By the age of 25, Akeel Khan, a young lad from Rajbagh, Srinagar, has already overcome a challenge that would have tested the resilience of even the strongest persons. After surviving a devastating accident that left him bedridden for 14 months, with multiple fractures and two leg surgeries, Akeel not only recovered but went on to conquer some of the most remote and stunning alpine lakes and peaks of Kashmir. His journey from a hospital bed to the rugged mountains is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for nature.
Akeel, who holds a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from SSM College of Engineering and Technology, was always an active individual, especially passionate about sports. “I played cricket a lot during my childhood, and I always loved exploring new places and meeting people,” Akeel told Rising Kashmir. However, the demands of his studies and later the accident significantly limited his opportunities to travel. It wasn’t until 2021, after a long and painful recovery, that he discovered the world of trekking.
Despite doctors advising him to avoid any major physical activity for two years post-surgery, Akeel made a bold decision just six months into his recovery—he embarked on his first trek. “I was invited by a college friend to join a trek to Sheeshnag Lake in Pahalgam. I had no idea what trekking was about, but I was eager to get back on my feet,” he said. The experience was life-changing. Though Akeel experienced pain in his leg during and after the trek, the joy of being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the mountains outweighed everything else. “I was in pain, but the happiness I felt from being in the mountains was much greater,” he added.
This first trek sparked a passion that would soon see Akeel traversing some of the most stunning yet challenging terrains in Kashmir. He quickly became addicted to the mountains, and soon after, he joined a local trekking group from Soura, Srinagar. The group’s weekend expeditions opened up a new world of exploration for Akeel, allowing him to trek to the serene alpine lakes scattered across the Kashmir Valley. These lakes, nestled between towering peaks and lush meadows, are some of the most beautiful natural wonders in Kashmir.
Among the lakes Akeel explored were Gangbal Lake, one of the largest and most famous alpine lakes in Kashmir, and Vishansar and Krishansar Lakes, located near Sonamarg. He also ventured to the remote Tarsar and Marsar Lakes in the Aru Valley, a trek known for its challenging terrain and pristine beauty. “Each lake had its own unique charm, and being there gave me a sense of peace and accomplishment,” Akeel said. Over the span of just a few years, Akeel completed over 100 alpine lake treks, making him one of the most experienced trekkers in the region.
But Akeel didn’t stop at trekking. His passion for the mountains led him to venture into the world of rock climbing, a more technical and demanding sport. “I had no idea about the equipment or the level of professionalism required for rock climbing,” Akeel said. It was during this phase of his journey that he met Ahsaan Mohsin, a renowned mountaineer from Kashmir. Ahsaan became Akeel’s mentor, guiding him through the technicalities of rock climbing and helping him develop the skills needed to navigate this new challenge. “He introduced me to rock climbing workshops in Srinagar and encouraged me to pursue formal training,” Akeel said.
Following his mentor’s advice, Akeel enrolled in the Basic Rock Climbing Course at the Swami Vivekananda Institute of Mountaineering in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. This marked a turning point in his mountaineering career, as he gained a deeper understanding of the techniques and safety measures essential for rock climbing. But Akeel’s thirst for adventure didn’t end there. In June 2024, he completed the Basic Mountaineering Course at the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports in Pahalgam, earning an A grade. “Mountaineering and rock climbing are two very different disciplines, and I wanted to gain knowledge in both,” he said.
Through these courses, Akeel learned not only the technical skills required for mountaineering but also about the importance of using the right equipment and understanding the risks involved in high-altitude expeditions. His formal training, coupled with his growing experience, fueled his desire to tackle even more challenging peaks. One of his proudest achievements was summiting the Basmai Peak in Sonamarg, a remote and rarely explored mountain. “Only two expeditions had successfully summited Basmai Peak before I did,” Akeel said.
Apart from Basmai, Akeel’s expeditions took him to some of the most isolated and beautiful peaks and lakes in the valley, including the hidden Shilsar 2 Lake near Margan Top. This lake, located in one of the most remote regions of Kashmir, was the site of Akeel’s milestone 100th alpine lake trek. “Reaching 100 lakes was a goal I had set for myself, and completing it at Shilsar 2 was an unforgettable experience,” he said.
Akeel’s journey has been one of self-discovery and perseverance, and throughout it all, he credits his family and friends for their unwavering support. “My parents were my biggest supporters. They never questioned my decision to go into the mountains; they always believed in me,” he said.
He also expresses deep gratitude to the mentors and fellow mountaineers who guided him along the way, including Zeeshan Mushtaq, Inayat Ullah Bhat, Abban Rehmat, and Farhaan Sangeen.
Looking ahead, Akeel said he is committed to not only continuing his personal journey but also contributing to the growth of the mountaineering community in Kashmir. “Our mountains have immense potential to attract climbers from around the world,” he said.
Akeel said that he believes that by offering rock climbing workshops, organizing open treks, and engaging the local youth, Kashmir can become a hub for adventure tourism. “We need to inspire more young people in Kashmir to explore trekking, rock climbing, and mountaineering. These activities offer not just physical challenges but also a way to connect with nature and discover yourself,” he added.
Akeel said that he is optimistic about the future of mountaineering in Kashmir. He dreams of seeing the region’s potential fully realized, with more climbers from Kashmir making their mark on the national and international stage. “I believe that with the right infrastructure, training, and support, Kashmir can produce some of the best mountaineers in the world,” he said.
For Akeel, the mountains are not just a place of exploration; they are a source of healing, joy, and endless discovery. His journey from a hospital bed to the peaks of Kashmir is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the unbreakable spirit of adventure. With each new trek and climb, Akeel continues to push the limits of what’s possible, inspiring others to do the same.
