A Journey of Embracing Mountains (Qazi Aurangzeb)
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir
I simply love mountains and I don’t know why. In the midst of these towering natural wonders, I find a strange happiness, excitement, and a profound sense of peace. Whether it’s the sheer joy of being outdoors or the deep appreciation for nature’s artistry, the mountains hold a magnetic allure for me. Perhaps it’s the anticipation of what lies beyond the next curve, the sheer grandeur of the landscape, the thrill of conquering the world from its peak, or the calmness of solitude that draws me in. The mountains, to me, are not just a geographical marvel but my sanctuary, my inspiration, and my ultimate adventure. After seeing my love for mountains, my wife once said “Acha hota kay aap kisi pahaar say he shaadi ker letay!” (it would have been better if you had married a mountain instead).😊
My fascination with the mountains traces back to the early chapters of my life, although its genesis remains a mystery. Perhaps it sprouted from the family trips to the scenic wonders of Swat, Kaghan, and Galyat during my formative years. Maybe it was the mountainous terrains of Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Dir, Chitral, and Mansehra), where my father, a Government Official, was stationed. Regardless of its origin, this love has only deepened over the years.
As I wander through these picturesque landscapes, I’ve become an inadvertent photographer, capturing these moments through the lens of my camera. While I don’t travel specifically for photography, I don’t miss a chance to freeze these moments in time, preserving them as eternal memories.
My journey as a hiker commenced in college, evolving from leisurely hikes to more challenging terrains. Fairy Meadows and Naltar Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan were my initial playgrounds. The real milestone, however, was a six-day backpacking odyssey from Burawai to Besal in Kaghan Valley in 1997. This adventure, with its picturesque lakes, verdant valleys, and daunting passes, etched a deep love for the wilderness in my heart.
In the subsequent years, my adventures spanned the likes of Nanga Parbat South face, Astor, Deosai, Skardu, Hunza, Rakaposhi basecamp, Khunjerab Pass, and a thrilling rock-climbing trip to Buner. The crowning glory, however, was in 2004 when, on the 50th anniversary of the first K2 summit, I trekked to Concordia and traversed the awe-inspiring 19,000 ft high Ghondoghoro la pass. The grandeur of these monumental peaks left me in a perpetual state of awe.
Life led me to Urbana-Champaign for my PhD in 2008, a period where my hiking pursuits took a backseat but travel remained a constant. After defending my PhD in 2014, a cross-country road trip with my family rekindled my passion for mountains. From the picturesque Appalachians in Maine to the rugged Rockies in Utah, the American mountains became my playground.
In 2016, Alaska beckoned, offering not only a fishing charter but also unveiling its breathtaking landscapes. The call of the wild resonated louder, leading me to explore the African terrain in 2018. Alongside my brother and a diverse group of adventurers, I ascended Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, traversed the wilds of Tarangir National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, and unwound on the serene beaches of Zanzibar.
My thirst for exploration remains unquenched. Hawaii, Iceland, and Costa Rica were on my recent itinerary, yet there’s a world of unexplored mountains waiting. The rugged Andes in South America, the pristine alps from France to Austria, the Southern Alps of New Zealand, the Pamirs of Central Asia and China, the Snowman Trek in Bhutan, the Tibetan Plateau, Everest base camp — the list is endless.
In North America, where overnight camping permits are a rarity, day-long hikes have become a trend among enthusiasts. My own achievements include a challenging 26-mile round trip to Berg Lake in British Columbia, a grueling 25-mile trail race in Pennsylvania, the 16-mile Fimmvorduhals trail in Iceland, the formidable 18-mile Enchantment Core trail in Washington and a 20-miler to Garibaldi lake and Panorama ridge in Whistler, BC.
The mountains are not merely destinations on a map; they are the milestones of my life’s journey. Each summit conquered, each trail traversed, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unyielding curiosity that propels us forward.
