Yunam Peak Trek: Crossing 6000M the Real Way

If you're looking to notch your first 6000M summit, Yunam Peak Trek (6,111M) in Himachal’s Lahaul district should be on your radar. Tucked away in an arid corner of the Indian Himalayas, this lesser-known giant is approachable, not overly technical, and boasts a high success rate. The weather is relatively stable, and the route doesn't throw in too many surprises.

But let’s be clear: just because it’s doable doesn’t mean it’s easy. This one still demands respect. And sweat. Exactly what you'd expect from a real Himalayan experience.

This article will walk you through the challenges of climbing Yunam Peak, so you show up prepared, physically and mentally.

Climbers on summit day at Yunam Peak with snow-covered terrain

Trek Difficulty: BRS Level 6

Yunam Peak is rated Level 6 on the Bikat Rating Scale (BRS).

About the BRS: Our Bikat Rating Scale ranks treks and expeditions based on terrain, altitude, isolation, and technical demands. BRS 6 is your entry point to serious expeditions. Read more about the BRS here.

Beginners need not apply.
Prior experience with BRS 5 treks is mandatory.
High-altitude exposure and rapid gain make this more about acclimatization than skill.

Why Yunam Peak Is Tough (and Worth It)

1. Reaching the Trailhead: The Journey Before the Journey

Yunam starts from Bharatpur, a tiny outpost on the Manali-Leh highway, around 200 km from Manali. But even Manali is a mission to get to—no trains, no flights, just a 12-hour drive from Delhi. We split the approach across two days for acclimatization: Manali → Jispa → Bharatpur (4,700M).

Time-consuming? Yes. But also beautiful. On the way, you pass scenic hamlets like Sissu and Jispa, and witness Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal, and Baralacha La—a 4,850M pass that sets the tone for what's coming.

2. Altitude Gains That Outrun Your Lungs

Here’s what the elevation chart looks like:

Day	From	To	Elevation Gain
1	Home (0–600M)	Manali (2,050M)	↑ ~2,000M
2	Manali	Jispa (3,200M)	↑ 1,150M
3	Jispa	Bharatpur (4,700M)	↑ 1,500M
4	Acclimatization	Stay at Bharatpur	—
5	Bharatpur	Base Camp (5,200M)	↑ 500M
6	Acclimatization	Stay at Base Camp	—
7	Base Camp	Summit (6,111M)	↑ 911M

That’s sea level to 6000M in just 7 days.

Compare that to:

Kang Yatse II: 6000M reached on Day 9
Deo Tibba: Day 12
Black Peak: Day 13

Yunam gives your body no time to adapt. Acclimatization breaks at Bharatpur and Base Camp help, but you still need to stay active and hydrated—no room for laziness.

3. Minimal Trekking = Maximum Self-Motivation

Out of 8 total days, only 3 involve actual trekking:

Bharatpur to Base Camp
Summit Day
Return to Bharatpur

The rest are travel or acclimatization days, where movement is optional but critical. Unlike other treks where the trail keeps you active, here you have to push yourself to move. Stay inside your tent too long, and altitude might catch you off guard.

4. The Dry, Brutal Beauty of Lahaul

Lahaul isn’t exactly gentle. It’s:

Barren
Dry
Unforgiving

With no vegetation and high elevation, the air is thin and dry, leading to cracked lips, dry throat, sunburn, and quick dehydration. There’s also zero shade, so UV protection is crucial. The terrain? Hard-packed dirt, loose rocks, and scree. But if you follow the defined trail, it's manageable.

5. Summit Day = Long, Steep, and Ruthless

The summit push is a proper test. You gain almost 1,000M of elevation in one go.

If it’s dry: Traction is better, but the trail feels longer.
If it’s snowed in: Footing gets trickier, pace slows down, and every step takes triple the effort.

Views of the Chandrabhaga Range reward the grind. But the wind, cold, and altitude will make you earn every frame.

6. The Fake Summit Illusion

From Base Camp, the summit looks teasingly close. But it's a false summit. Once you reach it, another steep ridge appears—the actual summit, still 2 hours away.

This psychological curveball has crushed many climbers. Manage your expectations and keep reserves in the tank.