Friendship Peak

Your journey begins in the bustling town of Manali — the hub for adventure seekers in Himachal Pradesh. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and meet your expedition leader and fellow climbers. Post lunch, we conduct a comprehensive briefing covering the route, gear check, and high-altitude tips. You’ll also be given your technical equipment (if not already brought) and guided through how to pack efficiently.

If time permits, you can stroll around the Mall Road, pick up last-minute supplies, or visit local landmarks like Hadimba Temple. This is also a great time to mentally prepare for the physically demanding days ahead and begin acclimatizing to the altitude.

Altitude: 2,050 m
Activity: Arrival, expedition briefing, gear check, rest and explore Manali

After an early breakfast, we drive to Dhundi — the last motorable point in Solang Valley. From here begins our trek through dense coniferous forests, alongside the Beas River. The trail is scenic but gradually ascending, offering views of Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, and the Seven Sisters peaks.

We reach Bakarthach by afternoon, our campsite nestled in alpine meadows with dramatic backdrops. Here, you'll get your first taste of mountain living in tents. The altitude gain is noticeable, so hydration and rest are important tonight.

Drive: ~21 km (1.5 hours)
Trek: ~5 km (3 hours)
Altitude Gain: 1,250 m

Today’s trek is relatively short but gains significant altitude. We leave the treeline behind and enter alpine zones with open meadows and views of surrounding snow-covered peaks. The route is steeper and rockier, with increasing snow presence as we get closer to Lady Leg — a sloped campsite named after a boulder resembling a bent leg.

The rest of the day is spent acclimatizing and doing light snow craft drills like walking in crampons and self-arrest basics, depending on the terrain condition. You’ll also start adjusting to thinner air as you approach 4,000 m.

Trek: ~4 km (3–4 hours)
Altitude Gain: ~600 m

Today we perform a load ferry — a critical part of mountaineering where climbers carry a portion of their gear to a higher camp, leave it there, and return to a lower camp to sleep. You’ll pack and carry selected items from your personal equipment and clothing in your rucksack and deposit them at Summit Camp (4,400 m) — a spacious, snow-covered plateau ideal for training and camping.

The trail involves a steep ascent over snow slopes and uneven terrain, giving you a hands-on feel for the summit push. After dropping off the gear and practicing essential snowcraft skills (like ice axe handling, walking on fixed lines, and using crampons), we descend back to Lady Leg for the night.

This climb is demanding but helps with acclimatization and gear prep. Don’t worry — tomorrow we return to Summit Camp, but you’ll only carry minimal gear then, as major loads stay stored.

Trek: ~4 km total (2 km each way)
Altitude Gain: ~500 m ascent; return to 3,900 m
Duration: 4–5 hrs round trip

With our main luggage already ferried yesterday, today we move lighter and more efficiently to Summit Camp. The climb still feels challenging, but the load is easier to manage. Expect early snow patches and exposure to sun and wind — proper layering and hydration are key.

Once we arrive at Summit Camp (4,400 m), we pitch tents and settle in for final rest before summit push. Dinner is served early (around 5–6 PM) to allow maximum rest before the midnight wake-up call. Tents are adjusted to accommodate three people per tent, optimizing space and warmth, as we don’t carry too many items up. Rest well — the big day awaits.

Trek: ~2 km (2–3 hours)
Altitude Gain: ~500 m

Summit push begins early, typically around 12 AM. We gear up with harnesses, crampons, headlamps, and ropes, and step out into the darkness. The cold is intense, but adrenaline keeps you warm. The route gradually steepens as we approach the summit ridge, with key sections protected by fixed ropes.

Reaching the summit of Friendship Peak (5,289 m) is a surreal moment — a wide 360° Himalayan panorama awaits you, including Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Indrasan, and more. Soak in the views, click a few photos, and begin the descent.

We halt briefly again at Summit Camp, hydrate and regroup, before continuing the descent back to Lady Leg. This day is long and tiring — be mentally prepared to carry your gear the entire day. A warm welcome, hot food, and a well-earned celebratory dinner await you at Lady Leg.

Trek: ~10–12 km total
Altitude Gain: ~889 m ascent, ~1,389 m descent
Duration: 10–12 hours

Your final trekking day. We descend from Lady Leg, retracing our path through Bakarthach and Dhundi. The trail feels familiar but your legs might still be sore from the summit. Take your time, and enjoy the forest sections and open meadows.

From Dhundi, our vehicles drive us back to Manali by 3–4 PM. You may choose to leave Manali the same evening via an overnight bus or stay back and depart the next day. Either way, the expedition officially concludes with a certificate distribution, and a group photo that seals your achievement.

Trek: ~9–10 km
Drive: ~21 km
Duration: 4–5 hrs trek + 1.5 hrs drive

While the expedition is generally completed in 7 days, we strongly recommend keeping Day 8 as a buffer in your plan. This day can be used for:

• A second summit attempt (if weather or health issues prevented the first)
  • Recovery or extra acclimatization on the mountain
  • A relaxed day in Manali before heading home

If unused, you can explore cafes, visit the hot springs at Vashisht, or simply stroll through Old Manali’s markets. Your luggage can be kept at the hotel till your departure in the evening.

Please note: If this day is utilized — whether as a second summit attempt with food and tent stay in the mountains, or as an extra night in Manali with bed & breakfast — an additional fee of same amount will be charged. This covers basic logistical support and arrangements for the added day. Charges apply only if the day is actually used or is opted for during the booking. Refer to the Additional Expenses section below for further details.