Friendship Peak, rising to approximately 5,289 metres in Himachal Pradesh, is a high-altitude mountaineering objective for experienced trekkers looking to progress towards technical Himalayan climbing.
The expedition begins in Manali before following a mountain approach through Dhundi, Bakarthach and Lady Leg. As the team gains altitude, the terrain transitions from trekking trails and alpine meadows to more exposed, rocky and snow-covered sections.
The itinerary includes an acclimatisation and load-ferry day before moving towards Summit Camp. The summit attempt involves an early start, sustained uphill movement and potentially steep snow and ice, depending on prevailing mountain conditions. Mountaineering equipment and the ability to use it correctly are essential wherever the route requires technical snow travel.
Reaching the summit requires physical endurance, suitable prior experience, preparation and sound decision-making at altitude. Summit success cannot be guaranteed, as weather, snow conditions, health and other mountain factors may affect the climb.
Friendship Peak is not a beginner’s trek. Participants should have previous high-altitude trekking experience, good physical fitness and appropriate preparation for a mountaineering objective.
Important: The final itinerary and climbing plan may change according to weather, snow conditions, route safety and the expedition leader’s assessment. The expedition leader’s safety decisions must be respected.
Note: Prices mentioned are applicable for Indian passport holders. For foreign passport holders, the cost may vary. Please connect with the Boots & Crampons team for clarity.
Note: An indemnity document will be shared before the trek. Signing it is mandatory.
Arrive in Manali and transfer to the hotel for check-in. The day is reserved for settling in, recovering from travel and preparing for the expedition.
Depending on arrival time and the group’s condition, take a short, easy acclimatisation walk around Manali. In the evening, meet the expedition leader for a briefing covering the itinerary, safety procedures, equipment checks and expectations for the climb.
Altitude: Approximately 2,050 m
Walking: Short, optional acclimatisation walk; distance and duration depend on the final plan
Overnight: Hotel in Manali
After breakfast, drive from Manali to Dhundi, the starting point for the trek. Begin the ascent towards Bakarthach, passing through mountain terrain and alpine meadows.
Maintain a steady pace, follow the trek leader’s instructions and drink water regularly. After reaching Bakarthach, settle into camp and rest.
Starting point: Dhundi
Destination altitude: Approximately 3,300 m
Trek distance: Provisional estimate of 5–7 km
Walking time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Driving time: Approximately 1–1.5 hours from Manali, subject to road conditions
Overnight: Camp at Bakarthach
Continue ascending towards Lady Leg. The terrain becomes more rugged as the route gains altitude, with rocky sections and exposed mountain landscapes.
Walk at a controlled pace and avoid unnecessary exertion. After reaching Lady Leg, establish camp, hydrate and rest. The expedition leader will assess the team’s condition and review the plan for the following day’s acclimatisation and load ferry. A session for Training with the Expedition Gears will be done in the second half of the day.
Starting altitude: Approximately 3,300 m
Destination altitude: Approximately 3,900 m
Trek distance: Provisional estimate of 3–4 km
Walking time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Overnight: Camp at Lady Leg
This day is allocated to acclimatisation and preparation for the summit phase.
Depending on the operational plan and conditions, the team carries selected supplies and equipment towards the higher camp before returning to Lady Leg. The load-ferry activity helps prepare logistics for the summit phase, but the route and altitude reached will depend on the team’s plan and prevailing conditions.
The remainder of the day is reserved for rest, hydration, equipment checks and a technical briefing. Follow the expedition leader’s instructions and report any symptoms of altitude-related illness promptly.
Starting and overnight altitude: Approximately 3,900 m
Load-ferry distance and altitude reached: Approx 4,400 m
Walking time: Depends on the load-ferry route and conditions
Overnight: Camp at Lady Leg
After breakfast, prepare for the move to Summit Camp. Carry the equipment specified by the expedition team and follow the route at a controlled pace.
The terrain and weather may become more demanding at this altitude. On arrival, settle into camp, rest and prepare for the summit attempt. The expedition leader will review weather forecasts, snow conditions, equipment and the team’s readiness before confirming the summit plan.
Starting altitude: Approximately 3,900 m
Destination altitude: Approximately 4,400 m
Trek distance: Provisional estimate of 3 km
Walking time: Approximately 2–4 hours
Overnight: Summit Camp
The summit attempt begins early, subject to the expedition leader’s assessment of weather and route conditions.
The climb involves sustained movement at high altitude and may include steep snow or ice slopes. Where required, climbers must use suitable mountaineering equipment and demonstrate the skills needed to travel safely on snow and ice. The pace and route will be determined by the expedition leader.
After reaching the summit, if conditions and the team’s progress permit, descend carefully along the approved route. The actual descent and overnight location will depend on the final operational plan and prevailing conditions.
Highest point: Approximately 5,289 m
Trek distance: 8-9 kms
Walking time: 12-16 hours depending on team speed and weather/terrain conditions.
Overnight: Lady Leg camp site
Important: Summit success is not guaranteed. Weather, snow conditions, health and safety considerations may require a turnaround or a change to the itinerary.
After breakfast, descend from Lady Leg towards Dhundi, retracing the approach route. Once the team reaches the roadhead, drive back to Manali and check in to the hotel.
The evening is available to rest and reflect on the expedition. The timing of arrival will depend on the descent, road conditions and any changes to the summit plan.
Starting altitude: Approximately 3,900 m
Trek distance: Provisional estimate of 8–10 km; verify the route and camp location
Walking time: Approximately 4–6 hours, subject to conditions
Driving time: Approximately 1–1.5 hours from Dhundi to Manali, subject to road conditions
Overnight: Hotel in Manali
After breakfast, we check out from the hotel. The trek officially concludes, and participants depart for their onward journey with unforgettable memories of their Friendship Peak summit experience.
Transportation between the designated reporting point and the trek start and end points, as specified in the final itinerary.
Hotel accommodation in Manali on the itinerary’s specified nights.
Camping accommodation in expedition tents during trekking and climbing days.
Sleeping mattresses and shared dining facilities at camp.
Meals from Dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day, as specified in the itinerary.
Vegetarian meals, including breakfast, lunch, evening snacks or soup, and dinner on scheduled expedition days.
Morning and evening hot beverages at camp.
Experienced expedition leaders and guides.
Expedition cook and kitchen support.
Camp setup team.
Porters or mules for group equipment and expedition logistics, as arranged by the operator.
The following equipment is listed as included on the current page.
Mountaineering boots.
Ice axe.
Harness.
Team rope.
Helmet.
Gaiters.
Crampons.
Sleeping bag.
Expedition tents, mattresses, dining tent and kitchen equipment.
First-aid kit carried by the expedition team.
Applicable permits, entry fees and camping charges specified in the package.
Expedition coordination and logistical support.
Participant discount on Fast&Up nutrition products, subject to the applicable terms.
Trek or expedition completion certificate, where applicable.
Travel from the participant’s hometown to Manali and return.
Any transportation not specifically included in the confirmed itinerary.
Personal trekking clothing and accessories.
Personal daypack and other individual items not explicitly listed as included.
Personal equipment not supplied under the confirmed expedition gear list.
Bottled drinks, personal snacks and purchases outside the meals specified.
Toiletries and personal medication.
Personal travel and mountaineering insurance.
Emergency evacuation and medical expenses, unless explicitly covered by the package or an applicable insurance policy.
Tips and gratuities for guides and support staff.
Additional accommodation, meals or transport resulting from weather delays, road closures, natural events or itinerary changes.
Expenses arising from a participant’s early departure from the expedition.
Any service, activity or expense not explicitly listed in the inclusions.
Friendship Peak is a high-altitude mountaineering objective, not a beginner’s trek. Participants should arrive with a strong fitness base and the ability to sustain consecutive days of physical activity.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is required. Participants should be comfortable walking uphill and downhill for several hours while carrying a daypack.
Build cardiovascular endurance through consistent activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, stair climbing or uphill hiking.
Gradually increase the duration and intensity of your sessions. The objective is to sustain effort over long periods without exhausting yourself early in the climb.
Include exercises that build leg, hip, core and overall body strength.
Useful exercises include:
Squats and lunges.
Step-ups and controlled step-downs.
Calf raises.
Core stability exercises.
Progressive loaded uphill walking.
Increase training loads gradually and allow time for recovery.
Regularly practise walking on uneven terrain, sustained ascents and descents. Where possible, include longer hikes with a backpack similar in weight to the daypack you expect to carry on the expedition.
Practise managing your pace, eating and drinking during activity, and moving confidently over varied terrain.
The expedition reaches approximately 5,289 m, where the effects of altitude can be significant even for fit participants.
Follow the acclimatisation schedule and the expedition leader’s instructions. Inform the team immediately if you experience symptoms such as persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue or breathlessness at rest. Do not hide symptoms to continue climbing.
Fitness does not prevent altitude illness, and the expedition leader may change the plan or require a descent when necessary.
Participants must understand the technical demands of the climb and be prepared to use mountaineering equipment safely.
Preparation should include familiarisation with mountaineering boots, crampons, an ice axe, a helmet and a harness, as applicable to the route. Practise relevant snow-travel and movement skills under qualified instruction before the expedition.
Confirm with Boots & Crampons which technical skills are prerequisites and which training, if any, will be provided during the expedition. Do not assume that a full technical training course is included unless it is explicitly part of the programme.
High-altitude climbing requires patience, concentration, adaptability and a willingness to follow safety decisions.
Participants must be prepared for cold temperatures, basic camp facilities, early starts, changing weather and the possibility that the summit may not be reached.
Aim to follow a consistent training programme for at least 2–3 months before departure, adjusting the duration to your current fitness and experience.
Participants should seek medical advice when appropriate, ensure their insurance covers the intended mountaineering activity and follow all pre-expedition guidance from the Boots & Crampons team.
For rental bookings and additional equipment support, visit our contracted business partner — Summit Yak Official Website
Friendship Peak is a high-altitude mountaineering climb involving a demanding summit attempt and potentially steep snow and ice. It requires strong physical fitness, previous high-altitude trekking experience and appropriate technical preparation. Confirm the published difficulty rating with the expedition team.
The summit is approximately 5,289 m above sea level.
The itinerary listed on this page is eight days, beginning and ending in Manali. The duration and schedule may change because of weather, snow conditions or other operational requirements.
The current page lists May to October. The preferred period can vary with snow conditions, weather and the expedition’s operating plan. Confirm the specific climbing window for your departure with Boots & Crampons.
Yes. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is required. Friendship Peak should not be treated as a first trek or a beginner-level mountain objective.
Participants must be prepared for the technical demands of snow and ice travel. Confirm the required level of prior technical training with the expedition team before booking. Do not assume that all technical skills will be taught from scratch during the expedition.
The listed package includes several items of mountaineering and camping equipment, but the exact gear allocation should be confirmed before booking. Ask the team for the current equipment list, including whether mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes, helmets and harnesses are provided for your departure.
You should be capable of sustained uphill and downhill walking, consecutive days of activity and a long summit attempt at high altitude. A structured training programme in cardiovascular endurance, leg strength and trekking practice is strongly recommended.
Water arrangements depend on the campsite and operational plan. Follow the expedition team’s instructions on water collection and treatment, and carry the recommended water bottles or hydration system. Bring a personal purification method if advised by the team.
No. Summit success depends on weather, snow and route conditions, the health and readiness of the team, and the expedition leader’s safety assessment. A turnaround may be necessary even when participants are well prepared.
The team can share preparation instructions and coordinate participants before departure. Confirm the arrangements for the expedition WhatsApp group, online briefings and equipment checks with Boots & Crampons after registration.
Friendship Peak offers an opportunity to progress from high-altitude trekking towards Himalayan mountaineering. Careful preparation, respect for mountain conditions and a safety-first approach are essential throughout the expedition.
Boots & Crampons staff of highly trained professional guides is here to make your journey as safe and secure as possible. All of our trekking guides are medically certified and have abundant experience using their training in mountainous environments.
Our safety standards are based on the experiences of our founder, managing risk in some of the world’s most hostile environments.
While we advise our trekkers to carry light, our guides are always prepared with:
Be it queries about the trek, customization or anything else, our team is eager to assist you.
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