About This Trek
Friendship Peak is one of India's most accessible technical Himalayan summits — and one Karan has summited and led multiple times. At 5,289m in the Kullu Himalaya above the Solang Valley, it's a genuine high-altitude expedition: crampons, rope, ice axe, and a real summit push above the snowline.
This isn't a walk-up peak. The approach takes you through alpine forests and moraines to a high base camp, followed by a technical summit day on snow slopes with ridge traversal. For trekkers ready to make the step into technical mountaineering — this is the right first summit.
Karan has led this expedition successfully and has personal experience of the mountain in different conditions. The approach is technical, careful, and safety-first at every stage.
Who Is This For
- Trekkers who have completed 4,000m+ treks and are ready for a technical summit
- Anyone wanting their first real Himalayan expedition with a certified leader
- Groups of 4–8 committed to the preparation and physical demands
- Those willing to train and prepare seriously — this is not a casual trek
Basic ice axe and crampon training is provided at base camp. No prior technical climbing experience is required, but strong fitness and prior high-altitude experience (4,000m+) is essential.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Short drive to Solang Valley, then a gradual trek through alpine forests. The Beas Kund trail leads into high terrain. Bakarthach is a grassy campsite with views of the surrounding peaks. Ice axe and crampon introduction in the evening. Walk: ~4 hrs.
Climb into high alpine terrain as vegetation gives way to moraine and snow. The base camp sits at around 4,100m with direct views of Friendship Peak's summit ridge. Gear check and summit route briefing. Walk: ~5 hrs.
Rest and altitude acclimatisation at base camp. Practical training on snow: crampon use, ice axe technique, self-arrest, rope movement. Short acclimatisation hike to ~4,500m. Essential preparation for the summit push.
Pre-dawn start (typically 2–3am). Ascent over snow slopes and the summit ridge to Friendship Peak — 360° views of Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, and the Kullu valley. This is the day that makes the preparation worthwhile. Descend to base camp in the afternoon. Walk: ~10–12 hrs total.
Full descent from base camp back through Bakarthach and Solang Valley to the road. Trek ends. Transfer to Manali. Walk: ~6 hrs.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Expedition leadership by Karan throughout
- High-altitude camping equipment (tents, mats)
- All meals on trek
- Technical gear: rope, ice axes, crampons (group set)
- Mountaineering permit
- Wilderness First Aid kit & emergency oxygen
- Technical training at base camp
- Pre-expedition briefing & gear list
Excluded
- Transport to/from Manali
- Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover 6,000m+)
- Personal high-altitude gear (list provided)
- Hotel in Manali (pre/post)
- Personal snacks, tips
- Rescue costs (covered by insurance)
Important Notes
- Travel insurance covering technical mountaineering and emergency evacuation is mandatory
- Prior high-altitude trekking experience above 4,000m is required
- A detailed gear list will be provided — personal technical gear must be sourced before departure
- Summit is weather-dependent — build buffer days into your travel
- Group size: 4–8 people maximum