Anyone who has been up to Manali would not have missed the views of the Friendship looming over the Northern sky. Manali, being a popular location for the hindi film shoots, the peak is seen as a backdrop in a lot of Bollywood films.
The name was given by the Indo French expedition which first climbed this highest point on the Shiti Dhar ridge.

The peak offers great climbing at not so high altitude.
An easy climb up to the col of the south ridge which is very sharp and exposed. To the right it drops precariously to the valleys of Lahaul and on the left is the steep slope leading to the huge crevasses of the Friendship Glacier. A perfect objective for mountaineers looking for challenging trekking peaks.

In Manali
Easy start to the day. After breakfast get the equipment for the climb sorted out. Fit yourself in your climbing gear (climbing boots, crampons and your harness).
Post lunch spend time exploring the town. Options to visit the Hadimba temple, the Vashisht hot water springs or the Roerich Art Gallery in Naggar.

In Manali
After breakfast drive (2hrs) up to the Rohtang pass (4000m) and hike 2-3 hrs to get acclimatized. Lunch at the pass and drive back to Manali. Last minute shopping if any and pack up for the climb.

Manali – Bakkarthach (3328m) 1hr drive and 3-4 hrs trek
After an early breakfast drive (1 hr) via Palchan and Solang Nallah to Dhundi,(2850m), the starting point of the trek. The short walk goes along the river Beas before crossing it and then ascends steepily to reach the grazing grounds of Bakkarthach.

DMAS (Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports) runs a semi permanent camp here and uses the surrounding area to train mountaineers.

Bakkarthach – Friendship Base Camp (3586m) 4-5 hrs
A short descent to the river and then a steep ascent brings us to the base camp. We cross the river Beas on a makeshift log bridge set up by the shepherds just below the snout of the Beas Kund Glacier.

At Base Camp
Spend the day around the base camp practicing movement on snow / ice. Get familiar with the use of your equipment. Learn the ropes and the how to arrest a fall on the slope.

Base Camp – Camp I. 2-3 hrs
Trek Base Camp to Camp 1. A short acclimatization walk in the afternoon.

At Camp I.
Use the day for acclimatization. Open the route till the shoulder on the south east ridge and come back to Camp I.

Camp I – Summit – Base Camp
Wake up early in the morn and after a quick bite get ready for the climb up to the summit. It’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 and party in the evening.

Base Camp – Manali. 3-4 hrs trek and 1 hr drive
Trek Beas kund to the Dhundi, the roadhead. Overnight hotel in Manali.

Manali – Delhi
Drive Manali to Chandigarh and board the Kalka Shatabdi leaving at 18:20 to reach Delhi by 21:40. Alternatively drive 12 hrs from Manali to Delhi.