Friendship Peak

TRIP OVERVIEW
Friendship peak is a stunning and spectacular mountain standing at 5289m elevation located just above Beas Kund and on the Pir Panjal range in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. Friendship peak is perfect for the first Himalayan summit and its trekker’s delight. The entire area is surrounded by spectacular peaks and glacier Hanuman Tibba (5932m) and Seven sisters peak to the west, Maker Beh (6069m), Shikhar Beh (6200m), Ladakhi peak (5345m) to the North as well as peaks of Great Himalayan ranges in Lahaul. The Southern slopes are steep but it doesn’t require any technical ability to climb. A view of Indrasan (6221m) and Deo Tibba (6001m) to the South at a distance is a rewarding point on this trek.

Friendship trekking peak is an ideal peak for those with no mountaineering experience. The best months for this trek are from May to Mid July, when the western slopes of the peak remain covered with snow and September & October months remain rocky terrain.

Destination – Manali, Activity – Trekking & mountaineering, Max altitude – 5289 meters, Difficulty level – Strenuous, Trip length – 8, 9 days Delhi to Delhi, 7 days Manali to Manali, 7 days trekking, 5 nights camping, Best time – May to Oct

ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Manali (2050 m / 6725 ft).
Day 2: Manali to Dhundi (3140 m / 10301 ft) Drive 21 km, Trek Dhundi to Bakarthach (3300m / 10826 ft).
Day 3: Bakarthach to Base Camp at Ledy Leg (3900m / 12,795 ft).
Day 4: Acclimatization, practice – Load Ferry to Summit camp (4030m / 13,221 ft). 
Day 5: Base camp to Summit camp (4030m / 13,221 ft).
Day 6: Friendship peak (5289m / 17,352 ft) Summit day. 
Day 7: Back to Dhundi, Drive to Solang – Manali.

COST INCLUDES
– All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary Manali to Manali.
– Trekking gear: 3 men spacious 4 season tents,  sleeping bags, foam mattresses, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gears.
– Climbing gear: rope, ice axe, harnesses, gaiters, crampons, climbing boots, slings, carabineers, ascenders.
– Meals during the trek – Nutritious & healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese to continental cuisine.
– Support staff: Qualified climbing guide, cook & camp crew.
– Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
– Camping fee,  trekking permits, peak fee.
– Goods and services tax.
– First aid medical kit.

COST EXCLUDES
×     Domestic flight Delhi – Manali
×     Hotel in Manali
×     Travel insurance.
×     Soft or hard drinks.
×     Entrance fee at monasteries
×     Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver. 
×     Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, roadblock which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.

DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Manali (2050 m / 6725 ft).
Arrive at the popular tourist resort of Manali. Manali is approximately 300km from Chandigarh and check into the hotel. To help with acclimatization before we start trekking you spend the day in Manali at just over 2000 meters. This is a very popular tourist destination. Due to recent changes in State Govt. and local administration laws on outdoor adventure activity in Manali. On the first day is important to make a discussion on how to deal with dos and don’t in mountains. Plus a final check of gear before leaving for Dhundi. This day is also important in order to get things done with paperwork such as permits from IMF and necessary permits.

Day 2: Manali to Dhundi (3140 m / 10301 ft) Drive 21 Km – 1 Hr, Dhundi to Bakarthach (3300m / 10826 ft). Trek 4.5 km, 3 Hrs.
After breakfast, we leave Manali by car to Dhundi via Solang Nala. Dhundi is our starting point of the trek and it will take an hour’s drive from Manali. Solang is a base of all adventure sports in Manali. Solang to Dhundi road goes along the right banks of River through pine, walnut, and silver birch forest to Dhundi, it is an 8 km from Solang to Dhundi. Setting off from Dhundi, we start walking on the trail following the river upstream gently to Bakarthach which is an approximately 5 km long route. It is an easy trail and on the left of the rising Seven sisters peak. Walking beneath of these peaks and crossing the treeline with a glimpse of Bakarthach meadows. Arrive at Bakarthach camp.

Day 3: Bakarthach to Base Camp at Ledy Leg (3900m / 12,795 ft).Trek 4 km. 3 to 4 Hr.
Today after breakfast leaving camp, the climb up is fairly steep to Base camp at Lady leg. The first glimpse of the Friendship peak we will have this day. Magnificent view of summits around Shitidhar, Ladakhi, Friendship peaks. A good trekker can climb these peaks by leaving Beas Kund early. The peaks above 6000m are Makerbeh and Shikhar Beh. Lahaul valley region lies to the north of Beas Kund just behind the great wall of these mountains. To the west Kangra and the lower region of Himalaya is known as the Dhauladhar range. Arrive base camp by lunchtime and after having a hot lunch at the camp. The rest of the afternoon is spent for an acclimatization walk and learn basic skills in ice and snow.

Day 4: Acclimatization, practice – Load Ferry to Summit camp (4030m / 13,221 ft). 
This day is for acclimatization, practice on snow boots with crampons, training, and use of all the mountaineering gear that will be used in summit day. And load the ferry to summit camp.

Day 5: Base camp to Summit camp (4030m). 2 Hrs.
Today all Friendship peak team move to summit camp.

Day 6: Friendship Peak (5289m / 17,352 ft) Summit day – back to Base camp.  14 to 16 km, 12 to 14 Hrs.
Summit day – Today is the most rewarding day, a summit day, we start by early am or by midnight for our summit attempt of the Friendship Peak. A long, exhausting, and most difficult day of the trek could take 12 to 14 hours. After 4 to 5 hours ascent reach the small col below the summit as we roped up as it gets steeper. From the col a sharp three-hour ascent to the shoulder of the mountain and from shoulder the final push to the summit, it is two hours to reach the summit. From the summit which provides the panoramic view of the Greater Himalaya range to the North and Pir Panjal range to the North West and to the South Beas River valley and Manali clearly visible. After photo shoot descent to the base camp.

Day 7: Base Camp to Dhundi, Trek 8 km, 4 Hrs. Drive to Solang – Manali, 21 Km, 1 Hr. 
After an early breakfast, we descend to Bakarthach and continue to descend to Dhundi where we started the trek the first day. Leaving early from camp, means you reach early Manali. Expect to reach Manali by 3 pm.

REVIEW
” I totally loved working with Potala Adventures. No wonder they have decades of experience!
I had a very peculiar case; I was the sole climber to Friendship Peak since my friend couldn’t join. Even then, Mr. Prem made everything work well for me at a very reasonable cost. He made many adjustments to suit just my needs and organized my climb very well. Now, few details:
1. Looking at my individual needs, he got me an expert staff (my guide used to train other guides at an institute!)
2. I had some of the best, planned meals; since I like vegetarian food with lots of salads and fruits, I got everything taken care of on high altitude mountains
3. We had multiple course dinners and lunches every day; the chef had many years of experience of what to give in high altitude treks and keep it tasty too
4. They carried an oxygen cylinder just in case I feel mountain sickness; not everyone does it!
In a nutshell, I felt safe at all times and very well taken care of. And I climbed Friendship Peak 🙂
Mr. Tarun – New Delhi

DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Manali (2050 m / 6725 ft).
Arrive at the popular tourist resort of Manali. Manali is approximately 300km from Chandigarh and check into the hotel. To help with acclimatization before we start trekking you spend the day in Manali at just over 2000 meters. This is a very popular tourist destination. Due to recent changes in State Govt. and local administration laws on outdoor adventure activity in Manali. On the first day is important to make a discussion on how to deal with dos and don’t in mountains. Plus a final check of gear before leaving for Dhundi. This day is also important in order to get things done with paperwork such as permits from IMF and necessary permits.

Day 2: Manali to Dhundi (3140 m / 10301 ft) Drive 21 Km – 1 Hr, Dhundi to Bakarthach (3300m / 10826 ft). Trek 4.5 km, 3 Hrs.
After breakfast, we leave Manali by car to Dhundi via Solang nallah. Dhundi is our starting point of the trek and it will take an hour’s drive from Manali. Solang is a base of all adventure sports in Manali. Solang to Dhundi road goes along the right banks of River through pine, walnut, and silver birch forest to Dhundi, it is an 8 km from Solang to Dhundi. Setting off from Dhundi, we start walking on the trail following the river upstream gently to Bakarthach which is an approximately 5 km long route. It is an easy trail and on the left of the rising Seven sisters peak. Walking beneath these peaks and crossing the treeline with a glimpse of Bakarthach meadows. Arrive at Bakarthach camp.

Day 3: Bakarthach to Base Camp at Ledy Leg (3900m / 12,795 ft).Trek 4 km. 3 to 4 Hr.
Today after breakfast leaving camp, the climb up is fairly steep to Base camp at Lady leg. The first glimpse of the Friendship peak we will have this day. Magnificent view of summits around Shitidhar, Ladakhi, Friendship peaks. A good trekker can climb these peaks by leaving Beas Kund early. The peaks above 6000m are Makerbeh and Shikhar Beh. Lahaul valley region lies to the north of Beas Kund just behind the great wall of these mountains. To the west Kangra and the lower region of Himalaya is known as the Dhauladhar range. Arrive base camp by lunchtime and after having a hot lunch at the camp. The rest of the afternoon is spent for an acclimatization walk and learn basic skills in ice and snow.

Day 4: Acclimatization, practice – Load Ferry to Summit camp (4030m / 13,221 ft). 
This day is for acclimatization, practice on snow boots with crampons, training, and use of all the mountaineering gear that will be used in summit day. And load the ferry to summit camp.

Day 5: Base camp to Summit camp (4030m). 2 Hrs.
Today all Friendship peak team move to summit camp.

Day 6: Friendship Peak (5289m / 17,352 ft) Summit day – back to Base camp.  14 to 16 km, 12 to 14 Hrs.
Summit day – Today is the most rewarding day, a summit day, we start by early am or by midnight for our summit attempt of the Friendship Peak. A long, exhausting, and most difficult day of the trek could take 12 to 14 hours. After 4 to 5 hours ascent reach the small col below the summit as we roped up as it gets steeper. From the col a sharp three-hour ascent to the shoulder of the mountain and from shoulder the final push to the summit, it is two hours to reach the summit. From the summit which provides the panoramic view of the Greater Himalaya range to the North and Pir Panjal range to the North West and to the South Beas River valley and Manali clearly visible. After photo shoot descent to the base camp.

Day 7: Base Camp to Dhundi, Trek 8 km, 4 Hrs. Drive to Solang – Manali, 21 Km, 1 Hr. 
After an early breakfast, we descend to Bakarthach and continue to descend to Dhundi where we started the trek the first day. Leaving early from camp, means you reach early Manali. Expect to reach Manali by 3 pm.

Included in the Price
 –     All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary Manali to Manali.
 –     Trekking gear: 3 men spacious 4 season tents,  sleeping bags, foam mattresses, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gears.
 –     Climbing gear: rope, ice axe, harnesses, gaiters, crampons, climbing boots, slings, carabineers, ascenders.
 –     Meals during the trek – Nutritious & healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese to continental cuisine.
 –     Support staff: Qualified climbing guide, cook & camp crew.
 –     Trekking mules/horses for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
 –     Camping fee,  trekking permits, peak fee.
 –     Goods and services tax.
 –     First aid medical kit.

Does not included in the Price
×     Domestic flight Delhi – Manali
×     Hotel in Manali
×     Travel insurance.
×     Soft or hard drinks.
×     Entrance fee at monasteries
×     Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver. 
×     Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, roadblock which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.

Trekking Gear Check List

What we provide
We provide all the GROUP GEAR included in the following list:

3-4 Person roomy 4 season tents for 2 – 3 people and individual as well, dining tent, toilet tent and other camping accessories.
Sleeping bags and comfortable foam mattresses.
Kitchen tent, Stoves, fuel, cookware etc.
Bed tea, nutritious breakfast, three course meal (dinner), packed lunch, post trek snacks, tea and coffee.
Trekking poles and Duffel bags for your luggage’s.
Basic first aid box and mini oxygen bottles

What you may need – Your personal gear recommended in List :-
Day pack: A bit of bigger size 30 – 40 liters in order to keep fleece, jacket, water bottle, camera, packed lunch

Foot wear :-
Good condition trekking boots – not new used before in your country side for best fit for trekking, water proof.
Camp shoes, light and comfortable as running shoes or sandal ( like Teva ) for river crossing. Its necessity for you to bring sandals for river crossing.
Socks both Woolen and cotton as desire.

Clothing :-
Gore tex jacket or similar.
Down jacket/vest is good for cool evenings.
Wind/Rain jacket: (i.e. gore-tex, northface or similar) waterproof and breathable. Its necessity to have jacket while crossing passes.
Trekking pants, light, comfortable, water proof /breathable.
Long sleeve shirt Light weight dry-fast (for sun/insect protection).
Thermal innerwear winter thermal innerwear.
T-shirts for day time.
One mid weight/heavyweight fleece (long sleeve) jacket or warm pullover.
Short pants, underwear.
Sun Hat: cowboy style or baseball style to protect skin from direct sunlight.
Woolen cap for high altitude or while crossing pass or during evenings in camp.
One fleece or sweatpants for cold evenings during dining.
A pair of Hand gloves or woolen gloves.
Scarf to protect from dust or sunlight around neck. This is available in local markets with variety of colors.

Accessories :- 
Sun glasses with UV protection. An extra sun glass in case to replace.
Sun screen and lip protection.
Moisturizer cream: In Ladakh the air is dry and sun is harsh and strong during day. There are local moisturizer cream available in market. To avoid somehow skin allergy bring your personal cream.
Water bottle. Minimum I – 2 liter.
Trekking poles or sticks. If you have your own folded poles. 
Torch or one head lamp with extra batteries. Petzl or similar.
One toiletries kit, small towel.
Reading and writing materials.
Digital Camera or digital video recorder / solar charger.
Water purification tablets.
Nylon or water proof plastic bags to storage clothes and stuff.
One pocket knife light.

Others :- 
Gaiter / personal  climbing gear. (Can rent at Manali or Leh or Uttarkashi).
Water purification/filter: we boil water for you in the camp, what its essential you to have a water purification tablets or filter during the day of trekking.
Mosquito repellent cream.
Small Binocular.
First aid kit: We carry basic first aid kit with diamox, aspirin, paracetamol, antibiotics for diarrhea, antiseptic, bandage and band aids, Please you bring your personal first aid kit with medicine you think to need necessity for you.
Vitamin tablets or similar. 
Extra passport photos.