Yunam Peak Expedition: Chasing the Sky Across Barren Lands

or

By continuing you agree to our Terms of Service and have read our Privacy Policy.

High mountain passes, barren moon-like valleys, icy winds, and skies painted in deep blue — this is the kind of terrain that stirs the soul of every adventurer. As you ascend through rugged trails and remote high-altitude deserts, the world below fades away, leaving only silence and snow. And at the end of this thrilling journey stands Yunam Peak — a 6,111-meter summit that calls out to those ready to chase the sky.

Located in the remote Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh, Yunam Peak is one of the easiest non-technical 6000-meter summits in India, making it a perfect choice for trekkers aiming to step into the world of high-altitude mountaineering. Surrounded by the stark beauty of the trans-Himalayan landscape, the climb offers a mix of challenging terrain, freezing temperatures, and breathtaking views. With proper acclimatization and basic fitness, this trek lets you experience the thrill of a true Himalayan expedition — without needing technical gear or climbing experience.

Yunam Peak lies in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh, near the famous Baralacha La Pass on the Manali-Leh highway. The base camp is usually set up at Bharatpur, a windy and rugged campsite that offers an ideal starting point for the summit attempt.

Yunam Peak stands quietly in the shadow of more celebrated Himalayan giants, yet its very name hints at mystery. While there is no widely documented historical or mythological tale attached to it, the name "Yunam" is believed to have Tibetan or Ladakhi roots, likely referring to the cold, dry, and barren characteristics of the landscape it rises from — typical of the trans-Himalayan terrain bordering Ladakh. The region around Yunam, near Baralacha La, has been part of ancient trade routes connecting Lahaul, Zanskar, and Ladakh, though the peak itself remained untouched and unnoticed for centuries. Locals rarely ventured this high, considering the barren land around it too inhospitable.

 You can take an overnight bus to Manali from either Delhi or Chandigarh. Chandigarh to Manali takes around 10 hours and is the most ideal option. Delhi to Manali takes approximately 14 hours and can be hectic.

 ✅ We highly recommend choosing government buses over private ones for better reliability and fewer delays.

By Flight~ You can fly to Bhuntar Airport, which is about 2 hours from Manali by taxi or bus. ❌ However, flights are usually expensive and prone to frequent cancellations, so this route is not recommended.

By Train~ Take a train to Chandigarh Railway Station, then hop on an overnight bus to Manali (approx. 275 km). ~⚠️ In this case, plan to arrive a day early in Manali to avoid delays.

Pick-Up by Trek the Himalayas (TTH)~ If you opt for the pick-up add-on while booking the trek, TTH will arrange travel from Manali to the trek base camp.

 ✅ This is a convenient and hassle-free option.

The ideal window to attempt Yunam Peak is from July to September, when the high mountain passes are open and the weather is relatively stable. Post-monsoon, the skies are clearer, and the trail conditions improve.

Day 1: Arrival in Manali

           Reach Manali by 10 AM. This is the official reporting point.           If you've opted for TTH's pick-up service, your journey from here is taken care of.

Day 2: Drive from Manali to Keylong/Jispa

           100 km (Keylong) / 120 km (Jispa) – 5 hrs drive

Day 3: Drive from Keylong/Jispa to Bharatpur

           90 km – 4-5 hrs drive

Day 4: Acclimatization day at Bharatpur

           Rest and light hike for acclimatization

Day 5: Trek from Bharatpur to Base Camp

          5 km – 4 hrs trek (Altitude gain: 550 m)

Day 6: Acclimatization at Base Camp

         Summit training and short hikes

Day 7: Base Camp to Summit and Back

       6 km (both ways) – 9-10 hrs trek

       Altitude: 6,111 m (20,100 ft)

On Day 7, the summit attempt starts at 2 AM from the base camp. The total distance is around 6 km (both ways), taking 9–10 hours. The trail is steep, with loose moraine, sharp rocks, and some snow patches—more snow closer to the top. The altitude reaches 6,111 meters, and oxygen levels drop noticeably. There’s only one water source about 30 minutes from base camp, so carry enough water.

Since Yunam Peak reaches over 6,000 meters, altitude sickness is a major concern. It's essential to take proper rest days, stay hydrated, and never ignore symptoms like headaches, nausea, or fatigue. While the trek itself is not technically difficult, the altitude can pose significant challenge.

Pulse Rate: 60-90 beats per minute (rest)

Blood Pressure: Diastolic 70-90, Systolic 100-140 mm Hg/ Respiratory Rate: 12-20 breaths per minute (rest)

Conditions not allowed: Liver/kidney issues, Diabetes, Bronchial Asthma, Heart problems, Hypertension, Epilepsy 

Sinus issues/ BMI concerns: Contact trek coordinator before booking.

Yunam isn’t just about bagging a 6,000-meter summit. It’s about waking up to sunrise over Baralacha La, feeling the crunch of snow under your boots, and seeing the deep blue skies contrasting with white barren peaks—you won’t find this terrain on popular treks.

🌄 “The final 100 meters feels endless — but once you stand on the summit, there’s nothing but silence, snow, and your own heartbeat echoing in the wind.”

The Yunam Peak Expedition offers a rare chance to summit a 6,000-meter peak without technical climbing. It’s a journey through barren beauty, icy winds, and quiet strength. But at this altitude, safety matters as much as adventure.

That’s why it's best to do the Yunam Peak Trek with an experienced team like Trek the Himalayas, where proper acclimatization, expert guides, and medical support help you chase the sky — safely.

Ans~ Yes/No, first-timers are welcome—but it’s not for casual beginners. You need good fitness, mental toughness, and ideally some prior trekking experience.

Just be aware: without prior trekking exposure, you might find it harder to cope with the altitude, cold, and long walking hours. Doing a trek beforehand gives you a better sense of what to expect on such demanding expeditions—but it's not mandatory. If you’re well-prepared, determined, and meet the fitness benchmarks, Yunam can be your first taste of high-altitude adventure.

Yunam Peak (6,111 m) is one of the most non-technical 6,000+ meter peaks in India, with no ropes, ice axes, or glacier crossings involved—but the high altitude (with only 45% oxygen), long summit day (8–10 hours), extreme cold, and loose terrain make it physically and mentally challenging.

Ans~ No one is forced to go on. There is always enough staff to split the party according to need and regroup later at the camp. Most people have no trouble reaching the highest campsite. If some members decide not to climb the final distance they can wait for the climbers to come back down the same way or take a lateral path to the descent route.