Yunam Peak Trek
A Hidden Challenge of Himachal
Available Batches
Available Batches
Brief Description
Gallery
Brief Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive in Manali
Acclimatisation in Bharatpur (4500 M)
Acclimatization at Base Camp
Day 1
Today you arrive in Manali and meet our team at your hotel/guesthouse. After an introduction and briefing session, you are free to explore Manali. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2
Manali to Jispa (3200 M)
Distance: 120 kms
Duration: 6 hours
Today we will drive to Jispa on the stunning Leh-Manali highway across high altitude villages via Rothang pass, Tandi (confluence of Bhaga and Chandra river) Sisa village (temple of Raja Ghepan). We will drive along the Bhaga river and reach Jispa. Overnight in hotel/tents.
Day 3
Jispa to Bharatpur (4500 M)
Distance: 90 kms
Duration: 5 hours
Today we will drive to Bharatpur which is going to be our base for the Yunam Peak expedition via Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal and the famous Baralacha La Pass. Overnight in tents at Bharatpur.
Day 4
Today we will spend a day at Bharatpur Base Camp taking small hikes and this acclimatizing at the high altitude.
Day 5
Bharatpur to Base Camp (5200 M)
Distance: 5 kms
Duration: 4 hours
Today we trek to the base camp of Yunam Peak that is located near a small lake. Today's trek will take you across moraine with a gradual and eventually a steep ascent. There will be several stream crossings until you reach the base camp. Overnight in camps.
Day 6
Today will be an acclimatization day at the base camp. There will be a summit briefing followed by a training session, and prepare equipment needed for the next day's summit push. We will go for small hikes nearby. Have an early dinner and rest for the night. Overnight in camps.
Day 7
Base Camp to Summit (6111 M) and back to Base Camp
Distance: 6.5 kms
Duration: 8 hours
Today we will start early for the summit push. We will climb over moraines, sharp rocks, snow patches and a snow wall at the top with a steep ascent. The summit gives you stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. We will head back and retire at the base camp.
Day 8
Base Camp to Bharatpur. Drive to Manali.
Today we will trek back to Bharatpur and board our vehicles and drive down to Manali. Expect to reach Manali by 6pm. We bid you goodbye.
What's Included
- Camping during the trek and Guest House/Hotel Stay on twin / triple sharing basis in Manali and Jispa on (Day 1 & Day 2)
- Veg Meals as per menu during the trek
- Technical equipment - as required, depending upon snow conditions
- Trek Permit Fee (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder
- Qualified & experienced Guide and Support staff
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification & customized rescue course from NIM
What's Not Included
- Meals during Hotel Stay in Manali and Jispa
- Meals during road journeys
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of Insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions
Are you Eligible for this Adventure?
Difficult
6111 m
22 km
BRS Level Required
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 5 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of skill and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of high altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Trekking Gear
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
- Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
- U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1
Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
- Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
- Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
- Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
- Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
- Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
- Woolen cap. Qty-1
- Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
- Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
Utensils
- Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
- Plate. Qty- 1
- Spoon.Qty-1
- Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1
Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yunam Peak Trek is only for experienced trekkers who have done at least one BRS 5 trek or equivalent.
If you can Jog/Run for 5 kms in 25-30 mins, you are ready to take on this trek. Once a week, you can practice running 10 kms in an hour or so to improve your endurance further. In addition to this, you can also add resistance workouts to your schedule like squats, lunges, push ups etc.
If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.
The climb demands a few basic mountaineering skills; using an ice-axe, pitching a tent in snow, working together as a team, ascending and descending on steep gradients and seemingly simple tasks like ‘walking’ on snow in extremely heavy snow boots.
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors between 13 to 17 years of age should be accompanied by their parents/ guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deems you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Yunam Peak Trek is part of the Pir Panjal Range which is the largest range in the Lesser Himalayas. It is stationed in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The trek starts from the town of Manali.
Yunam Peak at 6111M is a stunning trekkable peak located in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh near the famous Baralacha La Pass. Though it is less frequently climbed, Yunam Peak is a great alternative to the likes of Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse 2 in Ladakh. The summit offers fantastic views of the C.B. Range and the Mulkilla Range with views stretching as far as Zanskar. Another highlight of the Yunam Peak trek is the sense of remoteness and tranquillity it provides. The Spiti Valley, known for its raw and untouched beauty, offers a serene and peaceful environment. The trek takes you through isolated villages, high-altitude meadows, and vast expanses of barren terrain, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with the serenity of nature.
The climb to the summit of Yunam Peak Trek is challenging. It takes you through a variety of terrain, including walking across crevassed snowfields, navigating glaciers, miles of rocky moraines, and the continuously thinning air of the altitude. It should only be attempted by experienced trekkers who have the know-how of basic mountain skills and have prior experience in high altitudes.
July to September are the best months to undertake the Yunam Peak Trek.
In Manali, we stay at a hotel. On the trek we have twin-sharing tents. In case you want an individual tent, you can add that to your booking request for an additional cost.
In June, temperatures at lower altitudes are around 10-20 degrees Celsius, dropping as you ascend. July and August are monsoon months with occasional showers and similar temperatures. September brings slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 5-15 degrees Celsius at lower sections, and near or below freezing point at higher elevations during the night.
Yunam Peak Trek does not require the use of technical equipment and technical skills. But, given the level of endurance required and its high altitude, this trek is for experienced climbers only.
The trek starts from Manali, which is a very popular tourist destination and hence extremely accessible. If you need guidance on how to get to this high-altitude backpacking centre, read How to reach Manali
Manali has impeccable connectivity of all phone networks. None of the campsites have any cellular range at the moment, but you do get network in certain patches through the trek like at the col and at the summit.
You will find plenty of ATMs in the main market place in Manali. Once we head out of Manali, there are no more ATMs on the way.
Yunam Peak Trek is a Manali to Manali trip which means that your travel to the trail head, that is, Bharatpur is already a part of the itinerary and the trek cost.
Expect to reach Manali by early evening. In case you are travelling out of Manali the same day, consider booking late night tickets in order to account for any possible delays.
At an elevation of 2,050M, the scenic landscape and ease of access make Manali a popular tourist destination. In addition to that, Manali is a playground for all levels of adventure enthusiasts. It is rich in sports other than trekking as well, like Paragliding, Ziplining, River Rafting, Biking, Cycling, and much more, in addition to tourist attractions like temples, valleys, and waterfalls. Some of the most popular tourist places are Hidimba Temple, Jogini Falls, Naggar castle etc. In short, Manali is not short on things to keep you busy. While the town itself has much to offer, you can also check out other trekking trails which start from here. Some of the shorter ones are Beas Kund and Bhrigu Lake.
All the common gear like tents, sleeping bags, mattresses etc. are provided. All the technical climbing equipment needed for the trek, like snow boots, crampons, gaiters, ice axe, helmet, harness etc. are also provided to you. Safety equipment used for rescue is carried by our trek leaders.
You can rent trekking shoes, trekking poles, a fleece jacket and a rucksack from us. In case you have any other requirements, you can talk to our representative and we will be happy to assist you in any way that we can.
You will receive your rented equipment during the briefing in Manali, on Day 1.
Our trek leaders will collect the rented equipment from you at the end of the trek on the last day.
For a detailed list, check the Packing List section on this page.
Manali is a popular backpacking destination. It is also a starting point for some of the most popular trekking routes and climbing peaks. You will find shops in the main market of Manali to buy/rent equipment as needed.
Although not recommended, you can off load your bag at an additional cost. Add a request while making your booking for the trek and it can be arranged.
(Note: We don’t recommend offloading because the extra resources on a trail - ponies or porters depending on the trail - means extra load on the environment which can easily be avoided. It also goes against the spirit of trekking by eliminating a level of endurance and discomfort from the experience which are factors at the very heart of an outdoor adventure activity.)
Yes, you can hand over your extra luggage at our office in Jagatsukh (Near Manali) before we head out for the trek on Day 2. You can collect your luggage from the same place after completion of the trek. The best way to reach Jagatsukh from Manali is by hiring an auto rickshaw or boarding a public bus. It’s 12 kms and takes about half an hour. Please do not leave any valuable items in your luggage such as watch/mobile phone/wallet etc.
On all trek days, we provide 3 full meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in addition to evening snacks and tea. The meals are vegetarian and the menu is pre-decided for all days of the trek. We do provide eggs as well on certain days. If you have any specific food-related allergies or restrictions, you can let our local staff (during the trek) know, and your requests will get accommodated. We try to provide a variety of food across meals so as to avoid repetition as well as cover all nutritional needs.
On campsites, our team will dig dry pits and assemble a toilet tent to provide for safe and secure quarters. A shovel will be provided within the toilet tent as well. Using water in the toilet tent is restricted; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. On the more difficult expeditions, toilet tents are not carried to the higher camps (above base camp) due to restriction of space (to pitch the tent).
In case you get your period on the trail and don’t have sanitary napkins, our trek leaders can provide them to you. If you need any other kind of assistance, you can let our trek leaders know. Irrespective of gender, our leaders are gender sensitised and equipped to assist you in any way you need them to.
Our team carries a first aid kit and all the basic medicines required during the trek. They are equipped to be the first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues. For higher expeditions, we also carry a HAPO Bag and oxygen cylinders to tend to any altitude-related health conditions.
You leave the last charging point behind at your hotel in Manali. From here on, we will be camping in the wilderness with no access to electricity.
A copy of your ID Proof and Medical Certificate are the mandatory documents required for this trek. (Soft copies for all of these are to be sent to us & originals should be on your person while on the trek.)
Yes, insurance for any high-altitude activity is highly recommended to cover for the cost of rescue, evacuation and any other emergency service required as well as to cover for medical cost in case of injury or illness during the trek. You can buy it on your own. Alternatively, if you want us to buy it on your behalf, you can mark it as an add-on during the booking of the trek.
Yes, there are multiple permits required for this. We obtain the permits on every trekkers’ behalf. All the permit costs are included in your trek cost.
Yes, you will receive e-certificates (of completion) after the trek. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek. In case you were unable to finish the trek, you will get a certificate of participation.
On completion of the trek, the certificate will show up on your dashboard on our website. You can download it directly from there.
Yunam Peak Trek is in India. If you are coming from outside, you will need a visa to enter the country. You should be able to find the rules for obtaining a Visa based on your home country on the internet. This information is easily available.
This does not apply to you if you are an Indian citizen. In case you don’t hold an Indian passport, you will need to check online for Visa application rules based on your home country.
If you are not an Indian citizen, you will need Travel Medical Insurance to travel to the country. Please make sure that your insurance policy is valid for the altitude you are going to and the activity you are undertaking, to cover risks during the trek. The insurance policy provided by Bikat Adventures does not cover foreign nationals. So, please do not purchase it while making the booking from our website.
Yunam Peak Trek is part of the Lesser Himalayas. The Himalayas house the tallest mountains in the world and have long been a treasure trove for all adventure enthusiasts. The variety in terms of beauty, terrain, landscape, geography, culture and opportunity for adventure in the Himalayas, remains undisputedly unmatched.
You can make the booking any time depending on availability of slots in our fixed departure batches. You will get this information at the top of this page.
A Basic Mountaineering Course certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India is a minimum requirement to join our team. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. We also conduct on-ground training for our staff once a year as a refresher for old skills and to learn some new ones. During this training that we call APW (Adventure Professional Workshop), our leaders learn close to 25 topics and techniques of rescue which are not covered in the BMC and AMC courses. For practical training, we simulate on-ground situations to prepare them for quick thinking and quick response during emergencies.
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts on the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. The interview process to bring a trek leader on-board is close to 6 months long where we assess various skills as well as personality traits of an individual. They also go through an on-field assignment as part of the hiring process. Trek leaders also progress in time from leading easier treks before advancing to the more difficult ones where the stakes are higher. For detailed information on our selection process, please visit Forerunners - The Making Of A Trek Leader
It absolutely is. We recognize, value and embody the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. We make it our mission to create outdoor spaces as equally accessible and safe for all genders as possible. We also encourage women leaders in the outdoors and all of our staff (irrespective of gender) is gender sensitised. As for accommodation, in case there are no other women on the trek, a solo female trekker is provided with a separate single-occupancy tent.
Our batch sizes for Yunam Peak Trek are capped at 12 with the trek leader to trekker ratio of 1:4.
In addition to their qualification, our trek leaders are trained to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on ground. During our recce stage, we study the trail in great detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for our trekkers. We also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.
We mobilise road rescue efforts where our trek leaders bring the person to be rescued down to the trailhead of the trek from where a car can take them to the nearest healthcare facility. The cost of rescue is not covered in the trek fee that we charge. It must be borne by the participant. However, if you opt for the insurance the cost of rescue operations can be claimed from the Insurance company on production of valid proof e.g. doctor’s prescription & hospital bills etc. Please note that Bikat Adventures is only a facilitator & not a party in the Insurance policy. You need to raise the claim request directly with the Insurance company. Bikat Adventures is not responsible for any rejection of claim. You can call the insurance provider directly for any clarifications related to the Insurance policy. Although not mandatory, we recommend buying the insurance. You don’t necessarily have to get the insurance we provide, you can pick an Insurance company of your choice and get a policy directly from them. If you need more information on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, get in touch with our customer support team.
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality and is overall top notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
That will depend on the nature of your medical condition. Do give us a call, and one of our people will help you understand what is best for you. If not this, we are sure there would be plenty of other options you can choose from our vast portfolio to pick as your next adventure.
We have rolling camps on all our trails. To know why we are strictly against the concept of Fixed Camping, read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas
This is a complex question and has a compound answer. The simple response is that because it is bad for the environment which we dearly love but if you are interested in a more detailed response to this question, please read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas
There are a number of measures that we take to prevent overcrowding on some of the most popular trails. Some of them are capping our group size at 15, capping the number of trekkers on a trail to 250 per season, constantly looking for newer trails and routes to spread the crowd around and providing incentives to our trekkers to try unexplored territories with us. We put in place the system of dynamic pricing, which is the first of its kind in the trekking industry, which incentivises trekkers to choose less crowded trails by offering higher discounts. We have noticed, since we started this system, that this has helped in a big way to spread out the crowds between trekking routes. We are also going international so as to relieve some of the stress on the Himalayan landscape as well as explore newer ranges and design newer experiences for our community. If you want a more detailed description of all our measures in this regard, please read Simple solutions to overcrowding on Himalayan Treks
Some basic things to remember are: do not use water, do not dispose of anything non-biodegradable inside the pits, carry your own roll of toilet paper and remember to cover up after yourself to leave a clean toilet for your fellow trekkers. Everything else is much the same like using an Indian style home toilet!
Most wet wipes are not biodegradable which means it could take 100 years or more for them to decompose – not the best thing if you are trying to ‘Leave No Trace’, right?
This is quite a tricky situation but not a hopeless one. Since most of our sanitary waste is not biodegradable, we recommend that you pack your pads/tampons neatly, store it in a zip-lock bag and bring it back down with you where there are better options to dispose of them. In case you do not have zip-lock bags, ask our trek leaders for them and they should be able to provide them to you.
Each trekker is responsible for the use and hygiene of their own eating utensils. And as a measure to maintain proper hygiene, we do not provide plates and spoons. Also, dipping your hands in cold water to wash your own utensils adds something to the overall joy of high-altitude living, wouldn’t you think?
On making the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation along with the packing list and a copy of the undertaking form via email. You will subsequently receive emails detailing documents required, how to prepare physically and mentally for the trek, information on pick-up location on the first day etc. Please add info@bikatadventures.com in your trusted emails list to make sure our emails don't go to your spam folder.
A Whatsapp group will be formed a few weeks before departure. Members from our team are on those groups as well. Feel free to seek any clarifications you require in regards to the trek, on the group itself. Updates related to transportation/pickup point/pickup timing, accommodation etc. will be shared on the Whatsapp group as well.
Yes, we create a Whatsapp group a few weeks before the departure date so that the flow of information remains smooth and transparent.
Yes, it is one of the mandatory documents you will need to submit before the trek starts. The soft copy is to be sent to us & the original should be on your person while on the trek.
Yes, we will provide you an undertaking form through email which will need to be filled up by you and submitted to us post booking.
Why Bikat?
Small Group Size
Qualified Trek Leaders
Guided Progression
Equipment Quality and Check
Support Systems
Communication
Small Group Size
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.
Qualified Trek Leaders
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures
Guided Progression
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
Equipment Quality and Check
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Support Systems
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Communication
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
What our customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date
Please Note:
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
Informative
During a full-fledged season of the Rupin Pass Trek some time ago, Pankaj (one of our founders) received a call about a bizarre situation that had developed on the slopes of the Rupin Pass. The call was from one of our guides who was assisting a batc...
Read full
Informative
The hiring process for a trek leader at Bikat Adventures is a lengthy one. This is primarily because the roles and responsibilities of a trek leader do not just end with treks. Bikat Adventures is one of the few organisations in India that has made t...
Read full
Informative
MOUNTAIN FEATURES THAT MUST BE A PART OF ANY TREKKER’S VOCAB!
While the terminology used in mountaineering is decently complex but the features that I am going to talk about are mostly the common ones. When we go to the mountains, trek...
Read full
Similar Adventures
Kang Yatse II Peak Trek
A Semi-Technical Peak in Ladakh
Ladakh
12 Days
BRS 6
6250 m
Friendship Peak Trek
A Springboard For Hardcore Mountaineering
Himachal
8 Days
BRS 6
5289 m
Jagatsukh Peak Trek
A Perfect Starting Point to Transition from Trekking to Climbing
Himachal
8 Days
BRS 6
5050 m
