Yunam Peak Expedition

Days: 8D/7N

Altitude: 6111

Distance: 55

Grade: Difficult

Pick Up: Manali

Drop: Manali

Base Camp: Yunam Base Camp

Season: Summer (May–Jun)

Stay: Hotel + Expedition Tents

The Yunam Peak Expedition (6,111 M) is one of the most efficient and rewarding non-technical 6,000-meter expeditions in the Indian Himalayas. Located in the Lahaul region, Yunam Peak is often underestimated because it does not require ropes or advanced climbing skills—but in reality, it demands serious altitude discipline, physical stamina, and mental endurance.

Terranova Expedition has operated Yunam Peak multiple times, and our experience on this mountain has shown that success here is decided by acclimatization quality, pacing on summit day, and weather judgment, not technical skill.

What makes Yunam Peak special is its clean expedition structure:

Direct access via Manali–Jispa road
High-altitude base camp above 4,700 m
Single summit camp strategy
Long, continuous summit push above 6,000 m

The terrain is mostly scree, snow slopes, and broad ridgelines, but altitude hits early and hard. Many trekkers experience their first real exposure to the “thin-air zone” on Yunam, making it an ideal stepping stone toward bigger Himalayan objectives.

From the summit, the views extend across Zanskar, Lahaul, and remote Himalayan plateaus, offering one of the widest panoramic experiences among non-technical peaks.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YUNAM PEAK EXPEDITION

One of the most accessible 6,000 m non-technical peaks
High base camp ensures real altitude exposure
Clean, logical expedition flow with minimal camps
Long summit day offering true endurance test
Ideal progression peak for future 6,500–7,000 m climbs
Remote Himalayan environment with minimal human presence

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Manali (2,000 M)

Day 2

Drive from Manali to Jispa (3,200 M)

Day 3

Drive Jispa to Bharatpur & Trek to Yunam Base Camp (4,700 M)

Day 4

Load Ferry to Summit Camp & Return to Base Camp

Day 5

Move to Summit Camp (5,250 M)

Day 6

Summit Day: Yunam Peak (6,111 M) & Return to Base Camp

Day 7

Drive Back to Manali

Day 8

Buffer Day

Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s included

You will be staying in tents during expedition on sharing basis.
Stay included in Manali & Jispa hotel (sharing basis).
Transportation Manali to Bharatpur and return to Manali.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soup, tea, hot drinks during expedition [Day 2 breakfast to Day 7 packed lunch]
High altitude meals.
Trekking/Expedition permits from Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
Local forest permit from Himachal Pradesh Forest Department.
Garbage cleaning charges.
Weather forecast report from the Indian Meteorological department & Windy.
Certificate of accomplishment
Accidental Policy (High risk insurance)
3 men all season tents, sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen tent, cutlery, dining tent & toilet tent
First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, Blood pressure monitor, Oximeter, etc. will be available at all campsites to deal with emergencies.
Ice axe, snow boots, harness, carabiners, descenders, gaiters, tape sling (all necessary safety & climbing gears)
Certified trek leader & Expedition guide / Sherpa from Terranova Expedition.
Cook, helper, mules support [till base camp].
High altitude cook & supporting staff for upper camp.
Cloakroom facility for left luggage.

What’s not included

Mules or porters charge to carry personal luggage [Offload].
5% GST
Meals during transfers.
Meals in Manali.
Any kind of personal expenses.
Expedition permits from Indian Mountaineering Foundation (For Foreigners)
Liaison Officer (For Foreigners)
Any early return travel costs or accommodation except for the days as per the itinerary.
Anything apart from inclusions.
Documentary filming, camera, and drone permit fee (if require)
Any emergency evacuation.
For Heli Rescue, opt ASC 360 High Altitude Adventure Sport Insurance.
Tips for staffs

Refund & Cancellation

Quick Summary

Policy Window	Refund
30+ days before departure	85%
20–29 days	70%
15–19 days	50%
7–14 days	25%
< 7 days or no-show	No refund

If You Cancel

Advance/booking amount is non-refundable; reschedule credit may be offered if requested ≥ 7 days before departure.
Government permits, insurance, accommodation and transport already paid to vendors are non-refundable.
Force majeure (weather, landslides, strikes, roadblocks, government orders): trip may be postponed; paid amounts remain non-refundable; credit/reschedule may be offered where possible.
Unused services, early return or partial participation do not qualify for refunds.
Refunds are processed to the original payment method; allow 7–10 business days.
Name change/transfer possible until permits are issued; afterward, standard cancellation terms apply.

Things to Carry

Footwear

Waterproof Trekking Shoes [1 pair] Floaters / Slippers [1 pair] Socks [4-5 pair]

Clothing Layers

Quick dry T Shirts [3-4] Quick Dry Trek Pants [2] Windproof Pants for Sumit [1] Down Jacket [1] Thermal [1 set] Fleece [1] Windproof Jacket [1]

Rain Protection

Lightweight Rain Poncho Rain Jacket

Sun Protection

Sun Goggles UV Protected Sun Cap or Head Buff

Hydration

Water Bottle / Hydrapack [1L] Thermos Bottle [1L]

Snacks & Energy

Energy Bar Trail Mix Dry Fruits

Personal Medicines

Prescribed Medicines [If any] ORS

Headlamp & Batteries

Head Torch Spare Batteries Power bank Camera [If needed]

Warm Accessories

Woollen / Fleece gloves [1 pair] Waterproof Gloves [1 pair] Woollen / Fleece Beanie Neck Protector

Toiletries & Hygiene

Toiletery Kit [1 set] Quick Dry Towel [1] Toilet Paper Wet Wipes

Documents & Cash

Govt. ID Proof Emergency Cash Emergency Contact Number

Backpack & Daypack

50-60L Rucksack [1] 20-30L Backpack [1]

How to Reach

By Air

Nearest airport: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu–Manali) – approx. 50 km from Manali
Direct flights available from Delhi and Chandigarh (subject to weather)

By Road

Delhi → Manali: 540 km (overnight Volvo buses available)
Chandigarh → Manali: 310 km

By Train

Nearest railway stations: Chandigarh & Pathankot
Taxi and bus connectivity available to Manali

FAQs

Common questions answered

Is Yunam Peak suitable as a first 6,000 m expedition?

Yes, provided trekkers respect altitude and follow acclimatization strictly.

Why is Yunam Peak considered challenging despite being non-technical

Because of high base camp altitude and long summit day above 6,000 m.

How cold does it get on summit day?

Temperatures often drop to –15°C to –20°C, with strong wind chill.

What causes most summit failures on Yunam?

Poor pacing, dehydration, and ignoring early altitude symptoms.

How does Yunam help in future expeditions?

It builds confidence and discipline required for 6,500–7,000 m peaks.

What is the trekking distance of the expedition?

Total travel distance is 38–45 km including approach, ascent and descent.

What is the best season to climb Yunam Peak?

The ideal climbing windows are:

May–June (Summer climbing season with stable snow)
September–October (Post-monsoon clean cold weather)

What makes Yunam Peak an ideal peak for training?

It offers steep snow climbs, rope-team travel, semi-technical summit ridge, crampon movement and weather exposure — all essential skills for future 6000M and 7000M expeditions such as Kang Yatse II, Mentok Kangri, Mera Peak, Lobuche East, Island Peak & Stok Kangri.

What physical fitness is required?

Trekkers must be capable of:

Trekking 8–10 hours a day
Climbing steep terrain with backpack weight
Managing cold, wind chill and altitude exposure
Cardiovascular endurance & leg strength

What training should I do before joining?

Recommended preparation includes:

Running/cycling/swimming (5–8 km, 5 days/week)
Stair climbing with backpack (10–20 floors/day)
Strength workouts for legs and core
Practice hikes carrying 8–10 kg backpack

Can someone with no climbing experience attempt this expedition?

No. Without basic trekking and altitude exposure, acclimatization difficulty and summit risk increase significantly.

What equipment is required for the expedition?

Required equipment includes:

Ice Axe, Crampons, Helmet, Harness, Gaiters
Layered clothing system (Base/Insulation/Shell)
High altitude trekking boots
Down jacket, gloves, sunglasses, headlamp

Technical equipment may be rented via Terranova.

What food is served during the expedition?

Nutritious vegetarian meals + eggs. High-calorie options are prepared for summit push days including soup, porridge, energy bars and hydration boosters.

What is the temperature on summit night?

Wind chill can drop between –15°C to –20°C.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

Comfortable homestay in Manali
High-quality alpine expedition tents during the climb

Is mobile network available on the route?

Limited network up to Bakarthach. No network at Lady Leg and Summit Camp.

What is the role of load ferry?

Load ferry helps the body adapt to altitude by exposing trekkers to higher elevation temporarily and then returning to lower elevation for recovery. This strategy reduces AMS risk and increases summit success.

Does Terranova Expedition carry emergency oxygen?

Yes. Medical oxygen and first aid kits are carried for emergency response.

What safety measures are in place?

Safety plan includes:

Daily pulse & oxygen saturation monitoring
Guide-to-trekker ratio planning
Strict turnaround time
Weather window management
Trained team for rescue coordination

Will there be rope fixing?

Rope assistance is used for safety during steep incline and summit ridge traversal. The technical lead determines rope strategy based on snow & ice quality.

What if I feel unwell or have altitude sickness symptoms?

Immediate descent is enforced as safety rule. Our guides are trained in AMS, HAPE & HACE protocols.

What are AMS symptoms?

Headache, nausea, appetite loss, fatigue, dizziness, breathing difficulty, bluish lips. Strict medical reporting is mandatory.

Is the summit guaranteed?

No Himalayan summit is guaranteed. Safety and weather conditions determine decision.

Can I attempt the summit if I am struggling?

Only if medically cleared and within turnaround safety limits.

Is rescue helicopter service available?

Arrangements available depending on government and weather conditions.

Is travel insurance required?

Highly recommended.

What is the minimum age requirement?

Minimum recommended age: 16+ with fitness certificate.

Can older trekkers attempt this expedition?

Yes, if medically cleared.

Can international climbers join?

Yes — full support provided from Manali.

What makes Yunam Peak special?

Its semi-technical nature, beautiful training environment and outstanding summit ridge view make it one of the most respected Himalayan climbing programs.

What makes Terranova Expedition different?

Experienced Himalayan mountaineering team, safety-first approach, technical instruction, structured acclimatization and personalized expedition handling.

How is weather assessed for summit push?

Wind speed, snow firmness, cloud formation, temperature drop and avalanche possibilities are analyzed daily.

Can trekkers rent gear from Terranova?

Yes, subject to availability.

Is group customization available?

Private and professional-level batches available.

What are the next peak recommendations after Yunam Peak?

Friendship Peak, Kang Yatse II, Mentok Kangri, Mera Peak, Island Peak.

How many hours a day do trekkers walk?

5–7 hours on average; Summit Day is longest (10–13 hours).

What happens on the buffer day?

Used only for weather delay or safety extension.