Detailed overview of the friendship peak trek
Friendship Peak, located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, is a popular trekking peak that offers an exciting and rewarding adventure for mountaineers of various skill levels. Standing at an elevation of 5,289 meters (17,350 feet), this peak presents a moderate challenge with no technical climbing skills required, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Friendship Peak provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the beautiful Beas Kund basin including Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, and Indrasan, adding to the charm of the expedition. Recognized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation as an ideal trekking peak, Friendship Peak presents a moderate to hard grade trek with challenging terrain including moraines, glaciers, crevasses, and ice patches.
During the trek, you will have the opportunity to interact with the local people and experience their warm hospitality, adding a cultural touch to your adventure. The trek is also named after the strong bond of friendship that climbers forge with each other while on this expedition, making it a unique and memorable experience.
The trek to Friendship Peak takes you through lush green meadows and dense forests, with the summit covered in thick layers of snow. The trek is considered suitable for experienced trekkers looking to transition to mountaineering. The best time to attempt this trek is from May to October, when the weather is favorable and conditions are conducive to climbing.
TrekNomads offers expert guidance, experienced guides, and proper equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to Friendship Peak. Join us on this thrilling adventure and create lifelong memories while conquering the heights of the Himalayas.
Day-wise itinerary friendship peak trek:
- Day 1: Arrival at Manali. After some rest, we would go on a normal walk in order to acclimatize
- Day 2: Drive to Dhundi (road-head) and trek to Bakarthach (3,300 meters) (4-5 hours)
- Day 3: Trek from Bakarthach to Lady leg (3,900 meters) (4-5 hours)
- Day 4: Acclimatization & load ferry to summit camp. Night stay at Lady leg
- Day 5: Trek from Lady leg to summit camp (4,400 meters) (2-3 hours)
- Day 6: Trek from Summit camp to Friendship peak (5289 meters) & back to Lady leg (8-9 hours)
- Day 7: Trek down from Lady leg to Road-head. Drive to Manali. Night stay in Hotel
- Day 8: End of trek. Departure after breakfast
Risk and Liability for friendship peak trek
We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstance and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any types of sickness including altitude sickness.
Fitness Criteria for friendship peak trek
This trek requires a good level of fitness.
To register for this expedition you are required to complete a 5K run in under 35 minutes. Once you do register, please share the run details with our Trek Captain.
If you're not already following a fitness regime, you would need to follow the regime that will be shared with you. The training routine is spread over four months and you would be expected to work out at least 4 times a week. The regime is designed to help you climb smarter even in higher altitudes. The regime consists of a good combination of exercises that works on all parts of your body including - Upper Body, Core, Endurance, Lower Body, Shoulder strength and along with streamlining your breathing pattern. When followed religiously, you can rest assured that you will be ready for the trek. Not only does this regime help you with the trek, but it will also help you inculcate a sense of fitness in your day-to-day life.
Do’s and Don’ts for friendship peak trek:
- We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
- Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colours and heavy apparel as much as possible.
- A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
- Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
- If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
- Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
- Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
- If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
- Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
- To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek
What is included in the tour
- 2 nights in a deluxe hotel with breakfast on sharing basis
- 5 nights’ accommodation in Camps as per the itinerary
- All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on all days)
- Tea every Morning & Evening, Soup in the Evening
- Camp setup during the trek
- Climbing boots, crampons, seat harness & ice axe
- Trek equipment: Sleeping bags, Foam Mattresses, Utensils, Ropes
- Tents: Trekkers tent (twin/triple sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent
- 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader
- Local Guide (Number of guides depending on the group size)
- 1 High Altitude chef & support staff
- Porters for carrying common equipment (like rations/tents/utensils/groceries)
- Basic First Aid Kit with a portable oxygen cylinder.
- Personalised Dri-Fit T-shirt
- TrekNomads goodies
What is NOT included in the tour
- The cost to reach Manali and back
- Single room occupancy at Manali
- Individual Tent & Porter (available at extra cost)
- Personal accident and travel insurance
- Medical, Emergency Rescue and Evacuation cost
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guide, chef, porter, etc
- Local sightseeing and monastery entrance fee, camera fee, etc
- Transportation is not on a disposal basis. It is strictly as per the program, any extra running will be charged extra.
- Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
- All personal and medical expenses, emergency expenses like extra day stay or vehicle charges due to delays, natural calamities (landslides, floods), flight delays/rescheduling/cancellations, any accidents / medical evacuations, riots/strikes & etc.
Other Details:
- Trek Gradient: Difficult
- Trek Distance: 30+ Km
- Assembling Point: Manali
- Trek Duration: 25+ hours
- Average Temperature: 25 to 5 degrees (during the day) and 5 to -10 degrees (during the night)
- Season: May - October
- Nearest Airport: Kullu-Manali Airport
- Nearest ATM: Manali Market
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Friendship Peak Expedition by TrekNomads:
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Friendship Peak Expedition with TrekNomads. Learn about mobile network availability, toilet facilities, food options, and charges for a seamless adventure in Ladakh.
Q) Who should go on the friendship peak trekking expedition?
A) Those who have prior trekking experience and want to push their limits or try their hand at mountaineering should go for this expedition. You’ll get to learn and practice proper mountaineering skills here.
Q) Is the friendship peak trek suitable for beginners?
A) You must not be an absolute beginner. Some prior trekking experience is required.
Q) What will be the pickup point for friendship peak trek?
A) You must arrive at the Manali bus stand by yourself. Our cab will be waiting there for you and that’s where your journey with B&C starts. Someone from our internal team and many trekkers usually go via Delhi/Chandigarh. So, we can book our bus seats accordingly and travel together.
Q) What are the best months for the friendship peak trek expedition?
A) In summer, the best months are April-June. Whereas in winter, it’s September-October.
Q) How is the friendship peak trek different from other treks?
A) Most days would feel like a regular trek except for the summit push when you have to start climbing in the middle of the night using proper mountaineering gear.
Q) Can the friendship peak trek be reduced to 6-7 days?
A) Yes, it can be reduced by a day or two but for an extra charge since you’ll be given a personal guide while coming back. Please WhatsApp us at +919886444809 to know more.
Q) What all to pack for friendship peak trek?
A) You must pack the basic clothing and accessories you’ve used on your previous treks. Mountain gear that you require after the summit camp, such as Ice-axe, Snow Boots, Crampons, Harness, etc., will be provided by us.
Q) What will be the accommodation type for the friendship peak trek?
A) At Manali, we will stay at hotels or guesthouses. During the trek, you will stay in a 3-man tent/camp on a twin-sharing basis.
Q) Can I get a personal tent on the friendship peak trek?
A) Of course, you can get a separate tent for yourself if you don’t want to share your sleeping space with someone. However, you’ll have to pay an extra charge for that.
Q) What will the temperatures be like during the friendship peak trek?
A) Maximum temperature you’d witness on the trek will be around 25 degree Celsius. At a minimum, it could go -5 after summit camp during the night.
Q)Who will lead us on the friendship peak trek?
A) Your trek will be led by one of our experienced and knowledgeable mountain guides, who will be supported by a team of skilled coordinators, helpers, and cooks.
Q) Is a trekking pole necessary for Friendship Peak Expedition?
A) While not necessary, a trekking pole is highly recommended as the terrain can be challenging.
Q) Do I need to buy all the gear required for the friendship peak trek expedition?
A) TrekNomads can help you rent trekking poles, hiking shoes, gloves, warm trousers, raincoats, and jackets. Please connect with us to know the charges.
Q) Is it easy to climb the friendship peak trek with those gears for the first time?
A) You won't need typical mountaineering gear till the base camp, but from the summit camp onwards, you will require gear such as snow boots, crampons, ice-axe, harnesses, ropes, helmets, etc. You will also receive sufficient training to use these gears. Our team will be there for supervision and guidance.
Q) Will I be carrying my bags the whole time during the friendship peak trek expedition?
A) No, mules will be available to carry your bags till the base camp at Ladyleg. After that, you will carry only the basic stuff you need for the summit day and leave the rest at the summit camp for next-day use. We call it the load ferry.
Q) What is the success ratio for summit attempts on Friendship Peak Trek?
A) Despite most climbers being first-time mountaineers, around 70% of them are successful in their summit attempts.
Q) What level of fitness is required for the friendship peak trek expedition?
A) Ideally, you should be physically fit, without any recent injuries, illnesses, or overweight. You should be able to walk for 6-8 hours comfortably.
Q) How can I prepare for the Friendship Peak Expedition?
A) It is recommended to start preparing at least 1.5-2 months prior to the expedition. Some exercises you could include in your fitness regime are jogging/running for 5 km in 25-30 mins, walking for 10 km (with breaks) on plain or slightly inclined terrain with weight on your back, climbing 30-40 steps in one stretch for 3 sets, push-ups (10 x 3), lunges & squats (15 x 2 sets), and planks.
Q) Is transportation included in the friendship peak trek expedition package? Where will you pick us up and drop us off?
A) We will pick you up from the Manali private bus stand and drop you off at the same place. Domestic transportation from the hotel to Dhundi (the starting point of the trek) will also be provided by us.
Q) Will there be a mobile network available during the friendship peak trek?
A) Your mobile network will be unavailable as soon as you start the trek from Dhundi and will remain so until you return. There will be no network connectivity for approximately 6 days.
Q) What are the toilet facilities during the friendship peak trek?
A) A separate toilet tent with a portable toilet chair will be available throughout the trek, except on the summit push day.
Q) What kind of food is available during the friendship peak trek?
A) A variety of highly nutritious vegetarian and non-vegetarian food will be provided during the entire journey. However, at the summit camp, limited food can be carried. On that day, you will be given noodles, soup, tea, sandwiches, etc.
Q) Are there any other additional charges apart from the ones mentioned in the brochure of the friendship peak trek?
A) TrekNomads does not have any hidden costs. Everything required and mentioned in the inclusions, from your arrival in Manali to bidding you adieu, will be provided without any additional charges.
