As we enter the month of March, we have also come to the end of the February Photo Contest. Everything about this month's contest was exciting.

Starting with the theme for this month - Colours On A Trek. We wanted trekkers to show the most colourful side of the mountains they had seen. It could be photos of flowers, mountains, green meadows, forests, flowers, bird life, animals, or a mix of all of these elements

And we received some stunning entries. Shortlisting 10 nominations from 1050 photos were tough. And choosing the winners was tougher.

After multiple rounds finally, we have the top 3 photos. Here are the Winners of the Trek Photography contest for February 2023.

A spectacular sunrise by the river. Photo by Apurva Ulabhaje

Trekking by a stream in the Himalayas, especially early in the morning, is a charming experience. This photo instantly transports you to the land of the mountains, with the stream, trees lining it and the mountains rising in the backdrop.

Congratulations Apurva Ulabhaje! You have won the First Prize, with the terrific ZERO 50-liter Rucksack by Adventure Worx, which you can use on all your future treks.

A horse grazing on the meadows of Bhaj Margi. Photo by Vishal Pawar

One of the new treks in Kashmir. This route to Nafran Valley is remote and takes you to some of the most scenic parts of the valley. 

 Congratulations Vishal Pawar! You have won the runner-up prize, you will be getting an Indiahikes Trek Voucher of Rs. 2,000 which will be valid until 29th February 2024.  

A brilliant photo of Mt. Chaukhambha captured while on the back from Kheerganga. Photo by Amaan Raja

What makes this photo stand out is the still and clear reflection of the mountain in the pond. 

Congratulations Amaan Raja! You have won an Indiahikes surprise Goodie Bag from Indiahikes. 

With that, we come to the end of Indiahikes February 2023 Photo Contest. If these photos piqued your interest, I would nudge you to check out the nominations. Those photos too were almost as good! 

Please note: We will announce the theme for our March 2023 Photo Contest in a couple of days. So stay tuned!

the magnificent skylines, the alpenglow, the golden hour, the silhouettes, the emotions... And we must admit, several photos completely stole our hearts!

November 2022 Photo Contest Winner

Indiahikes February 2023 Photo Contest Winners

Theme: Colours On A Trek

We've received overwhelming entries for the February 2023 Photo Contest, more than 1050 within a month! The theme was Colours on Treks. 

For this contest, we wanted to see the most colourful side of the mountains you have seen. Through photos of flowers, mountains, green meadows, forests, flowers, bird life, animals, or a mix of all of these elements

And we're glad to see that quite a few photographs brought out some brilliant colours on the trek. 

It was difficult to keep the top nominations to 10 photos this time. Therefore, after multiple rounds, we were able to zero in on these 14 photographs. Take a look at them and vote for your favourite photograph :)

The voting form is at the end of this blog. 

Stunning view of Mt. Chaukhambha reflected in the lake.

Look closely, this photo tells a story of the rising sun and trekkers getting ready for the trek. 

3. Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek - Abhishek Gurudutt 

This trek is known for bird-watching. But capturing birds through your lens is not easy. 

One of the new treks in Kashmir. This route is remote and takes you to some of the most scenic parts of the valley. 

Monsoon is a time for blooming flowers in Himachal Pradesh. And this picture depicts it beautifully. 

Another one from this trek. Notice how coniferous trees line the beautifully manicured meadows. It denotes the perfect setting for a trek in Kashmir. 

7. EBC - Gokyo Lakes trek-Sushil Gowardhan

Look how the brilliant blue sky is getting reflected in the Gokyo lake. By the lake, you have the remote settlement of the Gokyo village. The turquoise roofs of the houses add to the beauty of this photograph.  

Trekking by a stream in the Himalayas is a charming experience. This photo instantly transports you to the land of the mountains, with the stream, trees lining it and the mountains rising in the backdrop. 

9. Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek -Yogesh Shinde

This is one of the iconic photos which depicts the arrival of spring on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek. The snow has not melted, but rhododendrons have started blooming. And that makes for a vibrant picture, doesn't it?

It's always a sight to witness the morning rays lighting up the Himalayan mountains. This photo beautifully captures that scene. 

Coming across a handsome waterfall on a trek is refreshing. Notice the lush greens and the rugged mountains in this picture. It shows a great composition!

This is a typical setting of Lahaul. Lush green valley with barren mountains in the backdrop. And then there's the remote settlement. 

This is a pass trek. And this picture shows the green side of the trek, with beautiful flowering shrubs. This setting changes dramatically to a barren landscape once you cross the pass.  

14. Deoriatal Chandrashila - Ekansh Chaurasia

You get to see a range of mountains of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas from the summit of Chandrashila. But this photo puts a beautiful spotlight on Mt. Nanda Devi, the tallest mountain in India.

We loved going through all the photos that you shared with us. But we are looking for the top 3 photos. And one of them is the Trekker's Choice Photo. So use the form below to vote for your favorite photo.

We will announce the winners on March 1, 2023. 

January 2023 Indiahikes Photo Contest Nominations Out!

Indiahikes February 2023 Photo Contest! Forest on The Trek

Colours on Trek

Top 14 Photos from February 2023 Photo Contest | Nominations Out!

We are back with the February edition of the Indiahikes Photo Contest, which is open to all. You're welcome to participate no matter which part of the country you are in (even overseas). You're welcome to share pictures from your Indiahikes treks or treks you have done on your own. 

We are approaching the tail end of winter. And a seasonal transition is in the offing. In a month, the season will start transitioning to a colourful spring. 

During the transition, you’ll see a charming mix of snow and greenery. Tiny flowers begin to bloom. The forest starts coming to life with birds and animals coming out of their winter slumber. We slowly witness nature starting to change its colours.

For the February 2023 Photo Contest, we want to put the spotlight on this transition. 

Show us the most colourful side of the mountains you have seen. It can be photos of flowers, mountains, green meadows, forests, flowers, bird life, animals, or a mix of all of these elements

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

Click here to enter your top 5 photographs

Watch this quick video to know about this month's theme. 

Here are the kind of photos we are looking for:

Before sending in your photos, take a look at these:

Enjoying a vibrant beautiful sunset from the Nag Tibba campsite. Photo by Kumar Amrit

The trail to Chopta with blooming rhododendron flowers on both sides. Photo by Jothiranjan

A commanding view of Mt Dronagiri from Tapoban. Photo by Mallikarjuna M. 

Spring colours from Juda Ka Talab campsite on Phulara Ridge trek. Photo by Milind Anand

Jaw-dropping view of Mt. Chaukhamba over the green setting of Deoriatal lake. Photo by Rupender Yadav

Now that you have a good idea of what we're looking for, run through your archives and share your Top 5 Photographs that depict this month’s theme Colours On A Trek.

We have special prizes for our top 3 photographs :

The winner gets a 50-litre Rucksack by Adventure Worx.

The Runner up gets this wonderful water purifying bottle by Paany.

Trekkers Choice Award gets a surprise Goodie Bag from Indiahikes. The photo that wins the highest votes out of our Top 10 nominations will be the Trekkers choice award

1. You can submit a maximum of 5 photos (Both Landscape and Vertical/Mobile photos accepted)

2. The size of each photograph should not exceed 10 MB

3. Please name your photos in the following format

“Trek name – Your name – Caption”

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

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).

The last date for entries is on February 25th, 2023 at 11.59 pm.

We will announce the nominations on our website on February 27th, 2023, and the winners on March 1st, 2023.

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

Looking forward to seeing your best photographs. Good luck!

We have special prizes for our top 3 photographs :
The winner gets a 35 litres backpack by Adventure Worx.
The Runner up gets a Paany Water-Filter bottle
Trekkers Choice Award gets a surprise Indiahikes merchandise. The photo that wins the highest votes out of our Top 10 nominations will be the Trekkers choice award

Indiahikes February 2023 Photo Contest - Open To All

Indiahikes February 2023 Photo Contest Colours On A Trek Forest section Himalayan forest Himalayan flowers Spring treks

Indiahikes February 2023 Photo Contest - Colours On A Trek - Open to all

We received some splendid entries for the January 2023 Photo Contest. The theme was Forest on Treks.

For this contest, we were looking for photographs that bring out the essence of trekking in a forest. The heady scent of pine, oak, and rhododendrons. Dried leaves crackling under your feet. These form the first, indelible memory of the trek. Simply because you always begin your Himalayan trek by stepping into a forest. And, these forest sections set the mood.

And we received some stunning entries. Choosing nominations was tough. And choosing the winners was tougher.

Finally, the results are out! Here are the Winners of the Trek Photography contest January 2023.

This section of blooming rhododendrons is on the way to Chopta.

If you wish to see blooming rhododendrons in the Himalayas, Deoriatal-Chandrashila is the trek to do in spring. And this photo shows you why. There are so many rhododendron trees on this trek! It makes the entire trail come alive with colour.

Congratulations Yogesh Shinde! You have won the First Prize, with the terrific ZERO 50-liter Rucksack by Adventure Worx, which they can use on all their future treks.

Trekker walking through the forest section filled with ancient oak trees.

The forest on Kedarkantha trek are not dense, but they're quite charming. More so because of how neatly the trees are laid out in the forest. You'll also notice that the forest floor is covered with fallen leaves that crunch as you walk over them. This photo captures the essence of a forest on Kedarkantha very well. 

 Congratulations Shreyan Chatterjee! You have won the runner up prize, with the wonderful water purifying bottle by Paany, which is a Godsend while trekking and travelling. 

You come across this section of dark forest while descending from Ran ka Dhar and entering the Neelganga Valley.

This is our favorite photo of the forest on the Roopkund trek. Which is also currently used on Ali Bedni Bugyal trek. The oak and rhododendron forest in this section is so dense that barely any sunlight passes through the trees. That's why this section looks so dark.

Congratulations Atish Waghwase! your photo was chosen as the Trekkers Choice Award with 23.9% of all the voters chose your photograph :) You have won an Indiahikes surprise Goodie Bag from Indiahikes. 

With that, we come to the end of Indiahikes January 2023 Photo Contest. If these photos piqued your interest, I would nudge you to check out the nominations. Those photos too were almost as good! 

Please note: We will announce the theme for our February 2023 Photo Contest in a couple of days. So stay tuned!

Indiahikes January 2023 Photo Contest Winners

Theme: Forest On The Trek

We received some splendid entries for the January 2023 Photo Contest. The theme was Forest on Treks. 

For this contest we were looking for photographs that bring out the essence of trekking in a forest. The heady scent of pine, oak, and rhododendrons. Dried leaves crackling under your feet. These form the first, indelible memory of the trek. Simply because you always begin your Himalayan trek by stepping into a forest. And, these forest sections set the mood.

And we're glad to see that quite a few photographs were able to do justice to the experience of trekking in a forest. 

It was difficult to pick just 8 photos but top nominations. And after multiple rounds, we were able to zero in on these 8 photographs. Take a look at them and vote for your favourite photograph :)

Kedarkantha trek is known for its beautiful and immersive forest. In winters, the forest dons a Christmas-y feel with its tall pine trees. 

This is view from the Juda ka Talaab campsite. You camp here when you are trekking to Kedarkantha from the Sankri route. 

This is our favorite photo of the forest on the Roopkund trek. Which is also currently used on Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek. The oak and rhododendron forest in this section is so dense that barely any sunlight passes through the trees. That's why this section looks so dark. 

You come across this section of dark forest while descending from Ran ka Dhar and entering the Neelganga Valley. 

3. Deoriatal-Chandrashila - Yogesh Shinde

If you wish to see blooming rhododendrons in the Himalayas, Deoriatal-Chandrashila is the trek to do in spring. And this photo shows you why. There are so many rhododendron trees on this trek! It makes the entire trail come alive with colour. 

4. Deoriatal-Chandrashila - Abhishek Gurudutt

This section, right after the Akash Kamini river, is the least frequented section on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek. It's one of the most enjoyable and lush sections of the trek. Notice the undergrowth on the floor of the forest. It's a beautiful blend forest that looks alpine and tropical.  

The Akash Kamini river flowing through the dense forest

 Unlike the forest on Deoriatal-Chandrashila, the forest on Kedarkantha trek are not so dense. But they are equally picturesque. The forest floor is covered with fallen leaves that crunch as you walk over them. 

Trekker walking through the forest section filled with ancient oak trees. 

 This trek skirts on the border of India and Nepal. It has a culture of tea houses. For most part of the trek you will stay in tea houses. But on a coupl of days you get to camp in the forest. And that's a treat!

The sun rays penetrating through the forest in Molley with a pet horse created a beautiful canvas.

7. Tamenglong Forest Trek - Meijianlung Pamei

 We saw one of the most dense forests on this treks. The trek takes you deep inside the virgin jungles of Manipur, many sections of which are reminiscent of the Amazon forests.

Sun light filtering through the dense forest of Manipur. 

Notice how the golden sunlight is filtering through the forest of Sandakphu-Phalut trek. The forest on this trek is especially magnificient because it's situated in the Singalila National Park. 

Golden sun rays through the forest of Molley

We loved going through all the forest photos that you shared with us. But we are looking for the top 3 photos. And one of them is the Trekker's Choice Photo. So use the form below to vote for your favourite photo.

We will announce the winners on January 30, 2023. 

Indiahikes January 2023 Photo Contest! Forest on The Trek

Forest on the Trek

Nominations Out! Indiahikes January 2023 Photo Contest 

It's a brand new year, and we want to start by celebrating the picturesque forest on treks.  

The heady scent of pine, oak, and rhododendrons. Dried leaves crackling under your feet. These form the first, indelible memory of the trek. Simply because you always begin your Himalayan trek by stepping into a forest. And, these forest sections set the mood.

They prepare you for the cathartic experience of stepping into an expansive meadow with majestic mountains popping at the horizon. It’s the forests — how they begin and how they end – that determine the mood of the trek.

For January 2023, we want you to share picture-perfect photographs of forests that you have come across on treks.  

Like always, the contest is open to all. You're welcome to participate no matter which part of the country you are in (even overseas). To participate, you share pictures from your Indiahikes treks or treks you have done on your own.

Note: It’s still a photo contest, so the photo needs to be technically sound and well-framed.

In the middle of the Oak forest on the Kuari Pass trek. Photo by Jothiranjan. 

Lush green forest on the Dayara Bugyal trek. Photo by Anubhav Bhatt. 

Dayara forest trail. Photo by Avishek Dasgupta

Khorurai forest on Brahmatal trek. Photo by Abhishek M 

Sunrays penetrating through the dense Tamenglong forest in Manipur. Photo by Dhaval Jajal

Now that you have a good idea of what we're looking for, run through your archives and share your Top 5 Photographs that depict this month’s theme Forests on Trek.

The last date for entries is on January 25th, 2023 at 11.59 pm.

We will announce the nominations on our website on January 27th, 2022, and the winners on January 31st, 2023.

Indiahikes November 2022 Photo Contest - Open To All

Indiahikes January 2023 Photo Contest Forest on Treks Forest section Himayan forest

Theme:

Indiahikes January 2023 Photo Contest - Forest on Treks - Open to all

December 2022's challenge was was to share your happiest moments on the trek through some great photographs. 

It was not an easy challenge. Capturing an emotion, like happiness, requires good photography skills. The theme slightly leaned towards technical photography where facial expression and the framing as per the mood of the photo were crucial. And unfortunately, we could not find any winners who did justice to the theme. 

Yet, we received some wonderful entries that warmed our hearts :) And I would like to share them with you here. 

Here are the Top 8 entries that we felt should be featured on Indiahikes Website. 

Below, we are laying out our Top 8 photos for the month of December 2022.

Being on a trek releases many happy hormones. And this photo reflects that high beautifully! A Himalayan trek could indeed make you jump with joy :)

Jumping with joy on the Sandakphu-Phalut trek. 

While sharing this beautiful photo Isha shared the memories attached to this image, "Sharing laughter with a friend as we realize that we are finally among the beautiful snowcapped mountains. Emotional moment as she held snow for the first time on Brahmatal summit with beautiful Mt.Trishul in the background. Happy moment with a local dog as he tagged along with us on the whole trail."

On similar lines, Eshika Jain too shared her favourite memory. To her, the favorite memory comprises of the purest hugs, being together forever, on top of the world and warm hearts :)

Another photo, this time a silhouette from the Brahmatal trek. 

This is a delightful photo from a trek that is steeped in culture. You come across ancient villages on this trek. And that caught Vadiraj's attention. "Children's smile is always infectious and seeing children laugh will always make you happy," is what he said while sharing this photo. 

Children on the Har Ki Dun-Ruinsara Tal trek. 

The photographer named this memory as Distinct Delight. He said, "This is one of our favourite moments during the Goechala Trek. The first pristine views of Mt. Pandim enroute Thansing. Sheer joy to behold." 

That feeling when you have your beastie to share your joy and sense of achievement of reaching summit together. 

7. Har ki Dun-Ruinsara Tal trek - Sumeet Singh

 This photo depicts a warm victory on the Himalayan trek. Sharing the backstory, photographer Sumeet Singh says, "My friend had never visited north India, nor the Himalayas. I asked him to come with me on 'Har ki Dun' trek. He agreed but I was worried whether his body could bear that cold. Whether he will be fine at high altitude or not. But his fitness amazed me! We both completed trek together :) He was happy and content to be in the laps of Himalayas, and he thanked me for asking me to come trekking along me."

A moment of victory on the Har Ki Dun-Ruinsara Tal trek.

This photo was shot in a monastery on the way back from Pin Bhaba Pass.

"The moment captured is when you realize what you just witnessed in the trek: harsh conditions, rough weather; but you came out stronger and more resilient on the other side," shares trekker Om Gujjar. Describing the photo he says, "This is a photo shot early in the morning when you are able to connect with nature the most. The Tibetan flags, with their vibrant colors wrapping the subject gives this immense sense of joy and peace just by looking at the photo."

Taking a moment to let it all sink in after the Pin Bhaba Pass trek.

This month's photo contest turned out to be an exception. But we thank you for sending it your entries :) 

We are soon announcing the theme for January 2023's photo contest. Stay clued! 

December 2022 Indiahikes Photo Contest Nominations Out!

Indiahikes December 2022 Photo Contest! Happiest Moment on Trek

Happiest Moment on the Trek

Top Photos from Indiahikes December 2022 Photo Contest! 

Mrunal is an engineering graduate and is currently working in a start-up company. He went to the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek this year. Mrunal shared about his experience, the changes he has observed in himself after the trek, and the effects of walking in the mountain. 

“Ever since 2015, I have wanted to visit Kailash Manasarovar. However, every year something happened and I couldn't really go. I was very disappointed when I came to know that the government was not opening it this year as well. 

That’s when I contacted my cousin who had also started trekking last year. We went on many one-day treks in and around Bangalore and my cousin came up with the idea of trekking with Indiahikes. We did not want all our physical training and efforts to go to waste, so we picked an easy-moderate trek. 

The entire trek was full of warm memories and beautiful scenery. The fact that there was no hitch throughout the journey, and how the trek leader recounted many folklores helped me connect with the mountains. 

Like every other person, I enjoyed the serene atmosphere, the calm, the beauty, and everything that came with the trails. But when we returned from the trek, our trek leader Rishi asked us - “how did this trek change you?” That’s when I went blank. 

Although I thought a lot about it, I couldn't really realize what had changed yet. I kept wondering about it, but I soon returned home and things had gone back to normal. What really had changed? 

I started going to the office and as soon as work began, it hit me. I started noticing visible changes in how I thought and handled situations. At work, I was always very anxious about the uncertainty. If a big event was planned one week down the line, I would worry for weeks. How would the event go? What direction would it take? How will it turn out in the end? I drowned in these questions. 

Mrunal during the  Deoriatal Chandrashila trek

My major problem at work was this: I'm the manager and lead a very lean team. My team’s work is only headed by 16 people and if one person leaves there will be a lot of load on me and other members. And before the trek,  it was likely that one or two people would end up leaving. 

Ironically, when I came back from the trek, one person had actually resigned. If it had been before the trek, I would overthink without a break. I would think 100 of things and find ways to prevent employees from leaving the job. Yet, when I came back, my thinking patterns and reactions had changed completely. 

I was very calm and handled the situation with ease. The negative thoughts did not come to my mind. I told myself, “he has resigned, so now let me see what I can do.” I assessed the situation very calmly and that was when it struck me that the trek had taught me how to cope with uncertainty from a different perspective. 

Now, I no longer worry about things that I cannot control. I take the challenges as and when they come. What will happen, will happen. 

The thought process that, “whatever happens, happens for good,” came to me naturally. I did not force it on myself, but it happened right after the trek. 

Sometimes, good things will come when you least expect it. And that’s why, I have decided to continue my journey with trekking. I have fallen in love and there’s no going back! 

Mrunal had a lot of work-related anxiety. After going to the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek, he could handle his emotions better and worked with ease.

How trekking helped Mrunal become better at handling uncertainty when he least expected it!

Deoriatal Chandrashila, uncertainty, work stress, transformation 

How trekking helped Mrunal become better at handling uncertainty when he least expected it! 

The last photo contest edition of year 2022 is here! And we’ve decided to end the year on a happy note :) 

As a trekker, we’re sure you relive moments from your trek every now and then — it could be that euphoric moment when you finally reached the summit! It could be that moment you were moved to tears by a beautiful sunrise. It could be the reflective time you spent by yourself at a campsite.

Through this month's contest, we are fishing for such happy stories from the treks. So dig into your trek album and share some of your happiest trek moments with us. 

Note: It’s still a photo contest, so the photo needs to be technically sound and well-framed. No selfies.

Feeling soft snowflakes on the face, in the oak and maple forest of Dayara Bugyal trek. Photo by Jothiranjan. 

Tasting first snowfall on the Dayara Bugyal trek. Photo by Jothiranjan. 

That moment on the summit. Taken from the highest point of the Brahmatal trek with a view of Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul. Photo by Aniruddha Sinha

The unforgettable experience of hugging an ancient oak tree in the forest of Deoriatal Chandrashila trek. Photo by Jothiranjan. 

The taste of first snow is always special. A group waiting for snowfall on the Pangarchulla trek. Photo by Jothiranjan

Snow fights are big delights during winter. This one was captured on the Brahmatal trek. Photo by Vishwajeet Chavan. 

A moment captured on the snow-covered landscape of Dayara Bugyal. The photo was taken in the Big Snow Season (Jan-Feb) by Debashish Ghosh. 

Now that you have a good idea of what we're looking for, run through your archives and share your Top 5 Photographs that depict this month’s theme Happy Moments on Trek.

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).

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