The 73-kilometer-long, 13000-foot-high Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL Trek) was recently completed by filmmaker Onir. The journey, which is not too challenging, takes seven to nine days to complete. The 54-year-old was able to finish it in just four days, though.
He acknowledges that it was a difficult task for which he spent a lot of time planning. “I’ve wanted to do this for a while, but I was recently inspired when I saw some pictures on Twitter,” says Onir.
“I started jogging every day for 10 to 12 kilometers. Since I knew it wouldn’t be an easy road, I also started cycling and swimming to build up my stamina,” he says.
Despite all the planning, the adventure was challenging. Speaking candidly about the difficulties, he says, “The constant change in the terrain was the most difficult, and this one pair of boots was not really designed to handle snow, stones, and all the obstacles we faced. I occasionally had to use a stick to keep moving because the terrain was so slick. I also frequently considered what my sister had advised: “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.” If you believe it to be dangerous, retreat and return. But I wished to conquer my fears, including my fear of heights.
When Onir saw people give up, he admitted that he had doubts about his own ability to succeed.
He recalls an experience that left him completely shaken, saying, “I slipped trying to cross a river because the water was freezing. I froze there when my feet fell into the chilly water. I was unable to do anything but keep my feet submerged. My guide had to physically pick me up and take me to the bank. I remember being extremely afraid at that time because I had no idea I would be so disabled.
The director described another peril he encountered: “We came to a point where my horse keeper told me to walk fast because there would be stones falling. They informed me that a victim dies as a result of it every year. It spooked me. But I was aware that, at 54, I must continue to advance at the same rate. My guide and the horse keeper, both in their early 20s, were people I decided not to try to compete with. But eventually, the pace quickened after the second day, and I arrived at my destination in four days.
He was able to do this because he did not take a lot of time off between treks. “Everyone was in disbelief. Being a regular swimmer, cyclist, and jogger helped me, in my opinion, in terms of stamina. My muscles became accustomed to a certain amount of wear and tear, which really helped. As a result, I did not experience any breathing difficulties. My guide and horseman Parvez were also my greatest assets. They never stopped praising me and giving me confidence.”
“The J&K Police and the Indian Army both provided me with a lot of assistance. The horse keepers were subsequently helped by them to cross the paths from which everyone else was returning because they were also very helpful in obtaining the required permits, he added.