YUNAM
Expedition OverviewThe climb
Towering above the wind-scoured scree plateaus of the Lahaul Valley near Baralacha La, Yunam Peak is an uncompromising non-technical six-thousand-metre ascent. At 6,111 metres, this peak offers ambitious mountain trekkers their first entry into extreme altitude without requiring steep vertical ice climbing or complex crevassed glacier travel. The route suits trekkers who have previously crossed high Himalayan passes and want to test their physiological stamina above six thousand metres. You drive through the Atal Tunnel and barren Trans-Himalayan landscapes before pitching camp at Bharatpur.
Your itinerary builds across two nights in Jispa and the high plateau of Bharatpur to ensure biological acclimatisation before high camp. The crux arrives on summit morning with a departure at three in the morning into biting mountain winds. You climb for eight to ten hours across steep thirty-eight degree loose shale, frozen scree, and hard-packed snow slopes, gaining 761 vertical metres from high camp. The final scree ridge demands balanced footwork and disciplined pacing, rewarding climbers with unhindered views across the Zanskar and Pir Panjal massifs.
Day by day
An intensive eight-day Trans-Himalayan progression over the Baralacha corridor, establishing high camp at 5,350 metres before the dawn summit push to 6,111 metres.
Sleeping altitude, night by night
Lahaul Valley progression curve to YUNAM summit ridge
Assemble at the Manali operations base for equipment verification, passport validation, pulse oximetry baseline checks, and a comprehensive briefing on high-altitude medical protocols.
What's included
All Trans-Himalayan road logistics, high-altitude mountain equipment, and experienced alpine guides are fully provided from Manali onward.
Included
- Expedition permits & environmental clearances:Himachal Pradesh administration approvals, local authority camping permits, and green cess documentation.
- Ex-military mountain guide leadership:IMF-qualified high-altitude mountain guides and rescue leaders at a strict 1:3 ratio with satellite tracking.
- High Camp & Base Camp expedition tents:Four-season geodesic mountain tents, heavy-duty insulated sub-zero floor mats, and wind-baffled dining shelters.
- Nutritionally dense high-altitude catering:Hot cooked high-carbohydrate meals, trail energy rations, boiled Himalayan mineral water, and continuous hot teas.
- Climbing hardware & fixed safety ropes:Fixed ropes, snow stakes, deadman anchors, climbing harnesses, and safety tethers for ridge exposure.
- Advanced high-altitude medical kit:Medical oxygen cylinders with multi-flow regulators, Gamow hyperbaric chamber staging, and dual digital oximeters.
Not included
- High-altitude mountaineering insurance:Compulsory travel insurance covering medical expenses, emergency search, and helicopter evacuation up to 6,200 metres.
- Transport to and from Manali:Personal road or flight travel between your home city and the expedition reporting point in Manali.
- Personal mountaineering boots & crampons:High-ankle semi-rigid mountain boots and 10/12-point crampons (available to hire from our gear depot).
- -20°C sleeping bag & down suit/jacket:High-loft down sleeping bag and baffled down jacket (available to rent from our Leh/Manali locker).
- Personal climbing accessories:Climbing helmet, sunglasses category 4, gaiters, and trekking poles (available for hire).
- Meals in Manali:Lunch and dinner in Manali cafes and restaurants on Day 1 and following return on Day 8.
What to pack, and what you can rent
Pack personal moisture-wicking base layers, technical alpine outerwear, and cold-weather clothing using our comprehensive kit list. High-grade mountaineering hardware—including 6,000m/8,000m double boots, crampons, ice axes, and sub-zero down sleeping bags—can be fitted and rented directly from our Leh Base HQ locker.
Booking & Cancellation Policies
Payment
A 25% non-refundable deposit secures your place on the expedition roster. The remaining balance of 75% is due exactly 30 days prior to Day 1 arrival in Manali. Payments can be completed by bank transfer or card.
If you cancel
Cancellations made more than 45 days before departure receive a 75% refund of total fee. Between 44 and 30 days, 50% is refunded. Within 30 days of Day 1, fees are non-refundable as permits, rations, and logistics are committed.
If we cancel
If Ridge Recon Unit cancels an expedition before departure due to military border restrictions, force majeure, or regulatory closures, you receive a 100% refund or full transfer to any future expedition within 24 months.
Common questions
Specific operational guidance for Kang Yatse II (6,250m)
You must have prior experience on high Himalayan treks reaching at least 4,500 metres, such as Hampta Pass or Pin Parvati. You do not need prior technical ice climbing skills, but you must be comfortable walking on steep loose scree and exposed high-altitude terrain.
Ready to break six thousand metres on Yunam?
Consult our mountain leaders to assess your acclimatisation readiness, footwear choices, and summer departure dates.
If this one is not right
Compare elevation profiles, duration, and terrain demands across alternative Himalayan itineraries.
UT Kangri
A Ladakhi six-thousander with true glaciated snow slopes and crampon work. Pick this if you prefer snow over loose scree and scree ridges.
Friendship Peak
Lower altitude with lush valley approaches and true snow climbing. A gentler entry point for climbers new to mountaineering boots.
Kang Yatse II
A full glaciated dome in Markha Valley with higher altitude and longer approach. Best if you want a complete multi-day expedition experience.