The Himalayas are more than just a destination — they’re a canvas of emotion, culture, and breathtaking beauty. Every step taken at high altitudes, every frame captured above the clouds, is a memory etched in hues that only the mountains can paint.
At Flying Squirrel Holidays, we have spent years curating meaningful journeys to the heart of the Himalayas. Now, we invite you to tell us your version of that story through your lens.
We are proud to announce the official launch of our first contest, “Colours of Altitude.” This campaign is a visual tribute to the majestic terrains, vivid hues, rich cultures, and raw emotions found in some of the highest places on Earth.
From the crimson peaks of Ladakh to the prayer flags of Sikkim, “Colours of Altitude” is more than a contest — it’s a celebration of stories waiting to be told. If you’ve ever witnessed the silent power of the mountains, this is your chance to be seen, heard, and remembered.
Whether you’re a hobbyist, traveler, or professional photographer, this is your opportunity to be a part of something unforgettable.
Why you should participate
Be featured in our Digital Photo Exhibition
Win travel vouchers and certificates
Gain visibility across Flying Squirrel Holidays’ platforms
Get published with full credit in our blog, social media, and exhibitions
Build your creative portfolio with professional recognition
About the Contest:
The contest invites visual storytellers to submit photographs that express the colours, people, landscapes, traditions, and emotions of high-altitude regions.
What we’re looking for:
Himalayan landscapes and panoramic beauty
Culture, tradition, and daily life of mountain communities
Colorful visuals of prayer flags, monasteries, forests, skies, and snow
Powerful emotional stories embedded in the frame
Eligible regions include the Himalayas of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other high-altitude locations above 2,000 meters.
Themes [Any of the following]
Nature’s Palette: Showcasing the colors of landscapes, skies, mountains, and valleys.
Cultural Colors: Capturing the colorful cultural expressions, festivals, and local life at high altitudes.
Flora & Fauna: Highlighting vibrant plants, flowers, and wildlife found at high-altitude environments.
The Spirit of Adventure: Photos of people engaged in adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, and exploring the high-altitude areas.
This is your chance to merge art and adventure — to transform travel into timeless visual poetry.
Prizes and Recognition
We will select four winning entries that best interpret the theme and deliver a strong storytelling impact.
Prize Pool: ₹25,000
Grand Prize Winner – ₹10,000 Travel Voucher For the most powerful photograph perfectly captures the spirit of “Colours of Altitude.”
2 Runner-up Awards – ₹5,000 Travel Voucher Each For stunning visuals that evoke emotion, colour, and connection to the highlands.
Special Jury Award: Best Storyteller – ₹5,000 Travel Voucher Awarded for the most compelling caption or story that brings the photograph to life beyond the frame.
Contest timeline – Colours of Altitude
Date
Milestone
19 May 2025
Contest Opens — Start submitting your entries
11 June 2025
Last Date for Submission
16 June 2025
Winner Announcement & Digital Photography Exhibition
Stay ready
Submit your best shot by 1st June 2025 and stand a chance to get featured in our exclusive digital exhibition curated by Flying Squirrel Holidays.
Optionally, post your photos with the hashtag #ColoursOfAltitude for added exposure.
Terms and conditions
Eligibility
Open to Indian nationals aged 18 and above
Both amateur and professional photographers are welcome
No entry fee required
Entry guidelines
Each participant may submit a maximum of 3 photos
High-resolution images required (minimum 1080 x 1080 px)
Photographs must be original and captured by the participant
AI-generated or stock photos are not allowed
No watermarks or logos permitted
Each photo must include a title and a caption/story (max 100 words)
The subject must relate to high-altitude regions
Copyright and Usage
The photographer retains full copyright of their images
By entering, participants grant Flying Squirrel Holidays non-exclusive rights to feature the images (with credit) in digital exhibitions, blogs, and promotions
No commercial sale or third-party licensing will be done without permission
Judging Criteria
Relevance to the theme: “Colours of Altitude”
Emotional impact and storytelling strength
Creativity and originality
Visual and technical quality
Digital photo exhibition
Winning entries will be showcased in “Colours of Altitude: A Story in Frames”, an exclusive digital exhibition that captures the soul of the mountains through the eyes of our top visual storytellers.
This exhibition will be hosted across:
Flying Squirrel Holidays’ blog and website
Instagram, Facebook, and other social media channels
Email newsletters and partner platforms
Each photo will be featured with the photographer’s name, caption, and profile tag for full recognition.
