01/10/2026
๐ง๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ธ ๐ง๐ผ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐น๐๐ฎ๐ฟ
This trek to Royalsar will be remembered for many fond memories, unforgettable moments, and the beautiful company of some of the finest trekkers and adventure enthusiasts of the Valley.
Team Badamwari Athletes, along with the renowned trekkers of the Valleyโ Tani Khan, Dr Shariq Masoodi, Sunny Sajad Hyder Showkat Hamid Kashmiri, Bilal Beigh, Riyaz Ahmad, Suhail Khan, and Jalal Jeelaniโtried their level best to explore Royalsar.
The weather was pleasant, but the snow-bound Basmai Pass made it impossible for us to reach the formidable pass. Sometimes, the mountains decide how far we can go, and all we can do is respect their call. Despite not being able to reach the pass, the journey itself turned into a memorable experience.
During this trek, we got ample time to interact with one another. We shared delicious delicacies, exchanged stories, laughed together, and enjoyed unlimited fun. Dr. Shariq's humorous anecdotes were truly the cherry on the cake.
The spectacular views of Basmai and the serenity of this peaceful place were beyond words. There are places where Nature does not merely display its beauty; it creates an experience that remains etched in the heart forever.
This is the reason why I, Kota Zahid, chose this magnificent lake for the announcement of my successful exploration of 200 Alpine Lakesโa milestone that is not merely a number for me, but a journey filled with countless struggles, sacrifices, friendships, discoveries, and unforgettable moments.
Yesterday, it seemed as if Allah SWT had perfectly planned the day for us. Everything went so smoothly, without any hurdle or haste. I, along with the intrepid trekkers Sajad Khan, Muzaffar and Naseer Raina reached our destination at 11:50 am.
It was a treat for the eyes to witness the marvelous Royalsar, complementing the mesmerizing beauty of Mt Koholai in the background. We simply could not take our eyes off such captivating architecture of Nature. Standing there, surrounded by such immense beauty, one could only feel humbled and grateful before the magnificence of Allah SWT.
Every lake I have explored has left behind a story, a lesson, and a memory. From the first lake to the 200th, the journey has never been about numbers alone. It has been about discovering the unexplored, understanding the mountains, respecting Nature, building friendships, and inspiring others to step beyond their comfort zones.
I am thankful to Allah SWT for giving me the opportunity, strength, and courage to reach this far. For me, the exploration of 200 Alpine Lakes is not the destinationโit is just the beginning.
From now onwards, there will be a phenomenal change in my role. The focus will be not only on exploration but also on bringing more value to the Adventure Community of Kashmir, encouraging responsible exploration, promoting the unexplored beauty of our mountains, and inspiring the next generation of adventurers.
The mountains have given me much more than I could ever give them. They have taught me patience, humility, resilience, companionship, and above all, gratitude.
I am deeply thankful to Team Badamwari Athletes and all the comrades who stood by my side throughout this incredible journey. Every companion, every trail, every summit, every lake, every difficult moment, and every shared cup of tea has contributed to this journey.
Alhamdulillah for the journey.
#200+
