Friendship Peak Expedition 2026: A Full Climbing Guide to One of the Highest Peaks in Himachal Pradesh
One of the most famous adventure goals in the Indian Himalayas is Friendship Peak. This mountain stands tall in the Pir Panjal Range, above the famous Solang Valley. It has become a starting point for trekkers who want to start mountaineering. Friendly Peak is now one of the most popular high-altitude treks in India. Its strategic position, moderate technical difficulties, and rewarding views from the top make it a popular choice.
Both domestic and foreign adventurers are likely to come to the 2026 climbing season, thanks to better trail infrastructure, rising interest in experiential tourism, and Mount Friendship Peak's growing popularity as an easy Himalayan expedition. This full guide talks about the mountain's height, altitude profile, best times to visit, training essentials, and the exact route that you need to follow to successfully reach the top of Friendship Peak.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
True Friendship Peak height, place, and altitude
In-depth study of the Friendship Peak trek and adventure
2026 climbing schedule with details on each day's route
What to bring, how to use it, safety rules, and how to adjust to the altitude
Checklist for booking the Friendship Peak trip
When is the best time of year for climbing Friendship Peak?
Costs, comparing operators, and views into sustainability
Introduction to Friendship Peak
Friendship Peak, which is also known as Mt. Friendship Peak or Mount Friendship Peak, is one of the most famous hills in Himachal Pradesh that non-professional climbers can reach. It is 5,289 meters (17,350 ft) high. It is in the Beas Kund area and is surrounded by tall mountains like Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, and Deo Tibba.
It is known that the top is moderately hard. It has the beauty of meadows and alpine woods, but you need to know how to use mountaineering skills like chains, an ice axe, ropes, and snow slopes to get around. Because of this, it's a great "bridge climb" between trekking and high-altitude mountaineering.
The peak is easy for beginners to reach and exciting enough for experienced climbers who want a quick and beautiful climb. It is close to Manali, which is known for its adventure activities. At the top, climbers can see the Pir Panjal and the Greater Himalayas in every direction. This makes the trip memorable for photographers, adventurers, and snow fans alike.
Friendship Peak's Location and How to Get There
Friendship Peak is in Himachal Pradesh's Pir Panjal Range. Its base is near Solang Valley, which is only a short trip from Manali. Being close to a popular tourist town makes getting there and organizing your trip much easier, especially for people who are climbing at high altitudes for the first time. A lot of people think of Manali as the starting point for this trip. Friendship Peak is often called one of the Manali highest peaks because it has such a commanding view of the Solang Valley.
Access Routes
Nearest City: Manali (13 km from Solang)
Start Point: Solang Valley
Approach: Solang → Dhundi → Bakerthach → ABC → Summit
How to Reach Manali
By Air: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu Airport): The closest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, also known as Kullu Airport (IATA: KUU), located about 50 kilometres (31 miles) away. Travelers can find Bhuntar a convenient option because of the many domestic flights connecting it with major cities throughout India. To maximize your comfort and convenience, you can take a bus or a taxi from the airport to travel the remaining distance to Manali.
By Road: Seamless Bus Connectivity: Manali is excellently connected with several North Indian cities, including Delhi and Chandigarh. You can choose from various government and private buses, ensuring reliable transportation for your Friendship Peak Expedition booking. The scenic routes leading to Manali are a bonus, offering picturesque views of the Himalayan landscape.
You can take a local cab, a private jeep, or a pre-arranged operator transport to get to the site in Solang Valley. Friendship Peak is much easier to plan than many other Himalayan treks because of the well-developed adventure infrastructure in and around Solang.
Friendship Peak Height & Altitude Profile
The official Friendship Peak height is 5,289 meters, placing it among the finest high altitude treks in India suitable for ambitious trekkers transitioning to mountaineering.
Altitude Breakdown
Manali – 2,050 m
Solang Valley – 2,500 m
Dhundi – 2,840 m
Bakerthach – 3,250 m
Advance Base Camp – 4,000 m
Summit – 5,289 m
When paired with a well-thought-out expedition plan, this rise in altitude is enough to help the body adjust. Climbers must slowly get used to the thinner air because the steep climb from meadows to snow takes both physical strength and knowledge of how to handle high altitudes.
Friendship Peak Trek vs. Friendship Peak Expedition
The terms Friendship Peak trek and Friendship trek are frequently used in marketing materials, but the climb is technically a mountaineering expedition, not a standard trek.The way up includes snow slopes, glaciers, icy slopes, and sections with ropes, which is not normal trekking terrain.
Trek vs. Expedition Side by Side
Trek has paths that you can walk on through woods and meadows.
Not many technical parts
Ideal for beginners
Features of the expedition (for Friendship Peak):
1.Must-haves: ice axe, crampons, and lines.
2.Being exposed to steep slopes (50–60°)
3.Higher elevation and less stable weather
People who are getting ready for big trips like Stok Kangri, Kang Yatse II, Black Peak, or 6,000-meter Himalayan summits say that Friendship Peak is the best place to train.
Best Time to Trek Friendship Peak – Complete Seasonal Guide for Trekkers & Climbers
choosing the right season is very important for safety, comfort, and reaching the top of Friendship Peak on the Friendship Peak Trek or the Friendship Peak Expedition. Between May, June, September and October is the best time for trekking Friendship Peak because the weather is peaceful, there is snow, and the area is easy to get to.
Best Season to Trek Friendship Peak
Summer or the time before the monsoons (May–June)
People like to climb Friendship Peak a lot in the months of May and June. This window has sunshine and a good amount of snow cover.
Important events in May and June:
1 Mild weather: 8°C to 15°C during the day
2 Soft but stable snow is great for moving around with crampons.
3 Long daylight hours make it easier and safer to try to reach the top.
4 Higher success rates at summits: The weather windows are pretty steady.
This is the best time for beginner to advanced climbers who want to reach their first 5000-meter peak.
Autumn or the time after the monsoons (September–October)
September through October is also a great time to go on the Friendship Peak Trek because the weather is clear after the rain.
Important events in September and October:
Views of Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, and Dhauladhar are breathtakingly clear.
Snow that is compacted is hard and reliable for mountaineering methods.
Temperatures that are cool and dry: less wind and little rain.
Balanced hiking conditions: great for both getting used to the altitude and pushing through to the top.
Because the weather is stable, this time of year is often thought to be the best for the Friendship Peak Expedition.
Seasons to Avoid
1.Monsoon (July–August): frozen slips, snow that isn't stable, and a high risk of landslides.
2. Winter (November–April): Very cold, deep snow, winds, and tracks that can't be used.
Outside the recommended windows, unpredictable weather drastically increases risk, making climbing unsafe.
Final Result : Best Time to Trek Friendship Peak
May–June and September–October are the safest, most stable, and most rewarding months for trekking Friendship Peak. These months offer the perfect balance of weather, snow quality, visibility, and summit success rates.
Travel Tip
Begin your trek only after reviewing weather forecasts, snow conditions, and operator updates, as weather in the high Himalayas can change quickly.
Friendship Peak Expedition 2026: Complete Climbing Route Guide
DAY 1 - Arrival in Manali and Drive to Solang Valley
All trekkers will gather at Manali Mall Road and travel together to the Solang Valley campsite. We will stay in comfortable luxury camps. Our trek leader will explain the journey and answer any questions. You will also check your trekking gear to ensure everything is ready. After lunch, we will go on a short hike to Anjani Mahadev waterfall. This walk helps your body adjust to the altitude before the trek. The hike takes about 2 hours, after which we return to camp. Enjoy evening tea, snacks, and dinner before resting for the night in Solang Valley.
DAY 2 - Drive from Solang Valley to Dhundi and Trek to Bakarthach/Luhali Thach
After breakfast, we begin our journey with a scenic drive to Dhundi, the starting point of our trek. The adventure begins near the Dhundi Hydro Project, where we start walking along the right bank of the mighty Beas River. The first section of the trail takes us through a peaceful meadow for about 10-15 minutes of easy walking. Soon the path starts climbing upwards, becoming steeper as we approach a beautiful ridge covered with fragrant deodar trees. After crossing this forested ridge, the trail continues with gentle ups and downs through bushes and shrubs, eventually opening up to vast grasslands with the Beas River flowing alongside us. As we walk along this narrow mountain path, keep an eye out for wild strawberries growing along the trail - a sweet treat you can enjoy while hiking! The final challenge before reaching camp is a small but refreshing river crossing. Just beyond this lies our beautiful campsite at Luhali Thach, nestled in the mountains. We'll pause here for a well-deserved lunch surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Beas Valley. After eating, you'll have time to rest in your tents or explore the area. Later in the afternoon, we'll take an important acclimatization walk to help our bodies adjust to the increasing altitude. This acclimatization process is crucial for a successful trek. As we gain elevation, our bodies need time to adapt to the thinner air. Without proper acclimatization, trekkers might experience headaches, nausea or other altitude-related issues that could prevent them from continuing. That's why everyone must participate in these walks. As evening falls, we'll gather for a hearty dinner under a breathtaking night sky filled with countless stars. The peaceful mountain air and stunning views make for a perfect end to our first day of trekking before we retire to our tents for a good night's rest.
DAY 3 - Bakarthach/Luhali Thach to Lady Leg Base Camp
Wake up to the soothing sounds of birdsong and the gentle roar of a nearby river, surrounded by lush greenery and embraced by the mighty Dhauladhar range. Its towering, snow-capped peaks rise majestically into the sky, offering a view that feels almost heavenly. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the heart of nature before packing up and setting off on today’s hike through scenic meadows. The trail gradually becomes steeper, challenging you with every step. After an hour or two of climbing, you’ll reach a small rocky section that leads to the base of the Lady Leg Ridge. Follow the trail up to the ridgeline, and soon you’ll be greeted by open meadows. A short 5–7 minute walk further brings you to your campsite. Relish your lunch while soaking in a stunning view of the summit, surrounded by majestic 6000-meter peaks. Settle into your tents, rest up for a while, and then prepare for an orientation session covering the use of equipment, essential mountain terminology, and important do’s and don’ts of mountain life and camping. This is followed by an acclimatization walk and a snow training session. End your day with a warm bowl of soup and a delicious dinner to re-energize for the journey ahead.
DAY 4 - Lady Leg Base Camp to Summit Camp
After breakfast, begin your journey toward the Advance Base Camp. The trail initially winds through rocky moraines and crosses several small streams over the first 200 meters, after which the ascent becomes steeper. The path is clearly marked and leads up to a large cairn at the top of the ridge—just beyond it lies your base camp. Once you arrive, pitch your tents and settle in. Lunch will be served shortly; be sure to eat well, as proper nourishment is essential for the strength you'll need during the midnight summit push. In the afternoon, prepare for your final acclimatization walk and training session. This includes a detailed briefing on the equipment, with hands-on practice to ensure everyone is confident in its use. Dinner will be served early, between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., after which you’ll get some rest—aim for 5 to 6 hours of sleep before the summit attempt begins.
DAY 5 - Summit Camp to Friendship Peak Summit and Back to Lady Leg Base Camp
At 11:30 PM, we begin our night trek from Summit Camp towards Friendship Peak. The 4 km climb takes us through silent, star-lit mountains, with only our headlamps lighting the way. As we hike higher, the views get more amazing. Snowy peaks glow in the moonlight, and the whole Himalayan range starts appearing around us. Step by step, we make our way up the final stretch to the summit. We reach the top just as the sky begins to lighten. Watching the sunrise from 17,300 ft is magical – golden rays slowly touching mountain after mountain, with endless peaks visible in every direction. After celebrating at the summit for 15-20 minutes (and lots of photos!), we carefully descend back to Lady Leg Camp. The way down lets us see what we couldn’t spot at night: sparkling glaciers, deep valleys, and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the morning wind. By the time we reach camp, every step will feel worth it for those breathtaking views!
DAY 6 - Reserve Day for Summit
This is our reserve day - a backup in case bad weather prevented our summit attempt earlier. If we couldn’t reach Friendship Peak before due to conditions, we’ll make another attempt today. If we’ve already successfully summited (great job!), we’ll use this day to descend from Lady Leg Camp to Dhundi, then drive back to Manali – completing our adventure one day early. Either way, this flexible day ensures everyone gets their best chance at the summit while keeping our schedule safe and manageable.
DAY 7 - Lady Leg Base Camp to Dhundi and Drive to Manali
Rise early and soak in the peaceful mountain atmosphere one last time. Capture these final moments - these memories will stay with you long after the trek ends. We'll begin our descent after breakfast, reaching Dhundi by early afternoon (1-2 PM). Our vehicles will be ready to take you back to Manali, where our adventure officially concludes around 2-3 PM. Please note :-Mountains can be unpredictable. Sometimes bad weather or other problems may change our plans. We will do what is safest for everyone.
Fitness Requirements
Daily trekking capacity of 8–10 km
Being able to carry a 10–12 kg backpack
Strong heart and lung endurance
Essential Gear Checklist
Mountaineering boots (double-layer recommended)
Ice axe
Crampons
Climbing harness
Carabiners and slings
Down jacket (–15°C rated)
Waterproof gloves
UV sunglasses
High-altitude headlamp
Layered technical clothing
A fully prepared climber increases the chance of a successful and safe summit attempt.
How to Book a Friendship Peak Expedition
Getting ready for a Friendship Peak adventure booking means choosing the right operator, going over what's included, and making sure you understand how safety works.
Important Things to Think About
How much experience the guide has with high-altitude trips.
Get certified in things like WFR, NIM skills, and IMF standards.
Technical tools are available.
Size of the group and people to help.
Getting permits and keeping records.
Safety, Risks, and Things to Think About at High Altitude
The climb to Friendship Peak in the Himalayas is moderate to tough and requires careful risk management.
Common Risks
AMS ( Acute Mountain Sickness )
Being too cold
Loss of skin
Slips and falls in the snow
Weather-related risks
Deep cracks
safety measures
Gradual getting used to it
Routine for drinking water and eating
The right way to use ropes
Knowing how the snow and slide conditions are
Being ready for an emergency
A disciplined approach to safety makes sure that the trip is safe and fun.
Why Friendship Peak Is a Top Choice in the Himalayas
People who like to climb have made Friendship Peak a popular spot because it is easy to get to, challenging, and satisfying with beautiful views.
What Makes It Stand Out
Close to Manali, which makes travel easier
Many Himalayan peaks don't have such a high success rate.
Good for hikers who want to move on to mountaineering
A 5,000-meter peak can be reached with pretty simple methods.
Along the route, there is a lot of wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Its rising popularity shows how popular Himalayan expeditions are that are both difficult and easy to do.
In conclusion
Friendship Peak is the right mix of adventure, difficulty, ease of access, and Himalayan beauty. It's one of the best ways to start climbing in India because it's only 5,289 meters high, has beautiful approaches through Solang Valley and Bakerthach, and has technical parts that are great for learning. Adventure travel is becoming more popular, and this peak is still a favourite among hikers training for bigger Himalayan goals. People who go on the Friendship Peak trip in 2026 will see views they will never forget, climbs they will love, and a strong introduction to mountaineering.
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