Trek difficulty
Moderate - Difficult
Trek duration
8 Days
Trek altitude
17346 Ft
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
42 Km
Basecamp
Manali
Best Time
July & August
Pickup Point
Manali
If you are interested in an alternative trek with fantastic powder, unlimited adventure, and the pure beauty of Himachal Pradesh, the Friendship Peak Expedition may become the next big trip of your life. Here’s a brief intro to what makes this trek so special:
When posed with the question, “What is your favourite part of the Friendship Peak trek, there is a lasting mental image that comes to mind: the 360 degrees of stunning mountains that accompany you for most of the trek. When you start your ascent, you see some of the highest and most majestic of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountain ranges. Everything from Deo Tibba and Indrasan to the massive Hanuman Tibba, the view around each corner is postcard quality. Believe us, no picture could come close to the real thing.
Now that’s when the real adventure starts. On Summit Day, we initiate the final push at 12.00 AM, equipped with headlamps, cold weather clothes, and nerves of steel. The feeling of setting out in the semi-darkness, under the glow of the moon and a blanket of stars, instantly transforms the trek into an exhilarating adventure. The sound of ice cracking underfoot, the stillness of the night, and the sense of closeness to the heavens.
The timing of your ascent allows you to get there just as the first blush of dawn reaches across the mountain. Witnessing the sun rise at Friendship Peak is like experiencing another dimension. As the sun crests and gradually pours soft, golden rays of light over all of the shining snowy peaks that surround you and colors of pink, orange and gold saturate the sky, it is pure magic. Witnessing the sunrise at Friendship Peak is tranquil. It is invigorating. It is a memory you will cherish your entire life.
This trek provides you with a little bit of everything that the Himalayas can offer; green meadows, the Beas River, thick pine forests, rocky moraine, snowfields and glacial slopes. The constantly changing terrain is mesmerizing and gives you the sense that you are moving through different worlds each step you take.
The experience of camping in the Himalayas is an adventure in and of itself! After an amazing day, you will set up your camp nestled against the mountains, far away from the noise and lights of civilization. When the sun goes down, the stars come out and you drift off to sleep under the stars with the serene stillness of the mountains that rejuvenates your mind and soul. And waking up to boot the crisp-air, cold, and snow-covered peaks just outside your tent deserves a prize!
There is no substitute for real peace and quiet while hiking in the mountains. Hiking within the madness of busy trekking trails cannot offer authentic solitude; Friendship Peak can. There are going to be times you are by yourself and all you can hear is your own breath, the snow crunching under your feet, and the soft wind blowing through the valleys; that is peace, it is humbling and grounding.
Mountaineering isn’t a walk in the park. Approaching the Friendship Peak summit you will be using real mountaineering gear like ice axes, crampons, and ropes. There is a delicious thrill to this and it is the ultimate high-altitude adventure. But don’t worry, professional guides will be with you every step of the way.
Before the trek commences, we will also give you time to walk around Manali, a town nestled in the mountains with plenty of character each season. You could check out the old Hadimba Temple, have a soak in the natural hot springs at Vashisht Kund, or just walk into Old Manali, those are all nice ways to get acclimatized before heading out on the adventure! (Tip: Restrain from visiting high-altitude sights like Rohtang Pass prior to the trek to maximize acclimatization).
Day 1- Arrive in Manali
Day 2- Manali to Dhundi (Drive) → Bakarthach (Trek)
Day 3 - Bakarthach to Lady Leg
Day 4 - Load ferry to Summit Camp → Return to Lady Leg
Day 5 - Move to Summit Camp
Day 6 - Summit Attempt → Return to Lady Leg
Day 7 - Lady Leg to Dhundi (Trek) → Manali (Drive)
Day 8 - Buffer Day
The optimal time for the Friendship Peak expedition is during the monsoon, specifically July and August. The rains provide beautiful vistas of the trails, when everything is fresh and clean, and the visibility is excellent. In all the months, you have the best chance of summiting Friendship Peak in these two months when the weather is ideal for trekking.
Given that Friendship Peak is an expedition, trekking is only possible at a specific time, when the conditions are right. It happens that there isn’t too much or too little snow. Too much snow makes climbing Friendship Peak challenging. Too little snow also makes summiting Friendship Peak difficult because of the exposure of the large boulders that line the ground of Friendship Peak as the snow melts. The months of the monsoon provide the perfect balance between the perfect well-frozen trails needed for the excellent climbing experience that you can have trekking. on Friendship Peak in Himachal..
Day 1: Arrive in Manali
Day 2: Manali to Dhundi (Drive) → Bakarthach (Trek)
Day 3: Bakarthach to Lady Leg
Day 4: Load ferry to Summit Camp → Return to Lady Leg
Altitude: Summit Camp – 4,750 m / 15,500 ft
Trek: 2 km each way / 2–3 hrs
Day 5: Move to Summit Camp
Day 6: Summit Attempt → Return to Lady Leg
Day 7: Lady Leg to Dhundi (Trek) → Manali (Drive)
Day 8: Buffer Day
Inclusion
During The Trek
Exclusion
Friendship Peak is classified a moderate -to -high trek. You do not need technical climbing experience to complete this trek. Glacier walks, steep snow slopes, and high altitude will be involved during the trek requiring good physical condition and the mental capacity to handle stress. Trekkers will be climbing approximately 5,289 meters (17,346 ft) which often involves snow and using crampons, ropes, and ice axes – especially on the summit day. If you have trekked at altitude previously and enjoy pushing into the snow and cold – then the trek might be well within your reach under the guidance of an experience group and with adequate preparation and acclimatization.
There is no official documentation that provides a reason behind the name, but it is generally accepted that the reason it was called this is that the mountain has a lot of group expeditions and these groups usually consisted of friends or mountaineers. The trek is challenging but achievable is a good reason to select a peak climb whether that is for 2-10 people.
Additionally, the name Friendship Peak has taken on a life of its own to signify camaraderie, working as a team and creating bonds from experiences shared in the mountains.
Friendship peak is located in the Pir Panjal range within the Himalayas, it is located in Himachal Pradesh, India. More specifically, it is near Solang Valley, around 13 km from Manali, a well known hill station where many tourists flock every year. The trek will either begin from Solang, or a nearby village, the they are Dhundi or Bakarthach depending on which route you choose. You will have awesome views of Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Indrasan and other well known peaks at the top of Friendship Peak.
The temperature at Friendship Peak greatly varies based on the season and what time of day it is.
During prime climbing season (May – June and September – October), the temperature is approx 5° – 15°C during the day at the lower camps.
During the summit push, the temperatures will drop at the higher altitude camps, and can drop down to -10° – -20° with windchills making it feel much colder at the summit.
It is important to pack correctly and layered, gloves and thermals will be needed in order to stay warm and safe on your expedition.
Testimonials
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
