A group of trekkers belonging to Cliffhangers Asia organized a three-day trekking expedition starting September 21st to the highest alpine lake of Kashmir Himalayas-Barafsar Lake – located at an altitude of 15100ft (4605 mtr). The trekking group was led by the Director Cliffhangers Asia – Mohammad Arif and included participants Himayun Malik, Junaid Wani, Mehrajuddin Gami, Shabir Ahmed, Fayaz Ahmad, Zahid Wani and Nazir Raina.
The expedition was held to pay tribute to the participating trekkers’ mentor and friend – Adil Shah – who along with fellow mountaineer Naveed Jeelani lost his life while descending the highest peak of Kashmir, Mount Kolahoi, after successfully summiting it.
Although Barafsar lake was first discovered by L.Watts in 1933 from the Mount Valehead summit, it was late Adil Shah who brought Barafsar into public notice in the year 2017. An avid mountaineer having mentored scores of youth towards mountaineering, Adil had expeditions to more than 100 high altitude alpine lakes to his credit.
The expedition reportedly explored Sarbal Village – the last village of Kashmir valley on Sonamarg side, Durinar Lake (4171m), Nilnag Lake (4270m), Kolohoi Pass, Thajwas wildlife sanctuary, Crystal peak, Mount Innominate and Mount Valehead en-route.
“At the lake and while trekking towards it, the entire group remembered Adil Shah, his legacy and the memories that he has left behind,” a statement said.