These Goan friends celebrated camaraderie and nature by trekking

Twenty years ago, five school friends dreamt of trekking to Kashmir. Finally, what had remained a Whatsapp chat for a long time has become reality.

Iram Khan, Kunal Solanki, Nigel De Santa Rita Vaz, Alli Khan and Sameera Khan, all now 30 years old, took off, travelling about 100 kms for 8 days, crossing 3 high-altitude passes, visiting 7 untouched lakes, watching clear blue skies and experiencing breath-taking landscapes.

The friends feel that their friendship has become much stronger than before. Sameera, who along with Iram runs a café called Goldspot in Fontainhas while also pursuing their careers in technology, says, “It was Iram who had a idea that this would be a great challenge for all of us to get back into fitness. It was also Nigel’s birthday, so it made sense to do it together!”

Nigel, who is a director at ITA labs in Goa, was excited to celebrate his birthday in the mountains. He along with all his friends decided to get back into fitness and make memories on the mountains.

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS: Five friends got together and visited Kashmir.

He adds, “The great lakes of are known to be one of the most beautiful treks of India and the world. The terrain is mostly untouched, and we had to trek about 100 kms. For the effort we were going to put in, we wanted the views to be worth it.” And they were!

The five knew what they were getting into, and there was a lot of work they had to put in before trekking. For one, they had to get fit.

Kunal, who is the founder of Amber Rooms – Eldersons Ginger Ale, says, “All of us had to follow a fitness routine for about three months before the trek. We were required to be able to run 5 kms in 35 minutes to qualify for the trek. More than the physical aspect, we had to be prepared mentally to go through with it.”

He adds, “When the altitude gets to you, you don't think clearly. We had our share of fights, but nothing a great sight of snow-clad couldn't fix.”

Nigel De Santa Rita VazThe great lakes of Kashmir are known to be one of the most beautiful treks of India and the world. The terrain is mostly untouched, and we had to trek about 100 kms. For the effort we were going to put in, we wanted the views to be worth it.

With days of trekking, the group had no cellular network, no showers, ice cold water for freshening up, basic food and a hole in the for a washroom. They also slept on sloped and rocky terrain, woke up at 5 am and slept at 10 pm.

To top it all, they were surrounded by horse poop and sheep bleats. But, it was worth it, they say.

TIRED LEGS BUT HEARTS ARE FULL: Kashmir's great lakes and clear skies were a dream come true for this group of friends.

Alli, who is a mechanical engineer in Dubai, loved the new experience. “We had no network, no shower and no washrooms. The terrains on some days were absolutely crazy. It was scary, it was nerve wracking, but it was absolutely worth it,” he says. He adds that the trek has helped their friendship. “This trek has helped our fitness routine and our friendship – both strengthened!”

Iram quickly adds, “When you are trekking, all you have is yourself, and you are completely present in the . If you think too much about the past, you get distracted, and if you think too much into the future, you may get demotivated, especially thinking about the distance that is left to be covered.”

Iram KhanWhen you are trekking, all you have is yourself, and you are completely present in the moment.

He adds, “All of us have learnt to be more in the present, to take care of our bodies and mind and to continue growing our friendship into a stronger .”

Apart from making memories and having deep conversations, this adventurous group of friends have proved the value of being one with nature and building deep friendships.