A journey of friendship and discovery in the majestic Manasbal mountain ranges
Once upon a scorching Friday, the sun’s rays danced playfully outside my room window, seemingly beckoning me to venture into the great outdoors. Just as I contemplated how to spend my day, my phone rang, and the name “Nisar Ahmad Parray” appeared on the screen. Nisar was an inspiring individual, a jolly and fitness-oriented soul who happened to be over 62 years old. Our paths had crossed recently during a legendary cricket match, and from that moment on, a unique bond had formed between us, despite the significant age gap.
Curiosity piqued, I answered the call, and Nisar’s lively voice echoed through the phone. “Be ready for a trek after Friday prayers today!” he said. Excitement and uncertainty swirled within me. Although I lacked proper trekking shoes, fate intervened as I stumbled upon my father’s sturdy Hunter shoes, relics from his days serving in the police department. Determined to embark on this adventure, I swiftly prepared myself, indulging in a fresh haircut and adorning my face with sunscreen cream. To shield my eyes from the sun’s glare, I grabbed my trusty goggles, and to stay hydrated and energized, I packed ORS water and a ripe banana.
Our journey began at the majestic Lal Sheikh’s Chinar tree, a symbol of tranquility and grace. As we arrived, we acquired handsticks to aid our ascent. The sun’s relentless rays beat down upon us as if challenging our resolve. It was an unconventional choice to venture out on a Friday, as local superstitions whispered tales of ill fate. But when I voiced my concerns to Nisar Ahmad Parray Sahab, he promptly scolded me, encouraging me to defy these superstitious beliefs and embrace the thrill of the unknown.
And what an adventure it turned out to be! As we trekked, Nisar Ahmad Parray Sahab and I engaged in countless conversations, delving into various topics that ranged from politics to religion. Despite my youth, I gleaned valuable insights from his idealistic and profound desire for a harmonious community of believers.
At a point called ‘Parat’, we paused to catch our breath and refuel. Nourishing our bodies with bananas and revitalizing ORS water, we continued our trek with newfound energy. Accompanying us was the delightful Mr. Bashir Ahmad, affectionately known as ‘Lala.’ With his weathered face and twinkling eyes, Lala regaled us with tales of his youth, sharing stories of spending months amidst the picturesque Manasbal Mountains with his loyal ox as his only companion.
Our next stop was a cave where a natural spring emerged, offering a moment of respite. We rested, replenished our water bottles, and performed ablutions to prepare for prayer. The serenity of the cave and the gentle trickle of the spring rejuvenated our spirits, creating an intimate connection between ourselves and the divine.
As we made our way back, we stumbled upon a group of Bakarwals, a community of nomadic herders who migrated annually with their animals. Curiosity sparked, and we engaged in a heartfelt interaction with them. Nisar Sahab, seeking goat milk as per his doctor’s advice, humbly requested their assistance. The Bakarwals, renowned for their hospitality, swiftly procured fresh milk for him. In their tales, they shared the hardships they faced when their animal folk succumbed to viral infections, highlighting the government’s scarcity of medical aid for their community.
When we finally reached the Wavdor top, a sense of accomplishment and tranquility settled upon us. Savoring the moment, we indulged in a well-deserved cup of tea. The aroma of the steaming brew mingled with the crisp mountain air, creating a symphony for our senses. As we savored the warmth of the tea, Nisar Sahab’s kind words filled my heart with pride. He commended me on my trekking skills and promised to introduce me to new and exciting trekking destinations in Kashmir. The prospect of future adventures with Nisar Sahab ignited a spark of anticipation within me, and I eagerly looked forward to the memories we would create together.
The writer is the president of Social Concern Group and is associated with the J&K RTI Movement. He can be reached at kh************@***il.com