Arrive in Manali and check into designated accommodation. The day is reserved for rest, documentation, and acclimatization. Participants collect or verify technical and personal gear, followed by a detailed briefing covering route overview, safety protocols, glacier travel basics, and expedition expectations. A short acclimatization walk may be conducted in the evening. Early dinner and rest.

A morning drive through Solang Valley brings the group to Dhundi, the roadhead. The trek begins through forested trails with gradual ascents. Pine and deodar forests dominate the landscape, and the sound of the Beas River accompanies sections of the route. After a steady climb, the team reaches Bakarthach—an alpine clearing used as the first major camp. Evening acclimatization, briefing, and overnight stay in tents.

The trail ascends steadily as trees thin and alpine terrain becomes prominent. Views open up toward surrounding ridgelines and snow patches begin appearing along the route. Lady Leg Base Camp is reached by afternoon. The rest of the day is spent acclimatizing, hydrating, and preparing for snow and glacier travel ahead. Evening temperatures drop significantly. Early night recommended.

This day focuses on acclimatization and logistical preparation. Participants assist with load ferrying of group equipment. Snow and glacier skills are revised—crampon techniques, ice-axe use, roped travel, and safety procedures. Depending on conditions, the team establishes or occupies Summit Camp closer to the glacier. Conditions are colder and wind exposure increases noticeably.

Summit day begins between 2–3 a.m. under headlamps. The ascent involves glacier crossings, sustained snow climbing, and a final ridge that can be steep and exposed. Rope teams move steadily, following strict pacing and safety protocols. Reaching the summit offers expansive Himalayan views and a moment of quiet accomplishment. After a short summit halt, the team descends carefully back to lower camps, typically returning to Lady Leg by evening.

The descent retraces the approach route. Snow terrain gradually gives way to grass, soil, and forest trails. The trek concludes at Dhundi, followed by a drive back to Manali. Evening debrief, celebration, and overnight stay in Manali.

Minimum Fitness Required

Challenging treks demand sustained physical output over multiple days, often at high altitude and in variable terrain. Participants must arrive with a well-developed aerobic base and the ability to move efficiently for long hours.

We strongly recommend following the training principles from Training for the New Alpinism by Steve House & Scott Johnston — with most training volume in Zone 2 to build deep cardiovascular endurance.

Minimum Fitness Benchmarks

Participants must be able to:

• Sustain 90–120 minutes of continuous Zone 2 effort without excessive fatigue.
• Walk 12–15 km on mixed terrain comfortably.
• Climb 20–25 flights of stairs steadily without long rest pauses.
• Complete 6–8 hours of movement on back-to-back days.

Recommended Training Timeline

• 8–12 weeks of structured preparation before the trek.
• 4–5 aerobic sessions/week, primarily Zone 2 (45–90 min).
• Occasional higher-intensity uphill efforts only after a strong aerobic base is built.

This prepares your body for long summit days, sustained climbs, and cumulative fatigue.

2. Strength, Mobility & Load Tolerance

Challenging terrain requires strength under fatigue and the ability to protect joints during long descents.

Strength (2–3 sessions per week)

Focus on:

• Lower body: squats, step-ups, lunges, split squats
• Posterior chain: glute bridges, hip hinges
• Core stability: planks, side planks, anti-rotation work

Participants should be comfortable performing these movements while carrying load (8–12 kg).

Mobility & Joint Resilience

Daily mobility (10–15 minutes):

• Ankles (range + stiffness tolerance)
• Hips (flexion, extension, rotation)
• Thoracic spine (rotation and posture)

Good mobility reduces injury risk during long, technical descents.

3. Sports Movement, Balance & Coordination

For challenging treks, balance and reactive movement are non-negotiable.

We recommend 1–2 sessions per week of agility-based or contact sports such as:

• Football
• Basketball
• Squash
• Badminton
• Trail running on uneven terrain

These improve:

• Dynamic balance
• Rapid foot placement
• Stability on loose rock, snow, and moraine

Participants on challenging treks are expected to demonstrate a high level of responsibility and self-awareness.

We expect you to:

• Arrive fully trained, not under-prepared.
• Carry a loaded backpack (8–12 kg) for extended periods when required.
• Follow trek leader instructions on pacing, acclimatisation, and safety without exception.
• Communicate early about discomfort, injuries, or altitude symptoms.
• Maintain mental resilience, patience, and adaptability in difficult conditions.
• Respect teammates, local culture, and the environment.
• Submit all required documents (ID proofs, medical declarations, insurance, waivers, permits, etc.) within the timelines shared by the coordinator.

Challenging treks often involve:

• Altitudes above 4,000–5,000 m
• Long exposure to cold, wind, snow, or glacier terrain

Participants must:

• Have no uncontrolled medical conditions.
• Disclose all medications, prior altitude issues, or injuries in advance.
• Understand basic symptoms of AMS, HAPE, and HACE.
• Be willing to descend immediately if instructed by the trek leader.

High-altitude discipline is critical — the mountain does not negotiate.

While not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended that participants have:

• Prior multi-day trekking experience
• At least one trek above 3,500–4,000 m
• Familiarity with cold weather, basic mountain routines, and long walking days

This significantly improves safety, pacing, and group efficiency.

Participants must come prepared with all gear and accessories listed in the official trek checklist shared by the coordinator prior to departure.

Failure to carry mandatory gear may result in disqualification from the trek in the interest of safety.

Challenging treks test more than fitness:

• Long days
• Weather delays
• Remote terrain
• Limited comforts

Participants must be comfortable with discomfort, uncertainty, and delayed gratification.