The real trekking starts today. After an early breakfast, you will take a short but scenic drive (approx. 1.5 hours) from Manali to Dhundi (approx. 9,350 ft), which marks the road’s end and the official trailhead. From Dhundi, the trek is a gentle, gradual ascent of about 5 km, following the banks of the mighty Beas River. You’ll pass through a beautiful landscape of coniferous forests of pine and oak, eventually opening up into lush green meadows. The destination for the day is Bakkarthach (approx. 10,800 ft), a sprawling meadow that serves as the first comfortable campsite. You will pitch tents and spend the afternoon soaking in the clean mountain air, focusing on hydration, and enjoying a hearty meal cooked by the support staff.

This is a steady ascending day, leading you deeper into the Solang Valley. The terrain begins to change, gradually leaving the tree line behind. The trail is a mix of grassy slopes and rocky paths, continuously gaining altitude. Your destination is the strategically located Lady Leg Camp (approx. 12,500 ft), named for its distinctive shape on the mountainside. The significant altitude gain today is essential for effective acclimatization. Upon arrival, the team will focus on settling in and utilizing the afternoon for basic snow craft practice (if snow is present at this altitude), preparing you for the more technical days to come.

Today is physically demanding as you move to the high-altitude camp. The ascent to the Advance Base Camp (ABC) (approx. 14,500 ft) is challenging, involving navigating moraine, loose scree, and sometimes patches of residual snow. This higher camp is situated near the glacial region, offering raw, spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Once the tents are secure, the afternoon is dedicated entirely to technical training. You will be introduced to or practice using the technical mountaineering equipment—crampons, ice axes, and rope techniques—under the strict supervision of your guide. An early, nutritious dinner and a briefing for the midnight climb are followed by an attempt to rest, as the crucial summit push begins in the middle of the night.

The most challenging and rewarding day begins with an alpine start, typically around midnight or 1 AM. Clad in your warmest layers and headlamps lighting the way, you begin the arduous climb towards the summit. The ascent involves moving up steep, icy slopes, navigating crevasses, and being roped up in sections where technical support is needed. The goal is to reach the Friendship Peak Summit (17,346 ft) just as the sun rises, rewarding your efforts with a celestial view of Himalayan giants like Deo Tibba and Indrasan bathed in golden light. After capturing the moments and savoring the achievement, the long and cautious descent begins. You will return to the ABC (or sometimes to Lady Leg Camp) by the late afternoon, utterly exhausted but with a profound sense of accomplishment.

With the summit successfully conquered, the focus shifts entirely to the descent. This is a crucial day for recovering from the summit effort. You will pack up the ABC and retrace your steps, making a continuous descent over varied terrain. While descending is physically easier than ascending, it requires concentration to avoid slips on loose ground and scree. The long walk down brings you back to the familiar, relatively lower altitude and comfort of the Bakkarthach Camp (approx. 10,800 ft). The evening will be a celebratory one, marking the completion of the most difficult parts of the expedition.

The final day of the expedition is a straightforward walk back. You will trek from Bakkarthach to Dhundi, covering the same 5 km trail but in a much shorter time. Upon reaching Dhundi, the pre-arranged vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to the bustling energy of Manali. You are expected to arrive in Manali by the early afternoon, giving you enough time to de-brief, change, and collect any luggage stored in the base city. From Manali, you will commence your onward journey home, carrying the memory of standing atop Friendship Peak.