Friendship Peak Trek, Kullu | Trek, Best Time, History

Friendship Peak, Kullu Overview

Friendship Peak Trek is a popular trekking route in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, situated near Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. The trek usually takes around 8 to 9 days to complete, starting from Solang Valley and passing through scenic landscapes, including alpine meadows, dense forests, and glacial terrains. The best time to undertake this trek is between May and June or September and October, when the weather is favorable and the views are stunning. The ascent to the peak involves crossing challenging terrains and steep climbs, making it suitable for experienced trekkers looking for an adventurous high-altitude trek.

From the summit, you can feast his eyes on the panoramic view of the Pir Panjal range and on the vicinity which is crowned with silver horizon formed by the Dhauladhar and Great Himalayan ranges. The Friendship Peak trek passes through the beautiful Solang Valley that houses several alpine meadows, thick forest dotted with varied species of alpine trees, colourful orchards and crisscrossed by numerous small and gushing streams. Moreover, the journey drives you c.razy once you reach a certain altitude, with steep climbs over the thick bed of snow and walking over glaciated tracks and narrow ridges.

Food Availability

Dhaba food is available up along the way. You can pack essential food for the rest of the climb.

Camping/Shelter

Guest houses are available at all destinations. Camping can also be adopted by trekkers on the trek because of the natural beauty that it boasts of.

Water Availability

Water is available in the guest houses along the way. It is advisable to stock up in reasonable quantities whenever a refilling option is available.

General tips and tricks

1. Make sure you carry warm clothes along with you no matter during whichever season you are travelling in.
2. Be always prepared with your trekking gear and equipment.
3. Carrying your own medication and a good pair of shoes is a must.
4. Make sure you obtain all the permits well in advance required for trekking in the region.
5. Also, carry raingear along as weather at higher altitude changes at every moment.
6. Choose a well-qualified and professional guide and fix the rates to avoid any misunderstanding.
7. Carry spare batteries for the camera and power bank as there may be no electricity supply.

How to reach Friendship Peak

Rail: Take New Delhi- Kalka Shatabdi Express at 7:40 AM which reaches Kalka at 11:45 AM. From Kalka, there are regular buses to Manali. You can take a taxi from Manali to Solang.
Road: Delhi to Manali is 546 Km and can be reached via NH21A in 12 hours. You can take a taxi from Manali to Solang.

More about Friendship Peak Trek

Base Camp: Solang

Difficulty: Tough

Highest point of trek: 17,348 ft

Nearest Airport: Bhunter Airport

Nearest Railhead: 297 km

Region: Kullu

Snow: Summer and Autumn are the best time for the trek.

Starting point of trek: Solang

Itinerary for Friendship Peak Trek

Day 1: Manali to Solang Nalla to Dhundhi

Distance: 8 Km, Duration: 3 Hrs

Drive to Solang Nalla from Manali early morning. Start your trek through the forest of Pine, Maple, Walnut, Silver fir and Oak to reach west of Dhundi. Dhundi is an alpine plateau and once at Dhundi, you will be surrounded by snow-clad mountains. The highest mountains of Dhauladhar, Hanuman Tibba (5950 m), Deo Tibba (6001m), and Indra Asan (6100 m) can be seen, if the weather is in your favor. Camp overnight.

Day 2: Dhundhi to Lady Leg

From here a walk along the river Beas before crossing it and then ascend steeply to reach the grazing grounds of Noali. After a zig-zag walk, you will reach the Lady Leg camp site, where you can spend overnight.

Day 3: Lady Leg to Friendship Peak to Lady Leg

Wake up early in the morning and after a quick bite, get ready for the climb up to the summit. ItÃ•s best to be up at the summit early in the morning to make the best of the weather and get good views. Descend down to the base camp.