Two intrepid climbers from Kashmir, Inayat ullah Bhat and Laway Mudasir, have etched their names in mountaineering history by successfully scaling the previously unconquered Basmai Peak. This remarkable feat not only marks the first ascent of the mountain but also establishes the inaugural climbing route to its summit.
Basmai Peak, situated in the border region between the Lidder and Sind valleys, had long resisted previous climbing attempts. The successful ascent by Bhat and Mudasir is particularly noteworthy given the peak’s absence from the extensive documentation of major Kashmiri peaks from the late 1920s.
Our successful ascent of Basmai Peak is a remarkable achievement,” said lead climber Inayat ullah Bhat. “This uncharted terrain demanded the best navigation skills and technical expertise. First ascents aren’t just about reaching the summit; they’re a testament to the relentless human spirit to explore, discover, and conquer.”
The climb also holds significant geological interest. The area, mentioned in the “Geology of Kashmir” by Verchere in 1976 and documented in the Asiatic Society of Bengal, builds on earlier research by W.F Blanford, who created a geological map of Sind in 1878.
During their reconnaissance, the team discovered high-quality rock formations, including possible granitoid and crystal rocks. The spurs and connected ridges, formed by porphyry with a granitoid appearance, transition into felstone. The climbers also noted the potential presence of fossil-bearing rocks.
Bhat, an affiliated member of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), has informed the apex body about their findings. This discovery may pave the way for further geological research in the area.
