Descriptions

The Yunam Peak Expedition (6,111 m) is one of the most accessible 6,000+ metre climbs in the Indian Himalayas and a hidden gem in Lahaul’s mountaineering circuit. Located in the remote high-altitude terrain of Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul Valley, the Yunam Peak Expedition offers a non-technical route to a true 6,000 m summit, without requiring a prior mountaineering course.

This makes the Yunam Peak Climbing Expedition an ideal first 6,000 m objective for experienced trekkers looking to cross the altitude threshold without technical glacier sections. The route passes the stunning high-altitude lakes of Deepak Tal and Suraj Tal, crosses the iconic Baralacha La pass, and rewards climbers with sweeping views of the Chandra Bhaga range, Mulkilla massif, Lahaul Valley, and the Zanskar Range from the summit.

Yunam is widely recommended as the best alternative to Kang Yatse II for trekkers who want to avoid the increasingly crowded Markha Valley route in Ladakh, while achieving the same altitude with similar or less technical complexity.

Quick Facts

2026 Batch Dates

Program

Day 1 — Arrive Manali (2,050 m)

Arrive Manali. Check into hotel. Equipment check and expedition briefing in the evening. Early rest recommended.

Meals: Dinner | Stay: Hotel, Manali

Day 2 — Manali → Keylong (3,200 m)

After breakfast, drive to Keylong via the Atal Tunnel — the 9.02 km all-weather tunnel that connects the Kullu Valley to Lahaul and eliminates the seasonal Rohtang Pass closure. Keylong is the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti — a classic Himalayan hill town with Buddhist gompas and views of Triloknath Temple across the valley.

Drive: ~3 hrs | Meals: Breakfast + Dinner | Stay: Hotel, Keylong

Day 3 — Keylong → Bharatpur (4,480 m)

Drive approximately 80 km from Keylong toward Bharatpur via the Manali–Leh Highway. En route, two of Lahaul's most spectacular high-altitude lakes come into view: Deepak Tal (the lake of the sun's reflection) and Suraj Tal (one of the highest lakes in India at ~4,950 m). The crossing of Baralacha La (4,890 m) is itself a high-altitude milestone.

Bharatpur is a small settlement used as the base for Yunam expeditions. Arrive and set up tents for the first night at high altitude.

Drive: ~3.5 hrs | Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner | Stay: Tents, Bharatpur

Day 4 — Bharatpur | Acclimatization Hike (up to 5,200 m)

This day is critical. A high-altitude acclimatization hike takes the team up to approximately 5,200 m before returning to Bharatpur to sleep lower. This 'climb high, sleep low' protocol is the most effective way to stimulate red blood cell production and prepare the body for the 5,200 m Base Camp and eventual 6,111 m summit.

Medical checks and equipment orientation. Training in basic ice axe use and crampon technique for those encountering them for the first time.

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner | Stay: Tents, Bharatpur

Day 5 — Bharatpur → Base Camp (5,200 m)

Trek from Bharatpur to Yunam Base Camp. The trail is straightforward — moderate gradient with occasional stream crossings. Takes 3–4 hours. Arrive at Base Camp (5,200 m) and set up the main campsite. First clear views of the Yunam summit cone.

Trek: 3–4 hrs | Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner | Stay: Tents, Base Camp

Day 6 — Base Camp (5,200 m) | Training + Acclimatization

Rest and acclimatization at Base Camp. The team practises mountaineering techniques on nearby snow slopes: crampon walking, self-arrest, team roping, and basic glacier movement. Summit day briefing takes place in the evening: wake-up time, route, turnaround protocols, emergency signals, and weather assessment procedure.

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner | Stay: Tents, Base Camp

Day 7 — Summit Day: Base Camp → Yunam Peak (6,111 m) → Base Camp

Summit attempt begins early morning. The route ascends the South Ridge of Yunam Peak — moderately technical on steeper sections. The climb takes 8–11 hours return and requires good physical endurance and mental stamina at this altitude.

From the summit (6,111 m): panoramic views of the Chandra Bhaga (CB) Range, Mulkilla massif, the vast Lahaul Valley, and the Zanskar Range stretching into the distance. Return to Base Camp.

Summit start: ~3–4 AM | Total time: 8–11 hrs | Meals: All | Stay: Tents, Base Camp

Day 8 — Buffer Day

Reserved for weather delays or rest/recovery after summit. If the summit was achieved on Day 7, this day is used for rest and the team begins packing camp. If weather prevented Day 7 summit, a second attempt is made today.

Meals: All | Stay: Tents, Base Camp

Day 9 — Base Camp → Bharatpur → Manali

Trek from Base Camp down to Bharatpur, then drive back to Manali via the same scenic route — Baralacha La, Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal, Keylong, Atal Tunnel. Drop at Manali bus station. The expedition concludes with a full pack of memories and a 6,000 m summit under your belt.

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch | Stay

Price & Inclusions

₹38500/-

Inclusion Details

• IMF expedition permit + local authority documentation
• Hotel/guesthouse in Manali and Keylong + tents during trek and at Base Camp
• All meals throughout — Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner from Day 1 to Day 9
• Transportation by tourist vehicle as per itinerary
• Experienced expedition leader + local mountain guide
• Basic medical support: First Aid Kit + Oxygen Cylinders
• High-altitude food at Base Camp
• Mules and porters for luggage to Base Camp
• Satellite phone + walkie-talkies for communication
• Staff and porter insurance
• Climbing equipment: fixed rope, climbing rope, high-altitude tents, carabiners, snow bars, ice pitons, gas cartridges

Exclusion

• Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
• Personal clothing and climbing gear
• Personal high-altitude Sherpa
• Hotel extras: room service, laundry, personal calls, tips
• Costs from weather, illness, natural disaster, or itinerary disruptions
• Personal items: down jacket, trekking poles, sleeping bag

Why Yunam Peak Over Kang Yatse II?

• Same altitude class (6,000 m+) — major psychological and physiological milestone
• Non-technical route — no glacier crossing or rope climbing required
• Significantly less crowded than Markha Valley / Kang Yatse II circuit
• Shorter duration (9 days vs 12 days for Kang Yatse II)
• Lower cost — one of India's most affordable 6,000 m summit packages
• Route passes Baralacha La, Suraj Tal, and Deepak Tal — outstanding scenic value

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Yunam Peak truly non-technical?

Yes — the South Ridge route to Yunam's summit does not require technical glacier crossing or sustained vertical ice/rock sections. However, summit day involves 8–11 hours of high-altitude climbing with steeper sections. Physical fitness and altitude experience are essential.

2. Do I need a mountaineering course for Yunam?

No formal mountaineering course is required. However, prior trekking experience above 4,000 m is strongly advised. Yunam's 6,111 m altitude is the primary challenge, not technical climbing.

3. What is Baralacha La?

Baralacha La is a mountain pass at approximately 4,890 m on the Manali–Leh Highway connecting Lahaul to Ladakh. It lies directly on the route to Bharatpur and offers breathtaking views of three river systems.

4. What are Deepak Tal and Suraj Tal?

Deepak Tal and Suraj Tal are two high-altitude glacial lakes located near Baralacha La. Suraj Tal at ~4,950 m is one of the highest lakes in India and a major attraction on the Manali–Leh route.

5. What is the best month for Yunam Peak?

July through September. The Manali–Leh Highway is fully open, weather is relatively stable, and snow conditions on the summit route are suitable. August is the peak season with the maximum stable window.

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