Friendship Peak Trek

A Springboard For Hardcore Mountaineering

Brief Description

Grade:Difficult
Location: Himachal
Altitude:5289 m
Duration:8 Days

A springboard for hardcore mountaineering, Friendship Peak runs in some influential circles. Nestled comfortably in between all the biggies from the two major ranges - Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar, Friendship Peak is an amphitheater for the tallest mountains in both these ranges. With a bird’s eye view of Manali from the col, to the mountain ranges in Lahaul from its peak; Friendship peak faces Hanuman Tibba on the one side and finds as its neighbours, giants such as Indrasan, Deo Tibba, Priyadarshani, the Seven Sisters to name a few. 

The Friendship Peak trek is more than just a pretty view from the top. Standing tall at 5289 M, it falls in the largest range of the Lesser Himalayas - the Pir Panjal. Apart from humbly standing its ground in the midst of the 6000ers, we especially are in awe of the trail of the trek which takes us through the most mesmerizing visuals. We encounter alpine meadows, thick forests and wide clearings, crossings over icy cold mountain streams - and of course a thick bed of shimmering white snow - all packed in 34 kms. It has stunning campsites full of local wildlife and bursts of colors, waiting to be wandered and explored.  Even the landscape buried under a thick sheet of snow is anything but wearisome to look at. 

Read: Highlights of Friendship Peak

Walking through glacial moraines, navigating our way around massive snow rocks, the unpredictable weather and the brutal slopes keep the journey exhilarating throughout. Friendship peak is not short of an expedition for its difficult terrain, harsh temperature and a continuously steep ascent from the time you set your first foot out the Summit Camp tent.  Each season on the peak is met with different kinds of challenges and hence, different visuals and a completely different experience. 

Although identified as a trekking peak by IMF, do not let the altitude of Friendship Peak deceive you. It is no less hard to please than the 6000ers in it vicinity and hence should only be attempted by experienced trekkers with a know-how of basic mountain skills and prior experience in high altitudes. From carrying your own load to a need for technical knowledge, the peak requires the acumen and grit of a mountaineer, its considerably lesser height helping you shift gears from trekking to mountaineering with ease.

The grueling climb requires learning new skills; using an ice-axe, pitching a tent in snow, roping up, working together as a team and even seemingly simple tasks like ‘walking’ - on snow, on a steep gradient, in shin-high, extremely heavy snow boots. With the constantly changing weather, we never know when we will be hit by our next snow storm, white-out or torrentuous rains - which makes the trek even more thrilling while also, adding to its level of difficulty.

Read: Who is this trek meant for?

The best months for this trek are May and June for a snow-covered peak and September and October for a predominantly rocky terrain.  


Read more

Brief Itinerary

Make your way to Manali (2,050 M)
Manali (2,050 M) to Dhundi (3,150 M) via Solang Nalla and onward to Lohalithatch (3,300 M)
8 Km
4 Hours
3546m
Lohalithatch (3,300 M) to Advance Base Camp at Lady Leg  (3,840 M) 
8 Km
4 Hours
3546m
Load Ferry to Summit Camp (4,000 - 4,200 M)
Onwards to Summit Camp (4,000 - 4,200 M)
Summit Day (5,289 M)
Reserved as a Reserve Day!
Back to Where We Started!

Detailed Itinerary


Day 1

Make your way to Manali (2,050 M)

The trek starts from Manali, which is a very popular tourist destination and hence extremely accessible. If you need guidance on how to get to this high-altitude backpacking center, this article (How to reach Manali) might come handy.

Day one is reserved for the participants to make their way into Manali and get settled into their accommodation. First half of the day is reserved to get comfortable with the mountain air and each other. While the body acclimatizes, we take this time to get together with the group and delve into the happenings of the next few days - schedule, what to expect, basic do's and don'ts in the mountains, how to maintain the sanctity of the environment and such matters of importance. Since we are a learning-based organisation, we take some time on the first day to talk a little about how best to pack your backpacks in order for a successful climb. This is accompanied by a demo of the same which is followed by getting all the equipment required, in place. It is a relatively easy day but crucial for what's to come next!

The first day is also super important to get all the paperwork in order - permits and such as per IMF guidelines and state requirements. These are essential for each member to be able to embark on the journey ahead. 

Day 2

Manali (2,050 M) to Dhundi (3,150 M) via Solang Nalla and onward to Lohalithatch (3,300 M)

Distance: 21 kms + 4.5 kms

Duration: 1 hour drive + 3 hours trek

After a sumptuous breakfast, we get into a car to drive to the starting point of the trek - a tiny establishment called Dhundi by 10:30 AM. This drive through Solang Nalla is a little way in from Solang Valley Road. Expect to reach this village and start your trek latest by 12:30 AM.

The short one-hour drive is a curious mix of bustling towns and silent empty stretches until we hit another town with shops and hotels and all the shebang. The sight of locals going about their business and the peculiar stone-structured houses are a pleasing sight - giving us a tiny glimpse into the social and economic make-up of mountain living.

The drive takes us through the marvel of smooth mountain roads with expansive views of the Solang Valley in the background. If the weather is clear, on your drive up, you see a glimpse of paragliders flying around above the valley - with all its beautiful colours and bright blue skies, the visual making for a picture-perfect view.

The trek, which is approximately 4.5 kms long, starts at Dhundi latest by 12:30 PM where everyone carries their own load. Ration, equipment and tents are ferried on horses. It is a relatively easy trek, with a steady incline. An hour into the trek, we start to see marvelous sightings of tall mountains like the Seven Sisters. This is followed by an ascent of half an hour.

There is a little respite now; we hit some plains and descend areas. This, however, is short-lived. After about 10 minutes, we have to begin navigating big boulders and crossing rocky paths to approach yet another steep ascent. At the mark of the second hour, we reach a clearing where we rest for a bit, soaking in the magnanimity of the landscape around while having some sandwiches and chocolates which were packed for us at the beginning of the trail.

It is an uphill climb from here on - through tall trees of the dense mountain forests with high ferns slowly skirting their way above the tree line. While we are still in the tree line, we can hear the soft chirping of common Himalayan birds which soon starts to fade as we move towards higher ground. We learn to appreciate the ascents more when we are met with small patches of steep descent.

We should reach our first campsite ‘Lohalithatch’ - ‘Thatch’ meaning meadow - by early evening. Right after we reach, there is a demo/ learning session on how to pitch tents, which will come in handy as everyone pitches their own tents with the help of their tent mates. 

Once we have established the campsite, we walk up the flowery patches to a higher altitude for an acclimatisation walk. We come back to the height of our campsite for the night so it is easier for the body to adapt to what’s coming its way the next day.

Day 3

Lohalithatch (3,300 M) to Advance Base Camp at Lady Leg  (3,840 M) 

Distance: 4 kms

Duration: 3-3.5 hours

The third day starts early. After an early morning tea and breakfast, we stretch our muscles a little for the climb ahead. After a short warm-up session, we get our move on by 9 in the morning. Before we start our trek up, we also need to wrap up the campsite, pack our tents, get our bags ready and finish breakfast - we will need all the fuel we can get to reach our destination for the day - Lady Leg (curiously, the campsite is shaped like a leg, and hence, the name).

Today will be a little more difficult than the previous day. Even though the distance is about the same, the climb up is fairly steep. The visual stimulation is sure to keep you motivated all the way up to Advance Base Camp! We walk through the same meadows we hiked up for our acclimatisation walk. The vast open meadows with a spread of green are refreshing to the eyes. Although we are much above the tree line, the yellow wildflowers spread across the floor of the meadow add warmth to the otherwise cool air. The walk is a continuous climb for all 3 hours. Heaps of sheep springing up and down the mountain face set some climbing goals along the way.

Expect to reach the advanced base camp by lunchtime. We pitch our tents as we learnt to do on Day 2. If weather permits, we get a move on to higher patches with snow to get introduced to technical mountaineering equipment and learn basic skills in Ice craft - skills that will prove to be essential on Summit day.

We will spend 2-3 nights at this camp which is rich in all shades of green, riddled with heaps of sheep, shepherd dogs, unfettered horses and is an amphitheater of the highest peaks in the two ranges - Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar. In all its abundance of kindness, it also gives us our first glimpse of Friendship Peak! The peak starts to look really accessible from here giving us 2 whole days to measure up our target. 

Day 4

Load Ferry to Summit Camp (4,000 - 4,200 M)

Distance: 3 kms

Duration: 2.5 hours

We get our move on by around 10:30 AM. A piping hot breakfast is just what we need to get us ready for our hike in the snow. It will come in handy because today is progressively more difficult than day 3. The trek involves steeper slopes and slipperier terrain. Having to walk in snow boots, in a new landscape, the trek will take anywhere between 2-3 hours, one way. Each trekker must carry all the equipment given to them up to the Summit camp.

As we progress towards Summit Camp, we slowly leave the lush green meadows behind and enter the area rife with loose rocks and deep snow. Walking in snow boots is like learning to walk all over again. Once we get into deeper snow and get used to the boots, it progressively becomes easier to walk. The snow cover can be really thick, though and it is important to watch your step. The gaze of the bigger peaks – Hanuman Tibba, Priyadarshini, Indra Asan, Deo Tibba – constantly guides us along the way. 

Once we make it to the campsite, which is decided based on the availability of water, we set up a tent and place all our equipment in it. This serves a two-fold function - that of acclimatisation and that of reaching the tools halfway to the Summit already reducing some of the weight for some of the distance! If time and weather permit, we will do a thorough training on all-things-ice-and-mountain - from getting introduced to technical equipment, to learning how to use it and the importance of teamwork on a mountain face. 

Following the ‘Climb High, Sleep Low’ rule of thumb, we return to Lady Leg for the night.

Day 5

Onwards to Summit Camp (4,000 - 4,200 M)

Distance: 3 kms

Duration: 2.5 hours

We pack up some of the tents to set them up at Summit Camp for the Summit Push early tonight.

Carrying all we need for the Summit push, including snacks and the necessary clothing, we climb the stretch we hiked up yesterday, one more time. It should be easier today because we are already used to the new boots and the trail and distance are familiar. Since all we need to do for the day is reach the camp and rest our bodies, we begin the trek after a hot lunch at around 2 in the afternoon.

This gives us ample time to sleep through late in the morning since we will not be getting much sleep tonight. If weather conditions are unstable, we shall start our Summit Push from Lady Leg itself. The idea of setting up Summit Camp higher is basically to shorten the time to reach the peak on actual summit day.

Day 6

Summit Day (5,289 M)

Distance: 14-16 kms

Duration: 12-14 hours

And it all comes down to this - the final showdown! It goes without saying that this is by far the most difficult day of the trek and also the most rewarding. After resting for a couple of hours and giving the body a chance to adapt to the extreme cold, we will set out for the Summit between 1 and 2 am.

Some nourishment like packets of dry fruit, eggs and sandwiches will be provided because today will involve a whole lot of walking. The wee hours of the night are important and require brisk action - putting on the gear that we have to start with, remembering to carry all our other gear and especially not forgetting a head torch which will prove to be extremely essential during a night climb.

Be prepared a grueling 7-8 hour steep ascent. After a manageable start for the first half hour, which mostly involves walking on flat snow, with a few bumps here and there, the climb gets difficult. Forty minutes into our climb, you can already gauge that this is not going to be an easy peak. During snow time, there are random ice boulders jutting out of the ice bed below, which requires constant maneuvering and has the ability to tire you out very quickly.

It is even more grueling in times when the snow has receded and the rocks are exposed. Navigating this rocky landscape with your snow boots and crampons is a whole different ball game. After 3 hours of maneuvering this terrain, you hit some smooth slopes in the mountain. These are relatively easier on the feet although they are much steeper and hence require the use of some technique and the ice axe at your disposal. We plan our climb in a way as to reach the col between 05:30 and 06:00 AM so that we can catch the magnificent sunrise which casts its light on the whole of Manali and the Pir Panjal range.

We spend some time here to admire the view and also to rest our bodies for what’s coming next. From the col, we walk narrow ridges on a continuously steep incline all the way up to the summit. It is a three hour sharp ascent from the col to the shoulder of the mountain and another 2.5-3 hours of ascent from the shoulder to the summit. Based on the group’s speed, expect to reach between 9-10 AM. After soaking in the glorious view, we begin our descent.

Descent can be tricky because by now, the ice is starting to melt and has become harder to get a grip on. We should reach Summit Camp between 1 and 2 PM. Once back to Summit Camp, we pack up the tents and immediately move down to Lady Leg. The more time we spend in snow, the more our chances of getting unwell and hence, it is extremely important to lose height as quickly as possible.

We spend the night in this familiar location and give our bodies all the rest it’s earnt.

Day 7

Reserved as a Reserve Day!

In case of bad weather or other difficulties, Day 7 is reserved for a second summit attempt. This will only get used if unexpected and unforeseeable conditions present themselves at the last minute preventing the first summit push.

Day 8

Back to Where We Started!

Distance: 8-9 kms + 21 kms

Duration: 4 hours trek + 1 hour drive

The last day of the trek involves tracing back our steps to where we started - from Lady Leg to Bakkarthach to Dhundi to Manali. We start by 9 AM, so that we can reach a lower altitude as quickly as possible. The trek and drive included should take a couple of hours and reach us to Manali by early evening. Expect to be at Manali latest by 4 PM. In case you are travelling out of Manali the same day, consider booking late night tickets in order to account for any possible delays. If not, it would be a good idea to book your accommodation before we start the trek since you will not get any network on the trail.

Beyond getting the logistics in place, reserve the evening to celebrate the achievements of the past 7 days!  

What's Included

  • Food as per menu on the trek (Starting lunch on Day 2 till lunch on the last day in Manali)
  • Forest Permits/Camping Charges,if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
  • Tents on twin sharing basis, Sleeping bags, mats
  • Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys & other items used for climbing.
  • First Aid certified Expedition guide, cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies
  • Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification and special rescue course from NIM, Uttarkashi
  • Hotel/Guest House stay in Manali on Day 1. Rooms will be on Twin/Triple Sharing Basis. In case, reserve day is used, the trek will end in Manali.

What's Not Included

  • Portage of personal bags during the trek
  • Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
  • Any Expense of personal nature.
  • Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
  • In case reserve day for summit attempt is utilized, an additional amount of INR 2500 would be charged.
  • IMF Fees for Foreign Nationals (approximately USD 75 per person)
  • Hotel Stay in Manali on last day of the trek

Are you Eligible for this Adventure?

Difficult
5289 m
34 km

BRS Level Required

BRS 6

Friendship Peak Trek is a level 6 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.

This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 5 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of skill and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of high altitude environment.

If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:

we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

  • Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
  • Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
  • Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
  • U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
  • Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

  • Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
  • Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

  • Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
  • Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
  • Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
  • Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
  • Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
  • Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
  • Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
  • Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
  • Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
  • Woolen cap. Qty-1
  • Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

  • Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
  • Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
  • Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

  • Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
  • Plate. Qty- 1
  • Spoon.Qty-1
  • Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

  • Camera (Optional)
  • Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
  • Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)


Frequently Asked Questions



Friendship Peak is only for experienced trekkers who have done at least one BRS 5 trek or equivalent.

If you can Jog/Run for 5 kms in 25-30 mins, you are ready to take on this trek. Once a week, you can practice running 10 kms in an hour or so to improve your endurance further. In addition to this, you can also add resistance workouts to your schedule like squats, lunges, push ups etc.

If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.

The climb demands a few basic mountaineering skills; using an ice-axe, pitching a tent in snow, roping up, working together as a team, ascending and descending on steep gradients and seemingly simple tasks like ‘walking’ on snow in extremely heavy snow boots.

The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors between 13 to 17 years of age should be accompanied by their parents/ guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deems you fit for adventure activities like trekking.


Friendship Peak is part of the Pir Panjal Range which is the largest range in the Lesser Himalayas. It is stationed in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The trek starts from the town of Manali.

Friendship Peak (at 5289 M) is more than just a pretty view from the top. Apart from being a great peak to transition from trekking to mountaineering, we especially are in awe of the trail of the trek which takes us through the most mesmerizing visuals. We encounter alpine meadows, thick forests and wide clearings, crossings over icy cold mountain streams - and of course a thick bed of shimmering white snow - all packed in 34 kms. It has stunning campsites full of local wildlife and bursts of colors, waiting to be wandered and explored. Even the landscape buried under a thick sheet of snow is anything but wearisome to look at. For more details on the highlights of this trek, read Highlights of Friendship Peak

Although identified as a trekking peak by IMF, do not let the altitude of Friendship Peak deceive you. It is no less hard to please than the 6000ers in its vicinity and hence should only be attempted by experienced trekkers with a know-how of basic mountain skills and prior experience in high altitudes. For more details on the challenges of this climb, read Who is this trek meant for?

The best months for this trek are May and June for a snow-covered peak and September and October for a predominantly rocky terrain.

In Manali, we stay at a hotel. On the trek we have twin-sharing tents. In case you want an individual tent, you can add that to your booking request for an additional cost.

The temperature ranges between 15 to -5 depending on the season as well as the time of day during the months between July and October.

Friendship Peak has increasingly become popular for being the bridge between trekking and mountaineering. Although identified as a trekking peak by IMF, it does introduce one to the challenges akin of an expedition. Although not technically challenging, it is the best peak to pick up technical skills.


The trek starts from Manali, which is a very popular tourist destination and hence extremely accessible. If you need guidance on how to get to this high-altitude backpacking centre, read How to reach Manali

Manali has impeccable connectivity of all phone networks. None of the campsites have any cellular range at the moment, but you do get network in certain patches through the trek like at the col and at the summit.

You will find plenty of ATMs in the main market place in Manali. Once we head out of Manali, there are no more ATMs on the way.

Friendship Peak is a Manali to Manali trip which means that your travel to the trail head, that is, Dhundi is already a part of the itinerary and the trek cost.

Expect to reach Manali by early evening. In case you are travelling out of Manali the same day, consider booking late night tickets in order to account for any possible delays.

At an elevation of 2,050M, the scenic landscape and ease of access make Manali a popular tourist destination. In addition to that, Manali is a playground for all levels of adventure enthusiasts. It is rich in sports other than trekking as well, like Paragliding, Ziplining, River Rafting, Biking, Cycling, and much more, in addition to tourist attractions like temples, valleys, and waterfalls. Some of the most popular tourist places are Hidimba Temple, Jogini Falls, Naggar castle etc. In short, Manali is not short on things to keep you busy. While the town itself has much to offer, you can also check out other trekking trails which start from here. Some of the shorter ones are Beas Kund and Bhrigu Lake.


All the common gear like tents, sleeping bags, mattresses etc. are provided. All the technical climbing equipment needed for the trek, like snow boots, crampons, gaiters, ice axe, helmet, harness etc. are also provided to you. Safety equipment used for rescue is carried by our trek leaders.

You can rent trekking shoes, trekking pole, a fleece jacket and a rucksack from us. In case you have any other requirements, you can talk to our representative and we will be happy to assist you in any way that we can.

You will receive your rented equipment during the briefing in Manali, on Day 1.

Our trek leaders will collect the rented equipment from you at the end of the trek on the last day.

For a detailed list, check the Packing List section on this page.

Manali is a popular backpacking destination. It is also a starting point for some of the most popular trekking routes and climbing peaks. You will find shops in the main market of Manali to buy/rent equipment as needed.


Although not recommended, you can off load your bag at an additional cost. Add a request while making your booking for the trek and it can be arranged.

(Note: We don’t recommend offloading because the extra resources on a trail - ponies or porters depending on the trail - means extra load on the environment which can easily be avoided. It also goes against the spirit of trekking by eliminating a level of endurance and discomfort from the experience which are factors at the very heart of an outdoor adventure activity.)

Yes, you can hand over your extra luggage at our office in Jagatsukh (Near Manali) before we head out for the trek on Day 2. You can collect your luggage from the same place after completion of the trek. The best way to reach Jagatsukh from Manali is by hiring an auto rickshaw or boarding a public bus. It’s 12 kms and takes about half an hour. Please do not leave any valuable items in your luggage such as watch/mobile phone/wallet etc.

On all trek days, we provide 3 full meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in addition to evening snacks and tea. The meals are vegetarian and the menu is pre-decided for all days of the trek. We do provide eggs as well on certain days. If you have any specific food-related allergies or restrictions, you can let our local staff (during the trek) know, and your requests will get accommodated. We try to provide a variety of food across meals so as to avoid repetition as well as cover all nutritional needs.

On campsites, our team will dig dry pits and assemble a toilet tent to provide for safe and secure quarters. A shovel will be provided within the toilet tent as well. Using water in the toilet tent is restricted; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. On the more difficult expeditions, toilet tents are not carried to the higher camps (above base camp) due to restriction of space (to pitch the tent).

In case you get your period on the trail and don’t have sanitary napkins, our trek leaders can provide them to you. If you need any other kind of assistance, you can let our trek leaders know. Irrespective of gender, our leaders are gender sensitised and equipped to assist you in any way you need them to.

Our team carries a first aid kit and all the basic medicines required during the trek. They are equipped to be the first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues. For higher expeditions, we also carry a HAPO Bag and oxygen cylinders to tend to any altitude-related health conditions.

You leave the last charging point behind at your hotel in Manali. From here on, we will be camping in the wilderness with no access to electricity.


A copy of your ID Proof and Medical Certificate are the mandatory documents required for this trek. (Soft copies for all of these are to be sent to us & originals should be on your person while on the trek.)

Yes, insurance for any high-altitude activity is highly recommended to cover for the cost of rescue, evacuation and any other emergency service required as well as to cover for medical cost in case of injury or illness during the trek. You can buy it on your own. Alternatively, if you want us to buy it on your behalf, you can mark it as an add-on during the booking of the trek.

Yes, there are multiple permits required for this. We obtain the permits on every trekkers’ behalf. All the permit costs are included in your trek cost.


Yes, you will receive e-certificates (of completion) after the trek. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek. In case you were unable to finish the trek, you will get a certificate of participation.

On completion of the trek, the certificate will show up on your dashboard on our website. You can download it directly from there.


Friendship Peak is in India. If you are coming from outside, you will need a visa to enter the country. You should be able to find the rules for obtaining a Visa based on your home country on the internet. This information is easily available.

This does not apply to you if you are an Indian citizen. In case you don’t hold an Indian passport, you will need to check online for Visa application rules based on your home country.

If you are not an Indian citizen, you will need Travel Medical Insurance to travel to the country. Please make sure that your insurance policy is valid for the altitude you are going to and the activity you are undertaking, to cover risks during the trek. The insurance policy provided by Bikat Adventures does not cover foreign nationals. So, please do not purchase it while making the booking from our website.

Friendship Peak is part of the Lesser Himalayas. The Himalayas house the tallest mountains in the world and have long been a treasure trove for all adventure enthusiasts. The variety in terms of beauty, terrain, landscape, geography, culture and opportunity for adventure in the Himalayas, remains undisputedly unmatched.

You can make the booking any time depending on availability of slots in our fixed departure batches. You will get this information at the top of this page.


A Basic Mountaineering Course certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India is a minimum requirement to join our team. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. We also conduct on-ground training for our staff once a year as a refresher for old skills and to learn some new ones. During this training that we call APW (Adventure Professional Workshop), our leaders learn close to 25 topics and techniques of rescue which are not covered in the BMC and AMC courses. For practical training, we simulate on-ground situations to prepare them for quick thinking and quick response during emergencies.

We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts on the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. The interview process to bring a trek leader on-board is close to 6 months long where we assess various skills as well as personality traits of an individual. They also go through an on-field assignment as part of the hiring process. Trek leaders also progress in time from leading easier treks before advancing to the more difficult ones where the stakes are higher. For detailed information on our selection process, please visit Forerunners - The Making Of A Trek Leader

It absolutely is. We recognize, value and embody the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. We make it our mission to create outdoor spaces as equally accessible and safe for all genders as possible. We also encourage women leaders in the outdoors and all of our staff (irrespective of gender) is gender sensitised. As for accommodation, in case there are no other women on the trek, a solo female trekker is provided with a separate single-occupancy tent.

Our batch sizes for Friendship Peak are capped at 12 with the trek leader to trekker ratio of 1:4.

In addition to their qualification, our trek leaders are trained to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on ground. During our recce stage, we study the trail in great detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for our trekkers. We also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.

We mobilise road rescue efforts where our trek leaders bring the person to be rescued down to the trailhead of the trek from where a car can take them to the nearest healthcare facility. The cost of rescue is not covered in the trek fee that we charge. It must be borne by the participant. However, if you opt for the insurance the cost of rescue operations can be claimed from the Insurance company on production of valid proof e.g. doctor’s prescription & hospital bills etc. Please note that Bikat Adventures is only a facilitator & not a party in the Insurance policy. You need to raise the claim request directly with the Insurance company. Bikat Adventures is not responsible for any rejection of claim. You can call the insurance provider directly for any clarifications related to the Insurance policy. Although not mandatory, we recommend buying the insurance. You don’t necessarily have to get the insurance we provide, you can pick an Insurance company of your choice and get a policy directly from them. If you need more information on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, get in touch with our customer support team.

All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality and is overall top notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.

That will depend on the nature of your medical condition. Do give us a call, and one of our people will help you understand what is best for you. If not this, we are sure there would be plenty of other options you can choose from our vast portfolio to pick as your next adventure.


We have rolling camps on all our trails. To know why we are strictly against the concept of Fixed Camping, read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas

This is a complex question and has a compound answer. The simple response is that because it is bad for the environment which we dearly love but if you are interested in a more detailed response to this question, please read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas

There are a number of measures that we take to prevent overcrowding on some of the most popular trails. Some of them are capping our group size at 15, capping the number of trekkers on a trail to 250 per season, constantly looking for newer trails and routes to spread the crowd around and providing incentives to our trekkers to try unexplored territories with us. We put in place the system of dynamic pricing, which is the first of its kind in the trekking industry, which incentivises trekkers to choose less crowded trails by offering higher discounts. We have noticed, since we started this system, that this has helped in a big way to spread out the crowds between trekking routes. We are also going international so as to relieve some of the stress on the Himalayan landscape as well as explore newer ranges and design newer experiences for our community. If you want a more detailed description of all our measures in this regard, please read Simple solutions to overcrowding on Himalayan Treks

Some basic things to remember are: do not use water, do not dispose of anything non-biodegradable inside the pits, carry your own roll of toilet paper and remember to cover up after yourself to leave a clean toilet for your fellow trekkers. Everything else is much the same like using an Indian style home toilet!

Most wet wipes are not biodegradable which means it could take 100 years or more for them to decompose – not the best thing if you are trying to ‘Leave No Trace’, right?

This is quite a tricky situation but not a hopeless one. Since most of our sanitary waste is not biodegradable, we recommend that you pack your pads/tampons neatly, store it in a zip-lock bag and bring it back down with you where there are better options to dispose of them. In case you do not have zip-lock bags, ask our trek leaders for them and they should be able to provide them to you.

Each trekker is responsible for the use and hygiene of their own eating utensils. And as a measure to maintain proper hygiene, we do not provide plates and spoons. Also, dipping your hands in cold water to wash your own utensils adds something to the overall joy of high-altitude living, wouldn’t you think?


On making the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation along with the packing list and a copy of the undertaking form via email. You will subsequently receive emails detailing documents required, how to prepare physically and mentally for the trek, information on pick-up location on the first day etc. Please add info@bikatadventures.com in your trusted emails list to make sure our emails don't go to your spam folder.

A Whatsapp group will be formed a few weeks before departure. Members from our team are on those groups as well. Feel free to seek any clarifications you require in regards to the trek, on the group itself. Updates related to transportation/pickup point/pickup timing, accommodation etc. will be shared on the Whatsapp group as well.

Yes, we create a Whatsapp group a few weeks before the departure date so that the flow of information remains smooth and transparent.

Yes, it is one of the mandatory documents you will need to submit before the trek starts. The soft copy is to be sent to us & the original should be on your person while on the trek.

Yes, we will provide you an undertaking form through email which will need to be filled up by you and submitted to us post booking.

Why Bikat?

Small Group Size


Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek.

As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.


Qualified Trek Leaders


We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture.

Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response.

Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures


Guided Progression


Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.


Equipment Quality and Check


All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.


Support Systems


Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.


Communication


Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.


What our customers Say

Cancellation Policy


Cash refund

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date

5% deduction

Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date

50% deduction

Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date

No Refund

Voucher refund

Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date

No Deduction

Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date

No Refund

Please Note:
  1. Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
  2. This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.

Blog Posts

Informative
Highlights Of Friendship Peak
Your springboard for hardcore mountaineering - with all the features and challenges of an expedition at a comfortably lower altitude, Friendship Peak is perfect if you want to up your trekking game by a notch or three! Situated at the convergence of ...
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Informative
Friendship Peak: Who Is This Trek Meant For?
Friendship Peak has increasingly become popular for being the bridge between trekking and mountaineering. This 5,289 M peak which sits at the intersection of the two major ranges in Himachal Pradesh – Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar, is fascinating t...
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Photo Story
The Marvels Of Friendship Peak – A Photo Story
While we highly recommend that you witness the beauty of this trail first-hand, we do want to start you off on the journey from our end.  Nestled comfortably in between all the biggies from the two major ranges - Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar, F...
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Experiential
Unfinished Business On Friendship Peak
1 AM, 23rd June 2021: We walk through the darkness in a straight line; headlamps illuminating our path on a bed of soft snow. The cold breeze served a twin purpose – its soft, monotonous sway lulling me to sleep as we waited after every few s...
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Experiential
Feeling strangely peaceful @ Friendship Peak… ..Was it in the name?
BikatSo the journey started. Every time I sit in the bus to the starting point of a trek or expedition, I feel as if a Start button has been pressed. The preparation typically begins many days in advance for any expedition that we plan but somehow th...
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Experiential
FRIENDSHIP PEAK: THE SUMMIT WITHIN
   Mountains, sea and sky have always fascinated every child. The wish to experience them for a better understanding thereafter quite often gets lost amidst the materialistic race. A few lucky once make an attempt and only a further lesser ...
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