Kolahoi ~ Expedition, Tragedy & Rescue

In a shocking incident on Kolahoi glacier, two climbers lost their lives, while another was taken home in a traumatic state. The deadly consequence of the adventure has brought home the deep-seated horrors of changing nature.

On September 7, 2018, Kashmir’s two young mountaineers, Adil Shah and Naveed Jeelani, died near Dhanwet, while descending the Kolahai glacier. It was devastating for Kashmir’s small mountaineering community. A senior mountaineer, Adil was an inspiration to many.

They were a group of nine mountaineers with different level of expertise on an expedition to mount Kolahai. It is a glacier and one of the fast receding ones because of the climatic change. Adil was leading the group and the summit was done successfully as recorded at an altitude of 5434 meters.

Climbing Kashmir’s highest peak in the first attempt was a big achievement for Adil. Kolahoi peak (5425 meters) is about a 25 km trek from Aru in Pahalgam. It is one of the perennial sources of water to river Lidder. It was first climbed in 1912 by Dr Ernest Neve, a missionary doctor who authored Beyond The Pir Panjal – Life And Missionary Enterprise In Kashmir.

They had already spent four hours in the descent, there was a sudden rock fall near Dhanwet killing Naveed Jeelani instantly while injuring Adil Shah and Hazik Beigh critically. The fourth person in the rope, Abdul Majid Rather, had a miraculous escape. The remaining five members of the team had already descended to a safe spot. Soon, Adil succumbed to his injuries.

A rescue mission was launched to bring back the injured and the deceased. The loss came in the midst of a successful summit.The entire group was well-equipped and skilled but couldn’t stand the nature’s wrath.

An alumnus of Tyndale Biscoe School Srinagar, Adil was Kashmir’s promising alpinist. Since his training in trekking and other adventure sports during schooldays, he had become a perpetual explorer. He had the urge to discover the unexplored part of nature.

Adil died as a brave Alpinist in his sleeping bag with bruises and a brave smile, embracing the mountains where his body remained there for two days. Rest in peace, Adil and Naveed.