Overcoming Criticism to Find Freedom in the Mountains
Mohsina Gufran, a 23-year-old master's student in English at the University of Ladakh's Kargil campus, has faced criticism from relatives and others who question why young women should climb mountains. Despite this, she finds strength and independence while trekking with her two closest friends in the mountains above her village in Kargil, Ladakh, part of Indian-administered Kashmir.
Daily Life vs. the Mountains
In Kargil, young women are expected to study, help at home, and live carefully. Gufran describes daily life as mechanical—studies, responsibilities, and routines. But when she is in the mountains, everything changes. 'I feel alive,' she says. She grew up in Pashkum, a small village 2,900m above sea level, about 10km from Kargil town. For the past four years, trekking has become one of the most important parts of her life.
Simple Gear, Strong Bonds
The group of three girls does not have professional trekking gear; it is too expensive and difficult to find. They wear simple trousers, warm jackets, sports shoes, and hijabs. They discuss route, weather, and timing beforehand, then begin climbing together. On the trail, they hear birdsong, flowing water, and their own laughter echoing through the mountains.
Voices of Criticism Fade
Some relatives question why young women should climb mountains at all. But once they begin hiking, those voices disappear. 'Trekking teaches us patience, strength and love for nature,' Gufran says. One of her favourite treks took almost five hours to complete, from Kargil to Lankerchey Broq, through rocky slopes and difficult mountain paths. Reaching the top, she felt exhausted but happy, looking across the valley and feeling proud.
Freedom and Future Dreams
The mountains give Gufran freedom. During hikes, she and her friends talk about future plans in ways they cannot elsewhere. They dream of exploring all of Kargil, then Ladakh, then the rest of India, and maybe one day the world. Their friendship has grown stronger; they encourage each other during difficult climbs. Gufran's parents were initially worried about safety but now support her after seeing how important trekking is for her.
Changing Attitudes and Independence
While some people still dislike what they do and make negative comments, Gufran believes attitudes are changing. Families are becoming more supportive, and more young women are taking interest in outdoor activities. She stresses that it is important for young women to move freely outdoors because it gives independence, experience, and confidence. 'The more you explore, the more you learn about yourself and the world around you,' she says.
Faith and Ambition Together
Before starting trekking, Gufran lacked confidence. The mountains changed that, teaching her to trust herself and keep moving forward. 'People often underestimate girls from Kargil. They assume we cannot be religious, ambitious and independent at the same time. But we can,' she says. For her, hiking in a hijab means carrying her faith and passion for adventure together.
Dreaming of Becoming a Mountain Guide
Gufran dreams of becoming a mountain guide one day because she wants others to experience the peace and beauty she finds in nature. She has never met a female mountain guide. She also hopes to enter public leadership, as she rarely saw women speaking openly about issues affecting young women. She wants to become someone who listens seriously to people's problems and works on them honestly, especially issues like safety, freedom, and opportunities for young women.
Looking 10 years ahead, she still sees herself exploring mountains around the world. And if her future daughter ever reads this, she wants her to know: 'She should never be afraid to step outside and see the world for herself.'
