In a big mountaineering feat, two Kashmir-based adventure clubs, Badamwari Athletes and Crampon Adventures, successfully scaled the formidable Main Peak of Mount Harmukh, standing at 5070 meters, on September 14.
The joint expedition brought together climbers Sahil Qayoom, Zahid Rafiq Kota, Sohail Khan, Showkat Hamid Kashmiri, Mehraj Khan, Umar Khan, and Mohammad Umar. The group described the summit as a remarkable achievement of resilience, conviction, and teamwork.“Harmukh Expedition demands more than physical endurance. It is about belief, willpower, collaboration, resilience, and being fearless,” said Zahid Kota. “Through the grace of Allah SWT, we overcame every overwhelming challenge.”
The journey began on September 12 after Friday prayers at Kudura village in Bandipora. The climbers set out at 3.30 pm and by 7.00 pm reached Sarbal, where they pitched their tents. On September 13, under a favourable weather window, they moved toward the Advance Base Camp at 4700 meters. Sherpa Sahil Qayoom led the way with precise navigation skills, while Zahid Rafiq Kota and Mohammad Umar ensured coordination across the group. Mehraj Khan and Showkat Hamid Kashmiri boosted team morale, and Sohail Khan stood out for his fearless approach.By 4.30 pm that day, the climbers reached the glacier site for their Advance Base Camp. The following morning at 6.00 am, they began the final summit push. After traversing steep snowfields, they reached the Main Peak of Mount Harmukh at 9.30 am. The climbers celebrated the long-cherished dream of standing atop the peak, achieved without any guide or porter support. The team safely descended to Sarbal by 6.00 pm the same day. They credited their comrade, Mehraj Gami, who volunteered to prepare meals and maintained communication with families, for vital support during the expedition.“Our hearts are full of gratitude and satisfaction. All praises go to Allah SWT for making this a memorable and safe experience for all of us,” the climbers said.
