Friendship Peak, located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, stands at 5,289 metres (17,350 feet) and offers a rewarding challenge for climbers and experienced trekkers. The expedition is a good option for those looking to move beyond regular high-altitude trekking and gain experience in mountaineering.
The climb offers panoramic views of the Beas Kund basin and surrounding peaks, including Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, and Indrasan. The route involves challenging terrain such as moraines, glaciers, crevasses, and patches of ice, making the Friendship Peak Expedition a moderate to hard climb. While advanced technical climbing skills may not be required throughout the route, participants should be physically prepared for demanding high-altitude conditions.
The journey takes you through lush green meadows and dense forests before reaching the snow-covered upper sections of the mountain. Along the way, you can also interact with local communities and experience their warm hospitality, adding a cultural element to the expedition. The experience of climbing together also creates a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie among participants.
The more favourable periods for the Friendship Peak Expedition are generally May to June and September to October, when conditions are more suitable for climbing. The monsoon months can bring less predictable weather and challenging trail conditions, so the exact climbing window can depend on prevailing mountain conditions.
TrekNomads provides experienced guides, expert support, and the necessary equipment to help participants prepare for the climb and have a safe and memorable Friendship Peak experience.
- Day 1: Arrival at Manali. After some rest, we would go on a normal walk in order to acclimatize
- Day 2: Drive to Dhundi (road-head) and trek to Bakarthach (3,300 meters) (4-5 hours)
- Day 3: Trek from Bakarthach to Lady leg (3,900 meters) (4-5 hours)
- Day 4: Acclimatization & load ferry to summit camp. Night stay at Lady leg
- Day 5: Trek from Lady leg to summit camp (4,400 meters) (2-3 hours)
- Day 6: Trek from Summit camp to Friendship peak (5289 meters) & back to Lady leg (8-9 hours)
- Day 7: Trek down from Lady leg to Road-head. Drive to Manali. Night stay in Hotel
- Day 8: End of trek. Departure after breakfast
Risk and Liability for friendship peak trek
We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstance and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any types of sickness including altitude sickness.
Fitness Criteria:
A 5,000m expedition requires a good level of physical fitness, endurance, and high-altitude trekking experience. Participants must have successfully completed a prior trek at 5,000m or above to be eligible for the expedition.
In addition to prior high-altitude experience, you must meet at least one of the following fitness criteria before joining the expedition: 5K run in 35 minutes or Cycling 10kms in 40 mins or Swimming 1 km in 40 mins or Stair climbing 50 floors (10 floors up and down 5 times) in 30 mins.
Once you register, you are required to share proof of meeting the fitness criteria with your Trek Captain at least 30 days before departure.
Preparing for Expedition:
Start training at least six weeks before departure, focusing on:
- Aerobic endurance and cardiovascular fitness
- Core, upper-body and lower-body strength
- Yoga, mobility and recovery
- Stair climbing and uphill training
Not Sure If You’re Fit Enough for the Expedition?
If you’re unsure about your fitness or trekking readiness, we offer a FREE Mountain Fit Assessment Program (MFAP). The assessment helps you understand your current fitness level, identify areas that need improvement, and get a personalised fitness plan to help you prepare confidently for your trek.
Want to build technical mountain skills as well?
You can also explore our Ladakh Ice Climbing Training Program to develop essential skills and techniques for climbing in snow and ice conditions. Explore Ice Climbing Training here.
NOTE:
Trekkers who have already trekked in the same route or have trekked at a similar altitude (highest altitude of this trek) or even higher, automatically get qualified. However, they would have to get both the Medical Certificate and Indemnity Bond singed as a mandate.
Trekkers who do not qualify the fitness criteria or fail to share the fitness criteria proof have to get both the Medical Certificate and Indemnity Bond singed with the same mentioned in the documents respectively.
Trekkers will not be allowed to join the group if the duly filled, signed and sealed copies of the Medical Certificate and Indemnity Bond are not shared.
Do’s and Don’ts for friendship peak trek:
- We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
- Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colours and heavy apparel as much as possible.
- A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
- Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
- If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
- Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
- Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
- If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
- Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
- To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek
You need more information?
- Stay for 2 nights in a deluxe hotel with breakfast in Manali, giving you a comfortable base before and after the expedition.
- Get 5 nights of organised camping, with dedicated trekkers', kitchen, dining and toilet tents.
- Get technical climbing equipment included climbing boots, crampons, seat harness and ice axe.
- Have sleeping bags, foam mattresses and climbing ropes provided, reducing the amount of technical gear you need to arrange yourself.
- Trek with a mountaineering-qualified professional Trek Leader, supported by local guides.
- Have a dedicated high-altitude chef and support staff preparing your meals throughout the expedition.
- Get porter support for common expedition equipment, including rations, tents, utensils and groceries.
- Have a portable oxygen cylinder and basic first-aid kit available as part of the expedition support system.
- Get all meals during the trek, along with morning/evening tea and evening soup.
- Get access to the Free Mountain Fit Assessment Program, helping assess your readiness and identify areas to improve before the expedition.
- Receive a personalised Dri-Fit T-shirt and TrekNomads goodies.
What is included in the tour
- 2 nights in a deluxe hotel with breakfast on sharing basis
- 5 nights’ accommodation in Camps as per the itinerary
- All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on all days)
- Tea every Morning & Evening, Soup in the Evening
- Camp setup during the trek
- Climbing boots, crampons, seat harness & ice axe
- Trek equipment: Sleeping bags, Foam Mattresses, Utensils, Ropes
- Tents: Trekkers tent (twin/triple sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent
- 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader
- Local Guide (Number of guides depending on the group size)
- 1 High Altitude chef & support staff
- Porters for carrying common equipment (like rations/tents/utensils/groceries)
- Basic First Aid Kit with a portable oxygen cylinder.
- Personalised Dri-Fit T-shirt
- TrekNomads goodies
What is NOT included in the tour
- The cost to reach Manali and back
- Single room occupancy at Manali
- Individual Tent & Porter (available at extra cost)
- Personal accident and travel insurance
- Medical, Emergency Rescue and Evacuation cost
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide, chef, porter, etc
- Local sightseeing and monastery entrance fee, camera fee, etc
- Transportation is not on a disposal basis. It is strictly as per the program, any extra running will be charged extra.
- Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
- All personal and medical expenses, emergency expenses like extra day stay or vehicle charges due to delays, natural calamities (landslides, floods), flight delays/rescheduling/cancellations, any accidents / medical evacuations, riots/strikes & etc.
Other Details:
- Trek Gradient: Difficult
- Trek Distance: 30+ Km
- Assembling Point: Manali
- Trek Duration: 25+ hours
- Average Temperature: 25 to 5 degrees (during the day) and 5 to -10 degrees (during the night)
- Season: May - October
- Nearest Airport: Kullu-Manali Airport
- Nearest ATM: Manali Market
How difficult is the Friendship Peak Expedition?
It's graded difficult and described as a moderate to hard climb overall. The route crosses moraines, glaciers, crevasses, and icy patches, so while advanced technical climbing skills aren't required throughout, you do need to be physically prepared for demanding high-altitude conditions.
What is the highest point of this expedition?
The summit of Friendship Peak itself, at 5,289m (17,350 ft), located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.
Where does the trek begin, and how long does it take?
The expedition starts in Manali and runs over 8 days, with the actual trek distance covering 30+ km and around 25+ hours of walking in total.
What kind of views can I expect along the way?
Panoramic views of the Beas Kund basin, along with peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, and Indrasan, visible at various points during the climb.
What fitness level is required to register?
A good level of fitness is needed. Registration requires completing a 5K run in under 35 minutes, with the details shared with your Trek Captain. If you’re doubtful about your fitness, a four-month training regime is also provided to help you prepare properly.
What's the best time of year to attempt this climb?
May to June and September to October are generally the more favourable windows, since the monsoon months bring less predictable weather and tougher trail conditions.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
You'll get 2 nights in a deluxe hotel in Manali on a sharing basis, followed by 5 nights of camping accommodation along the route, with twin or triple sharing in trekker tents.
Is climbing gear like crampons and ice axes included?
Yes, climbing boots, crampons, a seat harness, and an ice axe are all included as part of the package, along with general trek equipment like sleeping bags, mattresses, and ropes. But Personal trekking gear is not included in the package.
Is travel insurance included?
No, personal accident and travel insurance are not included in this package and need to be arranged separately, along with any medical, rescue, or evacuation costs.
Are porters included for personal luggage?
Common equipment like tents, rations, and utensils is carried by porters as part of the package, but an individual porter for personal luggage is available only at an extra cost.
What's the nearest airport and ATM?
Kullu-Manali Airport is the nearest airport, and the Manali Market area has the nearest ATM.
What temperatures should I expect on this trek?
Daytime temperatures range from around 25°C down to 5°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop from 5°C to as low as -10°C, so proper layering is important.
