Climbing in India

Climbers who venture into the Indian Himalayas often find the experience unforgettable. With a wide range of options, from 6000-meter mountains to 7000-meter giants, these Himalayan expeditions challenge even the most experienced adventurers.

In India, climbing expeditions typically last between 7 to 20 days, depending on the difficulty. However, the Indian Himalayas also welcome beginners and those with little to no experience. Many peaks across the country remain accessible to climbers with minimal mountaineering skills, allowing them to transition into high-altitude climbing. Yunam Peak in India offers a beginner-friendly climbing opportunity for first-time climbers eager to transition from trekking to mountaineering.

Yunam Peak Overview

Standing tall at 20,049 feet above sea level, Yunam Peak is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. This 6000-meter climbing peak has gained recognition among hardcore adventurers but still remains an off-beat climb. Yunam Peak lies in the Spiti – Lahaul locale, known for its resemblance to Ladakh. It serves as an excellent choice for those looking to break the 6000-meter barrier while attempting something manageable. Other peaks like Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse draw more attention and attract more climbers. However, Yunam Peak remains less crowded and has had fewer attempts because it gets overshadowed by the more popular peaks.

The summit of Yunam Peak offers stunning views of the Chandrabhaga and Mullika ranges, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that usually leaves climbers speechless. If you are a trekker enthusiastic about undertaking a climb and seeking a less crowded, more off-beat path, Yunam Peak makes an ideal option for you.

Climb Facts

• Region: Himachal Pradesh
• Duration: 8 days
• Altitude: 6,111 meters | 20,049 feet
• Distance: 22 kilometers
• Season: April to November
• Airport: Bhuntar (52 km from Manali)

Start and End Points

The starting point for the Yunam Peak expedition is in Manali. The group arrives in Manali for an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel. The expedition involves considerable driving.

Starting from Manali, we drive for 2 days, with stops at Keylong/Jispa and then at Bharatpur.

At Bharatpur, you will already be at 4600 meters and spend an extra day acclimatizing. From there, we continue our journey to the summit camp. From summit camp, we set out to the top of the peak, complete our summit, and trek back down to Bharatpur.

The end point of the journey is Bharatpur. From there, we drive back to Manali where our expedition ends.

Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Arrival in Manali and overnight stay
• Day 2: Drive from Manali to Bharatpur
• Day 3: Acclimatization hike and rest day at Bharatpur
• Day 4: Trek from Bharatpur to Yunam Peak Base Camp
• Day 5: Base camp acclimatization
• Day 6: Base camp to summit and back to Bharatpur village
• Day 7: Drive from Bharatpur to Manali
• Day 8: Departure from Manali

Can a beginner climb Yunam Peak?

A beginner can climb Yunam Peak provided they have experience with high-altitude trekking and exposure to altitudes above 5000 meters. The summit of Yunam Peak takes climbers to approximately 6111 meters, or roughly 20,049 feet.

To summit a 6000+ meter mountain, aspiring climbers must prepare physically and mentally. Though Yunam is a beginner-friendly climb, it is not a cakewalk and demands excellent physical and mental fitness.

Yunam Peak is a non-technical peak and does not require advanced mountaineering skills. However, depending on the weather conditions, climbers may need to use micro-spikes and crampons.

What physical fitness preparation is needed?

To successfully summit Yunam Peak, climbers must be in excellent physical shape. The expedition will take you above 6000 meters, requiring substantial physical and mental preparation.

Even if you are a first-time climber, we recommend exposure to a high-altitude environment to help your body adjust to the low oxygen levels and harsh terrain. For example, treks like Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Annapurna Circuit, and Manaslu Circuit take you beyond the 5500-meter mark. If you wish to climb your first 6000-meter peak, we recommend having some high-altitude trekking experience.

Additionally, a minimum of 4 months of physical fitness training is necessary to prepare both your mind and body for your expedition to Yunam Peak.

Best Season

The best months to climb Yunam Peak are between July and September. These months provide more favorable conditions, making it advisable to attempt the climb during this period. Climbing the peak during winters or off season months, though possible can be very dangerous due to the stronger wind factor, harsh cold and snow conditions etc.

It is not recommended for beginners to consider the peak for an off season climb keeping in mind the safety concerns.

Expected Temperature

The temperature during any climbing expedition varies depending on the time of day, wind chill, and changes in weather patterns. In the most favorable conditions, the maximum temperature during the expedition will range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, and the minimum will range from 0 to -15 degrees.

As you gain altitude, the temperature drops. Climbers must prepare with the required gear and layers, keeping in mind the nature of high-altitude climbing.

What are the challenges on this expedition?

Climbers attempting Yunam Peak should be mentally prepared for several challenges:

• Weather Windows: Weather can change quickly, and high winds can delay or stop summit attempts. Climbers must monitor weather patterns and plan summit pushes around good weather windows.
• Acclimatization: Acclimatization is essential to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Climbers must follow a careful schedule with rest days to prevent AMS and ensure they are physically prepared for higher altitudes.
• Technical Skills: Though Yunam Peak does not require technical skills, climbers may need to use micro-spikes depending on snow conditions. Climbers must be confident using these on snow-covered sections.
• Fitness: Physical fitness is crucial for Yunam Peak. The ascent to the summit and back demands stamina and endurance. Climbers must be physically and mentally prepared to push through fatigue at high altitudes.

What are the staying arrangements and washroom facilities available on this expedition?

The accommodation during the Yunam Peak expedition will be camping-style. Adventure Pulse campsites will include the following:

• Dining Area: We will set up a dedicated dining tent with tables and comfortable chairs where the expedition team will have all their meals.
• Sleeping Area: At Adventure Pulse, we ensure quality and comfort. Our 3-man tents will have double occupancy with expedition sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows, and foam sheets for each trekker, guaranteeing a good night’s sleep.
• Kitchen Area: We will set up a kitchen area where we will freshly prepare all the expedition meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and high teas.
• Restroom Area: We will provide two types of toilet systems: one in the Indian pit-loo format and one similar to western-style airplane toilets. We will place the restroom tents a little away from the sleeping and kitchen areas to maintain comfort and hygiene.

High Altitude Gear and apparel needed for Yunam Peak

Extreme temperature variations, high altitude, snow glare & proximity to sun are certain factors which necessitate the need for proper trekking and mountaineering equipment. In order to enjoy your experience in the mountains, we have recommended that you carry the right gear for your expedition.

Important apparel that you will for your Yunam Peak climb with include all high altitude layering equipment like – Down jacket, wind-cheater, Rain poncho, fleece, thermals, etc. Along with these you will require good quality trekking boots, and other accessories including rucksacks, trekking poles etc.

Depending on the snow condition and weather, there will also be a requirement for you to carry micro-spikes on the expedition.

Adventure Pulse as My Climbing Partner

At Adventure Pulse, we prioritize your safety! We proudly maintain a 100% safety record throughout all our treks and expeditions worldwide. With high support staff and qualified climbing guides, we ensure that your expedition will be both safe and enjoyable. Climbing Yunam Peak with our team will not only ensure your safety but also allow you to experience premium climbing in India.