Farhan Lone
In the picturesque but challenging landscapes of north Kashmir, 38 -year-old Mudasir Bashir Shah from Sopore has carved out a life of adventure and resilience. Running a small shop in Baramulla Market might be how he makes his living, but it is in the world of mountains, trails, and high-altitude lakes that he truly lives. Mudasir has dedicated over 15 years to trekking, mountaineering, and mountain biking, exploring some of the region’s most famous and remote peaks and passes, including Kolahoi, Tatakuti, Stok Kangri, and over 170 alpine lakes. His accomplishments have not only marked him as an experienced adventurer but also as a community role model, especially for aspiring women trekkers in a region where cultural barriers often limit women’s participation in outdoor pursuits.
An Adventurous Legacy in the Making
Mudasir’s dedication to mountaineering is unparalleled in north Kashmir. He has trekked over 200 locations, conquered the iconic Kolahoi Peak—the highest in Kashmir—and the highest peak in the Pir Panjal range, Mount Tatakuti. His journeys have also taken him beyond Kashmir, scaling challenging peaks in Leh like Stok Kangri. In a rare feat, Mudasir completed a summit and return trip to Stok Kangri in just 24 hours—a journey that normally takes seven days. His resilience was further demonstrated on the Chadar Trek, where he braved temperatures as low as minus 35 degrees.
Mudasir’s mountain biking achievements are equally impressive. He is the only person from north Kashmir known to have tackled major mountain passes on an MTB (Mountain Terrain Bike), including Razdan Pass, Zojila Pass, Sadhna Pass, Margan Pass, and Sinthan Pass, as well as remote off-road trails. For Mudasir, exploring these terrains is not just about pushing personal boundaries; it is about connecting with the natural splendor of his homeland and sharing it with others.
Empowering Women Through Trekking
A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment in outdoor activities, Mudasir made a bold decision a few years ago that would reshape trekking in north Kashmir. After receiving numerous requests from young women in the region, he organized a girls-only trekking expedition in collaboration with the JK Forest Department. This event provided a unique and empowering experience for women and girls aged 12 to 38, including one mother of two.
Despite trekking being considered a taboo activity for women in the area, Mudasir’s carefully organized trek provided a safe and supportive environment that allowed these women to embrace nature. Free from societal pressures and with no male intervention, the trek was an incredible success. For Mudasir, this event highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for women in adventure sports, and he hopes to organize more such treks in the future, giving even more women the chance to explore the wilderness of north Kashmir.
Overcoming Setbacks: The Perils of Mountaineering
Mountaineering is not without its risks, and Mudasir has had his share of close calls. One of his most harrowing experiences occurred during a Mount Kolahoi expedition. After one of his team members suffered a severe fall, the group faced a difficult decision: whether to continue the ascent or abandon the mission. While Mudasir felt the weight of the recent accident, his team rallied around him, reigniting his determination to reach the summit.
Setting off at 3 a.m., Mudasir and two teammates braved a 70-degree rock wall climb as they pushed toward the summit. At one point, Mudasir suffered a deep cut on his finger, which later required 12 stitches. Yet, driven by adrenaline and a commitment to his team, he pressed on, leaving bloodstains along the rocky path as they climbed higher. Upon reaching the summit, the team was overwhelmed with emotion as they gazed at a banner commemorating friends lost in past expeditions. This somber yet triumphant moment underscored the emotional intensity of mountaineering.
Reflecting on his journey, Mudasir recalled a deeply personal moment on the summit: he received the first images of his newborn son, whom he had yet to meet in person. Despite the joy of this milestone, Mudasir faced the daunting reality of descending in a whiteout. The team managed to navigate back to the advance camp safely, proving once again that mountaineering demands both physical endurance and mental resilience.
Cycling Across High-Altitude Passes: A New Frontier in Adventure
Mudasir’s passion for mountain biking has taken him to some of the most challenging high-altitude passes in the region. Cycling across Razdan Pass (11,667 feet), Sadhna Pass (10,269 feet), Zojila Pass (11,500 feet), Margan Pass (12,000 feet), and Sinthan Pass (12,500 feet) has been no easy feat. Each pass presents unique obstacles, from unpredictable weather conditions to rocky, narrow trails.
In addition to his mountain biking expeditions across Kashmir’s famed passes, Mudasir has also explored lesser-known trails, including the route to Bazz Paritala Lake, located at 10,250 feet. These achievements mark him as one of north Kashmir’s pioneering mountain bikers, blending his love for the mountains with a commitment to taking on new challenges on two wheels.
Technical Skills and Preparation
Mudasir’s expertise is grounded in technical training and careful preparation. He completed his basic mountaineering course at the Jawaharlal Institute of Mountaineering (JIM) and received an ‘A’ grade in his advanced mountaineering course from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling. This training has equipped him with the skills needed to tackle the most challenging climbs, including Mount Kolahoi, Sunset Peak, Sheen Myean Peak, Pinnacle Peak, and Valehead. His technical competence, paired with years of experience, has helped him scale each peak with both courage and precision.
Reflections on Adventure and Resilience
For Mudasir, mountaineering is more than a sport; it is a way of life that teaches patience, focus, and teamwork. He emphasizes the importance of staying mentally strong in difficult situations and credits his team for helping him overcome physical and emotional obstacles. In the world of mountaineering, every successful summit is the result of collaboration, trust, and mutual support.
Despite the dangers and sacrifices, Mudasir remains committed to his adventurous path. He encourages others to pursue their dreams in the mountains while acknowledging the need for physical fitness and mental resilience. “Mountaineering is not everyone’s cup of tea,” he reflects. “It teaches us to stay focused, strong, and to work as a team. Stay fit, stay safe, and keep climbing mountains.”
Future Goals: Expanding the Reach of Adventure Sports
Looking ahead, Mudasir aspires to continue pushing his own boundaries while inspiring others, particularly young women, to experience the beauty and thrill of Kashmir’s outdoors. By organizing more treks and expeditions, he hopes to cultivate a culture of adventure in the region that transcends societal barriers. His journey serves as a reminder that the mountains are not just physical challenges to be conquered—they are places of self-discovery, empowerment, and endless possibility.
