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Don’t let the name fool you—the Rabbit Trail is no easy stroll! It starts at Hacienda Zuleta and takes you up into the mountains, reaching 3,140 meters. The climb is steep, but the views? Worth it! Then comes the real challenge—the way down. The trail gets steep and slippery, making every step an adventure (or a test of balance, depending on how you see it!).
We saw ancient earth mounds built by the Caranqui culture between 700 and 1500 CE. These truncated pyramids and circular mounds were used for ceremonial, residential, and astronomical purposes. Today, they’re covered in grass, which helps preserve them.
Finally, we reached Condor Huasi, where we saw Andean condors up close. A French biologist who has dedicated his life to protecting these endangered birds in Ecuador gave us a deep dive into their conservation efforts. Pretty fascinating stuff!
After the talk, we hiked a bit more than 3 km back over a mostly flat cobblestone road—a welcome change after all the climbing! After almost five hours on the trail, we were more than ready to enjoy a late (very late!) lunch.
The picture on display captures the view from the highest point of our hike (3,140m), overlooking the valley below at approximately 2,880m, where Condor Huasi is located.
Hacienda Zuleta, Zuleta, Angochagua, Province de Imbabura, Ecuador
Don't be fooled by the name—the Rabbit Trail is far from a gentle walk. Starting at Hacienda Zuleta, it ascends steeply into the mountains, reaching up to 3,140 meters above sea level. The climb can be tough in parts, but the panoramic views—expansive valleys, distant ridgelines, and the vastness of the Andean landscape—make it worthwhile.
The real adventure begins on the descent. The trail narrows and becomes slippery, especially after rain, requiring careful footing. Along the way, we passed several earth mounds built by the Caranqui culture, who inhabited this region from 700 to 1500 CE. These truncated pyramids and ceremonial platforms served rituals, residential, and astronomical purposes. Today, they are overgrown with grass, which surprisingly helps preserve them.
Eventually, we reached Cóndor Huasi, a small conservation effort aimed at protecting the Andean condor—one of the world's largest flying birds and a cultural symbol in the Andes. We met a French biologist dedicated to safeguarding these endangered birds in Ecuador. His enthusiasm and expertise brought the project to life in a personal and insightful way.
Afterward, we walked about 3 km on a cobblestone path back to the hacienda. The mostly flat route gave our legs a rest after the climb. After nearly five hours on the trail, we arrived hungry, tired, and satisfied—just in time for a late lunch.
This photo was taken along the trail, looking down into one of the steep valleys characteristic of this part of the Ecuadorian highlands. I converted it to black and white to emphasize the textures and natural lines of the landscape. Without color, the emphasis shifts to light, shape, and depth—elements often overshadowed in a more colorful scene.
After completion of Har Ki Dun trek a trekker takes a conversation with Bahattar singh,a vetaren guide of this route.
Kalkattidhar is a bugiyal (meadow) on the way to Har Ki Doon. Mt. Yellow tooth and Mt. Kalnag ar visible from this place.
Har ki Doon means the place of Lord Shiva. This place can be reached by trekking. Here a top view of the beautiful valley is photographed.
While coming back from Har Ki Doon I met this lady. Among Garhwali ladies, she possesses a unique beauty, she neither looks like a garhwal lady nor her face is fully western type. rather her beauty can be said as indo aryan beauty.
She was sitting on a rock beside to a bunch of wood. She carried it from the forest which was at least 5 kilometer from that place and will carry to his home, which is 10 kilometer away. This is almost a regular work, as by selling wood she earns bread and butter.
Great Himalayan National Park(GHNP) in kullu region of India,is home to some of the finest eco systems in the world.Spectacular views from high altitudes,pristine rivers and brooks,long winding jungle trails,broad leaved trees(including the very beautiful maple tree)and most importantly its wildlife make it a photographers paradise.The most strikingly coloured pheasants like the Monal,Western Tragopan and kaleej are all to be found here.The himalayan red fox,civet,Ghural,Bharal(blue sheep),Giant Indian Flying Squirrel are some of the animals that can be spotted while trekking inside the core region.But the resident king of the jungle is the very elusive and the most handsome of cats-the snow leopard.Along with the brown and black bear they form the top of the food chain in GHNP.Their prey includes the mountain sheep and musk deer.
This image was shot inside the core region of GHNP at Raktikhol at an altitude of 11,000 feet,with the evening winter sun lending a nice warm feel to the landscape.I quite liked the block of vibrant primary colours in the landscape.