Meet Sopore’s Ishfaq War Who Treks 100 Himalayan Lakes

Suhail Khan 

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Srinagar, Aug 26: What started as a casual trek with friends in 2023 has now turned into a record-breaking love affair with the mountains. Ishfaq War, a 34-year-old Veterinary Pharmacist from Warpora in north Kashmir’s Sopore, has just done the unthinkable—he has become the first person from the Zaingair region to trek to 100 alpine lakes.

 

Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Ishfaq—an employee of the Animal Husbandry Department—opened up about his remarkable journey, “It all started with Patalwan Lake 1 in 2024,” he recalled. “Honestly, back then, I had no idea it would lead to this. But by the time I reached my 50th—Nikan Sar—I knew there was no turning back. And this month, I finally did it. Sonasar was my 100th lake. A hundred. It still sounds unreal when I say it out loud.”

He admitted that trekking wasn’t always his passion. “Before this, I was a biker—completely. I’d spend hours navigating some of the most treacherous roads in the Himalayas. Riding the Srinagar–Leh–Manali circuit on my motorcycle was an experience like no other. Those rides forged a deep connection with the mountains—I felt like I belonged there.”

“I started trekking in 2023 with a local group,” he continued. “Just casually, you know? But then I explored Patalwan Lake 1, and that one experience… changed something within me. Gradually, it evolved into a deep interest, and eventually, an obsession.”

He shared that his motorcycle journeys inspired him to venture beyond the roads. “I realized there’s so much more beyond where vehicles can reach. So, I joined Alpine Hikers and learned from the seniors—those who had been trekking for years. Every expedition was a lesson.”

He made it clear that the path wasn’t easy. “Long treks, steep climbs, weather that shifts in minutes, and unforgiving terrain—every lake tested me in its own way. But I took it as it came. You have to.”

“The mountains,” he said, “have taught me patience, endurance, and discipline. Most importantly, they’ve taught me to respect nature. You can’t fool the mountains—they humble you quickly.”

When asked if reaching 100 lakes was the goal from the start, he shook his head.

“It was never about the numbers for me. Each lake has its own journey, its own memory. Patalwan, Nikan Sar, Sonasar—they’re not just names; they’re experiences. Some were smooth, others brutal—but each one stays with you.”

What makes Ishfaq’s story even more inspiring is that he is not just an adventurer. Holding an MSc in Mathematics from the University of Kashmir and a Master of Library and Information Science from IGNOU, he somehow manages to balance a demanding academic life with his passion for the outdoors.

“It’s not always easy,” he admitted with a smile. “But if you truly love something, you make time for it.”

For those interested in his expeditions, his Facebook page, “Waar Ishfaq,” offers a genuine glimpse into his treks—stunning photographs, honest narratives, and no unnecessary embellishments.

So, what’s next for this mountain enthusiast? Most would be content with a hundred lakes. Not Ishfaq.

“This is not the end of my journey,” he said. “It’s just another milestone in a much longer adventure. Next, I want to explore the lesser-known high-altitude regions of Kashmir—and I want to do it responsibly, spreading awareness about trekking while minimizing environmental impact. That matters to me.”