Srinagar, Oct 23 : In an extraordinary achievement, Tanveer Khan, also known as Tani Khan or the ‘Urban Nomad,’ has set a unique record by exploring 200 scenic alpine lakes in the Himalayan region. Hailing from Srinagar’s Batamaloo area, Khan is possibly the first person from the northern Himalayas to accomplish such a distinctive feat.
As the President of Pathfinders, a trekking group, Khan’s unwavering passion for discovering the unseen and unknown in Kashmir has taken him to the most remote and breathtaking corners of the region. From mountains and meadows to peaks, pasturelands, ridges, and rocks, he has ventured into wildlife bastions, pastoral cultures, tribes, and traditions, as well as high-altitude glaciers and glacial lakes.
“At the end of the day, everybody wants to be at peace. The definitive aim most people have is happiness. You may get happiness in different ways; every person may have various goals, but the final goal is harmony. I get my share of peace in the mountains, where you are in complete synchrony with nature,” Khan shared.
Despite facing challenges due to the long-standing conflict, Khan’s journey began in 2014 when he joined the Jammu and Kashmir Mountaineering and Hiking Club (JKMHC). Since then, he has been a dedicated member, exploring numerous lakes during Sunday treks.
In 2017, Khan founded “Pathfinders,” a group of like-minded individuals from different walks of life. Together, they ventured into the unfamiliar peaks and unmapped alpine lakes of the Kashmir Himalayas, covering regions from Pir Panchaal to Chenab (Wadwan), Zanskar in Ladakh, and Gurez in the extreme north. Their treks even extended to snowy landscapes in harsh winters.
Jalal Baba, Khan’s co-trekker, praised his unparalleled commitment and dedication to adventure, stating, “His journey to complete 200 Alpine lakes is a testament to his unparalleled commitment and dedication to adventure. More than the numerical achievement, the journey to conquer the peace within has been a remarkable accomplishment.”
Shariq Masoodi, another co-trekker and a noted endocrinologist, described exploring 200 alpine lakes in Jammu and Kashmir as an incredible feat, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and never give up on their goals.
