Friendship Peak Expedition

Days: 8D/7N
Altitude: 5289
Distance: 50
Grade: Difficult
Pick Up: Manali
Drop: Manali
Base Camp: Lady Leg
Season: Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Stay: Tents & Homestay

The Friendship Peak Expedition (5289 m) is one of the best non-technical climbing expeditions in the Indian Himalayas, located in the Pir Panjal Range of Himachal Pradesh. Starting and ending in Manali, this route is a perfect stepping stone for trekkers who wish to transition into real mountaineering and eventually move toward advanced 6000–7000m peaks.

The trail begins from Dhundi, passing through lush green meadows, alpine forests, and the large open grazing fields at Bakarthatch. As the elevation increases, vegetation recedes and the terrain transforms into rugged moraines and snowfields leading to Lady Leg Base Camp—the key staging point for the summit attempt. Dedicated training and acclimatization days ensure comfort and safety, preparing climbers for snowcraft techniques, rope travel, and usage of mountaineering gear such as crampons, harness, and ice axe.

The summit push typically begins between 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM while the snow is stable. Climbers move roped together under the guidance of certified mountaineers. The climb involves long snow slopes, carefully managed pacing, and an exposed summit ridge section. Reaching the Friendship Peak summit is physically and emotionally rewarding, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Hanuman Tibba, Indrasan, Deo Tibba, Shitidhar, Pir Panjal & Dhauladhar ranges, and the glaciated Beas Kund basin.

Even though the route is categorized as non-technical, the climb is demanding and requires good aerobic fitness, discipline, and mental resilience. Low oxygen at high altitude, sub-zero temperatures, and steep gradients make it an excellent test of physical and psychological strength.

Terranova Expedition brings years of experience in guiding high-altitude expeditions and provides a structured, safety-first climbing experience with trained leaders, climbing instructors, emergency readiness, and high-quality gear.

If you are searching for friendship peak trek, friendship peak expedition, friendship peak itinerary, friendship peak trek cost, friendship peak manali route, or friendship peak height, here is the most detailed and reliable expedition guide prepared for serious climbers.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FRIENDSHIP PEAK EXPEDITION

  • Summit one of India’s most accessible and rewarding 5000M+ mountains
  • Ideal for trekkers planning future climbs such as Stok Kangri, Kang Yatse II, MentokKangri & Mera Peak
  • Comprehensive mountaineering training: crampons, ice axe, rope techniques & self-arrest
  • Experience alpine-style Himalayan expedition camping
  • Stunning sunrise summit push with panoramic views
  • Expert guidance from certified mountaineers
  • Carefully timed acclimatization and load ferry strategy for performance and safety
  • Perfect combination of adventure, learning and achievement

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Manali (2000 m) | Team Introduction & Acclimatization

Day 2

Manali to Dhundi (Drive) & Trek to Bakarthatch (3300m)

Day 3

Bakarthatch to Lady Leg Base Camp (3900m)

Day 4

Training Day

Day 5

Load Ferry to Summit Camp (4750m) & Return to Base Camp

Day 6

Move from Base Camp to Summit Camp (4750m)

Day 7

Summit Attempt (5289m) & Descent to Lady Leg Base Camp

Day 8

Descend to Dhundi & Drive to Manali | Closing & Certificate Ceremony

Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s included

  • You will be staying in tents during the expedition on a sharing basis.
  • Stay included in Manali hotel (sharing basis).
  • Transportation Manali to Dhundi and return to Manali.
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soup, tea, hot drinks during expedition [Day 2 breakfast to Day 8 packed lunch]
  • High altitude meals.
  • Trekking/Expedition permits from Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
  • Local forest permit from Himachal Pradesh Forest Department.
  • Garbage cleaning charges.
  • Weather forecast report from the Indian Meteorological department & Windy.
  • Accidental Policy (High risk insurance)
  • Certificate of accomplishment
  • 3 men all season tents, sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen tent, cutlery, dining tent & toilet tent
  • First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, Blood pressure monitor, Oximeter, etc. will be available at all campsites to deal with emergencies.
  • Ice axe, snow boots, harness, carabiners, descenders, gaiters, tape sling etc. (all necessary safety & climbing gears]
  • Certified trek leader & Expedition guide / sherpa from Terranova Expedition.
  • Cook, helper, mules support [till base camp].
  • High altitude cook & supporting staff for upper camp.
  • Cloakroom facility for left luggage

What’s not included

  • Mules or porters charge to carry personal luggage [Offload – upto 10 kgs per bag ]. 
  • 5% GST
  • Meals during transportation.
  • Meals in Manali Hotel.
  • Packaged drinking water
  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Any early return travel costs or accommodation except for the days as per the itinerary.
  • Anything apart from inclusions.
  • Documentary filming, camera, and drone permit fee (if require)
  • Any emergency evacuation. 
  • For Heli Rescue, opt ASC 360 High Altitude Adventure Sport Insurance.
  • Tips for staffs

 

Refund & Cancellation

Quick Summary
Policy WindowRefund
30+ days before departure85%
20–29 days70%
15–19 days50%
7–14 days25%
< 7 days or no-showNo refund
If You Cancel
  • Advance/booking amount is non-refundable; reschedule credit may be offered if requested ≥ 7 days before departure.
  • Government permits, insurance, accommodation and transport already paid to vendors are non-refundable.
  • Force majeure (weather, landslides, strikes, roadblocks, government orders): trip may be postponed; paid amounts remain non-refundable; credit/reschedule may be offered where possible.
  • Unused services, early return or partial participation do not qualify for refunds.
  • Refunds are processed to the original payment method; allow 7–10 business days.
  • Name change/transfer possible until permits are issued; afterward, standard cancellation terms apply.

Things to Carry

Footwear

  • Waterproof Trekking Shoes [1 pair] Floaters / Slippers [1 pair] Socks [4-5 pair]

Clothing Layers

  • Quick dry T Shirts [3-4] Quick Dry Trek Pants [2] Windproof Pants for Sumit [1] Down Jacket [1] Thermal [1 set] Fleece [1] Windproof Jacket [1]

Rain Protection

  • Lightweight Rain Poncho Rain Jacket

Sun Protection

  • Sun Goggles UV Protected Sun Cap or Head Buff

Hydration

  • Water Bottle / Hydrapack [1L] Thermos Bottle [1L]

Snacks & Energy

  • Energy Bar Trail Mix Dry Fruits

Personal Medicines

  • Prescribed Medicines [If any] ORS

Headlamp & Batteries

  • Head Torch Spare Batteries Power bank Camera [If needed]

Warm Accessories

  • Woollen / Fleece gloves [1 pair] Waterproof Gloves [1 pair] Woollen / Fleece Beanie Neck Protector

Toiletries & Hygiene

  • Toiletery Kit [1 set] Quick Dry Towel [1] Toilet Paper Wet Wipes

Documents & Cash

  • Govt. ID Proof Emergency Cash Emergency Contact Number

Backpack & Daypack

  • 50-60L Rucksack [1] 20-30L Backpack [1]

How to Reach

By Air

  • Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu–Manali) – 50 km from Manali
  • Direct flights available from Delhi, Chandigarh & selected metro cities

By Road

  • Delhi → Manali: 540 km (overnight Volvo buses available)
  • Chandigarh → Manali: 310 km
  • Shimla → Manali: 250 km

By Train

  • Nearest stations: Chandigarh & Pathankot
  • Taxi & bus connectivity available
FAQs

Common questions answered

What is the difficulty level of Friendship Peak Expedition?

Friendship Peak expedition is classified as Moderate–Difficult, meaning that it doesn’t require advanced technical climbing experience but demands strong physical fitness, endurance, and ability to sustain long summit-day hours under sub-zero conditions.

Is Friendship Peak a technical climb?

It is considered non-technical, but mountaineering gear like crampons, ice axe, rope and harness is used. There are no vertical ice walls or advanced rock climbing sections.

Do I need previous mountaineering experience?

Basic high-altitude trekking experience (above 4000m) is recommended. The expedition is ideal for beginners stepping into mountaineering training.

What is the height of Friendship Peak?

The summit stands at 5289 meters above sea level.

What is the total trekking distance?

Approximately 42–50 km depending on snow & weather conditions.

How long is the summit day?

Summit attempt takes 10–14 hours round-trip including ascent and descent.

What is the best season for Friendship Peak trek?

May–June and September–October offer stable snow and weather conditions.

What are the views visible from the summit?

Hanuman Tibba, Indrasan, Deo Tibba, Shetidhar, Pir Panjal Range, Dhauladhar Range & Beas Kund Glacier.

How cold does it get on summit night?

Temperatures can drop between -10°C to -18°C depending on wind.

What equipment is required?

Ice axe, crampons, helmet, harness, snow boots, gaiters, down jacket, headlamp, thermal layers, and mountaineering gloves.

Does Terranova Expedition provide mountaineering equipment?

Technical gear can be provided on rent; personal clothing must be carried by trekkers.

Is oxygen cylinder needed?

Supplementary oxygen is usually not required as altitude is under 6000m, but emergency oxygen and medical kits are carried by the team.

What is the fitness requirement?

Trekkers must be able to walk 8–10 hours per day with backpack, maintain steady pace, and complete acclimatization walks without difficulty.

Can beginners climb Friendship Peak?

Yes. It is one of the best beginner-friendly mountaineering peaks in India.

What is the accommodation like?

Manali stay is in comfortable homestay; expedition camping is in high-quality alpine tents.

What food will be served?

Nutritious vegetarian diet plus eggs.

Is there mobile network coverage?

Network is available till Bakarthatch; beyond that, connectivity is unavailable.

Are there washroom arrangements?

Portable outdoor toilet tents are set up at high camps.

What is the group size?

No limit. Private groups and customized departures available.

Is rescue support available?

Yes. Professional rescue coordination, evacuation management & emergency medical support are provided.

How safe is Friendship Peak?

With proper acclimatization, safety gear and leadership, it is considered one of the safest 5000M+ training summits.

What is the cost of Friendship Peak expedition?

Cost varies by season and group size. Contact Terranova Expedition for customised pricing.

How experienced are the guides?

Our guides are certified mountaineers with advanced rescue expertise and experience guiding multiple summit teams.

What is the toughest part of the climb?

Summit night due to steep incline, long duration, wind chill and reduced oxygen levels.

Can this climb be attempted solo?

No. Rope teams and qualified guide supervision are mandatory for safety.

What is the weight limit for backpack?

Typically 8–12 kg, depending on load ferries.

What is AMS & how is it handled?

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is monitored using pulse-oximeter readings & symptoms evaluation; descent is enforced if required.

What if weather does not permit summit?

Safety is the highest priority. Backup weather window strategy exists, but no summit is guaranteed.

What clothing system is recommended?

Three-layer principle: Base layer + Insulation layer + Shell layer for maximum efficiency.

What training should I do before joining?

Cardio training (running / swimming / cycling), stair climbing, long hikes with backpack & strength conditioning.

Where is the meeting point in Manali?

Trekkkers will receive final joining instructions with address & contact.

Why choose Terranova Expedition for Friendship Peak?

Certified mountaineers, premium safety standards, structured acclimatization, emergency planning, and personalized expedition handling.

Will I receive summit certification?

Yes, successful summit climbers receive official Terranova Expedition certificate.

How do I book the expedition?

Contact Terranova Expedition support team or fill the enquiry form on website.

Is Friendship Peak useful for training for 6000m peaks

Yes — It is considered the most recommended stepping stone to advanced peaks like Kang Yatse II, Mera, Lobuche, Island Peak and beyond.

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