Expedition to Mount Friendship – The Blissful Journey of Himalayan Ranges

Since ages, The Great Himalayas have been the great land for trekkers and mountaineers who need a break from the humdrum of city life. Himalayan trekking for many is a part of life appetite that gives them enormous hurdles of crossing layers of the sky. One such is the Mount Friendship (5289m) high and is located in Pir Panjal range in Kulu district of Himachal Pradesh. The view of three ranges- The Great Himalayan Range, Pir Panjal Range and Dhauladhar Range from the peak of Mt. Friendship is magical.

Mt. Friendship Peak trek is one of the most challenging treks you’ll come across in Himachal Pradesh. Colourful orchards, alpine trees and gushing streams that further meets Himalayan Rivers are some major attractions in Mt. Friendship peak including Hadimba Temple in Manali, Hot Water Springs of Vashisht, Naggar Roerich Art Gallery and many others. Here is the list of exotic places one can enjoy exploring on the expedition to Mt. Friendship.

Solang Valley: Located 13 km away from Manali, the Solang Valley lies between Solang Village and Beas Kund. While moving towards Mt. Friendship Peak, Solang is an ideal spot where one can rest and spend some time to admire the beautiful snow-capped mountains view from the peak. Moreover, to add some adventure to your expedition, enjoy Skiing activity available at the peak. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, based here organises Winter Skiing Festival. So why not take part in the festival? Apart from skiing, enjoy paragliding, horse riding, parachuting and other activities.

Hadimba Temple: One of the famous temples in Manali, this is the must visit temple if you’re exploring Manali. The temple is dedicated to goddess Hadimba and is built around the natural cave blessed with the footprints of Goddess Hadimba. This four-story temple is nestled on Dhungiri Van Vihar. The intricate wooden carvings and the peaceful locations around attract tourists to pay a visit to the temple.

Vashisht Temple: A small quaint village Vashisht located 3 km from Manali; Vashisht Temple is on the bank of River Beas. Mountaineers while on their way to Mt. Friendship Peak ensures to visit this temple. The village is quite peaceful and is blessed with some old temples dedicated to great sage Vashisht and Lord Rama. The Hot Water Springs of Vashisht is a major attraction here. Spending some time at the temple will be a rejuvenating experience.

Pir Panjal Ranges: While you’re on the Mt. Friendship Expedition, one of the major attractions you’ll come across the Pir Panjal Range, a group of mountains located in the Inner Himalayan region. Located principally in the Kashmir region, it further extends to 200 miles from Nilam River, Jammu and Kashmir and upper Bear River. On reaching the Mt. Friendship peak, you’ll get the breathtaking view of Pir Panjal Range capped with snow. It is also the largest range of Lower Himalayas.

Beas Kund: One of the major attractions you’ll come across during an expedition to Mt. Friendship Peak is the Beas Kund. Famously known for Beas River, the river rises in the Himalayas and flows through various streams to become the part of Indus River. Located in the upper valley of Solang, the region is famous for its beautiful peaks, fascinating views, enchanting flora and fauna and cascading streams that flow from the Himalayan ranges. According to the myth, the Beas River is the place where Rishi Vyas used to take his bath. For trekkers, the Beas Kund Trek is the halting point to take rest and enjoy the panoramic view of Pir Panjal ranges.

Kugti Pass Trek: One of the unexplored places in Himalayan Ranges is the Kugti Pass, famously known as Kugti Pass Trek. The pass is located at the altitude of 16700ft; it is used by Gaddi tribes to reach Lahaul and Spiti Valley. When you pass through Kugti Pass Trek, you’ll be welcomed with emerald green meadows, cascading streams, apple and peach orchards and picturesque Kugti Village. Halt here and build a tent to enjoy the enchanting morning view of Lahaul Valley, Manimahesh Kailash Peak and other alluring Himalayan peaks that call you to explore.

Conclusion:
Expedition to Mt. Friendship is one of the best expeditions a mountaineer or a trekker can enjoy. The pleasant journey through various villages and meadows gives a fairy tale experience. Visiting these places during the right season will always be an experience that will stay in our memories. To enjoy the expedition, look for an experienced group and collect the required information about the locations you’ll be coming across.