Friendship Peak Expedition

Overview

Friendship Peak is a prominent mountain located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, India. Standing at an impressive elevation of 5,289 meters (17,349 feet), it is a popular destination for mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts. The peak derives its name from the Indo-Tibetan border nearby, where it is believed that Indian and Tibetan soldiers used to meet and exchange greetings of friendship.

Friendship Peak offers a thrilling climbing experience, attracting both experienced climbers and beginners looking to challenge themselves. The ascent to the summit involves technical skills and the use of mountaineering equipment like ropes, crampons, and ice axes. It is considered a moderately difficult peak and requires a good level of physical fitness and prior trekking experience.

The trek to Friendship Peak takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including dense forests, high-altitude meadows, and rugged terrain. Along the way, trekkers are treated to stunning views of snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers, and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. The journey is not only about conquering the peak but also about immersing oneself in the natural beauty and serenity of the region.

Climbing Friendship Peak provides an opportunity to witness the magnificence of the Himalayas up close and personal. From the summit, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of towering peaks, including Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, and Deo Tibba. The sense of achievement and the feeling of being on top of the world make the climb a truly memorable and fulfilling experience.

It is advisable to undertake the Friendship Peak expedition with the assistance of experienced guides or mountaineering agencies who can provide proper guidance, ensure safety, and make necessary arrangements for permits and equipment. Proper acclimatization, physical training, and thorough preparation are essential before attempting the climb.

Overall, Friendship Peak offers a remarkable adventure, combining the thrill of mountaineering with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas, making it a coveted destination for those seeking an unforgettable mountain experience in India.

Friendship Peak has a very raw and pristine appeal, unlike many other peak expeditions. The trail wanders along meadows and Oak forests, over moraines, boulders, and glaciers making an arduous yet rewarding summit climb. The Friendship Peak expedition will take you to heights and present you with views that are going to leave you in awe. For those who are seeking a pure thrill, Friendship Peak is simply unmissable. Embark on this fascinating adventure guided by our expert Trek Leaders. Our trek leaders are certified in Basic and Advanced Mountaineering courses and will adequately guide you so that you can appreciate the adventure.

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Key Highlights

Altitude : 5289 meters (17353ft)
Time : 7 Days - 6 Nights
Locatiion: Himachal-Manali
Best Time: June to October
Distance: 34Kms
Grade: Moderate
Trek Temperature: Day (0°C to 10°C) & Night (-10°C to -5°C)

Day to Day Itinerary Expand/Collapse All

Food

Veg

Accomodation

Hotel at Naggar

Elevation

1800

You will arrive at Manali max by noon and from there Naggar is around 20 kms. Local buses are easily available and they run at half an hour intervals. At Naggar, check in to your hotel which will be shared to you prior to your arrival. Keep your luggage and freshen after your long journey, after which you will be greeted by a representative from our local partners. Some paperwork is in order so don’t forget to bring along a copy of your identification proof and undertaking to be submitted to our representative as it is required for forest permits. If you have any questions related to Friendship Peak then this is a good time to ask anything regarding the trail, snow condition, etc. After all the formalities have been taken care of, you are free to enjoy the rest of the day leisurely and do some local sightseeing so that you can get used to the mountain air better. You can even take care of some last minute shopping you might need to do before departing for your trek. Overnight stay at Hotel in Naggar.

Food

Veg

Accomodation

Tent

Elevation

3600

Altitude: Dhundi - 2850 m/9350 ft; Riyali Thatch - 3600 m/11811ft
Drive Distance (Naggar - Dhundi ): 42 km, 2 hrs
Trek Distance : 4 Km
Trek duration: 3 – 4 hrs
Trail type: A bit steep in the beginning followed more or less moderate hike until the base camp
Difficulty level: Easy

From today we will be leaving civilization and entering the great outdoors. Wake up with great excitement and get ready to depart for Dhundi which is located 42 kms from Naggar. Soon after breakfast we will board our vehicles and depart for Dhundi from where the trek to Friendship Peak will begin.

The drive to Dhundi will take about 2 hours to reach and from then onwards you will be on foot. Here, you will see an Avalanche study unit under SASE which is used to study the velocity and momentum of Avalanches in the area.

The initial part of our trek today will start with a steep uphill climb to Palchani Thach from where you will be able to spot Friendship peak up close for the first time since your arrival in Manali. From Palchani Thach we will get down near to the river bed and then start our upward climb to the forest of fir, oak and walnut. Getting down from the forest we will need to cross a couple of streams and then go towards a steep yet short distanced climb to our campsite. From our campsite we can get a good view of Mt. Hanuman Tibba and to the other side will be our target peak, Friendship Peak. Enjoy tea and snacks in the great outdoors and witness how the colors change on the mountain tops as the sun sets. Have a hearty meal dinner to give you extra energy for your climb.

Food

Veg

Accomodation

Tent

Elevation

3900

Altitude: Lady Leg- 3900m/12800ft
Trek Distance: approx 4 kms
Trek duration: 3-4 hrs
Trail type: Steep climb
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

We wake up early in the morning to witness the magnificent sunrise illuminate the snow clad peaks of the surrounding. We will have hot and nutritious breakfast at our campsite and then soon depart for our upward trail to Lady Leg which will be our Advance Base camp for Friendship Peak. We will gradually cross the vast meadow of Bakarthach to set up our breathing for the steep climb to come ahead. We will reach a waterfall and from there the trek is a steep upward climb. On a steep hill we always use a method called traversing in which you walk in a zigzag pattern along the mountain slope so that less energy is consumed in the process. We reach our campsite and watch the route we have taken, the altitude we have climbed in our journey and the tents at Bakarthach look like small coloured dots now. Quickly freshen up and have a scrumptious meal after the hard effort that you have just completed. We take some rest before we start with our display and briefing of mountaineering equipment, sleep is absolutely discouraged at this point as altitude sickness can easily hit you. We learn how to use crampons, ice axes to use as anchor while falling, roping up and marching together as a team and ascending descending techniques on snow.

Food

Veg

Accomodation

Advance base camp

Elevation

4300

Altitude : Advance base camp 4300m
Trek Distance: approx 4.5 kms
Trek duration: 3-4 hrs
Trail type: Steep climb through rocky section and barren ridge line
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Water source: 2-3 streams in first stretch of the climb

After spending the night at Lady Leg, you will continue trekking towards the Advance base camp. The trek will take you through challenging terrain, including crossing a glacier, navigating steep rocky slopes, and traversing narrow ridges.
Upon reaching the Advance Base Camp, your trekking gear and equipment will be checked and prepared for the summit attempt the next day. It's important to ensure that your gear is in good condition and that you have all the necessary supplies for a successful summit attempt.
After a long day of trekking, it's important to rest and recover. The Advance Base camp is a great place to relax and recharge before the final push towards the summit. Make sure to hydrate, eat a nutritious meal, and get plenty of rest to prepare for the next day's climb.

Food

Veg

Accomodation

Tent

Elevation

5289

Altitude : Peak : 5289m ; Bakarthach(3900m)
Trek Distance: approx. 12kms
Trek duration: 10-12hrs
Trail type: Steep climb through moraine and snow
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Water source: Fewer sources therefore carry at least 2lt per person

The day of reckoning has finally arrived and we are all set for the summit attempt. Our wake up call will be at 1 am so that we can have a head start as this day can be strenuous and long. We have a quick and light breakfast of Dalia(oats) and Maggie to give us energy for the arduous summit attempt. All roped up, wearing our harnesses, helmets and carrying our ice axe, we set forth for our summit.
Our climb is steep from the very beginning as we make our way up to the shoulder of the peak, crampons are required as we will be walking on the Glacier which consists of Hard ice and not snow. The route to the shoulder has many crevasses on its way and after reaching the shoulder, fixed rope might be needed from here according to the snow conditions and experience of the team. As we inch closer to the summit, we will encounter a black boulder at approximately 5000 metres where the route needs to be carefully inspected and executed. As we finally arrive at the summit at around 8-9 am, the whole panoramic view of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar range is revealed to us in full 360 degree view rewarding you for the long and strenuous hardship you put your body through.

We take the same route back to our summit camp where we are welcomed with hot lunch to regain our energy, as we don’t stop there for the night and make our journey back to Bakarthach to enjoy the comforts of a lower altitude and a sound sleep at night.

Food

Veg

Accomodation

Tent

Elevation

3840

We have reserved a day extra to increase the chances of the summit, this day will only be used in case of any kind of natural or unexpected obstacle such as rain, snowfall, etc. In case the buffer day is used then extra charges will be collected from all participants.

Food

Veg

Accomodation

Hotel

Elevation

2050

Altitude : 3840m to 2050m
Drive: Dhundi to Manali, 22kms (2 hrs)
Trek Distance: approx. 7.5kms (Lady leg to Dhundi)
Trek duration: 3-4hrs
Trail type: Steep descend
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Water source: 2-3 water sources

With the accomplishment of Summiting Friendship peak raising our spirit, we will start early and follow the same route that we had taken back to Dhundi. On arrival at Dhundi, we will find the vehicles already parked to take us back to civilization in Naggar.

What Is Included ?

Mountaineering (Instructor/guide) services provided by a highly trained, professional, and qualified Himalayan Adventure Trips staff.
Certified local guide with extensive familiarity of the area.
Climbing provides only vegetarian food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Staff include chefs, cooks, and helpers.
High Altitude Force, Low Altitude Force, Porters, Mules for Common Equipment (Rations, Tents, Utensils, Central Climbing Equipment, etc.)
Tents (to be shared), sleeping bags, air mattresses, and air pads are included. Inner
We offer twin-share accommodations in dome, alpine, and high-altitude tents on all of our treks and expeditions. All necessary camping equipment, including air mattresses, a shelter for cooking and eating, a table and chairs, a stool, and more, would be supplied.
Someone who can carry heavy items, set up high camps, repair ropes, etc. at high altitudes.
Assistance from Guide All the Way to the Top
High-altitude butane gas cooker
The only meal offered at the hotel will be breakfast. All meals while on the walk will be supplied for you. Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines, all freshly cooked, will be on the menu.
Tin-packaged food is what we'll eat at high altitude.
A standard first aid kit with oxygen masks for the patient.
Camping fees, wildlife fees, and forest permits.
Taxes imposed by the state.
Climbing equipment such as ropes, pitons, snow bars, crabs, etc.

What Is Excluded?

Climbers may hire individual porters to carry their gear.
Airport transportation costs
Expenses for carrying still/video cameras etc.
Irregular/Personal costs, such as laundry, phone calls, and gratuities.
Your own personal mountaineering equipment and clothes, as well as any specialised foods you may need
Inner Line Permit.
Health coverage or the price of a rescue mission
Expenditures of a more personal character (such as booze, soda, bottled water, mineral water, canned or bottled drinks, candy, canned or packaged dried fruits, etc.)
Provisions/food to or from the starting point of the trek.
Any expenses that are incurred as a result of natural disasters, human error, or other unforeseeable occurrences.
Protect your trip with a travel insurance policy.
Authorization, licensing, and enlistment with the IMF.
Payment for Liaison Officer (included for foreign expedition only)
+GST of 5%.

Altitude Graph

FAQs

The duration of the Friendship Peak trek can vary depending on various factors such as the chosen route, individual trekking pace, and acclimatization needs, but typically the trek takes around 8 to 10 days to complete, including acclimatization days and the summit ascent of Friendship Peak itself. The trek usually starts from the Solang Valley near Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India, and involves traversing through picturesque alpine meadows, dense forests, and high-altitude terrain. The final summit push involves technical climbing, requiring proper mountaineering skills and equipment. Overall, the Friendship Peak trek offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for adventure enthusiasts seeking to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Indian Himalayas.

Additional Information

Good Trekking Boots: You need sturdy trekking boots with supportive high ankles. Don't bring your running shoes. U can carry extra floaters/flip flops also.

Wear warm clothing, such three-layer coats, fleece upper, hollow fill or down-filled jackets. Carry full-sleeved T-shirt. Carry cotton hiking trek pants and warm pant for your lower body. Never bring shorts or jeans on a hike.

Take top and bottom thermals with you.

Quick dry towel with light weight and Personal toiletries. Suns cream lotion, sanitizer, tooth brush ad toothpaste, lip balm and antibacterial powder.

Socks: Bring two pairs of regular socks and two pair of wool socks for wearing at night.

A head torch is required.

Sunglasses/ Goggle: UV-protected sunglasses are necessary to protect against sunlight and Snow Mountain.

There should also be a woolen cap / balaclava, cap, neck gaiter cum face mask and warm fleece and waterproof summit gloves since it will be chilly. Keep waterproof gloves on hand since they become wet in the snow.

Everyone taking part in the activity should have their own lunchbox, spoon, mug and water bottle/ hydration pack of 2 ltr.

Raincoats/ponchos: Since snowfall and rain are frequent at high elevations, it is important to have one on hand so as to avoid getting wet.

Trekking bag of 75 ltr with rain cover.

Walking stick.

Personal first aid box. Emergency ration, energy bars, dry fruit, electoral/Ors

Personal technical gears list of mountaineering (on rent basis available)

Climbing boot, Crampon, Sleeping bag (optional), Ice axe, seat harness, Rope and tape sling, helmet, Summit gloves, Gaiters, Carabineers 2 no (screw), figure of eight/descendor, Zumar (Ascendor),

Required Documents:

Registration Form

Medical Certificate (signed by a licensed MBBS physician)

NOC form (completed by the trekker)

2 passport-size photos

ID Proof photo (not PAN)

Insurance upto 5 lac..

Google Map

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