One of the most thrilling and challenging peaks of the Pir Panjal range, Friendship peak offers an extraordinary climbing experience. Standing at an altitude of 5289m, amidst the 6000er peaks of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, it acts as a viewpoint surrounded by mighty sky-scraping peaks. Some of the peaks that can be spotted on a clear day are, Mt. Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar peak, Mt. Deo Tibba, Indrasan, Inderkilla, Mt. Papsura, and many more unnamed peaks of the Dhauladhar range.
Though the Friendship peak expedition is a short duration and 5000er peak, still it mustn’t be underestimated as it tests the skills as well as stamina of those climbing at almost every nook and corner. Therefore it requires prior high altitude climbing experience, at least as high as 4200-4500m along with trekking in snow conditions. The peak also demands basic technical know-how of mountaineering equipment such as ice-axe, harness, carabiner, crampons, descender, ice-piton, etc, as well as ascending and descending techniques in the snow while roped up. All the required techniques and equipment are thoroughly introduced and trained by the guides as and when these need to be used.
The best time to accomplish this trek is in the months of May, June, August, September, and October. Winter season and July month are not advisable for this trek because of the landslides in July and heavy snowfall in winters after the month of October to April.
You can witness of several majestic Himalayan mountains, peaks covered with squeaky-clean snow. Embrace yourself to witness enthralling views if you plan to do Friendship Peak trek during these months.
Normally during the day the temperature remains between 12 to 18 degrees and at night it drops to -7 to 3 degrees.
How Difficulty is Friendship Peak Trek? is known as one of the quite difficult treks of the Himalayas. It might not be the best expedition for first-timers, this is is an ideal trek for the experienced trekker who wants to push their limits to begin climbing expeditions journeys.
It might be a very easy Peak for those who have a great experience of climbing.
All the trekkers will meet at Manali Mall Road and drive to Solang Valley campsite, we have luxury camps, 12x12 rooms with a bedding system, attached washroom and balcony, and an allotment of tents so that you can relax and freshen up, after taking some rest, Our instructor will brief you about the whole upcoming journey, you can clear all your doubts regarding the expedition, check all important equipment mandatory for trekking. After lunch go for a hike to Anjani Mahadev waterfall, This will be followed by an acclimatization walk as it is important to acclimatize the body for the upcoming days of the expedition. after the hike of 2 hours head back to the campsite and have evening tea snacks, dinner, and overnight stay in Solang Valley.
We start our drive to Dhundi after breakfast. The trek begins at Dhundi where we leave the road at Dhundi hydro project and start hiking through the right bank of beas river. The trail takes us to a plain meadow after about a 10-15min hike from where the pathway starts getting steep until we reach the ridge line which is covered with deodar forest. It is then followed by small ascends and descends through bushes further leading to open grasslands with Beas flowing on the left. Following the same trail on this narrow pathway surrounded by wild strawberries to munch on while hiking, we then come across a small river crossing across which lies our first base camp, Luhali thach.
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the lush green valleys of Beas and soak in nature.
Rest for a while in the assigned tents or relax around nature after which everyone will be gathered for acclimatization walk/ height gain.
Acclimatization plays the most vital role in succeeding to summit any peak or complete any trek as it helps the body to adjust and synchronize with that particular temperature, climate and environment; without which one’s body may react adversely to the altitude gained and one may feel unpleasant, nauseous, headaches and unfit to continue with the expedition/trek. Hence, it’s mandatory for all the participants to participate actively in all the activities being conducted throughout the course of the expedition.
Dinner at base camp and sleep under the blanket of million stars.
Wake up to birds chirping and the river mildly roaring to a view of lush green surroundings walled up by mighty Dhauladhar with its enormous snow capped peaks kissing the heavens. Enjoy breakfast in the wild, pack up and begin with today’s hike through the beautiful meadows. The climb keeps getting more and more steep with every progressing step. After an hour or two of climbing through this section, we come across a small rocky patch which leads us to the base of the lady leg ridge. Keep following the trail up to the ridge line and we’re now faced with plain meadows, hike for 5-7 more minutes and you will see your campsite.
Enjoy lunch with a magnificent view of the summit surrounded by 6000er peaks all around.
Establish/ check into the tents, rest for some time and get ready for introduction to the equipment, mountain terminologies and do’s & don’ts of mountains and camping followed by an integrated acclimatization walk and snow training.
Hydrate yourselves with some hot soup and delicious dinner.
Leave for advance base camp after breakfast. The path is through moraines and goes across several small streams for about 200mts after which the trail starts getting steep. The trail is well distinguished and leads to a huge cairn on the top of the ridge, behind which is the base camp. Establish tents and settle in. Lunch is served; make sure not to skip meals as otherwise one might not feel strong enough to push for the summit at midnight. Get ready for the last acclimatization walk and training. Equipment is assigned and everyone is trained well enough for the last time about how it is to be utilized. Today dinner will be served early at around 5-6pm after which we sleep for 5-6 hrs. Wake up at around 11:30pm and get ready with all the equipment, have a light meal and get ready for summit push by at least 12- 12:30am.
This is the last climb and therefore the most grueling part of the expedition. The initial section is through moraines (June-October) which further advances into snow. The climb is long and demands a strong body as well as mind. After traversing in the snow for about 3-4 hrs, we reach the first Col at almost sunrise. Col is a viewpoint from where we can enjoy the mesmerizing beas valley in the south to shimmering dhauladhar range in the south east. Hanuman Tibba standing tall in all its glory in the west turning from orange to yellow as the sunlight fills. Enjoy the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the sunrise from 4800+ mt altitude.
Resume the trek by climbing up the ridge in the north for about 100mts, then start traversing left for another 300mts. Here we again start climbing up after crossing the first crevasse very carefully. It is at this point that the summit, our desired destination, comes into sight. After climbing for another hour, we reach the shoulder from where we again traverse a bit Head left and climb the ridge, continuing on the ridge that takes you to the summitsummit.
Enjoy your time at the summit; relish the surroundings and a panoramic view of the peaks of lesser Himalayan ranges. Capture some memories and descend back to the lady leg base camp. Rest and rejuvenate in the base camp.
Today we will keep the reserve day, if for some reason it is not summitted due to bad weather, then on this day we will again try to summit Mount Friendship Peak. If we don't need to use buffer day we will trek down on day six from Lady leg to Dhundi and drive to manali.
Today is our last wrap up day of the expedition. Wake up early and delight in the serene surroundings for one last time. Collect as many memories as possible as that is all that remains after the actual experience ends. Descend back to Dhundi by 1-2pm where the cabs are waiting to be boarded to drive you back to Manali.
Our journey ends here at aprox 2-3pm.
Please note, we try our level best to proceed as per the itinerary but in case of sudden weather change or other unforeseen circumstances which are unpredictable as well as unavoidable in such surroundings, the itinerary may be altered to best suit the situation at hand.
At Broza Adventure, we take full safety of every trekker. We provide different facilities to every trekkers such as:
We do not include the following things in our trekking tours:
Mandatory Documents: Original & Photocopy of Govt. Photo Identity Card (any ofAadhar Card/Driving License/Passport), Medical Certificate from any Registered Practitioner (MBBS).and Passport and visa required for Non-Indians.
You will be lucky to see the majestic Himalayas on this trek. Beautiful alpine lake, Apart from that, the trek a
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