The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL Trek) is a dream for adventure lovers, but it’s not an easy one to do alone. Spanning 70-75 km over 7 days, the trek takes you through majestic alpine lakes, green meadows, and rugged mountain terrain. As much as I love solo travel, I knew that trekking alone in such a remote region could be risky and lonely. That’s when I decided to find a travel buddy—someone to share the journey, help in tough situations, and make the experience even more fun.
Finding the right trekking partner wasn’t as easy as I expected. I wanted someone who matched my pace, fitness level, and enthusiasm for the adventure. After trying different approaches, I finally found the perfect buddy for the trek. If you’re also looking for a travel partner for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, here’s my step-by-step guide to finding the right person.
1. Why I Wanted a Travel Buddy for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Before I even started searching, I asked myself: Why do I need a travel buddy? While solo travel is liberating, trekking in the Himalayas is a whole different challenge. I realized that having a companion would make the experience safer, more affordable, and more enjoyable.
The terrain of KGL is unpredictable, and there are long stretches where you don’t see another soul. A travel buddy meant having someone to share the burden, whether it was setting up the tent or deciding on the pace for the day. Plus, I knew that encouragement from a friend could make all the difference on exhausting days when I felt like giving up.
2. Where I Started Looking for a Trekking Partner
Once I decided to find a trekking buddy, the big question was: Where do I find one? I started with the most obvious choice—online travel communities and forums. These platforms are filled with like-minded people looking for travel companions.
I joined Facebook groups like “Trekking Buddies India” and “Himalayan Trekkers” and posted about my plans. I also checked Reddit’s r/IndiaTravel and r/TrekkingIndia, where many solo travelers discuss their trekking plans. It wasn’t long before I got responses from people who were planning the same trek around the same time.
3. Best Online Platforms to Find a Travel Buddy
I quickly realized that some online platforms are better than others when it comes to finding a reliable trekking partner.
Facebook Groups
I found some great groups where people post their trekking plans and look for partners:
- Backpacking India & Nepal
- Trekking Buddies India
- Solo Travelers India
Reddit and Travel Forums
Reddit has some amazing travel communities where solo travelers discuss their upcoming trips. I posted in:
- r/solotravel
- r/backpacking
- r/IndiaTravel
Within a few days, I connected with a few potential trekking partners and started discussing logistics.
4. Joining a Trekking Group or Club
If finding an individual partner was difficult, I knew that joining a pre-organized trekking group could be a great alternative. Trekking agencies often have fixed departures where solo travelers can join a group.
I checked out agencies like IndiaHikes, Trek The Himalayas (TTH), and Bikat Adventures. These groups not only provided a structured itinerary but also ensured that I’d have company throughout the trek.
Another option was looking for local trekking clubs. Some major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai have active trekking communities where people plan Himalayan expeditions together.
5. How I Used Travel Buddy Apps to Find My Trekking Partner
I didn’t stop at social media and forums—I also tried travel buddy apps. Some of the best ones I found were:
- GAFFL (Get a Friend for Life) – This app connects solo travelers with others heading to the same destination.
- TrekAlong – Designed specifically for hikers, it helps find partners based on experience level.
- FindPenguins – Helps track and connect with fellow travelers.
I created a profile, listed my travel dates and expectations, and soon started receiving messages from other trekkers.
6. Meeting Fellow Travelers in Srinagar
Once I landed in Srinagar, I realized that finding a trekking partner in person was much easier than searching online. The city is a major hub for backpackers and trekkers preparing for different Himalayan expeditions. I booked a stay at Zostel Srinagar, a popular hostel known for attracting adventure seekers. The common areas were buzzing with travelers, and within a few hours, I met several people discussing their trekking plans. Some were heading for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, while others were preparing for treks like Tarsar Marsar and Kolahoi Glacier. I simply joined the conversations, and soon, I found a couple of solo trekkers who were planning to start KGL on the same date as mine.
Apart from hostels, I also explored local travel cafés, which turned out to be another great way to meet fellow trekkers. Café De Linz and Chai Jaai were filled with tourists sharing their itineraries, and I casually joined in. I learned that many people finalize their trekking partners right before departure. Some even decide at Sonamarg, the trek’s starting point. This flexibility meant that if I didn’t find a suitable partner online, I could easily meet someone in Srinagar or even on the first day of the trek.
7. Choosing the Right Travel Buddy
Finding a trekking partner was one thing, but ensuring they were the right fit was another challenge. I had to be selective because trekking together meant spending 7-8 days in remote mountains, relying on each other for safety and support. The first thing I considered was their fitness level and trekking experience. I didn’t want to be in a situation where one of us struggled to keep up with the other. So, I asked my potential travel buddies about their previous treks, how comfortable they were with high-altitude hikes, and whether they had any experience with long-duration treks.
Beyond physical fitness, I also focused on compatibility and trekking style. Some trekkers like to rush through the trails, covering as much distance as possible each day, while others prefer a slow, immersive experience, stopping frequently to admire the views. I wanted someone with a similar approach to trekking. Another key factor was their attitude towards challenges. Trekking often comes with unpredictable weather, exhaustion, and minor conflicts. A good trekking partner should be adaptable, patient, and positive-minded, rather than someone who complains at every hurdle.
If you’re planning the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and looking for a well-organized and hassle-free experience, I highly recommend The Searching Souls. They offer expert guides, comfortable campsites, and a well-planned itinerary to ensure a safe and memorable trek. With their experienced trekking team, delicious meals, and high-altitude support, you can focus on enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Kashmir Great Lakes while they handle all the logistics.
8. Building Trust with My Travel Buddy
Since I was planning to trek with someone I had never met before, building trust and understanding was crucial. Before committing, I initiated several conversations over WhatsApp and Instagram to discuss expectations. We talked about budget, fitness levels, food preferences, and personal travel styles. I also asked them about any medical conditions or past experiences with altitude sickness, ensuring that we were prepared for potential emergencies.
To strengthen our trust, we decided to meet in person a day before the trek. This allowed us to discuss final preparations, buy last-minute supplies, and get comfortable with each other. We also set ground rules—for example, we agreed to stick together throughout the trek, maintain clear communication, and respect each other’s pace. These discussions helped eliminate uncertainties and built mutual confidence, ensuring that we could rely on each other throughout the journey.
9. Safety Tips for Finding a Travel Buddy
When looking for a travel buddy online or in person, safety should always be a priority. While most people in the trekking community are genuine, there’s always a small risk of encountering someone unreliable. To avoid potential dangers, I followed a few key safety measures. First, I never agreed to send money in advance for bookings or shared expenses. Scammers sometimes pose as travelers and ask for deposits before disappearing. Instead, I chose a pay-as-you-go approach where we split costs in real-time.
Additionally, I made sure to check their social media presence and asked for references from past trekking partners. If someone seemed hesitant to share their details or had no digital footprint, it raised a red flag. When meeting in person, I always did so in a public place, such as a café or hostel common area. Lastly, I kept my family and close friends updated about my travel plans, including details about my trekking partner, their contact information, and my expected itinerary. These small but essential precautions ensured a safe and secure trekking experience.
10. Planning the Trek Together
After finalizing my trekking partner, we began planning the trek together. Coordinating the itinerary, accommodation, permits, and transportation was necessary to avoid last-minute confusion. We decided to arrive in Sonamarg a day early to acclimatize and complete formalities like registering with the local authorities. Since KGL is a high-altitude trek, we also made sure to include rest breaks and gradual ascents to prevent altitude sickness.
Another important aspect of planning was discussing food and water arrangements. We researched available options along the route and decided to carry enough snacks, energy bars, and dry food. Additionally, we invested in water purification tablets and a portable water filter, ensuring we had access to clean drinking water throughout the trek. By carefully organizing these details in advance, we ensured a smooth and well-prepared journey.
11. Packing Essentials for a Successful Trek
Packing efficiently was key to having a comfortable and successful trek. We made a detailed checklist and divided items between us to reduce weight. Since I had a good-quality tent, I took responsibility for carrying it, while my travel buddy carried the stove and cooking supplies. This balance allowed us to distribute the load equally without overburdening one person.
We also focused on essential gear, including proper trekking shoes, layered clothing, a rainproof jacket, and a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures. Other must-haves included a first-aid kit, power bank, torchlight, and trekking poles. Since the trek passes through remote areas, where cell reception is minimal, we downloaded offline maps and GPS trackers to navigate easily. Proper packing ensured that we were fully equipped for the trek without carrying unnecessary weight.
12. How We Handled Conflicts on the Trek
Trekking for multiple days with someone new can lead to occasional disagreements. We faced minor conflicts regarding the pace of trekking—I preferred a steady pace with short breaks, while my buddy wanted to push forward quickly. Instead of arguing, we found a middle ground, taking slightly longer breaks at scenic spots but maintaining a good pace to reach campsites on time.
Another common issue was food choices. Since my trekking buddy was vegetarian, we had to ensure we carried food that suited both of us. We also had different preferences for camping spots—sometimes I wanted to pitch the tent near a lake, while my partner preferred locations shielded from strong winds. Again, we compromised, ensuring that both of us felt comfortable and satisfied with our decisions. Open communication and flexibility were key in handling these minor challenges without letting them affect our overall experience.
13. Alternative Ways to Find Travel Companions
If online searches and meeting travelers in person don’t work out, there are still other ways to find a trekking partner. One of the best alternatives is joining a guided trek organized by reputed trekking agencies like IndiaHikes or TTH. These treks bring together solo travelers in a group setting, ensuring you have company without the hassle of finding a partner yourself.
Another option is reaching Sonamarg early and looking for fellow trekkers at homestays or permit registration points. Many independent trekkers finalize their partners at the last moment, and it’s common for people to team up just before starting the trek. Being flexible and open to meeting new people increases your chances of finding a great travel companion.
14. Final Tips for Finding the Right Travel Buddy
Looking back, here are my top tips for finding the perfect trekking partner:
✔️ Start searching at least 1-2 months in advance.
✔️ Be active on multiple platforms (social media, travel forums, trekking apps).
✔️ Always meet your travel buddy before the trek to ensure compatibility.
✔️ Stay open to finding a partner at your starting point if needed.
15. Conclusion
Finding a travel buddy for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek was one of the best decisions I made. It made the journey safer, more affordable, and incredibly fun. If you’re planning this trek, start searching now—you’ll find the perfect companion for an unforgettable adventure!
