*Day 1: Arrival in Manali & Acclimatization (2,050m/6,726ft)*
* *Morning:* Arrive in Manali. Transfer to pre-booked hotel.
* *Afternoon:* Rest and acclimatization. Briefing session with lead guide covering expedition details, safety protocols, and equipment check.
* *Evening:* Gentle acclimatization walk around Manali. Dinner and final preparations.
*Day 2: Trek to Bakarthach via Dhundi (2,650m/8,694ft & 3,300m/10,827ft)*
* *Morning:* Drive from Manali to Dhundi (2,650m).
* *Afternoon:* Commence trek to Bakarthach (3,300m). This is a moderate trek through forest terrain, aiding in acclimatization.
* *Evening:* Camp setup at Bakarthach. Team review and gear adjustments. Dinner and rest.
*Day 3: Trek to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) (3,900m/12,795ft)*
* *Morning:* Trek from Bakarthach to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) at the base of Friendship Peak. This trek involves traversing moraine and steeper terrain.
* *Afternoon:* Camp setup at ABC. Ice axe and crampon training session. Briefing on the summit route and potential hazards.
* *Evening:* Rest and hydration. Medical check-up and altitude acclimatization monitoring. Dinner and early bedtime.
*Day 4: Acclimatization Ascent to Camp 1 (4,300m/14,108ft) and Return to ABC*
* *Morning:* Ascend to Camp 1 (4,300m) on the glacier. This climb involves fixed ropes and glacier travel.
* *Afternoon:* Spend a short time at Camp 1 for acclimatization before descending back to ABC.
* *Evening:* Rest and recovery at ABC. Review of the day's ascent and any necessary adjustments to strategy. Dinner.
*Day 5: Rest Day at ABC*
* *Morning:* Rest and recovery at ABC. Light stretching and hydration.
* *Afternoon:* Final gear check and preparation for the summit attempt. Weather forecast review.
* *Evening:* Carb-loading dinner. Mental preparation and early bedtime.
*Day 6: Summit Attempt and Return to ABC*
* *Early Morning:* Wake up well before sunrise. Start the summit attempt. This is the most challenging day, requiring technical climbing skills, including ice axe and crampon use.
* *Morning/Afternoon:* Summit Friendship Peak (5,289m) (weather permitting). Celebrate success and capture photos. Carefully descend to ABC, prioritizing safety.
* *Evening:* Arrive back at ABC. Dinner and well-deserved rest.
*Day 7: Trek to Dhundi and Departure*
* *Morning:* Pack up camp and trek down from ABC to Dhundi.
* *Afternoon:* Drive from Dhundi back to Manali.
* *Evening:* Departure from Manali.
*Important Notes:*
* This itinerary is a guideline and may be adjusted based on weather conditions, participant fitness levels, and the guidance of the lead guide.
* Participants should be adequately insured for mountaineering activities at high altitude.
* The success of the expedition depends on teamwork, adherence to safety protocols, and respect for the environment.
* A flexible approach is crucial for high-altitude mountaineering.
* Contingency days may be required to account for weather delays. Consider adding 1-2 contingency days to your overall plan.