Friendship Peak Expedition Details

Friendship Peak (5287 M) Expedition – Day-Wise Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Stay in Hotel at Manali 

Upon arrival in Manali, participants will check in to the hotel on a triple-sharing basis. The day is kept relaxed for rest and acclimatization after the journey. Sightseeing and meals are not included in the package and may be arranged independently. The overnight stay ensures a comfortable start before the expedition activities begin.

Day 2: Manali to Dhundi (Drive) and Trek to Bakarthach

The day begins with a scenic drive from Manali to Dhundi (2,850 m), covering approximately 21 km in about 1.5 hours. From Dhundi, the trek starts along the Beas River, gradually ascending to Bakarthach (3,300 m). The 5 km trek takes around 3 hours and passes through lush meadows, rocky sections, and glacial streams. Overnight stay in camps.

Day 3: Bakarthach to Lady Leg Camp (3,900 m / 12,800 ft)

Today’s trek is short but steadily uphill, covering around 3 km in approximately 3 hours. The trail climbs through rocky and alpine terrain to reach Lady Leg Camp, located at the base of the upper slopes of Friendship Peak. The campsite offers excellent views of the summit route. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 4: Load Ferry to Summit Camp (4,750 m) and Return to Lady Leg

The team carries technical equipment and essential supplies to Summit Camp to aid acclimatization and route preparation. The one-way trek of about 2 km takes 2–3 hours. After dumping the load and assessing the route conditions, the team descends back to Lady Leg Camp for overnight rest.

Day 5: Move to Summit Camp (4,750 m / 15,500 ft)

The expedition shifts permanently to Summit Camp, following the same route used during the load ferry. Upon arrival, climbers rest, hydrate, and make final preparations for the summit attempt while closely monitoring weather conditions.

Day 6–7: Reserve Days for Summit Attempt – Friendship Peak (5,287 m) and Return to Lady Leg

An early morning alpine start marks the summit attempt. The climb involves snow slopes and glacier travel, demanding steady pacing, technical focus, and endurance. After reaching the summit and spending a short time enjoying panoramic views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, the team descends safely back to Summit Camp and further down to Lady Leg Camp. These days also serve as buffer days in case of weather delays.

Day 8: Lady Leg to Dhundi Trek and Drive Back to Manali

The team descends from Lady Leg to Dhundi, covering approximately 8 km in 4–5 hours. From Dhundi, a 21 km drive of about 1.5 hours brings the group back to Manali, marking the conclusion of the expedition. Accommodation in Manali is not included in the expedition cost.

✅ Inclusions

1. Meals During the Trek
   All meals are provided from Breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 7/8, ensuring participants are well-nourished throughout the expedition.

2. Forest Permits & Camping Charges
   Necessary permits and fees for camping in designated forest areas are included.

3. Accommodation

   • Camping: High-quality 4-season tents on a triple-sharing basis, equipped with thermal-rated sleeping bags and mats for comfort.

   • Lodging: Guesthouse or lodge stays in Manali on Day 1 and Day 7/8 are covered.​

4. Support Staff
   Experienced trek guides, cooks, helpers, and mules or porters for carrying common supplies, facilitating a smoother trekking experience.

5. Expedition Leader
   An IMF (Indian Mountaineering Foundation) approved expedition leader will oversee the trek, ensuring safety and guidance.

6. Technical Equipment
   Provision of essential technical gear, including PP ropes, helmets, ice axes, crampons, mountaineering boots, snow stakes, and dead man anchors.

7. Peak Booking Fee Charges
   The peak booking fee for Indian nationals, as charged by the IMF, is included in the package.

❌ Exclusions

1. Portage of Personal Bags
   The cost for portaging personal bags during the trek is not included and may incur additional charges.

2. Travel Insurance
   Participants are advised to arrange their own travel insurance, as it is not covered in the package.

3. Personal Expenses
   Any personal expenses, such as additional meals, snacks, or personal items, are not included.

4. Unspecified Expenses
   Any expenses not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions list are excluded and will be the responsibility of the participants.

5. Early Departure Costs
   Any costs arising from early departure from the expedition are not covered.

6. Transportation
   Transport between Rishikesh and Joshimath, and return, is not included in the package.

7. Additional Costs for Early Completion
   Any extra costs incurred in the event of finishing the expedition early are excluded.

8. Personal Nature Expenses
   Expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and beverages are not covered.

9. Tips
   Tips for local guides, porters, or support staff are not included and are at the discretion of the participants.

10. Forest Permit for Foreign Nationals
    Forest permit charges for foreign nationals are not included and will need to be arranged separately.

11. Any additional cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, political unrest, road blockages, etc.

🏔️ Friendship Peak Expedition – Highlights

• Summit Height: 5,287 m (17,346 ft)
• Location: Pir Panjal range, Himachal Pradesh, near Manali
• Expedition Type: High-altitude trekking peak expedition
• Approach Route: Manali – Dhundi – Bakarthach – Lady Leg – Summit Camp
• Climbing Terrain: Alpine meadows, moraines, glaciers, and snow slopes
• Technical Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (ideal for first-time mountaineers)
• Summit Push: Early alpine start with snow and glacier travel
• Views from Summit: Panoramic views of Pir Panjal & Dhauladhar ranges
• Ideal For: Experienced trekkers transitioning to mountaineering
• Best Season: Pre-monsoon (May–June) and Post-monsoon (September–October)
• Duration: 7–9 days including acclimatization and buffer days
• Base Camp Altitude: Bakarthach – 3,300 m
• Special Appeal: Perfect introduction to Himalayan snow and ice climbing

🏕️ Essential Mountaineering Gear Checklist

Clothing – Layer Up Wisely

• Base layers (thermal innerwear – top & bottom)

• Insulated jacket (down or synthetic for sub-zero temps)

• Fleece jacket or softshell

• Waterproof windcheater or hardshell jacket

• Waterproof pants or rain pants

• Trekking pants (2–3 pairs)

• Quick-dry t-shirts or shirts (2–3)

• Innerwear (thermal & regular)

• Insulated gloves (waterproof)

• Fleece or liner gloves for layering

• Woolen cap or balaclava

• Neck gaiter or buff

• Sun cap or wide-brimmed hat

• Trekking socks (4–5 pairs)

• Woolen socks (2 pairs for cold nights)

Footwear

• Trekking shoes (high-ankle, waterproof)

• Snow boots (Scarpa or equivalent – often provided by organizers)

• Camp sandals or crocs for evenings

• Gaiters (to keep snow and debris out – usually provided)

Bags & Packs

• Backpack (50–65L) with rain cover

• Daypack (20–30L) for summit day

• Duffel bag or rucksack (for mule load)

• Dry bags or plastic ziplocks for waterproofing

Mountaineering & Technical Gear (mostly provided)

• Crampons

• Ice axe

• Climbing rope

• Carabiners and harness

• Helmet

• Snow goggles

• Gaiters

• Ascender or descender if needed

Camping Essentials

• Sleeping bag (rated for -15°C to -20°C) – usually provided

• Sleeping mat or foam pad

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Trekking poles

• Water bottles (total 2L capacity) or thermos

• Mug and lunchbox

• Power bank

• Sunglasses (UV-protected, category 3 or 4)

Toiletries & Personal Hygiene

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap

• Tissue roll and wet wipes

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm

• Hand sanitizer and face towel

• Menstrual hygiene products (if applicable)

Medicines & Personal Care

• Personal medications

• Diamox (for AMS – only with doctor’s advice)

• Paracetamol or painkillers

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics

• Band-aids or blister patches

• ORS or electrolyte sachets

• Muscle relaxant spray like Volini

• Altitude sickness tablets

Documents & Miscellaneous

• Valid ID proof (original and photocopy)

• Medical certificate (if required)

• Passport size photos (2–3)

• Some cash (ATMs may not be available)

• Notebook and pen

✅ Pro Tip: Pack light but smart. Stick to essentials, keep your backpack waterproof, and test your gear before the expedition.

Train your lungs, legs, and mind – all three matter equally.

🏋️‍♂️ Extended Fitness Tips for High-Altitude Mountaineering:

1. Build Endurance Over Speed:
You’re not training for a sprint; you’re preparing for a long-duration challenge. Go for long, slow hikes with a backpack (gradually increase weight). Weekend treks are excellent real-time simulators.

2. Train with a Backpack:
Start adding 5–10 kg weight in your backpack during your stair climbs or trail hikes to mimic the actual load you’ll carry during the expedition.

3. Strengthen Your Ankles & Knees:
Do step-ups, box jumps, and single-leg balances to reduce the risk of injury. Downhill walks strain knees—practice them intentionally.

4. Flexibility & Mobility:
Add yoga and dynamic stretching to your regime. A flexible body handles terrain variations better and helps avoid cramps or joint stiffness.

5. Altitude Acclimatization Strategy:
Get used to climbing high, sleeping low. If you live in the plains, consider weekend hikes at moderate altitudes (2,000m–3,000m).

6. Improve Recovery Time:
Monitor how fast your heart rate returns to normal post-exercise. Better recovery = better adaptation at altitude. Try interval training (HIIT or hill sprints once or twice a week).

7. Mental Conditioning:
Mountaineering tests your grit. Practice meditation, cold showers, solo walks in nature—anything that builds patience and tolerance in tough conditions.

8. Nutrition Discipline:
Eat clean. Focus on complex carbs, good fats, and protein. Hydrate constantly. Add electrolytes to your water when training hard or sweating a lot.

9. Simulate Trek Days:
Try doing back-to-back long hikes over weekends. It mimics multiple trekking days and builds resilience.

10. Sleep Hygiene:
Altitude can mess with sleep. Get into a regular sleep cycle now, and train your body to rest and recover even after late-night activities.

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