Friendship Peak Trek

Friendship Peak. Isn't it an offbeat name for a trek? Indeed, it is. The trek has its unique name because of its geographical location. It is situated between the origins of two rivers: Vyas (Beas) and Ravi. Both of these beautiful rivers originate from this region and in between rises the Friendship Peak, the first choice for experienced trekkers. Friendship Peak Trek, due to its challenging nature, is also considered an expedition.

Friendship Peak Trek/Expedition enables you to explore the heart of the Pir Panjal Range. The trek starts from Dhundi near Manali. During this trek, every day offers you the opportunity to explore different terrains. It begins with beautiful meadows and forests, taking you to the snow-capped summit. In between, there are dense forests, meadows, moraines and snow-capped mountains.

This trek offers spectacular views of the seven sisters peaks and the mighty Hanuman Tibba Peak, which is the highest mountain peak of the Dhauladhar mountain range with an altitude of 19,626 ft. By choosing this trek, you will be able to witness the mesmerizing beauty of both the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges.

History Of Friendship Peak Trek

Friendship Peak, located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas was known as the part of Sapta Sindhu during ancient times. The Sapta Sindhu was a land mentioned in the Rigveda; it means the land of 7 rivers: Indus, Vitasta (Jhelum), Asikni (Chenab), Prusni (Ravi), Vipasha (Beas), Sutudri (Satluj) and Saraswati. In the region of Friendship Peak, the Beas River flows nearby. Beas River is believed to be named after the sage Vyas, the author of Mahabharata. People believe that sage Vyas meditated near the Beas Kund, just below the Friendship Peak which is how the region got such a spiritual aura. Some people also connect this region with the stories of Pandavas' exile as Pandavas are believed to pass through this region during their travel to higher Himalayas.

The Friendship Peak region remained remote and isolated for a long time. Though Kullu Valley had been ruled by local dynasties, no major battles or events are associated with Friendship Peak directly. The region was used by local communities and traders as a natural route among Kullu, Lahul and Zanskar. 

During the mid-20th century, specifically after the 1960s, Indian Mountaineering Foundations and local trekking groups started exploring new routes in Himachal. Friendship Peak gained popularity due to its high-altitude but accessible height (5,289 m) among Indian and foreign trekkers. It offers an adventurous experience to trekkers due to its technical climbing and natural beauty. Institutes like ABVIMAS (Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports) use it for training purposes.

Highlights Of Friendship Peak Trek

• Landscape Transitions: The Friendship Peak terrain consists of varieties of vivid landscapes. From dense forests (pine, maple, oak, silver fir) to alpine meadows and finally the icy slopes, the terrain has everything to surprise you. 
• Crossing Rivers & Streams: On trekking to Friendship Peak, you have to cross ribbon rivers and roaring streams. Trek particularly follows the Beas River and its tributaries. All this scenario adds adventure to your trekking journey.
• Floral Diversity: In the alpine meadows, you get to see the varieties of Himalayan floras like rhododendron, wild gentians, primroses, primulas, blue poppies, wild daisies and medicinal herbs. These colorful flowers are like a sweet treat to your eyes.
• Wildlife Encounters: When trekking to the Himalayas, how can miss the chance of spotting wildlife? Keep an eye out for black bears, musk deer, ibex, tahr, blue sheep, monal pheasant, western tragopan, choughs, snow partridge, lammergeier and more.
• Views from the Summit: Above 5,000 m, the landscape turns monochrome and stark with snowfields, glaciers and crevasse faces. The desire of viewing the stunning peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Indrasan and Pir Panjal ranges keep the 'josh high' during the summit push.
• Sunrise & Alpenglow: On reaching summit, the crimson sunrise and sunset brings golden alpenglow on the snowy peaks. This dreamy scenery is what every hard core trekker treks for.

Difficulty Level Of The Friendship Peak Trek

Trekking to Friendship Peak is categorised as moderate to difficult. It is situated at the elevation of 5,289 m in the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas. Due to its high-altitude and technical climbing, it's not suitable for beginners or unfit trekkers.

Trekking to Friendship Peak involves navigating through steep ascents, snow-covered trails and glacial sections. This varied and difficult terrain requires technical support such as crampons, ropes and ice axes. Also, without the guidance of professional or seasoned guides, the summit climb is very difficult. Solo trekking to Friendship Peak should be avoided.

The trek duration is about one week (7-8 days) and proper acclimatisation is very crucial during the trekking journey. On summit days, trekkers walk for 10-12 hrs that too in early morning in sub-zero temperatures. Regular trekking days demand 4 to 6 hrs of walking with significant altitude gain.

Weather conditions also play critical roles during the summit. Temperature usually drops to -10°C at higher camps especially at night. Sudden weather changes like snowfall or whiteouts can take place so trekkers must be well-prepared for it.

In short, Friendship Peak expedition is ideal for experienced mountaineers or trekkers. It's not for kids, families and beginners. Health wise, trekkers also must be fit and enthusiastic.

Best Time To Visit Friendship Peak Trek

May-June and September-October 

May-June and September-October are the best times to do Friendship Peak trek when the weather mostly remains pleasant, increasing your chances of reaching the summit. During this time, the snow starts melting but can still be found at higher altitudes. Sky is clear and the view of snow-capped peaks looks stunning. Days are generally pleasant but nights can be chilly and wind can be icy during the summit push. 

May to June Temperatures (Pre-Monsoon)

• Day Temperature: 12°C to 18°C
• Night Temperature: 0°C to -5°C
  

September to Mid-October (Post-Monsoon)

• Day Temperature: 10°C to 15°C
• Night Temperature: -2°C to -6°C

Avoid Monsoon and Winter

During the peak monsoon, Friendship Peak trek becomes inaccessible due to the possibility of landslides. Having moraines on the trek makes it risky to embark on this adventure during the monsoon season. Similarly, in winter, the expedition becomes inaccessible because of heavy snowfall and avalanche risk is high.

Hence, the optimal time to undertake this trek in the summer season is May-June or after the monsoons in the months of September-October. 

How to Reach The Friendship Peak Trek

This trek starts from Dhundi. After an hour's drive from Manali, one can reach Dhundi. From there, you will embark on this adventurous trek. 

On the first day, you will stay at the Bakarthach Campsite. Bakarthach got its name from the tribal shepherds who used to stay at this place during their yearly migration to feed their herd of sheep and goats. 

From Bakarthach, the trail will take you to the Lady Leg Campsite, considered to be the base camp for the trek. 

From the Lady Leg Campsite, you will ascend to the advanced camp, from where you will attempt to reach the summit. 

Following the same route, you will return to Dhundi, where you will board a vehicle to reach Manali.

Friendship Peak Trek Route:

This trek starts from Dhundi. After an hour's drive from Manali, one can reach Dhundi. From there, you will embark on this adventurous trek. On the first day, you will stay at the Bakarthach Campsite. Bakarthach got its name from the tribal shepherds who used to stay at this place during their yearly migration to feed their herd of sheep and goats. From there, the trail will take you to the Lady Leg Campsite, considered to be the base camp for the trek. From the base camp, you will ascend to the advanced camp, from where you will attempt to reach the summit. Following the same route, you will return to Dhundi, where you will board a vehicle to reach Manali.