SRINAGAR: Foreshore Athletes successfully completed a challenging 54 km trek across the Pir Panjal range, encompassing both upper and lower Hirpora lakes. The journey, which spanned the jurisdictions of Shopian, Poonch, Rajouri, and Reasi districts of Jammu and Kashmir, involved exploring approximately 17 main lakes and 5 smaller lakes required to cross almost 8 high altitude passes.
The main attraction was Bhagsar lake which is the third largest alpine lake of J&K after Kounsernag and Gangbal. Other renowned lakes were Nandansar , Dhakiyarsar,Baliyansar and Diyasar .The expedition also included passing 4184 M elevation Handu pass and Nanga pahad pass.
The two-day expedition saw the participation of renowned valley trekkers, including Riyaz Qazmi, Shabir Khan, Arif Narwari, Haji Ashiq, and Dr. Anwar Hussain. Despite facing a grueling descent marked by heavy downpour, avalanches, and a seven-hour storm, the team managed the challenges professionally.
Dr. Anwar Hussain, President of Foreshore Athletes, emphasized the critical importance of area knowledge, preparedness for worst-case scenarios, medical support, and appropriate trekking gear for successful treks. He raised concerns about non-professional individuals enticing the public into such trips without adequate support or necessary preparations, thereby endangering lives.
Dr. Hussain urged the government to establish regulations for trekking events to ensure participant safety.