Zeeshan Altaf’s 150-lake journey for a friend who never returned

Srinagar, Oct 20: A young Kashmiri has found his calling not on the cricket field or city streets but deep within the heart of nature.

Meet Zeeshan Altaf, a lake explorer from Kashmir who has journeyed across the region’s remotest corners to discover its hidden alpine lakes, 150 of them so far.

A Journey that Began in 2017

For Zeeshan, the adventure began in 2017, inspired by a friend he had never met in person.

“It all started because of my friend on Facebook, Faisal Qureshi,” says Zeeshan. “He used to post pictures from beautiful places I had never seen before. Just by looking at his journeys, I felt inspired to go out and see Kashmir’s untouched beauty for myself.”

That spark soon turned into passion. Over the years, Zeeshan has trekked across some of the most challenging terrains of the Valley, uncovering lakes between ridgelines, meadows, and glaciers.

“This year, I added 50 more, taking my total to 150.”

Dedicated to a Lost Companion

150 explorations hold special meaning for Zeeshan. The 150 lakes, he says, are dedicated to his late friend Zahid Naseer Wani, who shared his passion for exploration.

“Zahid was always with me on every trek,” he says softly. “Together, we covered 87 lakes before he passed away. If he were alive, he would have easily crossed a hundred. So this year, I decided to dedicate my 150 lakes exploration to him. Each time I reached a new lake, I felt like Zahid was walking beside me.”

Zeeshan’s work also carries a quiet environmental message. Zeeshan is often disheartened by how some visitors treat Kashmir’s fragile ecosystems.

“When people go to lakes, they sometimes leave plastic and waste behind,” he says. “I request everyone, please don’t do that. These places are sacred. Let’s keep them clean.”

Message for Young Explorers

Zeeshan believes more young Kashmiris should take up trekking and exploration as healthy, purposeful pursuits.

“My message to them is simple,” he says. “Stay fit, stay away from drugs, and go out to explore. You don’t have to go far, even your own land has incredible beauty waiting to be seen.”

Looking Beyond the Lakes

Even after completing 150 lakes, Zeeshan is not done. His next goal is to move beyond the lakes to the peaks.

“My next focus is on climbing mountain summits,” he says with a smile.