9D/8N

Duration

Difficult

Grade

8.5/10

Physicality

25 Km

Trail Length

6100 m/20000 ft

Highest Point

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.

map-to-mount-yunam-summit-himalaya-trekkers — Yunam peak climbing route

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.

from-yunam-summit-peak-range-views-from-20000-ft — On Yunam peak at 20000 ft (PC : Shankar)

view-from-mount-yunam-summit-at-20000-ft — View from Yunam peak summit (PC: Suman)

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.

on-the-way-bharatpur-base-camp — Moving towards Bharatpur base camp (PC. Shankha)

at-bharatpur-base-camp-yunam-trek-expedition — At Bharatpur base camp (PC. Yog Raj)

walking-to-yunam-summit-camp — Acclimatisation walk towards summit camp

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.

climb-to-yunam-summit — Yunam climb (PC: Yog Raj)

at-yunam-summit-20000-ft-6100-m — On Yunam summit

getting-down-from-yunam-summit — Descending from summit, summit camp is seen beside the lake (PC: Suman)

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?

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

Duration: 9 days of expedition, Manali to Manali in 9 days.

Prerequisite: Prior multiple high altitude trekking experiences along with good physical fitness and no reported acclimatisation issues.

Grade: Difficult, often referred “Trekking Expedition”. Non technical.

Physicality: 8.5/10

Trail Length: 25 Km

Highest Point: Yunam peak ~ 6100 m/20000 ft

Seasons: July to September

Further Option:

Access: Expedition starting point (trek base) is Vashisht, Manali.

Rail station: New Delhi (Station Code: NDLS)

Airport: Delhi, (Airport Code: DEL)

Map:

Upcoming scheduled dates for Yunam expedition:

You can check the scheduled Fixed Departure dates in the calendar available inside Booking Form or inside REGISTER NOW form. Tour starting Dates are highlighted as per our itinerary (Day 1 of 9 days itinerary).
At present BOOK NOW functionality is disabled. You can get all the information in your email by submitting the REGISTER NOW form.
If you are a group of people and available dates are not matching then you may select Custom date mode (by clicking the Select your custom date) and fill in the displayed form.
You can also check all the available dates at a glance in our TREK CALENDAR.
Trekkers need to reach Vashisht, Manali on Day 1 (by noon). Return to Manali on Day 9 evening (around 8/9 pm). Arrange your tickets for inward journey and return accordingly.

REPORTING LOCATION	Vashisht, Manali
REPORTING TIME	11:00 AM (Day 1)
RETURN LOCATION	Vashisht/Manali
RETURN TIME	Approximately 7:00 PM (Day 9)

How to reach Gangotri (The trek base):

Nearest Rail station: Delhi or Chandigarh

Nearest Airport: Delhi/Chandigarh

Access to Manali (The trek base): You need to reach the trek base Manali of your own.

Ample choice of bus, 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 buses normally start in the afternoon and reaches Manali next day by noon. Depending upon the service it may take 14 to 16 hrs. Distance is around 550 Km.
2)From Chandigarh ISBT there are regular bus services for Manali, starting in the early morning. It may take 8 to 10 hrs depending upon the bus service. Distance around 320 Km.
3) While returning Volvo service from Manali to Delhi starts at 4:30/5 pm in the afternoon. The last bus operated by HRTC starts at 9:30 pm for Delhi. Regular buses operate throughout the day time starting in the morning.

You can fly or by train reach New Delhi as per your convenience from any part within India.

Avoid booking wait listed (WL) train tickets in AC classes (1A/2A/3A) or Chair Car (CC). Book Sleeper class (SL)/Second Sitting class (2S) tickets which have normally more seats/berth and hence much better chance to get confirmed.

The buses from Delhi to Manali start in the afternoon and evening and reaches Manali in 14/16 hours depending on the bus operator. You reach Manali in the morning between 7 to 9 am.

1) Govt run HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) and HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) buses operate on daily basis.
HRTC buses start from Kashmiri Gate ISBT. From Delhi Airport or Station you can reach ISBT Kashmiri Gate via Delhi Metro service (http://www.delhimetrorail.com/metro-fares.aspx). It is only 4 Km from NDLS Railway Station and can be reached easily by booking an Auto Rickshaw.
To check availability and book online (Login required):
http://www.hrtc.gov.in/hrtctickets
HPTDC buses start from Himachal Bhaban, Janpath (Close to Cannaught Place, CP). To check availability and book online (Login required):
http://hp.gov.in/hptdc/Availability.aspx

2) Several private operators run Volvo/A.C bus services from Delhi to Manali. They have different pickup points spread over Delhi. Choose a boarding point according to your convenience. Check for good reviews and ratings before selecting an operator.
http://www.redbus.in/

You can fly or by train reach Chandigarh directly from some cities within India.

Chandigrah to Manali buses start from ISBT Sector 43 (verify before the journey). You can check while taking an Auto Rickshaw/Taxi from Chandigarh Railway Station or Airport. Ordinary buses are available from early morning at 4 am ( HRTC, Haryana Roadways, Punjab Transport etc) and tickets are onboard. For online availability and booking refer the earlier links.

There are two bus terminus in Manali, one for the state operated buses on the Manali mall and the other one for private buses (5 mins walking). It takes around 15 hours and 10 hours to reach Delhi and Chandigarh respectively.

Regular/Ordinary buses are available from morning to evening. Last being at 9:30 pm in the night. Takes around 15 hours to reach Kashmiri Gate ISBT. For booking check: http://www.hrtc.gov.in/hrtctickets

Volvo bus services are available in the afternoon/early evening between 3 pm to 7 pm. For booking check the above links.

For night stay in Manali:

We at Himalaya Trekkers (HT) provide the accommodation In Manali ( At Vashisht, 3 Km uphill) for our Fixed Departure treks. Do check the inclusions in the PDF brochure provided for a chosen trek. However if any trekker is interested to spend more time in Manali, he/she can inquire State operated HPDC hotels. They provide a wide range of choices of Premium, Deluxe and Budget options in Manali.

TREK FEE: ₹ 39,500 (Manali to Manali) + 5% GST

The above TREK FEE is applicable for a group of minimum 6 persons.

Inclusions:

One night’s lodge accommodation at Vashisht, Manali (Day 1) on twin sharing basis. Meals are NOT included.

All car transfer from Manali to Manali as mentioned in the itinerary. This will be on sharing basis with other team members. Depending upon number of members, we will arrange a Tata Sumo or Tempo Traveller.

Lodge accommodation and meals at Keylong.

All meals during the trek (starting from Day 2 lunch and ending with Day 8 lunch). Regular Indian style nutritious vegetarian food including eggs during the trek, breakfast packed/hot lunch (depending upon the time you reach a campsite), snacks, dinner along with coffee/tea/soup.

Excellent Expedition guide, who will be a local to this particular area and has profound knowledge of the trekking trails and peaks around. We will provide one guide for every 5 trekkers. At least one guide will be mountaineering course(s) certified.

Specialised Cook, Support staff, High Altitude Porters (HAP) for carrying the central logistics of the trek.

Stay in tents (2 persons dome shaped tents) on twin sharing basis during the trek.

Camping equipment like Sleeping bag, Carry mattress. (Bring your own sleeping if you have a high altitude specific personal Sleeping Bag. This is always better for hygienic reasons.).

Any technical equipment like static/dynamic rope, carabiners, sling, ice axe, gaiters, micro spikes/crampon etc.

Kitchen tent and toilet tent as required during the trek.

All permit fee, camping charges, forest levy required for the trek.

Basic Medical & First Aid kit.

Travel and Medical insurance policy (covering illness, AMS, evacuation, accidents etc) covering high altitude trekking and mountaineering up to 6500 m. (For Indian nationals it is included in the TREK FEE, up to 60 years of age). It covers your itinerary, Manali to Manali.

Exclusions:

Meals in Manali/Vashisht.

Note that offloading of rucksack is NOT permitted in this expedition. You need to carry your own backpack along with all your personal belongings, sleeping bag and carry mattress (provided by HT or your personal one). This is mandatory for a difficult trek and is aiming to the safety of the trekkers.

Cost of buffer/reserve day, i.e. Day 9. If we use this during trekking, you need to pay additional ₹ 6000. This will be collected in Manali after the trek.

Any tip/gratuity to the HT supports staff.

Anything which is NOT mentioned in the “Inclusions” or personal in nature.

Booking:

We assume that you have read and understood our “Terms & Conditions” (https://dev.himalayatrekker.com/terms-and-conditions) before Booking a trek/tour.
To reserve your place in a scheduled Fixed Departure trek or a Customised/Private trek pay 25% of the TREK/TOUR FEE as the initial “Booking Deposit”. You can pay by Net banking/Draft/Cheque/Credit/Debit/AMEX cards. This will ensure your participation in the desired trek and we will reserve your place in the scheduled date. You need to pay the remaining amount at least 15 days before Trek Starting Date.
If you book a Trek/Tour before 14 days or less from Trek/Tour Starting Date, you need to pay the full TREK/TOUR FEE.

Cancellations:

“Booking Amount” i.e.25% of the TREK/TOUR FEE is Non-Refundable at any stage.
If in case you are not able to make it due to unavoidable reason(s), we provide you avery flexible choice of Shifting to another trek within next one year. One year is counted from the starting date of the trek/tour you booked initially with us.
In case you postpone your trip you need to informminimum of 15 days before the trek/tour starting date. (Though we suggest to inform us earlier if known)
In case you postpone a trek/tour before 15 days of the scheduled Trek/Tour Starting date or prior, you may shift to another group of the same trek/tour scheduled in the same season or within next one year. You may shift to another suitable route also. For changing any, you need our approval first. Your request must be in written communication through your registered email with us.
If you cancel/postpone a trek/tour from 14 days to 8 days before tour starting date, your Booking Amount is Non-Refundable. We will not take any request of shifting dates. We will charge 50% of the amount as Cancellation Charges and process refund of remaining 50%. You may also shift to another group within next year but 25% Booking Amount will be deemed as Cancellation Charge and the rest amount will be transferred to the shifted group.
If you cancel a trek/tour 7 days (i.e. a week) before Trek/Tour Starting Date or later, there will be NO REFUND.
In case of any unforeseen incident including but not limited to natural calamities like flood, earthquake, landslide, forest fire or any political unrest, if we are compelled to cancel the trek/trip, you will be entitled to redeem the full amount for the same/similar kind of trek/trip within next one year.