When you are in the mountains, you don't want to know what time it is or what day it is or where you are, because the truth is none of that matters. What actually matters is the sunlight that touches your skin in the cold morning, the breeze that shakes your body in perfect rhythm and the trail that takes you to the summit. The feeling of being in a whole different world and the aura that surrounds the entire vicinity is something that will refrain your desire to retreat back into the catastrophic world where life seems like a mess.
Lapped in the Pir Panjal range, at an elevation of 17,382 meters, the Friendship Peak expedition is one of the most popular trekking summits in India. The expedition is quite challenging but does not require any mountaineering skills. It can be done by extremely fit trekkers, with prior experience of high altitude trekking. The trail to Friendship Peak unfolds from Manali's Solang Valley, and winds through beautiful oak forests and meadows, over glaciers, moraines and boulders. The trail is around one, beginning and ending at Solang. The arduous summit climb rewards you with mind-boggling, panoramic views of the Pir Panjal ranges and the slightly distant beauty of the Dhauladhar ranges. The verdant expanses of the trail give way to a beautiful snow bed after a certain altitude. The Friendship peak expedition is an unmissable one for those seeking a pure thrill.
Friendship Peak Trek has a natural appeal to it with an excellent view of some breathtaking places like Spiti, Pin Parvati Pass and the phenomenal peaks that Kinnaur offers to us. This expedition will take you to heights that will leave you in awe. Friendship Peak expedition is that expedition that will give you the charms of mountain climbing in a comparatively subtle and easier way. This expedition will give you these little moments of achievement and more as you expedition along with us.
You need to possess an advanced level of fitness in order to opt for this expedition. Being at a very high elevation, altitude sickness can also come into play. Keeping the ordeal aside, a lot of people claim to find this expedition very interesting to refresh themselves amidst their daily routine life filled with boredom. You are assured to get an amazing company of wanderlusts alongside you. You might think that embarking on this expedition with total strangers won't be that fun but believe us, you will certainly descend the expedition with your hand over their shoulders promising to trace more peaks together in the future.
Trekmunk as a Friendship Peak Expedition Organizer will make sure that you will have a wonderful
experience in the mountains. As per the reviews of various trekkers, Trekmunk is the best trekking
company in India that assures you a quality service and a friendly atmosphere.
Friendship
Peak Expedition cost is around 35000 INR which will come with all the inclusions from the
base camp. Pack your bags and get along on this wonderful journey of heaven that is Friendship Peak
expedition 2020 with Trekmunk.
Best time to visit Friendship Peak Expedition:
The best time to accomplish the Friendship Peak Expedition is in the months of May, June, August, September, and October, as the harshness of winter is left behind, and trials clear up considerably. Visiting this expedition in the month of July is not advised because of the landslides. Generally, the temperature ranges from 10 to 15 degrees during the daytime and dips to about -6 to 4 during nights. You can witness a collection of some of the majestic Himalayan peaks covered with pristine snow. Embrace yourself to witness enthralling views if you plan to visit Friendship Peak during these months.
Trip Highlights
It is considered as one of the most difficult Himalayan
Treks with a height of 17,382 ft.
which is similar to some other desired and famous Himalayan
Treks. This is not known by
many people, hence, making it the dark horse when it comes to
trekking at high altitudes.
Friendship Peak expedition is a good alternative to Stok
Kangri and Kanamo Peak. It is for
this reason that this expedition is highly recommended for
people who are searching
for perfect alternatives to Stok Kangri and Kanamo Peak.
This Expedition has a brown cover of boulders assorted with
snow at its stretch which makes
it a really unique expedition to opt for. Unlike the other
treks, you will not find a continual
area of snow cover or vegetation. The greenery and snow
come to you just at the correct
moment and the correct amount.
Itinerary Details
The drive from Delhi to Manali is about 15 hours long via an overnight bus. Otherwise, you can prefer the air network and land at Bhuntar Airport from where you can take a cab to reach Manali.
We will wait for you at the Manali Bus Stop, from where we will move to Solang Valley which is 12 hours drive from Manali. Solang Valley will mark the commencement of our trek to Friendship Peak on foot. A few hours of a trek through a well-marked road followed by forest trail will advance us to Dhundi. There is moderate ascent throughout the trail. Although you will come across a stream on the trail, it could come out to be murky. So, it is better to carry plenty of water from Manali or Solang itself. We are scheduled to reach Bakerthatch campsite by 1-2 pm. A hot and delicious lunch will be served. Post lunch, we will start setting up camp here. The evening of this day will be scheduled for equipment briefing and providing other necessary details that need to be known for further advancement in the pursuit of scaling this juggernaut mountain peak.
The main objective of day 3 is to trek from Bakertach campsite to Beas Kund Base Camp. Beas Kund is located at an elevation of around 12,500 feet from the mean sea level. The whole trek objective will take roughly around 4-5 hours to complete the day’s trail.
After having early and healthy morning breakfast, we will set out for the next trail which is Beas Kund Base Camp. The terrain consists of mostly rocky paths. There is a steep ascent all the way to the top of Beas Kund. There is no water point throughout the trail. So, make sure that you carry enough water to replenish your water needs along the trail. The trail is well marked which ensures that you won’t be lost on the trek. The mesmerizing views of the forests and mountains keep you entertained throughout the trail. We will camp for some time under the sky while having our dinner. Overnight sleep in the tents will mark the end of this day.
We have kept one day solely for the purpose of training and acclimatization as we will be gearing up for the Friendship Peak. This day will mark another crucial day of the trek. You will learn some useful techniques and hacks to make sure that your climb is a smooth journey. You will be aided with some basic training. The final trek to the pass from advance camp is a difficult one and it requires your body to be completely free of the previous ordeals as you step out for the pass, the next day.
The final trail to the pass will include meadows, ice, and snow which makes it a difficult one. It is good to have prior knowledge about the kind of terrain and challenges to be conquered the next day. You will also be informed about the terrain changes you’d experience during the climb. Beyond here, you are likely to find a heavy accumulation of snow, and the time you spent today for acclimatization will help you in your next couple of day’s endeavors to the highest point in the trek. Have your dinner and retire for a good night’s sleep.
We will start the day early after having a healthy breakfast at the Base Camp. This day of the trek incorporates a moderate level of difficulty including gradual and steep ascents. The trekking distance is not too much. It will take 4-5 hours to reach the Advance Camp. It is advised to carry 2 liters of water. You will find a few water sources down the day’s trail where you can replenish your water needs. Spend the day resting and exploring around the campsite. Today, you will get a lot of time to rest and recuperate for the challenges that lie further ahead in our quest for the summit. Overnight camping will be set up in tents.
Finally, we have to be all set for the most-awaited and crucial day of the entire trek and hence it also gives rise to the most difficult day of the whole journey. So, brace yourself for an exhilarating day ahead.
Starting the trek, we need to tread through steep inclines and make way across the snow-filled trail. Though the day is quite taxing, it brings great excitement as you ascend the high mountain. The descent takes a notorious turn as the route is covered in moraine and scree. It’s important to be more sure-footed in this region.
After spending some quality time at the summit, we will make our way back to the advance camp. We will camp for some time under the sky while having our dinner. Overnight sleep in the tents will mark the end of this day.
Day 7 acts as a reserve day for a second summit attempt. It will only be used in case of bad weather in the region or other unexpected conditions.
Early morning will mark the beginning of a beautiful sunrise so close that it will leave you wondering for a moment. We begin descending back to Bakerthatch, following the same trail we took while ascending. Make sure that you have water bottles along with you. The trek is moderate with few steep descents. We will break for lunch halfway down the day’s trail.
Overnight stay will be in tents at Bakerthatch campsite. We will have our dinner while cherishing some of the memories of the trek and then go to sleep for the last time on this unforgettable trek.
Wake up early in the morning to catch the sunrise and for a fresh breath. This beautiful scenery and serenity of the place will surely restrict your return back into the chaotic world. Indulge yourself in clicking some sweet snaps which will act as a memory when you shall look back down the memory lane of your life. From this place, you can get clear snapshots of the beautiful Himalayan Ranges.
This will mark the last day of the trek where we will return back to Solang valley from Bakerthatch and then drive back again to Manali. The trail incorporates easy to moderate descent. The terrain type consists of forest trail and riverside trails. The total distance is around 20-25 kilometers and we will reach Manali by 6 pm in the evening.
How To Reach
The Pickup point and Drop Point will be Jagatsukh, Manali. We can arrange a cab for you from the bus station in Manali, the charges for the same are not included in the package. The cost of the cab can be shared among the trekkers joining the trek. For communications purposes, we will create a Whatsapp Group before the departure date of the trek and will share the details regarding the transportation. The drop at Bus Stand after the trek will be arranged in a similar way.
By Air
The nearest airport is in Bhuntar which is 11km from Kullu and 52 km from Manali. You can
take a taxi from Bhuntar to Manali which will cost approximately Rs, 1000/-. The airlines
that you can take are Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, Jagson Airlines operating
flights from Delhi as well as Chandigarh. To reach Manali by air, you need to have a
connecting flight via Delhi or Chandigarh. Delhi or Chandigarh is well connected to major
airports across the country. You can check your flight in the following links: 1. https://www.google.com/flights 2. https://www.makemytrip.com/flights/
By Road
To reach Hampta circle trek by road, you can take an overnight bus from Delhi to Manali or
Chandigarh to Manali. Manali is well connected to cities by road. The roads are in good
condition but there are sudden landslides in the monsoon season. The bus from Delhi to
Manali can take up to 14 hours and from Chandigarh to Manali is 9 hours at least. Tickets
are available online on Redbus.in, Goibibo.in or Hrtc.gov.in. You can pay online for the
bus tickets. You should always take the Himsuta bus from HRTC as they are the most
comfortable government buses on this route. You can also book private buses but sometimes
sudden hiccups come with them. The last government bus leaves at 11:15 pm at night and
starts from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Plan your onward journeys only post noon giving enough
buffer for bus delays.
By Train
We do not recommend you travel by train as the closest railway station, Jogindernagar is 5
hours away which you will again have to cover by bus or cab.
Inclusions
- To and Fro economy class air trave
- Travel by comfortable A/c or Non A/c coach / Vehicle as per the tour itinerary
- Entrance fees of all sightseeing places to be visited from inside
- Accommodation in comfortable and convenient hotels
- All Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (set menu) as mentioned in the itinerary
- All Tips – Guide, Driver & Restaurants
Exclusions
- Govt Tax of 5.00% over and above the Tour Cost mentioned
- Any applicable new taxes from Government
- Any upgradation in Airline class or hotel room category
- Any extra expense such as route change, Airline change, Date change, Accommodation facilities, etc incurred due to the unforeseen, unavoidable forced majeure circumstances during the tour
- Porterage (coolie charges), laundry, telephone charges, shopping, wines & alcoholic beverages, mineral water, items of personal nature and food or drink which is not part of a set group menu
- Any extra cost incurred on behalf of an individual due to illness, accident, hospitalisation, or any personal emergency