Friendship Peak Expedition

Friendship Peak Expedition – Overview

The Friendship Peak Expedition is one of the most popular introductory mountaineering expeditions in the Indian Himalayas, located near Manali in the Solang Valley region.

This peak offers a perfect blend of adventure and technical climbing experience, including snow slopes, glacier walking, and rope-assisted ascents. It is often chosen by trekkers who want to step into the world of high-altitude mountaineering.

From the summit at 5,289 meters (17,352 feet), climbers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, along with surrounding peaks like Hanuman Tibba and Deo Tibba.

The expedition typically involves gradual acclimatization at base and high camps, technical training, and a summit push over snow and ice terrain. It is considered a challenging but achievable peak for fit and motivated beginners with basic mountaineering exposure.

Overall, the Friendship Peak Expedition is an ideal stepping stone into Himalayan climbing, offering both thrill and learning in a stunning alpine environment.

Friendship Peak Expedition – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Acclimatization In Manali

Altitude: 6,725 ft (2,050 m)
Details: Arrive in Manali and check into the guest house or base camp. Meet your Expedition Leader for a detailed briefing and complete gear check of personal and technical equipment. In the evening, take a light acclimatization walk to nearby places like Hadimba Devi Temple and the surrounding areas to help your body adjust to altitude and mountain weather conditions.
Stay: Overnight stay in a hotel/base camp in Manali.
Day Meals: Lunch, Snacks, Dinner

Day 2: Manali To Dhundi And Trek To Lady Leg

Altitude: 6,725 ft to 12,467 ft (3,800 m)
Drive: 15 km (45–60 mins) to Solang Nala/Dhundi
Trek Distance: 7–8 km (5–6 hours)
Details: After breakfast, drive to Solang Nala and begin the trek through beautiful alpine forests of oak, pine, and cedar. The trail gradually climbs above tree line into open meadows and glacier views. As you move higher, snow patches start appearing. Reach Lady Leg campsite, which offers stunning views of Hanuman Tibba and surrounding peaks.
Stay: Overnight stay in alpine tents at Lady Leg.
Day Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Lady Leg To Advance Base Camp

Altitude: 12,467 ft to approx. 13,500 ft
Trek Distance: 3–4 km (3–4 hours)
Details: Trek over rocky moraine and glacial terrain towards Advance Base Camp near the snow line. The trail becomes more technical with loose rocks and cold winds. In the afternoon, attend technical training sessions including crampons walking, ice axe handling, and rope techniques for glacier safety.
Stay: Overnight stay in alpine tents at ABC.
Day Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Rest Day And Midnight Summit Push

Altitude: 13,500 ft to 17,346 ft (5,289 m)
Trek Distance: 6–8 km (10–12 hours)
Details: The summit push begins around 1:00 AM. Trek through steep snow slopes, icy ridges, and technical sections using fixed ropes. Reach the summit of Friendship Peak at sunrise and enjoy panoramic views of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. After spending time at the top, carefully descend back to Advance Base Camp.
Stay: Overnight stay in alpine tents at ABC.
Day Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Reserve Day For Summit

Details: This is a buffer day kept for unpredictable Himalayan weather conditions like snowfall, wind, or poor visibility. If the summit is already completed, this day is used for rest, recovery, and light walks around camp. If needed, it is used for a second summit attempt depending on weather and safety.
Stay: Overnight stay in tents.
Day Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Back To Manali Or Lady Leg

Altitude: 13,500 ft to 6,725 ft (if returning to Manali)
Trek Distance: 8–10 km
Details: After breakfast, begin descent from Advance Base Camp through glacier and moraine terrain back to Lady Leg and Solang Valley. Depending on pace and conditions, either return to Manali by evening or stay overnight at Lady Leg campsite.
Stay: Overnight in Manali or tents at Lady Leg.
Day Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Lady Leg To Solang Nala And Return To Manali

Altitude: 12,467 ft to 6,725 ft
Trek Distance: 6–7 km
Drive: 15 km (45–60 mins)
Details: Final descent from Lady Leg through Raoli Thach to Solang Nala. Enjoy the last views of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. From Solang Valley, drive back to Manali. Arrival by evening marks the end of the expedition.
Stay: Tour ends in Manali.
Day Meals: Breakfast

Rental Gear List (Pre-booking required)

• Trekking Poles: ₹200 (adjustable) / ₹150 (fixed)
• RainPoncho: ₹200
• Flask: ₹300
• Gloves: ₹150/₹250
• LunchBox&Tiffin Boxes: ₹250
• Headlamps: ₹150
• Extra WarmJackets: ₹550
• Trekking Shoes: ₹550
• Trekking Pants: ₹450

Note: Reserve rental gear in advance. Rental fees may apply.

Inclusions

• Transport: Dehradun – Harsil – Gangotri – Dehradun
• Accommodation: 2 nights in Harsil Cottage, 3 nights in tents (Double/Triple sharing)
• Meals as per itinerary (veg only)
• Certified trek leader, guides, support staff
• Camping gear: tents, sleeping bags, mattresses
• All necessary permits and forest fees
• First aid kit, oxygen cylinder
• Mules/porters for common gear

Exclusions

• Personal expenses (tips, shopping, etc.)
• Bottled water or aerated drinks
• Insurance, emergency evacuation, and rescue
• Any meals not mentioned above
• Personal trekking gear (available on rent)
• Porter for personal luggage (available at extra cost)
• Anything not mentioned in ‘Inclusions’