PJS-Adventures | Friendship Peak

Friendship Peak
India

Adventure Type:

Mountain Climb

Technical Equipment Needed:

Yes

Fitness Level Required:

Above Average

Effort Level:

Extreme

Specialist Insurance Required:

Yes

Best Months To Go:

May - July

September - October

Grading:

see our Grading Guide HERE

Accommodation:

Hotel & Tent

Location Map:

Check HERE

Altitude in Meters:

5,287

Food Choices Available:

Kosher, Veggie, Vegan, Nut Free, Lactose Free, Halal

Information Pack:

Download HERE

Friendship Peak is the gateway to the Himalayas and the first step into true mountaineering. It’s where courage meets adventure and takes you higher—inside and out.

Rising proudly at 5,287m (17,350 ft), is one of the most inviting yet deeply rewarding trekking peaks in the Indian Himalayas. Nestled in the Pir Panjal range near Manali, Himachal Pradesh, this iconic peak strikes a rare balance between accessibility and adventure. While many Himalayan summits demand years of technical climbing experience, advanced equipment, and ropes, Friendship Peak opens its arms to passionate trekkers willing to test their endurance with basic alpine training and guided support. For those looking to make the leap from high-altitude trekking to true mountaineering, this peak serves as a natural stepping stone, combining challenge with the dream of standing atop a Himalayan summit.

A Journey Through Changing Landscapes

The expedition begins in the lush Solang Valley, known for its sweeping meadows and vibrant forests. Trekkers embark on a gradual ascent through oak and deodar woods, where the crisp air and earthy scents of the Himalayas create an atmosphere of renewal. Beyond the tree line, the path unfolds into open alpine meadows and rugged glacial fields, revealing landscapes that grow increasingly dramatic with each step. Notable waypoints such as Bakarthach and Lady Leg test both stamina and determination, while rewarding climbers with panoramic views. As the slopes steepen, snow-laden ridges frame the horizon, and neighboring giants like Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, and Indrasan stand as constant companions. On summit day—often beginning under moonlight or a sky filled with stars—the mountain demands complete focus. Trekkers traverse snowfields, skirt crevasses, and contend with shifting weather to reach the pinnacle, where the Himalayas stretch endlessly in every direction.

More Than Just a Trek

What makes Friendship Peak unforgettable is not simply the beauty of the route or the altitude achieved, but the profound personal growth it inspires. Unlike ordinary treks, this is a genuine alpine climb that requires grit, teamwork, and mental resilience. Each challenge along the way becomes an opportunity to discover strength within oneself, while the camaraderie built among fellow climbers highlights the spirit of shared achievement. And yet, despite its demands, Friendship Peak remains one of the few non-technical Himalayan summits open to adventurous trekkers. Standing atop its summit brings more than a view—it delivers perspective, humility, and a sense of harmony with nature that few experiences can rival.

A Life-Changing Expedition

For those who yearn to go beyond the familiar trails, Friendship Peak offers a journey that is as transformative as it is adventurous. It represents not just the conquest of a mountain, but the discovery of one’s own resilience and potential. The climb blends accessibility with raw wilderness, demanding effort yet rewarding climbers with unmatched vistas and unforgettable memories. More than anything, it reminds us that mountains are not simply obstacles to overcome, but teachers of patience, courage, and humility. For anyone ready to push their limits and embrace the unknown, Friendship Peak is not just an expedition—it is a journey into the heart of the Himalayas and into the deeper heights of the self.

Fitness & Difficulty
Friendship Peak is a challenging, non-technical climb that tests both body and mind. No advanced climbing skills are needed, but altitude, snowy slopes, and the summit push make it a serious physical adventure.

What to Expect:

On Summit Day be ready to be on the move for up to 12 hours. On other trek days there are 4–5 hours of steep ascents and descents. You will carry your own backpack (8–10 kg) on load ferry and summit day, even if you’ve opted for offloading. Sleep at high altitudes above 4,000 m. Navigate steep snow and fixed ropes in crampons and boots.

Friendship Peak is not for beginners, but ideal for trekkers ready to step into technical mountaineering, push their limits, and do it in a well-supported, high-altitude adventure

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Manali (2,050 m)
Arrive, check in, meet your team, and attend expedition briefing with gear check. Optional stroll on Mall Road or visit Hadimba Temple. Rest and acclimatize.
Activity: Arrival, briefing, gear check, light exploration

Day 2: Dhundi to Bakarthach (3,300 m)
Drive to Dhundi, trek ~5 km through forests with views of Hanuman Tibba and Deo Tibba to alpine campsite at Bakarthach. Hydrate and rest.
Drive: 21 km | Trek: 5 km | Altitude Gain: 1,250 m

Day 3: Bakarthach to Lady Leg (3,900 m)
Short but steep trek (~4 km) into alpine terrain. Practice snowcraft and acclimatize to thinner air.
Trek: 4 km | Altitude Gain: 600 m

Day 4: Load Ferry to Summit Camp (4,400 m) & Return
Carry gear to Summit Camp, practice ice axe, crampon, and rope skills, then descend back to Lady Leg.
Trek: 4 km round trip | Altitude Gain: 500 m

Day 5: Move to Summit Camp (4,400 m)
Light trek to Summit Camp with tents prepped. Rest and prepare for summit push.
Trek: 2 km | Altitude Gain: 500 m

Day 6: Summit Day (5,289 m) & Return
Midnight ascent to Friendship Peak. Enjoy summit views, descend via Summit Camp to Lady Leg. Long, challenging day.
Trek: 10–12 km | Ascent/Descent: 889 m / 1,389 m | Duration: 10–12 hrs

Day 7: Descend to Dhundi – Drive to Manali
Trek down through Bakarthach and Dhundi. Drive back to Manali for certificate and group photo.
Trek: 9–10 km | Drive: 21 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs trek + 1.5 hrs drive

Day 8: Departure
Leave Manali or continue onward.

Included:

Mountaineering-certified expedition leader, guides and trained support staff (cook, helpers, etc.)
All technical climbing equipment including ropes, carabiners, snow anchors, climbing boots, crampons, climbing harness, helmet, ice axe, gaiters, and safety carabiners
Technical training & briefing – Acclimatization hike and gear training session at Base Camp before the summit push
All camping logistics – high-quality tents, sleeping bags, mats, kitchen gear
2 Night accommodation in hotel in Manali, twin-sharing
5 Night Accommodation in tents as per the itinerary.
All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 7 breakfast
Flights Delhi – Chandigarh - Delhi
Transport by road Chandigarh - Manali - Chandigarh
Expedition permits, forest entry fees, and local administration permissions
Medical kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen cylinder

Excluded:

International flights
Insurance
Staff Tips
Any additional costs arising from unforeseen delays (weather, natural calamities, health issues, etc.)
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Friendship Peak India