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Yunam peak: A Trekking Expedition above 20000 ft

How it likes to be on top of a 20000 ft/6000 m summit on Himalayas? The answer is difficult to predict, but not the self satisfaction standing upon the summit. Yunam expedition is an excellent choice to test yourself on high altitude, specially if you are contemplating the next level, i.e. mountaineering.

Now why Yunam peak summit?

Trekking and hiking became popular in India during last 10 years or so. As a natural progression, there are constant growing aspirants who aim to reach a summit, an altitude which even the most difficult treks in India don’t attain.

Yes Yunam peak summit is at 6100 m, above 20000 ft among very few “Non technical trekking summits” to achieve so.

Location of Yunam is fascinating, its is few kilometre off on Manali Leh highway just ahead of Barlacha La. It lies in Zaskar range within Trans Himalayas and to the north of Great Himalaya and south of Ladakh range. What this means is, from summit you can see a vast stretch of Lahoul and Spiti area including Chandra-Bhaga (CB peaks) and Mulkila range peaks facing south – south west and Zaskar range peaks to your east, north east.

As Yunam is 20,000 ft high, proper acclimatisation before summit push is a must. Also it is mandatory to have a buffer/reserve day (Day 9 as per itinerary), in case it is required due to bad weather or any unforeseen event. We have taken adequate height gain and time before you reach summit camp @ 5300 m/17400 ft. In doing so, you will spend your first night at Vashisht, Manali (2050 m), followed by one at Keylong (3100 m) and Zing Zing Bar (near Patseo, ~ 4000 m) before we set up the base camp Bharatpur (4700 m). You will actively doing height gain hikes for 3/4 hours everyday before reaching Bharatpur. From here we will have another acclimatisation day where we will hike towards summit camp and return.

After required acclimatisation we set up our summit camp beside a small lake at 5300 m. The walk will take 3/4 hours on moraine and boulders.  Take good rest after lunch. We will start our summit push very early tomorrow, i.e. around 2 am. Keep your summit pack and headlamp ready. Tomorrow you will be tested for a long tiring climb and descent for no less than 12 hours.

Yunam expedition – Prerequisites:

• A trekker should have completed at least 3 high altitude treks going above ~ 4500 m/15000 ft.
• At least one Difficult grade trek reaching beyond 5000 m/16500 ft e.g. Pin Parvati Pass, Ronti Saddle, Parang La etc.
• A trekker must be in excellent physical condition along with NO prior acclimatisation issues on high altitude.

Itinerary for Yunam Peak expedition:

Day 1: Reach Manali in the morning –Walk 3 Km uphill to Vashisht (2050 m) – 1 hour Lodge accommodation.
Day 2: Drive to Keylong (3100 m)- 115 Km – 5 hours – Lodge. In the afternoon climb to the monastery.
Day 3: Drive to Zing Zing Bar (4200 m) – 55 Km – 2 hours. Camp. After lunch height gain up to 4500 m and back, 3/4 hours.
Day 4: Drive to Bharatpur base camp (4700 m) via Barlacha La – 30 Km – 2 hours – Walk to the camping ground 30 mins. Camp
Day 5: Rest and active acclimatisation day, height gain up to 5200 m and back. 4/5 hours.
Day 6: Climb and set up Summit camp (5300 m) – 4 hours
Day 7: Early morning (by 2 am) start ascending Yunam peak (6100 m) – 7/8 hours –  summit – descent to Bharatpur camp – 5 hours. Total 12 to 14 hours. Camp
Day 8: Drive back to Manali – 200 Km via Keylong and Rohtang – 8/9 hours.
Day 9: Mandatory Buffer/reserve day (will be utilised in case needed).

Note:

• You need to reach Manali on Day 1 latest by 10 am. Arrange your return bus tickets from from Manali to Delhi/Chandigarh on Day 9 evening after 7 pm.
• The cost of mandatory buffer/reserve Day 9 is NOT included in TREK FEE. If we use this during trekking, you need to pay additional ₹ 3000. This will be collected in Manali after the trek.

Best time to do Yunam peak expedition?

Mt. Yunam is located north of “Barlacha La” pass (~4900 m/16000 ft) in Zanskar range. This region connecting Lahoul and Ladakh doesn’t receive usual rain or monsoon. So it is safe to assume very little chance of rain ahead of Rohtang Pass.

Keeping the above in July to September is suitable for Yunam expedition.  Early July expedition will attract more snow (varies year over year) and later September will become colder.

Reaching Vashisht, Manali (expedition base):

Our expedition base is Vashisht, 3 Km uphill from Manali. Either you can take an auto rickshaw or walk around an hour to reach Vashisht, where the famous temple in the same name is situated.

Manali is well connected by road from Delhi and Chandigarh. There are a handful of buses, ranging from regular, luxury and Volvo operated by both Govt. and private agencies from New Delhi and Chandigarh to Manali.

1) From Delhi (Kashmiri Gate ISBT) the Volvo and regular buses start in the afternoon till late in the evening. It takes up to 13/14 hours to cover the distance of 560 Km. HP Government transport operated HRTC (https://hrtchp.com) and Tourism Department HPTDC operated busses are reliable and runs on time. There are privately operated bus services also having different pick up points in Delhi. The last Volvo busses for Manali start around 10:30 pm from Kashmiri Gate ISBT (Govt. HRTC, recommended) or Majnu Ka Tila (private).

2) From Chandigarh (ISBT Sector 43) there are regular bus services for Manali, starting early morning till 6 am. It may take around 10/12 hrs depending upon the road conditions. Distance around 320 Km.

3) While returning one can take overnight bus from Manali which again reaches Delhi in 13/14 hours. Normally the last Volvo service (both Govt. and Private) is around 6:30 pm. The last regular bus by  Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) starts from Manali at 9:30 p.m.

Download the list of things to carry in Yunam trek or check here

Why treks with HT?

Duration	9D/8N
Grade	Difficult
Physicality	8.5/10
Trail Length	25 Km
Highest Point	6100 m/20000 ft
Expertise:	10 years on ground experience
Support staff:	Experienced and technical support plus office staff
Group size:	Small groups up to 10
Insurance:	Travel and Medical insurance policy (covers illness, AMS, evacuation, accidents)
Easy Bookings:	25% Booking Deposit