About Friendship Peak Trek

One of the most famous summits for trekking in the Indian Himalayan region, the Friendship peak looming at an elevation of 5,289 metres in the Pir Panjal range in Himachal Pradesh is a trekker’s paradise. From the summit, one can feast his eyes on the panoramic view of the Pir Panjal range, against the back of silver horizons formed by the Dhauladhar and Great Himalayan ranges. The Friendship Peak Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Himachal Pradesh and before trekking here, one should have prior high experience of travelling at high altitudes. The journey passes through the beautiful Solang Valley, featuring several alpine meadows, thick forest dotted with varied species of alpine trees, colourful orchards and crisscrossed by numerous small and gushing streams. The trail will start throwing challenges, when at a high altitude, tourists will have to climb over the thick bed of snow, and trek over glaciated tracks and narrow ridges. Other than the breathtaking horizon, the major attractions on the Friendship Peak Trek are Hadimba Temple in Manali, hot water springs of Vashisht and Naggar Roerich Art Gallery.

The Friendship Peak trek commences from Solang, a valley which is a couple of hours drive from Manali, located at an elevation of 2,050 metres. From Solang, one will have to trek uphill till Bakarthach (3050 m), after passing through the lush green valley and thick forest. Further, the trek will continue to the base camps- I & II of the Friendship peak. All the action starts on the trail from base camp II as trekking will have to climb over the thick bed of snow and follows to the summit. After that, the journey follows a gradual trek downhill towards Bakarthach and further leads down to Solang and ends at Manali.

Since it is a trek, located at a high elevation, it requires acclimatisation at certain altitudes and fitness on the part of the trek. June, July, September and October are the best time of the year to go for the Friendship Peak Trek.

Best Time to Visit Friendship Peak Trek

Mid June- Mid October

June – JulyThe temperature during the afternoon: 12-20 °C
The temperature during the evening and night: (-2) to 6 °C

September – OctoberThe temperature during the afternoon: 12-18°C
The temperature during the evening and night: (-6) to 4 °C

Where is the Friendship Peak Trek ?

Located at an elevation of 5289 m in Pir Panjal Range, a trek to friendship peak is ideal for amateur and budding mountaineers. The Friendship peak is in the Beas Kund area and to reach here; one will have pass through glaciers, rocky moraines, lush green valleys and forest. Trek to friendship peak, commences from the Solang-Nalla Valley and after passing through the thrilling ascends and descends, it leads to Friendships peak via Bakarthach. The peak is considered to be among the easiest climb, in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh and can be attempted by even by laypersons with sufficient endurance and proper guidance.

How to Reach Friendship Peak Trek ?

Nearest Airport:Bhuntar Airport or Kullu Manali Airport or Kullu Airport is the nearest airport, which is around 10 km from the South Kullu. But due to bad visibility, flights from Bhuntar Airports often get cancelled. In such case, tourist can go to the second closest, Chandigarh International Airport.

Nearest Railway Station:Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the nearest railway station, around 166 km from Manali. Other convenient railway stations are in Chandigarh and Pathankot.

By Road:Manali is well connected with all the neighbouring towns – Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamsala and Chamba/Dalhousie through a network of state owned and private buses. The area remains connected with Leh during July to October.