A regional J&K story from the Kashmir side, included for young readers in Jammu who trek or want to. Every figure below is the trekker's own account as reported by Greater Kashmir; we have not independently verified it.
"I never lost that desire to explore," says Tanveer Khan, also known as Tani Khan, a mountain explorer who founded the Pathfinders group. As of 31 October, he says, he has explored 300 alpine lakes, all above 3,500 metres, across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and has covered more than 10,000 km on foot over about 14 years.
The journey in numbers he gives
- He began in 2012 with JKMHC.
- 200 of the lakes were recognised by the India Book of Records, with 250 crossed before the 300th.
- He has run uphill challenges on eight motorable passes, including Razdan Top, Zoji La, Sinthan Top, Banihal Top and Z-Gali Top.
- Other feats include a full marathon from Razdan Top to Dawar, a 30 km uphill run to Drass and running above 4,000 metres.
Winter outings and the next generation
Khan says he began regular Sunday winter explorations, and that "What began as a personal commitment eventually helped encourage a new generation." He credits his family and friends and singles out trekker and bureaucrat Mahmood Ahmad Shah.
If this makes you want to trek
High-altitude routes above 3,500 metres demand fitness, acclimatisation and local guidance, and snow can close them quickly in November. Join an organised group, tell someone your route and check conditions with the local administration before you go. For a gentler winter outing close to Jammu, see our Patnitop, Nathatop and Sanasar day-trip guide.
