Overview
At 5287 metres above sea level, it is renowned for its challenging ascent and expansive views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar peaks. The trek encourages aspiring mountaineers and those seeking a difficult trail to enjoy the serenity and magnificence of the Pir Panjal range. It goes all the way to Friendship Peak.
The road winds through the lovely Solang valley, which is itself densely forested with a variety of alpine tree species, alongside numerous lavish streams leading to upland pastures, before ascending to the frozen surface with significant tilts and crevasses. A stunning panorama of snow-covered mountain ranges and unending vistas can be seen from the summit.
What makes Friendship Peak worthy of inclusion on your summer hiking bucket list this year?
No matter how many treks you’ve completed or how few, the challenges and rest stops you encounter will stay with you. As the name suggests, it also strongly suggests that you bring your loved ones on this exciting adventure with you.
When to go to Friendship Peak Summit?
The best time to travel is from June to mid-October when afternoon temperatures can soar to 20 degrees Celsius. This is the best time for team travel. Temperatures at night range from 2 to 6 degrees, which is significantly colder. The temperature rises to 12 to 18 degrees Celsius during the day from September to mid-October and drops to 6 to 4 degrees at night.
How challenging is Friendship Peak?
Although the trek enthusiastically invites aspiring mountaineers on this journey because of its reachable objective, it is strongly advised to have prior experience because of the level of difficulty. It has become crucial to have a strong physical constitution and adjust to the altitude.
Itinerary in Detail
Day 1: Delhi/Chandigarh to Manali
Manali can be reached by bus or train from Delhi. You can also fly from Delhi to Bhutnar, Manali’s nearest airport. Spend the day exploring Manali. Manali’s major attractions include the Mall Road and the Hadimba Temple.
Visit these locations after freshening up and consider yourself fortunate to be a part of this incredible journey. Spend the night in a hotel and prepare for the Manali to Friendship Peak trek.
Day 2: Manali to Solang Nala and Bakarthach
Take a break and recover in the Manali Mountains after the trip from Delhi. From Manali, you can take a taxi to Solang Nala. Several treks in Himachal Pradesh start from Solang Nala, which is essentially a typical intersection.
You must walk from Solang Nala to Dhundi, where the Friendship Peak trek begins, in order to reach Dhundi. With its lush, green pasturelands, vast alpine forests, and gushing Beas streams, the trekking trail will keep you entertained. The trek from Dhundi to Bakarthach today is strenuous. From here, one can see both the Dhauladhar Range and the Pir Panjal Range. A camp in Bakarthach marks the end of this section of the trek.
Day 3: Bakarthach to the base camp of Beas Kund
The trek from Bakarthach to the Beas Kund Camp is part of the journey for today. The journey on today’s trek will take about four hours. This is a very challenging terrain. The Beas Kund Camp is located at the top of a steep ascent that includes rocky platforms.
This serene location is ideal for rest and contemplation. Along the way to the trek, you’ll be entertained by the alluring views of the dense forests and the snow-capped mountains. After you arrive at the camp, relax, eat, and explore the idyllic natural setting.
Day 4: Day of Acclimatization in Beas Kund Base Camp
A high level of physical fitness and endurance are needed for the Mount Friendship Expedition. Spending a day at Beas Kund Camp is advised in order to acclimate yourself to the constantly shifting weather patterns at various altitudes.
To have a smooth climb to the summit, practise some tips and tricks. The terrain will be challenging on this day, unlike the other days, because of the presence of meadows and a significant amount of snowfall. Prepare your body and mind for the upcoming, arduous climb.
Day 5: Beas Kund Base Camp to Advance Camp
You can get to the advance camp in 3 to 4 hours from Beas Kund Camp. There are some moderate to steep ascents on today’s trek. You can stop at specific locations along this strenuous trek to rest. Don’t forget to capture the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes and mountains in your photos as well. Once at the campsite, take in the splendour of the challenging mountains and prepare for the abrupt drop that lies ahead.
Day 6: Advance Camp to Summit then to Bakarthach
This is the part of the journey that trekkers most look forward to. You can take in Friendship Peak’s seductive beauty on this day. Unbearable views of the Pir Panjal Range and the Dhauladhar Range are part of the challenging summit climb. To reach the peak and descend before sundown, you should start your trek between 3 and 4 in the morning.
To experience the divine view of the peak in ideal visibility, it is advised to ascend to the summit during the day. After this experience, the entire expedition will seem worthwhile. You have to be extremely careful as you navigate the snow and scree as you descend from Bakarthach. To avoid slipping or encountering an accident, you must be sure-footed. After this exhausting trek to Bakarthach, relax and take a break!
Day 7: Bakarthach to Manali
The trek is coming to an end today. Follow the same path from Bakarthach to Solang Valley as you descend. You can enjoy the same beautiful views as you descend, and this route also passes through the same thick forests and riverside trails.
Even though this portion of the journey is a straightforward descent, you should be cautious because some of the trails may be slick and uneven. You can take a taxi to Manali after arriving in the Solang Valley. While exploring Mall Road and engaging in some irresistible shopping, spend the night in Manali. The Mt. Friendship Expedition is a memorable experience beyond a simple hike.
Consider these points:
- We advise wearing properly rated, warm, and comfortable clothing because nights at higher elevations tend to be significantly colder.
- Even though medical emergencies will be available, it is advised to keep their emergency kits close by in case of any underlying illnesses that they may have personally.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera and extra batteries because the trip will allow you to see some beautiful scenery.
- It is advised to finish all of their work in advance because connectivity along the route is unreliable.
