AT HOME IN THE HILLS

MAHMOOD AHMED SHAH IS A BUREAUCRAT BY PROFESSION, BUT IT IS TREKKING THROUGH THE PRISTINE TERRAINS OF HIS BEAUTIFUL KASHMIR THAT HAS HIS HEART. WE SPOKE TO HIM ABOUT HIS MOUNTAINEERING FEATS AND FUTURE PLANS

- ANINDITA GHOSH

FOR A MAN PASSIONATE about mountains, Mahmood Ahmed Shah couldn't have been born in a better place. Growing up in Kashmir, Shah spent hours gazing at the mountains in the distance, dreaming of someday exploring the mighty peaks that filled his soul with intrigue and wanderlust.

Today, as Director of Industries and Commerce and Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Shah is a busy and respected bureaucrat; however, his governmental duties haven't stopped him from pursuing his passion. He has the distinction of exploring 112 Alpine lakes in the region and circumambulation of the entire Kashmir Valley. He also happens to be a patron of the Jammu and Kashmir Mountaineering and Adventure Club, established in 1934, and will soon publish a coffee table book on the valleys of Kashmir. We caught up with him to learn more about his journeys.

> What made you undertake your first trek? What was the experience like?