The Friendship Peak + Shitidhar (5K Duet) is a powerful mountaineering itinerary designed for those who want two summits in one push. Combining Friendship Peak (5,289 m) with Shitidhar (~5,000 m), this expedition pushes endurance, acclimatization, and recovery across consecutive high-altitude climbs.
The route builds steadily from forest trails into alpine terrain, gradually exposing climbers to snow and cold conditions. After the demanding summit of Friendship Peak, the body is tested again on the ascent of Shitidhar — making this itinerary as much a mental challenge as a physical one.
Cold nights, early summit starts, and repeated exposure to altitude create intense, rewarding pressure. This expedition is ideal for climbers who already have trekking experience and want to build confidence for bigger Himalayan objectives.
The 5K Duet is about consistency, resilience, and earning your summits, not shortcuts.
Note: Prices mentioned are applicable for Indian passport holders. For foreign passport holders, the cost may vary. Please connect with the Boots & Crampons team for clarity.
Note: An indemnity document will be shared before the trek. Signing it is mandatory.
Arrive in Manali and transfer to the hotel for check-in. The day is kept easy to help the body adjust before entering the high mountains. In the afternoon, we go for a short acclimatization walk around Manali, allowing participants to stretch their legs after travel and begin adapting to the altitude. In the evening, the expedition leader conducts a briefing covering the route plan, safety measures, and equipment check for the Friendship Peak and Mt. Shetidhar expedition. Overnight stay at the hotel in Manali.
After an early breakfast, we drive to Dhundi, the road-head of the trek, passing through Solang Valley and scenic mountain roads. From Dhundi, we begin our trek toward Bakarthach, following the Beas River through alpine meadows and glacial landscapes. The trail gradually ascends and offers beautiful views of surrounding peaks and valleys. The trek takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. On arrival at Bakarthach, we set up camp and rest. Overnight stay in tents at Bakarthach.
Today’s trek takes us deeper into the alpine zone as we ascend from Bakarthach to Lady Leg. The terrain becomes more rugged, with glacial moraines and open high-altitude landscapes. The gradual climb allows for steady acclimatization while offering stunning views of Friendship Peak and nearby ridgelines. The trek takes around 4 to 5 hours. Upon reaching Lady Leg, we establish camp and spend the evening resting and hydrating. Overnight stay in tents at Lady Leg.
This day is dedicated to acclimatization and preparation for the summit phase. After breakfast, we carry essential supplies and equipment toward the summit camp route, ferrying loads to higher altitude. This process helps establish the route and improves acclimatization. After depositing supplies, we return to Lady Leg for rest. The remainder of the day is spent attending technical briefings, practicing movement techniques if required, and conserving energy. Overnight stay in tents at Lady Leg.
After an early start, we move from Lady Leg to the Summit Camp. The trek involves steady climbing over snowfields and glacial terrain, requiring careful footing. Due to prior acclimatization, the ascent is manageable and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. On arrival, we set up tents and prepare for the summit push. The rest of the day is reserved for rest, hydration, and a detailed summit briefing. Overnight stay in tents at Summit Camp.
We begin our summit attempt in the early hours of the morning. The climb to Friendship Peak involves ascending snow and ice slopes, requiring focus, teamwork, and steady pacing. After several hours of climbing, we reach the summit of Friendship Peak (5,289m), where panoramic views of the Pir Panjal and surrounding Himalayan ranges await. After spending time at the summit, we carefully descend back via the Summit Camp and continue down to Lady Leg. The round trip takes approximately 8 to 9 hours. Overnight stay in tents at Lady Leg.
Following a successful Friendship Peak summit, we shift focus to Mt. Shetidhar. Today, we trek from Lady Leg toward the summit camp of Mt. Shetidhar. The route traverses high-altitude terrain with gradual ascents, allowing the body to stay well acclimatized. Upon reaching the summit camp, tents are set up and the remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for the next day’s climb. Overnight stay in tents at Shetidhar Summit Camp.
We start early for the ascent of Mt. Shetidhar. The climb involves negotiating snow slopes and high-altitude terrain, offering a rewarding yet manageable challenge. After reaching the summit and enjoying expansive views of surrounding peaks and valleys, we begin our descent back to Lady Leg. The round trip takes approximately 8 to 9 hours. On arrival, we relax and celebrate the completion of both summits. Overnight stay in tents at Lady Leg.
After breakfast, we begin our descent from Lady Leg to Dhundi, retracing our route through alpine landscapes. Upon reaching the road-head, we drive back to Manali. After hotel check-in, the evening is reserved for a well-earned expedition celebration party, marking the successful completion of the Friendship Peak and Mt. Shetidhar expedition. Overnight stay at the hotel in Manali.
After breakfast, we check out from the hotel. The expedition officially concludes, and participants depart for their onward journey with unforgettable memories of summiting Friendship Peak and Mt. Shetidhar.
Transportation
Accommodation
Meals
Trek Leadership & Support Staff
Camping & Safety Equipment
Permits & Administration
Additional Benefits
Travel & Transportation Outside Trek Itinerary
Personal Equipment & Gear
Personal Expenses
Insurance & Medical
Miscellaneous
Please read carefully before registering
At Boots & Crampons, preparation is not optional. The level of training required depends on the duration, altitude, and technical difficulty of the trek or expedition you are signing up for.
Proper preparation increases not just your chances of success, but also your safety and enjoyment in the mountains.
*Rental Gears Required*
Visit our Contracted Business Partner website – Summit Yak
for details on trek-specific rental gears and rates.
This itinerary combines the classic Friendship Peak climb with the Shitidhar summit approach. You’ll encounter:
This is a moderate to challenging high-altitude mountaineering itinerary. While neither climb involves advanced technical climbing, the summit pushes include:
No advanced technical experience is required, but participants must be comfortable with:
The best windows are:
Typical itineraries range from 5–7 days, including:
Daily trekking/climbing hours can vary from 5 to 8+ hours depending on terrain and weather.
Participants should have:
➡️ Detailed fitness and training expectations are outlined in the Preparation Guide.
Key gear includes:
Water is obtained from glacial streams and snow melt. The expedition team treats water, but climbers should carry personal purification tablets or filer water bottles as backup
The Friendship Peak + Shitidhar 5K Duet is a uniquely rewarding Himalayan mountaineering experience that blends two summit attempts into one itinerary. With disciplined preparation, proper acclimatization, and respect for mountain conditions, this itinerary can be both fulfilling and unforgettable.
Boots & Crampons staff of highly trained professional guides is here to make your journey as safe and secure as possible. All of our trekking guides are medically certified and have abundant experience using their training in mountainous environments.
Our safety standards are based on the experiences of our founder, managing risk in some of the world’s most hostile environments.
While we advise our trekkers to carry light, our guides are always prepared with:
Be it queries about the trek, customization or anything else, our team is eager to assist you.
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