Mount Yunam Expedition

Mount Yunam or Yunam Peak is a high-altitude expedition trek (6,111 m) located in the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh. Though it's a high-altitude trek, it's relatively an easy expedition due to its non technical climbing. The success rate of climbing Yunam Peak is mostly high, this is the reason for its popularity among mountaineers and trekkers.

The Mount Yunam expedition trek usually starts from the small village of Bharatpur near the Baralacha La Pass. Baralacha La Pass lies on the Leh-Manali highway in a dry, cold and windy region of Himalaya. The trek offers the breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks, barren valleys and high-altitude mountain passes.

The total duration of the Mount Yunam expedition trek is around 7 days. The trails pass through rocky terrain, scree slopes, glacial sections especially near the summit. While the trek is not technically challenging, the high altitude summit push makes it physically testing. The climbing demands proper acclimatization, physical stamina, mental strength and willingness to reach the top.

Bharatpur is the basecamp chosen by most trekkers. Trekkers usually start summit push at midnight to reach the top at sunrise. Summit push can be longer and tiring but absolutely rewarding at the end. From the top, you get to see a 360-degree view of the mountains of Ladakh and Spiti.

Mount Yunam expedition trek is ideal for seasoned trekkers or fit beginners. It also serves as a great training for higher expeditions. The best time to do it is between July and September. The entire experience of Mount Yunam expedition is full of adventure and Himalayan core scenic beauty.

History of Mount Yunam Expedition

Mount Yunam region is considered deeply spiritual. Though there are limited or almost no historical records are available regarding Mount Yunam, the Lahul and Spiti regions are considered revered in Hinduism and Buddhism. As per pre-Buddhist belief systems, the high mountains are believed the abodes of deities who are the protectors of the land. The region is considered ideal for meditation and spiritual introspection. In Hinduism, the high peaks of Himalayas are considered the abodes of Lord Shiva.

During ancient times, the high-altitude deserts of the Lahul and Spiti regions have been part of the Indo-Tibetan trade. Later in the medieval period, the region around the Yunam Peak came under the influence of Lahul and Spiti Valley monarchies and was ruled by the local chieftains. The famous Baralacha La Pass was famous among the trade caravans. Due to harsh terrain, the Mount Yunam region remained protected from major invasions but it never lost its significance among traders.

In recent decades, when mountaineering became popular, many expeditions began. Yunam Peak also became popular for its relatively easy and non-technical climbing. Mountaineers who prepare for high-altitude summits like Stok Kangri or Mentok Kangri, Yunam Peak serves as a training spot. Mount Yunam is now managed under local administration and attracts many trekkers and climbers across the globe.

Highlights of Mount Yunam Expedition

• High-Altitude Summit (6,111 m): Mount Yunam is counted as one of the tallest peaks in the Indian Himalayas and the best thing about it is that it doesn’t need particular technical skills. It's an ideal summit for aspiring mountaineers.
• Panoramic Summit Views: Mount Yunam offers breathtaking views of Lahaul and Spiti valleys, Chandra Bhaga range, Baralacha La pass and glimpses of Zanskar and Ladakh mountains on clear sky days.
• Bharatpur Campsite (4,800 m): Bharatpur is a famous campsite among trekkers. It serves as an acclimatization spot and offers a peaceful environment surrounded by distant snow peaks and alpine flora.
• High-Altitude Flora: Though the region of Mount Yunam is barren and cold, at the lower altitude, you will spot alpine vegetation like wild thyme blue poppies, edelweiss and lichen-covered rocks.
• Wildlife Sightings: Mount Yunam expedition trek offers rare sightings of Himalayan fauna such as blue sheep (bharal), red foxes, snow partridges and sometimes Tibetan wild ass (kiang). These wildlife spotting opportunities make the trek exciting.
• Diverse Terrain Adventure: Mount Yunam expedition offers an adventure of passing through different sorts of terrains like loose scree, rocky paths, glacial zones that too without technical difficulties.
• Low Human Disturbance: If you're a trekker who wants to embark on an adventurous journey without being too much disturbed by the crowd then Mount Yunam expedition offers a perfect blend of quietness and pristinity. For solitude seekers, it's heaven.

Difficulty Level of the Mount Yunam Expedition

Mount Yunam stands tall at an altitude of 6,111 m (20,050 ft). Regardless of its high-altitude it is considered one of the easiest 6000-meter expeditions in the Indian Himalayas, but easiest doesn't mean for kids, families and unfit beginners. Due to its high altitude, uneven terrain and unpredictable weather, the climb to it is still challenging.

The trail of Mount Yunam is cold, dry, rocky and consists of glacial lands, specifically near the summit. The terrain is barren and remote and requires proper navigation.

The expedition starts from Bharatpur (near Baralacha La Pass) and climbing to basecamp takes around 3-4 hrs. From basecamp summit takes 8 to 10 hrs which feels long and exhausting. Most trekkers start the summit at midnight to reach at the time of sunrise.

Though the climbing to Mount Yunam is not technically difficult, some technical support is required especially during the harsh weather conditions like snowfall. A proper team and professional guides are essential for safety and emergency situations. Trek duration is about one week (6-7 days) including acclimatization days.

The weather during the summit can be unpredictable, climbers must be updated on weather conditions. Temperature can drop to -10°C or even below at night. Proper clothing and other essentials are must to carry. Trekkers can be prone to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) so proper acclimatization is crucial.

Overall, for experienced trekkers or climbers, it's not a difficult expedition. The success rate of climbing the summit is mostly high. If beginners (with physical fitness) are attempting it, they must follow the trekking guidelines.

Best Time to Visit Mount Yunam Expedition

The best time to trek Mount Yunam is from mid-June to mid-September. During this window weather is relatively stable and trails are accessible. Outside this window, the weather conditions are very harsh and heavy snowfall blocks the way.

June

By late June, the snow starts melting and trails become accessible and safe. However, the snow relics are still present on the trail and at higher altitudes. Daytime temperature is around 10°C to 15°C while at nighttime it can drop to below 0°C. The air is crisp and sky is mostly clear.

July to Mid-August

During this time the weather is comfortable but occasional rain can add difficulty. Daytime temperature remains between 12°C and 18°C and nighttime it can be around 3°C to below O°C. The sky is often clear apart from rain time.

Late August to Mid-September

By this time rain goes away and the sky remains clearer. Also, during this window few trekkers attempt Mount Yunam, so for the solitude seekers, it's an ideal time. Temperature remains similar to June-July, from 10°C to 16°C in daytime and at nighttime around 2°C to below 0°C. By mid-September, the arrival of autumn makes terrain dry and barren. After mid-September, snowfall chances increase.

How to Reach Mount Yunam Expedition

Reach Manali (Himachal Pradesh). You can take a bus or flight (via Bhuntar Airport) to reach Manali. After reaching Manali, proceed 3 km uphill to Vashisht (2,050 m) via auto or on foot. Stay overnight.

Travel to Jispa/Keylong (115 km drive north) along the Leh-Manali highway. You can opt short hikes for acclimatization.

Continue across Baralacha La pass and reach Bharatpur (4,700 m) passing Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal. Bharatpur is basecamp for Mount Yunam expedition.

Trek 4-5 km from Bharatpur over moraine terrain. Acclimatize here with short hikes and gear training.

Move to the summit push. Start at midnight (2 AM) to reach at the time of sunrise. Start ascent to the top (6,100 m). Return to base camp the same day after a 12-14 hr round trip.

Trek back to Bharatpur then drive back to Manali.