u/xRagegodx

Hey everyone,

I've done Hampta Pass so far (want to go bigger now) and I'm seriously considering Friendship Peak this September. Before I commit, I wanted honest opinions from people who've actually done it — not just marketing from operators.

A few things I'm trying to figure out:

1. Difficulty reality check — with only Hampta Pass under my belt, is Friendship Peak too big a jump, or is it doable with serious prep? Be brutally honest, I'd rather know now than quit in between
2. September conditions specifically — I initially assumed no snow in September = easier, but from what I've read the upper mountain still has ice/snow patches and apparently the ice can be firmer and more technical than the May season. Can anyone confirm from experience? Does September actually feel "easier" overall or is that a myth?
3. Training — what kind of training actually helped you before summit day? Cardio, strength, ice-axe/crampon practice — anything specific that made a real difference.
4. Trek operators — anyone recommend (or warn against) specific operators for Friendship Peak? Looking for ones who are safety-first, not just summit-at-all-cost.
5. Past experience — what surprised you the most (good or bad)? Weather, technical sections, altitude sickness, gear issues — anything you wish someone had told you beforehand.
6. Also — if anyone's planning to attempt it in the September window and wants a trekking buddy, lemme know