Etching a significant mark in adventure, Mohammad Omer of Asham Sumbal Bandipora has explored 100 alpine lakes which is a record in itself. Omer started his journey in 2018, Omer embarked on his first trek to a waterfall in Pahalgam, igniting a passion for trekking and exploration. Inspired by charming stories and pictures of Alpine Lakes from his friend Sofi Shafat Hassan, Omer’s journey led him to explore the majestic scenery of Kashmir.
Over the years, he faced challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic but remained dedicated to his passion. In 2024, he achieved a remarkable milestone by exploring 100 Alpine lakes, becoming the first from Bandipora District and the second from North Kashmir to reach this feat. His journey is an inspiration to all adventurers.
Working as a Tour and Travel Operator Omer’s trekking journey officially started when he met Numan Bashir, the president of Crampon Adventurers, during a one-day trek from Yusmarg to Doodhpathri with the club JKMHC. This encounter ignited his passion for trekking even further. That autumn, Omer explored the Mansbal Mountains in his local vicinity with friends and went on several treks, including Marchoi Trek, Salnai Trek, Mohandmarg Trek, Lal Marg, Traag Meadow, and other one-day treks in the districts of Ganderbal and Bandipora. These initial experiences laid the foundation for his future adventures.
Omer’s real trekking journey began in 2019 when he came across social media posts by Arif Mountaineer about the Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) Trek. Inspired by these posts, Omer decided to embark on the seven-day KGL Trek with a few friends. On July 12, 2019, he joined Cliff Hangers India Company Limited to explore the Kashmir Great Lakes. This trek took him through beautiful valleys, high passes like Nichnai Pass, Gadsar Pass, Zoji Pass, and stunning alpine lakes such as Krishansar, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Jawdora, Nundkol, and Gangbal. Completing the KGL Trek further fueled his passion for exploration.
The year 2020 was marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic, but Omer’s dedication to his passion remained unwavering. He began the year by completing the Barafsar Lakes expedition from Sarbal, Sonamarg. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, he managed to continue his explorations. He ventured into the Greater Lakes of Tosamaidan, undertook the Hirpora Lakes Expedition with Crampon Adventurers, and explored Choharnag Lakes, Shilsar Lakes, Sarbal, and Shirazsar in Bandipora.
In February 2021, Omer scaled the Mahadev Peak with the AJKMF and Crampon Adventurers. His determination to conquer new heights was evident as he continued to push his limits and explore the vast beauty of the Kashmir region.
Significant achievements and memorable treks marked Omer’s journey from 2022 to 2024. In 2022, he explored Bagh Sar in Hirpora Lakes and Salnai Lake in Harmukh Lakes. The following year, 2023, saw him venturing into Damam Sar in the Greater Lakes region and exploring Lashan Pinjan in Bandipora. Each trek brought new experiences and strengthened his connection with nature.
The year 2024 was particularly special for Omer as he returned to the Kashmir Great Lakes to explore the upper lakes and complete his milestone of exploring 100 Alpine lakes. This remarkable achievement made him the first person from Bandipora District to explore over 100 Alpine lakes and the second from North Kashmir after Mudasir Bashir Shah from Sopore, Baramulla.
Omer reflected on his journey, saying, “It has been a wonderful journey throughout these years. I met adventurers from the Kashmir Valley and from outside Kashmir as well. I got attached to mountains and nature every day. I learned the ‘Never Give Up’ attitude from mountains.”
Muhammed Omer’s journey from a novice trekker to achieving the remarkable feat of exploring 100 Alpine lakes inspires all aspiring adventurers. He has not only explored the beauty of the Kashmir valley but has also forged a deep connection with the mountains that continue to teach him valuable life lessons.
Looking ahead, Omer has no plans to stop. He is determined to continue his explorations and discover even more hidden gems in the majestic landscapes of Kashmir. His journey serves as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a love for nature, one can achieve extraordinary feats and create a legacy of adventure and exploration.
Here are some of the notable treks and expeditions undertaken by Muhammed Omer
2018: Explored a waterfall at Pahalgam, Mansbal mountains, Marchoi Trek, Salnai Trek, Mohandmarg Trek, Lal Marg, Traag Meadow, and various one-day treks in Ganderbal and Bandipora. 2019 Completed the Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) Trek, exploring valleys, high passes, and alpine lakes such as Krishansar, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Jawdora, Nundkol, and Gangbal. 2020 Completed the Barafsar Lakes expedition from Sarbal, Sonamarg, explored Greater Lakes of Tosamaidan, Hirpora Lakes Expedition, Choharnag Lakes, Shilsar Lakes, Sarbal, Shirazsar in Bandipora. 2021 Scaled Mahadev Peak with AJKMF and Crampon Adventurers and explored Burzamal Top in Pahalgam. 2022 Explored Bagh Sar in Hirpora Lakes, Salnai Lake in Harmukh Lakes. 2023 Ventured into Damam Sar in Greater Lakes, Lashan Pinjan in Bandipora. 2024 Returned to Kashmir Great Lakes to explore upper lakes and complete his 100 Alpine lakes milestone, including Upper Gadsar Lake.
Muhammed Omer’s achievement of exploring 100 Alpine lakes is a remarkable milestone that highlights his dedication and passion for trekking. His journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, serves as an inspiration to adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
