Adventure Beckons: Zahid Rafiq Kota juggles job and mountains, marks 150-lake feat

Srinagar, Aug 16: Balancing his corporate job with a lifelong passion for adventure, Zahid Rafiq Kota has emerged as one of Kashmir’s most dedicated explorers.

On August 10, Kota achieved what many in the adventure community describe as a “stupendous feat” — completing the exploration of over 150 alpine lakes across the Himalayas, with the Nagendar Lakes in Warwan being the latest jewel added to his list.

For Zahid, who has been working with a private company, this milestone was not a sudden undertaking but the result of years of commitment, sacrifice, and relentless love for the outdoors. “Alhamdulillah — 150 Alpine Lakes, done and dusted,” he wrote in a heartfelt note after returning from Warwan. “What started as one impulsive decision turned into a lifelong passion — seeking heaven’s peace in the hidden wonders of nature.”

Zahid’s journey into the world of adventure began in childhood, when the mountains and lakes of Kashmir sparked his imagination. Over the years, his pursuits went beyond casual treks. He successfully summited two formidable Himalayan peaks — Mount Tatakoti and Mount Loharkut — further establishing his credentials as a mountaineer.

In May this year, Zahid also completed the Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) from the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM & WS), Pahalgam, one of India’s premier institutions in the field. “That training added discipline and technique to my passion. It gave me the confidence to push boundaries safely,” he said.

Behind the triumph, Zahid credits his family and close circle of friends. “Here’s to the unwavering support of my dearest parents and my amazing bunch of trekking buddies who walked shoulder to shoulder with me on this adventurous journey — a journey filled with spiritual abundance, camaraderie, love, laughter, and mutual trust,” he said.

His story reflects a rare balancing act — working in a private company during weekdays and dedicating free time to exploring the most challenging and pristine terrains of Kashmir. “I owe it all to my lovely friends and highly supportive family members who have stood firmly by my side through thick and thin,” he said, with visible gratitude.

Adventure enthusiasts in Kashmir see Zahid’s feat as more than just a personal achievement. It highlights the region’s immense potential for eco-tourism and adventure travel. With 150 lakes explored and two Himalayan peaks summited, Zahid Rafiq Kota stands as a symbol of perseverance — someone who proves that with passion and discipline, one can shuffle between a professional career and the call of the mountains.

His next goal, he hinted, would be to scale more high-altitude peaks and document unexplored alpine lakes to inspire a new generation of Kashmiri youth towards sustainable adventure tourism.