Sopore trekker Shahzad Ahmad has marked a milestone in his 13-year mountain journey after completing an expedition to Nagender Lakes in Warwan Valley on August 31. Ahmad’s trekking journey, which began in 2013, has taken him across several high-altitude trails and alpine lakes in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Trekker Shahzad Ahmad, in a statement claims to have completed the exploration of 100+ Alpine Lakes across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh—a 13-year journey marked by perseverance, adventure and an enduring passion for the mountains.
Shahzad’s trekking journey began in August 2013, with his first major expedition from Chandanwari in Pahalgam to Sukhnai in Warwan Valley via Sheeshnag. After a gap of nearly five years, he returned to the mountains in 2018 and completed the iconic Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) trek, rekindling a passion that would eventually turn into a long-term pursuit.
Due to professional commitments, regular trekking was not possible during the initial years. Nevertheless, Ahmad continued undertaking shorter day treks across Baramulla and Bandipora, keeping his connection with the mountains alive.
A major turning point came in 2020, with the formation of the Mountain Warriors Adventure Club. Since then, Ahmad, along with fellow club members and senior trekkers, has undertaken numerous expeditions across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, exploring renowned routes including Kashmir Great Lakes, Herpora, Tarsar-Marsar and the Greater Lakes of Tosa Maidan, Durinar 1, 2 and BarafSar also known as AdilSar Highest Alpine Lake of Kashmir with 4642 Mtrs ASL (15100) Feet, among others.
His mountain journey has also included challenging winter expeditions, including overnight snow treks to Lederwatt in Pahalgam, Chorkhud in Uri and Bangus Valley. Another notable achievement came on 27 June 2021, when Ahmad summited Mount Mahadev, one of the prominent high peaks overlooking the Srinagar region.
Over the years, the expeditions took him through remote valleys, high-altitude passes, rugged trails and some of the most pristine landscapes of the Himalayas. With every expedition, another Alpine Lake was added to the journey, gradually transforming a passion for trekking into a personal mission to explore 100 Alpine Lakes.
The long-awaited milestone was finally achieved on 31 August 2026, when Ahmad completed his 100+ Alpine Lakes journey at Nagender Lakes in Warwan Valley.
Reflecting on the achievement, Ahmad expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for giving him the strength, health and opportunity to pursue his passion for the mountains.
He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to his team members and senior trekkers for their constant encouragement, guidance and companionship throughout the journey.
Ahmad reserved special thanks for his family, whose unconditional love, patience and support, he said, remained a constant source of strength throughout the years.
The achievement is more than a personal milestone. It represents 13 years of perseverance, exploration and commitment to the mountains, while also highlighting the extraordinary natural beauty and high-altitude landscapes of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
For Shahzad Ahmad, however, reaching 100 Alpine Lakes is not the end of the journey.
