The Friendship Peak + Shitidhar (5K Duet) is a mountaineering itinerary designed for those who want to experience two Himalayan summits in one expedition. Combining Friendship Peak (5,289 m) with Mt. Shitidhar (approximately 5,294 m), this expedition tests endurance, acclimatisation, and recovery across consecutive high-altitude climbs.
The route builds steadily from forest trails into alpine terrain, gradually exposing climbers to snow and cold conditions. After the demanding summit of Friendship Peak, the body is tested again on the ascent of Mt. Shitidhar, making this itinerary as much a mental challenge as a physical one.
Cold nights, early summit starts, and repeated exposure to altitude create an intense and rewarding experience. This expedition is ideal for trekkers with previous mountain experience who want to build confidence for bigger Himalayan objectives.
The 5K Duet is about consistency, resilience, and earning your summits.
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.
Following the Friendship Peak summit, we shift our focus to Mt. Shitidhar.
Today, we trek from Lady Leg towards the summit camp of Mt. Shitidhar. The route traverses high-altitude terrain with gradual ascents, allowing the body to remain acclimatised.
Upon reaching the summit camp, tents are set up and the remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for the next day’s climb.
Overnight: Tents at Shitidhar Summit Camp.
We start early for the ascent of Mt. Shitidhar. The climb involves negotiating snow slopes and high-altitude terrain, offering a rewarding yet demanding challenge.
After reaching the summit and enjoying expansive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, we begin our descent back to Lady Leg.
The round trip takes approximately 8–9 hours. On arrival, we relax and celebrate the completion of both summits.
Overnight: Tents at Lady Leg.
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 expedition officially concludes, and participants depart for their onward journey with unforgettable memories of summiting Friendship Peak and Mt. Shetidhar.
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.
At Boots & Crampons, preparation is not optional. The level of training required depends on the duration, altitude, and technical difficulty of the trek or expedition you are signing up for.
1. Physical Fitness
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
This itinerary combines the classic Friendship Peak climb with the Shitidhar summit approach. You will encounter:
Well-defined mountain trails.
Forest and alpine meadow sections.
Rocky ridges and glacial moraines.
Snow and ice slopes near higher camps and summit areas.
Both peaks involve steep ascents with exposure to snow and alpine conditions.
Friendship Peak: approximately 5,289 m (17,350 ft).
Mt. Shitidhar: approximately 5,294 m (17,369 ft), as listed for this expedition.
Both involve significant time above 4,000 m, with demanding summit pushes.
This is a moderate to challenging high-altitude mountaineering itinerary. While neither climb is presented as requiring advanced technical climbing, the summit pushes include:
Steep snow and ice slopes.
Exposure to wind and cold.
Altitude-related challenges.
Two summit attempts within one expedition, requiring adequate recovery and endurance.
Proper acclimatisation and physical conditioning are essential.
No advanced technical experience is specified for this itinerary, but participants must be comfortable with:
Using crampons and an ice axe.
Walking confidently on snow and ice slopes.
Managing exposure and steep terrain.
Basic snow-travel skills are strongly recommended. Participants should attend the technical briefing and follow the expedition team’s instructions.
The best climbing window is generally May to October, subject to snow conditions and weather.
These months offer the usual access window for climbing in the Pir Panjal range.
The expedition is 10 days, including:
Approach trekking.
Acclimatisation and load ferry.
Friendship Peak summit attempt.
Shitidhar summit attempt.
Descent and return to Manali.
Daily trekking and climbing hours can vary from 5 to 8+ hours depending on terrain and weather. Summit days may be longer.
Participants should have:
Strong cardiovascular endurance.
Stamina for long uphill and downhill terrain.
Familiarity with high-altitude movement.
The ability to recover between consecutive climbing days.
Detailed fitness and training expectations are outlined in the Preparation Guide.
Key gear includes:
Sturdy mountaineering boots compatible with crampons.
Crampons and ice axe.
Harness, helmet, and carabiners.
Warm high-altitude layers.
A full gear checklist is included in the Preparation Guide.
Water is obtained from glacial streams and snow melt. The expedition team treats water, but climbers should carry personal purification tablets or filter water bottles as backup.
A dedicated WhatsApp group will be created post-registration for preparation and coordination queries.
Zoom briefing sessions will be conducted to:
Walk through the expedition flow.
Explain technical expectations.
Clarify individual doubts.
Each session will include a Q&A segment.
The Friendship Peak + Shitidhar 5K Duet is a uniquely rewarding Himalayan mountaineering experience that blends two summit attempts into one itinerary. With disciplined preparation, proper acclimatization, and respect for mountain conditions, this itinerary can be both fulfilling and unforgettable.
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.
Need your questions answered right away?
Get in touch with us at
Discover similar treks from Boots & Crampons that quench your thirst for adventure.
Discover similar treks from Boots & Crampons that quench your thirst for adventure.
