North Kashmir’s Wajid Khan completes trek of 106 alpine lakes

Srinagar : A 29-year-old passionate trekker and mountain enthusiast from North Kashmir, Wajid Khan, has gained popularity for his adventurous journey, completing the trek of 106 alpine lakes over the past two and a half years.

Speaking to Global Kashmir, Wajid, from Old Town Baramulla, shared, “I began my trekking journey in 2021. I love trekking, mountaineering, and solo camping.” Inspired by Danish Dhaar, founder of the All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation (AJKMF), Wajid went on to establish his own club, Baramulla Trip N Track, which now has 50 members. “I invite people to join our treks via social media, and we don’t charge any fee.

I teach them survival skills for 24 to 48 hours in challenging conditions without water and food,” he added.

Wajid has completed challenging climbs, including Sunset Peak in the Pir Panjal range, at an altitude of 4,750 meters, and Baraf Sar, around 4,300 meters above sea level. He aims to showcase hidden tourist spots beyond popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.

“I believe Tosamaidan, a vast meadow covering 11,000 acres at 3,000 meters, holds great tourism potential yet remains unexplored,” he noted.

While passionate about mountaineering, Wajid acknowledges the challenges, such as traveling across regions and facing security-related permission issues.

He expressed gratitude to his parents and club members for their support and encouraged the government to recognize trekking as an important sport, suggesting it could inspire young people to pursue healthier lifestyles away from issues like drug addiction.