🏔️ Friendship Peak Expedition (5,289M)

Name: 🏔️ Friendship Peak Expedition (5,289M)
Start: 2026-09-19T09:00:00+05:30
End: 2026-09-26T13:00:00+05:30
Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Sat 19 Sept

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Expedition Overview • Duration: 8 Days • Best Time: May to October • Grade: Moderate to Challenging • Max Altitude: 5,289 meters (Friendship Peak Summit)

Time & Location

1 more dates

19 Sept 2026, 09:00 GMT+5:30 – 26 Sept 2026, 13:00 GMT+5:30

Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India

About the Expedition

Friendship Peak, set in the heart of the Pir Panjal range near Manali, is one of the Himalaya’s most elegant and approachable summits. At 5,289 meters, it offers a perfect balance between accessibility and true alpine challenge, making it an ideal first Himalayan peak for climbers stepping beyond high-altitude trekking.

The journey moves from quiet forest trails and wide alpine meadows to glacier terrain, steep snow slopes, and a classic summit ridge — giving you a complete mountaineering experience in a compact timeline. On clear mornings, the summit rewards you with sweeping views of Hanuman Tibba, Shetidhar, Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and the distant Dhauladhar range.

With its structured route, reliable season, and immersive mountain environment, Friendship Peak stands out as a refined introduction to Himalayan climbing — demanding, beautiful, and achievable with the right preparation.

For climbers seeking a focused, high-altitude objective with a premium expedition experience, this ascent delivers everything a first summit should: clarity, challenge, and a view you’ll never forget.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Manali

Arrive in Manali (2,050 m), check into your hotel, and rest from travel. In the evening, take a light walk to help acclimatize and prepare for the expedition ahead.

Day 2: Drive to Dhundi & Trek to Bakarthach

Drive to Dhundi — the road-head — and begin your trek towards Bakarthach (3,300 m).

A beautiful 4–5 hour hike through meadows and alpine forests.

Overnight in tents.

Day 3: Trek from Bakarthach to Lady Leg

Continue trekking towards Lady Leg (3,900 m), a well-known campsite named for its distinctive terrain.

Trek duration: 4–5 hours.

Overnight in tents.

Day 4: Acclimatization + Load Ferry

Spend the day acclimatizing at Lady Leg and ferry essential equipment to the summit camp.

Return and rest at Lady Leg.

Overnight in tents.

Day 5: Trek to Summit Camp

A short yet steep trek to the Summit Camp (4,400 m).

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Prepare for the summit push.

Overnight in tents.

Day 6: Summit Day – Friendship Peak (5,289M) & Return to Lady Leg

Begin the summit attempt early in the morning. Navigate steep snow slopes, icy patches, and glacier sections en route to the top.

Enjoy breathtaking views before descending to Lady Leg.

Total duration: 8–9 hours.

Overnight in tents.

Day 7: Descend to Dhundi & Drive Back to Manali

Trek back to Dhundi and drive to Manali. Enjoy a warm shower, good food, and a celebration with the team at the hotel.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 8: Departure

Trip ends after breakfast.

Depart from Manali with memories of a classic Himalayan summit.

Inclusions

Experienced and certified expedition guides for the entire climb.
All technical climbing equipment: ropes, anchors, fixed gear, and safety systems.
Personal climbing equipment provided: climbing boots, crampons, seat harness, and ice axe.
5 nights’ camping accommodation on the mountain with high-quality tents and sleeping bags.
2 nights hotel stay in Manali with breakfast included.
All meals during the expedition – breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Morning and evening tea, along with hot soup served daily.
Comprehensive first aid medical kit carried by the team.
Emergency oxygen cylinder available up to the summit.
All permits, entry fees, and environmental clearances for the expedition.

Exclusions

Travel to and from Manali before and after the expedition.
Personal clothing and personal trekking gear not provided by the team.
Personal porter services, if required.
Personal expenses such as snacks, beverages, and souvenirs.
Toiletries and personal hygiene items (participants must bring their own).
Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and support staff.
Personal travel insurance, medical insurance, or rescue evacuation coverage.
Any item or service not explicitly mentioned in the Inclusions.

Suggested Things to Carry

Valid Government ID: A valid government-issued photo ID (election card or passport) for verification purposes.
Medications: If you are on any prescribed medication, ensure you bring an adequate supply for the duration of the trip.
Backpack: A comfortable, sturdy backpack (50-60 liters) to carry your essentials during the expedition.
Daypack: A smaller daypack (20-30 liters) for short hikes or carrying personal items during daily activities.
Hydration: One thermos and a water bottle (1 liter each) or a hydration bladder to stay hydrated throughout the journey.
Headlamp: A reliable headlamp with extra batteries for night-time use during the expedition and camps.
Personal Toiletries: Bring your own toiletries, including any personal hygiene products you may need.
Curiosity and Enthusiasm: Bring along your curiosity to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the landscapes, and connect with the people.

Clothing and Gear to Bring

Warm Clothing: Pack appropriate warm clothes to suit your personal needs, especially for the cold summit night.
T-Shirts (Non-Cotton): 2 moisture-wicking, quick-dry t-shirts for trekking.
Warm Sweater: 1 warm sweater for extra layering during colder conditions.
Down Jacket: 1 insulated down feather jacket for warmth in low temperatures.
Fleece Jacket: 1 fleece jacket for added insulation during cold evenings.
Trekking Pants: 3 pairs of durable, comfortable trekking pants.
Thermal Base Layers: 1 pair of thermal inner-wear (top and bottom) to stay warm at higher altitudes.
Rain Protection: 1 raincoat or poncho for unexpected weather conditions.
Woollen Cap: 1 woollen cap to keep your head warm in cold conditions.
Gloves: 2 pairs(to be safe incase one gets wet) of warm, insulated gloves to protect your hands during cold weather.
Neck Gaiter or Bandana: 1 neck gaiter or bandana to protect your neck and face from cold winds and sun.
Trekking Shoes: 1 pair of sturdy, waterproof trekking shoes with good grip.
Flip Flops or Sandals: 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals for comfortable wear at the campsite.
Socks: At least 3 pairs of breathable socks for trekking.
Woolen Socks: 2 pairs of warm woolen socks for colder nights.
Sunglasses and Hat: To protect your eyes and face from strong sunlight at high altitudes.
Sunscreen (SPF 30+): High SPF sunscreen to shield your skin from the intense sun.