Friendship Peak Expedition – 5289m

Participants arrive in Manali (2,050 meters), a popular hill town in Himachal Pradesh known for its dramatic high-altitude scenery and vibrant adventure culture. The day is reserved for rest, acclimatization, and final gear checks. Participants meet their expedition leaders, receive a detailed expedition briefing, and go over safety protocols, the route plan, and high-altitude health precautions. The evening is relaxed, allowing the team to recover from travel and prepare mentally for the upcoming adventure.

After an early breakfast, the team drives to Dundhi, the road head situated along the Beas River. The trek begins here, following a scenic trail through alpine meadows and thick pine forests. The day’s objective is to reach Luhali Thatch, a highland pasture offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The gentle ascent is ideal for acclimatization, and participants are encouraged to pace themselves and stay hydrated. On arrival, tents are pitched, and the group settles into their first night in the wilderness.

The trek continues with a steeper ascent towards Base Camp, located near a prominent ridge known as Lady Leg (named for its resemblance to a reclining leg). As altitude increases, the landscape transitions to rocky moraines and sparse vegetation. This is a critical acclimatization stage, and the pace is deliberately slow with ample rest breaks. Upon reaching Base Camp, set at around 3,800 meters, the team sets up camp in a spectacular amphitheater of peaks. The evening is spent getting familiar with high-altitude camping and basic mountaineering routines.

Today, the team moves to Summit Camp, located higher up on the glacier near the base of Friendship Peak’s summit face, typically at around 4,200–4,300 meters. The route involves negotiating snowfields, loose rocks, and potentially icy slopes. Once camp is established, the remainder of the day is dedicated to technical training—using crampons and ice axes, practicing rope work, self-arrest techniques, and summit day protocols. This is a vital preparation phase, as team members familiarize themselves with conditions they will face during the summit push.

The day begins well before dawn. Equipped with headlamps, harnesses, and technical gear, the team starts their summit attempt under starlight. The ascent is physically demanding, with steep snow slopes and crevassed sections that require careful navigation and teamwork. After several hours of climbing, the group aims to reach the summit of Friendship Peak (5,289 meters) by morning. From the top, climbers are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, and the Pir Panjal range. After celebrations and photographs, the team carefully descends to Summit Camp for rest and recovery.

Following the physically intense summit day, the team begins its descent from Summit Camp back to Base Camp at Lady Leg. The descent provides a chance to reflect on the summit experience and observe the landscape from a different perspective. The day is relatively relaxed, with time to unwind, share stories, and tend to gear and blisters. The team enjoys their final night in high camp conditions under a starlit sky.

The final trek takes the team down from Base Camp to Dundhi, retracing their steps through alpine meadows and forested trails. At the road head, vehicles await to transport everyone back to Manali, where hot showers, real beds, and celebratory meals await. The return to civilization is often emotional, as team members relive the highs and lows of their summit experience. A certificate distribution or small celebration may be arranged to mark the successful completion of the expedition.

After breakfast, participants bid farewell to the mountains and begin their onward journey. Whether traveling by road or air, everyone departs with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a profound sense of achievement. The successful ascent of Friendship Peak becomes a milestone in each climber’s personal mountaineering journey.