The 73-kilometer-long, 13000-foot-high Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL Trek) was just completed by filmmaker Onir. The voyage, 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 undertaking for which he spent a lot of time planning. “I’ve wanted to do something for a while, but I was recently motivated when I saw some photographs on Twitter,” says Onir.
“I started jogging every day for 10 to 12 kilometers. Since I realized it wouldn’t be an easy road, I also started cycling and swimming to build up my stamina,” he explains.
Despite all the planning, the adventure proved challenging. Speaking candidly about the difficulties, he says, “The frequent change in the terrain was the most difficult, and this one pair of boots was not actually designed to handle snow, stones, and all the hurdles 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 strain 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 observed people giving up, he said 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 frigid. I froze there when my feet fell into the chilly water. I was unable to do anything but keep my feet submerged. My escort had to physically pick me up and take me to the bank. I remember being quite afraid at that time since I could not have predicted that I would be so crippled.”
The director described another peril he encountered: “We came to a location where my horse keeper urged me to walk rapidly 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 journeys. “Everyone was in disbelief. Being a regular swimmer, cyclist, and jogger benefited me, in my opinion, in terms of stamina. My muscles became accustomed to a certain degree 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 caretakers were afterwards helped by them to cross the paths from which everyone else was returning since they were also quite helpful in obtaining the required licenses, he added.
