The life of an adventurer and explorer can be captivating and inspiring. From uncovering the wild forests in the remote jungles of Chenab Valley, Pir panjal range and kashmir to the wilds of unfamiliar cold deserts of Ladakh and the high altitude plains and plateau of Spiti and Lahual of Himachal Pardesh. But who is this adventurer? What drives them to explore the unknown and why do they risk their lives to do so?
This article will explore the life and legacy of this adventurer and explorer. We will look at their motivations for taking on such daring expeditions, the obstacles they faced and the unique impact that they have had on local and global communities through their blogs and social media engagement. We will discuss their successes, failures and the unique lessons that we can lear from their pursuits.
The adventurer from the small town of Doda, Jammu and Kashmir we will look at is Zaid Balwan. Zaid has been exploring the world around him from young age starting from the year 2014. Mountains and their sky touching heights always fascinating him from very young age and has had the opportunity to visit some incredible places. Zaid has crossed oceans, breached over the passes of almost over twenty five major passes of India during his expedition named “The Pass Raiders”, transversed through deserts of Rajasthan to cold deserts of Ladakh and climbed different mountains in pursuit of uncovering the unknown.But what motivates them to take such risks and endure such challenges.
          Zaid’s journey began with the idea and question of “Chenab’s Birth”. Being native to Doda, a town located in the himalayas near the river Chenab. The questionable curiosity of Chenab's birth ignited the final spark of hunt.Due to unavailability of source information, route map and crucial time of study at that time the pursuit was limited. But at the right time with proper route knowledge through digital maps, the journey to the daring adventure started. Zaid started his journey on the way to Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pardesh in search of quest. As soon as he crossed Rohtang La Pass , near Manali he reached Sissu Village. The first tributary of the mighty chenab, Chandra river was before the sight flowing through the glaciers of Spiti. Heading towards Bara Lach La pass, also known as “Gateway of Ladakh”, another tributary Bhagha river was before the eyes. At tandi village, the two tributary merged to form Chenab River (called Chandra bhagha river in Himachal). Still the question of Chenab's birth was there, journey headed to Bara Lach La Glacier of the himalayas as the lake responsible for Bhagha river ‘Sooraj Tal’ formed there. Sooraj Tal also known as Tso Kambi located there is the third highest lake of India located at an altitude of 16040ft above sea level.So the place called Birth of Chenab was before the eyes of the explorer. On the very that day, Zaid realised that exploring the unknown was their true passion. And since then they have partially dedicated their life to it

Pic: Picture clicked during the expedition of ‘Quest of Chenab's birth’ at Baralachala Pass and Glacier (4850m)
Zaid has encountered many challenges throughout their expeditions from the physical dangers of extreme terrain like visiting World’s Highest Motorable Pass, Umling La Pass at an altitude of 19024ft to driving through the breathtaking cliffs of one time World's Most Dangerous Road of the Cliff Hanger Road of Padder, District Kishtwar which is not for the faint of the heart offering a thrilling drive along its winding roads. Along with the mental hurdles of loneliness and fatigue. Zaid Balwan has preserved through these obstacles and emerged victorious, with incredible stories and a wealth of knowledge that can be shared with others.

The legacy of Zaid’s exploration is far-reaching and his self expedition named “The Pass raiders” claimed a huge success. On intention of covering all the fascinating mountain passes of Jammu and Kashmir , Uttarakhand and Himachal Pardesh.The expedition started after Lockdown of Covid-19 in the year 2020.The major covered in this expedition were Umlingla, Khardung la , Kunzam Pass , Sach Pass , Rohtang La , Nakeela pass, Fotu la pass, Baralach la , Zoji La ,Sinthan pass , Namika pass , Tangla , Narbula, Banihal pass, Lachalung la , Niti Pass , Indrahar pass, Rezang La, Debra pass, Sela Pass, Hamta pass, Kahuli Galu pass, Padri Jot and many others. The expedition started in 2020 and the adventurer is still looking to cover most of the other passes till date. Lack of any sponsorship, affect on studies and management of business limits the adventure. Zaid Balwan has helped to connect local and global communities through the stories and experiences shared on their social media accounts and through articles contributed to National Geoghraphic and Discovery network community explore articles.
Zaid has also inspired new generation of adventurers and explorers with their story of courage and preserverance. During the expedition of such long time, Zaid Balwan interacted with number of tourists from the globe sharing their experiences. During his trek to RohtangLa near manali , the concept of trek adventure sports got introduced to him and attended workshops on mountaineering and rock climbing. After that more than 13 successful land and snow trek has been completed by him in Himachal Pardesh and Kashmir. Now the adventurer has taken admission in Jawarharlal Insititute of Mountaineering [JIM] to complete his Basic Mountaineering Course , so that he may register his trek club with Jammu Kashmir Tourism Department.This will be the first registered trek club of while chenab valley in the name “Chenab Adventure and Trek club”. He has also opted for “Siachen Galcier Trek” organised by Adventure Wing of Indian Army. The final selection of ehich is subject to clearance of medical fitness before leaving. Siachen being the highest battleground of the world, it comes with life threatening obstacles like hypothermia as the temperature drops to -40 degree.
After the successful completion of Basic Mountaineering Course, this adventurer wants to come forward for Advanced Mountaineering Course. As the ultimate goal of this adventurer from a small town of J&K is to make his journey to Mount Everest standing at 8848m. Planning a trip to Mount Everest is a thrilling adventure itself.Being aware of the fact that journey to the peak of Mount Everest is long and ardous , and requires careful planning, preparation and lot of money.It is essential to be well equipped and physically fit for the journey as it is both dangerous and demanding. If the dream of this adventurer comes true , it will bring laurels to whole region, state and India as well. As of now, only 526 Indian Nationals and only 2 persons from J&K have done the summit successfully. The summit by these two from Jammu and Kashmir was done in 2021 and by Sponsorship of Govt. As the average cost of completing the summit goes upto 50-60 lacs on an average and months of time.
Overall, a trip to Mt’Everest is an incredible rewarding experience and an adventure of a lifetime. With the right preparation and guidance, you can make your dream of reaching the summit a realty. Ultimately, Zaid Balwan’s life and legacy will continue to inspire others to pursue heir dreams and venture into uncharted territories.