Friendship Peak Expedition

• Located in the Pir Panjal Range of Himachal Pradesh, near Manali.
• A 7–9 day difficult/semi-technical mountaineering expedition reaching 17,350 ft (5,289 m).
• Route passes through Solang Valley, Dhundi, Bakarthach, Lady Leg Camp, glaciers, and snowfields.
• Features glacier travel, snow climbing, crampon and ice-axe use, rope techniques, and high-altitude camping.
• Summit offers panoramic views of Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Indrasan, Shitidhar, and surrounding Himalayan ranges.
• Considered an ideal transition from high-altitude trekking to mountaineering.
• Suitable for experienced trekkers with strong fitness, endurance, and prior high-altitude trekking experience.

The Friendship Peak Expedition is one of the most popular introductory mountaineering expeditions in the Indian Himalayas. Located in the Pir Panjal Range near Manali, the peak rises to 5,289 meters and offers trekkers an opportunity to transition from high-altitude trekking to genuine mountaineering.

Unlike standard Himalayan treks, the expedition includes:

• Glacier travel
• Snow climbing
• Crampon use
• Ice axe techniques
• Rope-assisted movement
• High-altitude summit climbing

Because of its manageable altitude compared to larger Himalayan peaks and its technical learning opportunities, Friendship Peak is often regarded as an ideal first expedition for aspiring mountaineers.

Day 1 — Arrival in Manali
Registration, equipment checks, expedition briefing, and final preparations.

Day 2 — Solang Valley to Bakarthach
Begin the trek through scenic alpine landscapes and reach the meadow campsite at Bakarthach.

Day 3 — Bakarthach to Lady Leg Camp
Continue gaining altitude as the trail enters glacial terrain, establishing a higher camp.

Day 4 — Acclimatization and Technical Training
Acclimatization and technical preparation including ice-axe practice, self-arrest techniques, rope handling, crampon training, and glacier movement exercises.

Day 5 — Summit Attempt
Early-night departure followed by snow climbing, glacier crossing, and the summit ascent before returning to camp. This is generally the toughest and longest day of the expedition.

Day 6–7 — Descent and Return
Descend through the lower camps to Solang Valley, followed by a drive back to Manali, marking the end of the expedition.

Participants should ideally have:

• Strong cardiovascular endurance
• Previous high-altitude trekking experience
• Ability to trek for 8–10 hours
• Good leg strength
• Mental resilience

Recommended preparation includes:

• Running
• Stair climbing
• Strength training
• Backpack hiking
• Endurance workouts

Summit success depends heavily on fitness and acclimatization.

Starting Point

Manali

Nearest Airport

Kullu-Manali Airport

Nearest Railway Access

Most participants travel via:

• Chandigarh
• Delhi

before continuing by road to Manali.

Clothing

• 1 full-sleeve & 2 half-sleeve synthetic quick-dry T-shirts

• 1 fleece T-shirt

• 1 wind stopper / fleece jacket

• 1 windproof jacket

• 1 down feather / hollow jacket

• 1 thermal innerwear set (upper & lower)

• 2 quick-dry trekking pants

• 1 wind stopper / fleece pant

• 1 pair waterproof gloves

• 1 pair fleece / woollen gloves

• 1 poncho / waterproof jacket and pant

Head Gear

• 1 head torch

• 1 sun cap

• 1 woollen cap

• 1 balaclava

• 1 synthetic & 1 woollen buff / neck gaiter

• Sunglasses with UV protection and side cover

Footwear

• 1 pair water-resistant, high-ankle trekking shoes with good grip

• 1 pair floaters / flip-flops

• 6 pairs cotton socks

• 1 pair woollen socks

• 1 pair gaiters, if required

• 1 pair micro spikes, if required

Backpack

• 50–60 L backpack with rain cover

• 20–30 L daypack with rain cover, if offloading is opted

• Walking stick

• 2 × 1 L water bottles or 1 hydration pack + 1 × 1 L bottle

• At least 1 thermos flask

• 1 small tiffin / lunch box

• Personal medical kit / medicines

Food / Snacks

• Energy bars

• Dry fruits

• ORS / electrolytes

Personal Essentials

• Sunscreen

• Moisturiser

• Chapstick / lip balm

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Toilet paper & wipes

• Soap / hand sanitizer

• Antibacterial powder

• Quick-dry towel

Tip: Don't overpack. For a Himalayan trek, good trekking shoes, proper layers, rain protection, hydration, and sun protection are more important than carrying extra clothes.

Refund percentages vary depending on cancellation timing:

• Earlier cancellations receive higher refunds/vouchers.
• Emergency situations may qualify for special refund consideration.