chu River stays with you throughout the trek. It originates from the Samiti Lake and connects to the Teesta River which is a major tributary of Brahmaputra. While it may not seem that wide, the Prek Chu River surely makes its presence felt with its ferocious roar. Photo by Soudipan Maity

A beautiful stream of the Prek Chu River cuts across the trail on the way to the Thansing campsite. Mt. Pandim can be seen rising tall in the background. Photo by Soudipan Maity

The trail towards the Thansing campsite is a scenic one. The campsite is set in a vast meadow. You camp right in front of the majestic Mt Pandim. You could view the hanging glaciers of Pandim with your binoculars! Photo by Soudipan Maity

You come across another wooden bridge along a mountain stream close to the Thansing campsite. The golden hues in the landscape stand out and are a visual treat to the eyes! Photo by Soudipan Maity

Here’s a photo of a beautiful moment of a trekker on the Goechala summit. Standing at such a high altitude, you feel a profound connection with nature. The vastness and beauty of the mountains will leave you speechless! Photo by Soudipan Maity

The Goechala Trek in autumn is a photographer's dream. You can immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors and breathtaking views. 

“I found the Goechala Trek to be particularly unique, unlike most other Himalayan treks that I have been on. In a way, the trail withholds its grand views, keeping them hidden until you have truly earned them”, shares Soudipan.

I hope you got a glimpse of what we mean when we say you can get the closest Mt Kanchenjunga without climbing it through this trek!

Click here to learn more about the Goechala trek.

20 Photos That’ll Take You on a Surreal Journey to Goechala

The Warwan Valley Trek has been fast gaining popularity among trekkers for its challenging yet fulfilling landscapes. You start the trek at the picturesque village of Panikhar, crossing rivers and glaciers. You camp at stunning campsites with wildflowers blooming all around. Walk through endless meadows, finally ending your journey after exploring the culture of old Kashmir at Sukhnai and Chaudraiman.

Our first group of trekkers went for Warwan Valley Trek on 17th July 2022. Luckily, they had perfect weather, and the photos they brought back from the trek blew us all away! The cross-over trail with its barren, purplish mountains and adventurous glacial walks ending with the green valleys of Kashmir - Warwan Valley is truly the most stunning trek in our country. See the glimpse of this expedition shared by our trekker Ankit Varshneya. 

Panikhar village in Suru Valley is full of farms and fields. This is also where the trek starts.  

Camping at the Delta basin of Denora. Denora is the confluence of two rivers. You will witness multiple meadows between the rivers, each lusher than the other. 

Trailer for the next day which is one of the most adventurous days! You will cross through these unique river crossings with hanging glacier behind towards Lomvilad Pass. Also notice the Ladakhi barren landscape.

70 mm wide valley. Wide expanses are a signature of all Kashmir treks. 

First encounter of glacial walks - Sets the scene for the next day.

The glacial walks reminds you of the Kumbu Icefall in Everest. Adventurous yet sweat-wrenching. 

You walk across small crevasses full of loose dirt on the glacier. 

Mighty Bracken Glacier. You walk approx 2 km on the glacier. You hop across huge chucks of ice each as big as a fridge. The most challenging section of the trek!

Lost world. After the strenuous walk on the glacier, you start to enter into green meadows marking the start of Kashmir Valley 

Endless meadow walks towards warwan valley. You start to witness green all around you. 

When you turn around while walking on the meadows - You see the barren mountains at the back showing us the crossover between Ladakh and Kashmir!

Humpet Campsite. It's a memorable experience to camp at such expansive landscapes. 3 rivers come and meet here. This makes the area a big river basin.

Camping at Sukhnai. It’s a pretty landscape with river flowing beside you, hills standing guard at the sides.

If you ever get the chance to go on long, endless walks on the meadows, it will stay as a core memory for a long time. 

Sukhnai Village serves as the perfect example of an old Kashmiri village. Road connectivity starts here. The main occupations of the locals being farming and shepherding. 

Villages of Warwan Valley. You will be trekking on trails bordered by fences. 

The beautiful village of Warwan Valley. Too perfect for pictures. 

A picture is truly worth a thousand words. But what's better than a picture?

"I always hesitated when someone asked me what my favourite trek was. I never had a clear answer for I liked different aspects of each trek. But after going on Warwan, no other trek comes close to it in my eyes." says Suhas Saya, Head of DIY team at Indiahikes. 

Suhas as a trekker has done and lead over 65 treks all over India! For him to say this about Warwan means a lot. Unfortunately, all good things are scarce. This trek can only be done safely for two months in a year. Test your mettle on this beautiful yet challenging trek. 

Share your story with us like Ankit did. We would love to celebrate you and your trek. 

Exploring Kashmir's Warwan Valley through the lens of a trekker: a photostory, campsites, meadows, villages, culture of Kashmir, Bracken glacier, Suru Valley, etc.

Exploring Kashmir's Warwan Valley through the lens of a trekker: A Photostory

Exploring Warwan Valley Trek through the lens of a trekker: a photostory

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.

Watch the videos below if you do not have the time to read the complete article. It will help you in choosing the autumn trek best suited for you. 

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 the 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 colours 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 the 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 striking autumn colours

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

Most trekkers have seen Dayara Bugyal resplendent with greenery and wildflowers. This is usually how it is 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 turns 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. All the photos in this photo story have been shared by Nitesh. 

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. 

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. 

Barren Ladakhi  Landscape. We see this at the starting of the Warwan Valley trek. 

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.  

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.   

You walk alongside the lake towards the glacier to get close to Kalapari Top. 

Glacier walk enroute to the base of Kalapari Top.  

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.  

"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

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

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

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. 

"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. 

Lost World. The ending of trans himalayan mountain ranges. 

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

Story

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