Kashmir is now home to an extraordinary female trekker and nature lover, Dr. Nahida Nabi Bhat, who has etched her name in history by becoming the first woman in Jammu and Kashmir to conquer over 100 lesser-explored lakes nestled in the pristine Kashmir Himalayas.
Hailing from Pampore in south Kashmir, Dr. Nahida is not only a medical professional but also a true adventurist, embarking on her journey of exploration after completing her education.
Dr. Nahida’s educational journey took her through SKIMS Medical College in Srinagar, where she obtained her MBBS degree. Later, she pursued her MD in dermatology at the Govt. Medical College. However, it was after completing her studies that her passion for trekking and exploring unknown terrains ignited.
Her trekking odyssey began with a daunting challenge ie.,Sheeshnag. During her first trek, she faced adversity but continued despite setbacks. “I broke down in the middle of the trek but that did not deter me from pursuing my passion for trekking,” Dr. Nahida remarked.
The rugged terrains, perilous ridges, and daunting mountain passes initially filled her with fear and trepidation. However, this fear fuelled her determination and kept her on her toes, she admitted.
As a Registrar at SKIMS Medical College and Hospital in Srinagar, Dr. Nahida’s trekking endeavors have garnered much acclaim. On one such excursion, she accomplished an astounding 40 kilometers in a single day, earning the admiration of her fellow trekkers as the only female participant.
Her list of conquests includes all the off-road passes in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, such as Tutmari Gali (TMG) to KB Loc, Sadhna Gali to Teetwal, Pharkiya Gali (Kian ki gali) to Keran, Sona Pind Gali (SPG) to Loc, Putakhan gali (PK GALI) to Jumgund, Safawali Gali to Kumkadi, Navan gali to Machil, Zamindar Gali (Z Gali) to Machil, Razdan Gali pass to Gurez, and Kaobal Gali to Kargil.
Dr. Nahida’s dedication to nature and trekking has led her to set aside one day per week for her adventures over the past three years. Her remarkable achievements in the world of trekking have earned her the moniker “Spiritual Trekker” on various social media platforms.
Two years ago, she completed a 50-kilometer trek from Gurez-Sonmarg via Raman Nallah in a single day, a feat that opened up new horizons for her. Dr. Nahida has also broken barriers by becoming the first female to trek to Sheenmyin Peak, Mahadev Peak, Sunder Top, Hoenheng, and Neil Top, all located in Kashmir, during daylight hours. She has explored lesser-known lakes like Dodhsar Lake, Hirpora Lake, Kailash Kund lakes in Bhaderwah, and Pathran lakes in Poonch.
Even during the winter months, Dr. Nahida embarks on challenging peak treks, accomplishing each trek within a single day, defying the norms and expectations of many in the trekking community. Her unique perspective on life, deeply influenced by her family’s inclination towards Sufism and spirituality, allows her to connect with nature on a spiritual level.
She has chosen to dedicate her Sundays to trekking the unexplored lakes rather than pursuing private practice, underscoring her unwavering commitment to her passion. Dr. Nahida is a member of the trekker group PathFinders, which creates vlogs and shares them on YouTube and social media, garnering substantial recognition from a global audience.
Her adventures take her to distant places, bringing the beauty of these locales to people around the world. “Going to nature brought uniformity in me about how important everything is, from a blade of grass to mighty mountains, all I could see the face of my creator,” Dr. Nahida said.
Currently, she is working on her debut book, titled “Spiritual Trekker,” which explores the spiritual aspects of life connected with nature. Her favorite lakes in Kashmir, including Sheeshnag Lake, Tulyan Lake, Chammar Sar Lake, and Sukhnai Lake, have been documented alongside her journeys.
In Dr. Nahida’s view, trekking and traveling can transform one’s perspective on life and provide an escape from the stresses and anxieties of the virtual world. She encourages her family to join her in exploring untapped and unexplored places and recently embarked on a journey to Ladakh, visiting six different lakes, including two in Zanskar, and exploring numerous locations in the region.
