In a testament to Kashmiri mountaineering prowess, a team of five intrepid climbers, led by the renowned mountaineer Nawab Moazam Khan, successfully summited Mount Basmai on September 15. The peak, standing at a formidable 4,762 meters (15,623 feet) above sea level, was conquered via a challenging and previously unexplored route.
In a remarkable twist, four of the five team members are former students of the prestigious Tyndale Biscoe School, showcasing the institution’s legacy in nurturing adventurous spirits.
While recent expeditions have approached Basmai Peak from the Lidder side, Khan’s team blazed a new trail. Starting from Gagangir, they trekked to the Basmai Pass and then navigated the treacherous Basmai Glacier in the Sindh Valley. The final ascent involved traversing rocky terrain that tested the team’s skills and determination. “The loose rocks and steep inclines demanded our utmost concentration,” said team leader Nawab Moazam Khan. “Each step had to be carefully calculated to ensure the safety of the entire team.”
The descent proved equally challenging, with Khan’s technical expertise coming to the fore as he guided his team safely back to base camp. The other team members – veteran mountaineer Manzoor Mir, Mohammad Ikramullah, Zubair Ahmad, and Tufail Qureshi – all played crucial roles in the expedition’s success.
This achievement has been met with widespread acclaim from the Kashmiri mountaineering community. “This expedition not only opens up new possibilities for future climbers but also puts Kashmir’s mountaineering talents on the global map,” said a spokesperson for the local mountaineering association.
