-
13 days
-
Langtang
-
Strenuous
-
5,500 m
-
From 1 person
-
Peak climbing
Highlights
- Summit of Yala Peak (5,500 m), a good first Himalayan climb
- Views of Shishapangma, Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa
- Kyanjin Gompa, its monastery and cheese factory
- The Langtang valley and its Tamang villages
- No flights: a jeep ride from Kathmandu to the trailhead
Overview
Yala Peak Climbing is one of the best first climbs in Nepal. You drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and trek up the Langtang valley through forest and Tamang villages to Kyanjin Gompa, below the glaciers of Langtang Lirung.
After an acclimatization hike to Kyanjin Ri you climb from base camp with a Sherpa climbing guide over rock slabs and a short snow slope to the summit (5,500 m), with a view across to Shishapangma in Tibet. The climb is less technical than Island Peak, so it suits fit trekkers who want to try a Himalayan summit.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the best seasons for the climb, with stable weather and clear views. Autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is very cold at base camp and the summit can be icy. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain, cloud and landslide risk on the road, so we do not recommend it.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a strenuous trip that combines a trek in the Langtang valley with a guided climb. Summit day is long, eight to ten hours, and you use crampons, a harness and fixed ropes on the upper section. No previous climbing experience is needed, but you must be fit and comfortable walking for several days at altitude.
The acclimatization hike to Kyanjin Ri and the reserve day help your body adjust. Training with long hikes, stairs and strength exercise before the trip makes the climb far more enjoyable.
Permits
You need a Langtang National Park permit, a TIMS card and a Yala Peak climbing permit.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A drive of 6–7 hours takes you north through the Trishuli valley, past terraced hillsides and small towns. The road can be rough in places. You arrive in Syabrubesi, the starting point of the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Syabrubesi (1,462 m).
The trail follows the Langtang Khola upstream through oak and bamboo forest, where you may spot langur monkeys. It is a steady climb with a few steep sections. Overnight in a teahouse in Lama Hotel (2,480 m).
The forest gradually opens out as you pass Ghoda Tabela and enter the wide upper valley, with views of Langtang Lirung. Yak pastures and prayer flags line the way to Langtang Village. Overnight in a teahouse in Langtang Village (3,430 m).
A shorter day takes you past long mani walls, chortens and yak pastures to Kyanjin Gompa, surrounded by snow peaks. The afternoon is free to rest and visit the monastery. Overnight in a teahouse in Kyanjin Gompa (3,830 m).
A morning climb to Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) gives wide views of Langtang Lirung, the Langtang glaciers and Yala Peak, and helps your body adjust. In the afternoon your climbing guide checks your gear. The hike takes four to five hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Kyanjin Gompa (3,830 m).
The trail climbs past yak pastures at Yala Kharka to base camp on a rocky shoulder below the peak, a walk of four to five hours. In the afternoon your climbing guide runs a training session on fixed ropes, crampons and ascenders. Overnight in a tented camp at Yala Peak Base Camp (4,600 m).
You start before dawn and climb rock slabs and a short snow slope to the summit (5,500 m), with views of Shishapangma in Tibet, Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa. After the summit you descend all the way to Kyanjin Gompa, a long day of eight to ten hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Kyanjin Gompa (3,830 m).
This day is kept free in case bad weather delays the summit. If the climb went to plan, you can visit the cheese factory and the old monastery, or rest. Overnight in a teahouse in Kyanjin Gompa (3,830 m).
Today you retrace your steps down the valley past Langtang Village and Ghoda Tabela. The descent is easier on the lungs, and you see the valley from a new angle. Overnight in a teahouse in Lama Hotel (2,480 m).
The trail continues down along the river through forest to Syabrubesi and the road. In the evening you can enjoy a last night in the mountains with your crew. Overnight in a teahouse in Syabrubesi (1,462 m).
A drive of around 6–7 hours back through the Trishuli valley brings you to Kathmandu. The evening is free to rest, enjoy a hot shower or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
