FROM SOPORE TO THE HIGH HIMALAYAS: SHAHZAD AHMAD’S JOURNEY ACROSS 100+ ALPINE LAKES

Sopore: There are many ways to witness the beauty of Kashmir’s valleys, but some people do not merely look at these mountains—they make their paths a part of their journey. Shahzad Ahmad of Sopore is one such example. Over the past 13 years, he has reached more than 100 alpine lakes across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, completing a journey marked by passion, patience, hard work and a deep love for the mountains.

Shahzad’s journey began in August 2013, from Chandanwari in Pahalgam to Sukhnai in the Warwan Valley via the Sheshnag route. After this, following a gap of nearly five years, he completed the Kashmir Great Lakes trek in 2018, and his bond with the mountains grew stronger. During the initial years, regular trekking was not possible because of professional responsibilities, but he continued undertaking shorter treks in Baramulla and Bandipora.

Behind this long journey was not only Shahzad’s own determination but also the trust and support of his family. According to a recent report, Shahzad expressed special gratitude for the unconditional love, patience and continuous support of his family. Amid high mountains and challenging expeditions, this family support remained an important source of encouragement for him.

In 2020, he co-founded the Mountain Warriors Adventure Club. After this, along with fellow members and senior trekkers, he undertook expeditions in several high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. His journey continued through the Kashmir Great Lakes, Herpora, Tarsar-Marsar, the lakes of Tosamaidan and several other challenging routes.

Shahzad’s latest achievement came on 31 August 2026, when he completed the Nagender Lakes expedition in the Warwan Valley. With this expedition, he reached an important milestone of exploring more than 100 alpine lakes. The expedition also included BarafSar, which the report describes as one of Kashmir’s highest alpine lakes, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,642 metres (15,100 feet).

Reaching such an altitude is not merely a matter of physical strength. It requires preparation, an understanding of weather conditions, coordination with the team and the ability to maintain courage in difficult circumstances. Shahzad’s journey is a story of this discipline and continuous effort.

The journey from Sopore to the heights of the Himalayas also carries a beautiful message for the youth of North Kashmir. Success does not always require a big city, extensive resources or easy routes. At times, determination, the trust of one’s family and consistent hard work are enough to take a person towards new destinations.

In Kashmir, it is often said that no matter how long the journey, taking the first step is essential. Shahzad’s 13-year journey brings this thought to life. A journey that began in 2013 gradually reached more than 100 alpine lakes. This is not the achievement of a single day, but the result of years of hard work, patience and repeatedly returning towards the mountains.

The achievement also draws attention to Kashmir’s natural heritage. Alpine lakes at high altitudes are not merely beautiful places; they are also part of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Therefore, along with adventure, respect for nature and responsible trekking are equally important.

Ultimately, Shahzad Ahmad’s story is not merely a number—more than 100 lakes. It is a story of a spirit that quietly creates its own path. With the trust of his family, encouragement from his companions and his own passion, this journey from Sopore has reached the heights of the Himalayas.

And perhaps this is the most beautiful lesson of his story—we may not always decide how high the destination is, but we can certainly decide when to take the first step and how courageously we take it.