Kashmir’s Mumin Wani has created a new record when he trekked ‘solo’ to the top of the Mount Mahadev, this Sunday.
21 years old Mumin Wani is a student of Islamia College of Science and Commerce, and is now the first local solo trekker.
The highest peak in Srinagar, Mount Mahadev, stands at an elevation of 13,013ft (3966m). The peak named after Lord Shiva, also called Mahadeva, stands behind the Zabarwan hills, visible from Srinagar.
Mumin says, “I’ve been trekking for some years now with my friends but this time I wanted to try something different. I wanted to take risk, to prove to myself that nothing is impossible.”
“Trekking is an important part of my life. It makes me happy,” he adds.
“Trek to Mount Mahadev is a two-day attempt. I started my journey from Dhara and reached Lidwas, where I set up my tent and camped for a night. The Lidwas camp offers fine views of the valley and is a summer camping ground for Gujjar-Bakkerwals.”
Mumin says that it is not easy to spend the night alone, when one sees wild animals like leopards roaming around. “One needs to stay strong”
He began his journey to Mount Mahadev the next morning. “I saw a bear but killed my fear and moved on. I have experienced such situations before, so I knew how to deal with it.”
“I reached the peak at 11 am, finally achieving my goal.”
“I am glad that I did it. This experience is something that I am going to remember for the rest of my life.”
“But this is not the end for me. I want to continue my passion for trekking in future as well.”
