Yala Peak Climbing: A perfect Climbing Peak for Beginners. Overview

Assorted under the climbing peak in Nepal by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), the Yala peak is counted as one of the easiest peaks to climb in Nepal. With an altitude of 5520 meters, the peak doesn’t demand any prior experience in climbing and trekking.

Also, the peak offers an idyllic experience for beginners who are about to initiate their climbing carrier. Yala peak climbing combined with the Langtang Valley trek will grant us an opportunity to explore various monasteries, Gompas, Chortens, and an amazing feeling of being at the top of the Himalayas.

The trail to the peak will pass through lush vegetation, forests, several monasteries and Gompas, and various Tibetan-influenced settlements. So, we get to witness the traditional culture of the Tibetan-dominated natives. Also, the Langtang region will savour us with a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, glaciers, and religiously significant lakes. Also, the landscapes and scenery witnessed along the trails and the mesmerizing and enchanting views of the high Himalayas will take our breath away during this journey.

Furthermore, the summit of Yala Peak will embrace us with a soul-stirring and breathtaking grand view of the high Himalayas such as Langtang Lirung, Lenpo Gang, Dorje Lakpa, and the great Sishapangma lying on the Tibetian side. Sishapangma is the lowest-altitude peak among the fourteen eight-thousanders peaks. Yala Peak can be considered one of the most popular low-altitude climbing peaks in the whole Langtang region. 

Though the climb is non-technical and doesn’t necessitate any prior experience in climbing, the trails leading to the summit demand high physical fitness and stamina. Furthermore, we must have a basic idea and knowledge to use climbing kits like ropes, crampons, axe, etc. Similarly, the expedition can be concluded as fairly safe and easy as the probability of Acute Mountain Sickness (ACM) or altitude sickness is very low. However, mounting with the guide is highly recommended and having travel insurance is a must.

Best Time for the Yala Peak Climbing

Same as any other climbing peak, the prime and optimal time for climbing and trekking in Nepal Yala Peak is the Spring season ( March to May), and Autumn Season ( September to November). The weather during this time of the year is mostly clear and expects very minimal rainfall. Moreover, the temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold.

However, the same cannot be said for winter and monsoon seasons. The temperature during the winter plunges to minus whereas the trails are muddy and slippery during the monsoon. Furthermore, the weather is very unpredictable and mostly covered by fog so, the views of the astounding Himalayas will be hampered.

 

1. day 1

   Day 1: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1462 m)

   Driving Hours	9-10 hours
   Highest Altitude	1462 m

   After a full preparation, we will commence our expedition by heading towards Syabrubesi. We can opt to travel on a public bus or a privately reserved jeep or van. The roads are pitched in most places so the drive is pretty easy.

   After a long drive of around 9-10 hours alongside the Trishuli river, we will reach Syabrubesi. We will pass through Dunche where we will stop for a lunch and continue our journey observing various settlements, waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers, and hills. Finally, we will halt in Syabrubesi for an overnight stay in a hotel.

   • Overnight stay in a hotel

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

2. day 2

   Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2500 m)

   Highest Altitude	2500 m
   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   We will trace our journey ahead early in the morning after breakfast. The trek starts from Syabrubesi and we will walk along the banks of the Langtang Khola. We will pass through several small human settlements and forests filled with Rhododendrons along the way.

   Moreover, we may see some of the endangered species of the Langtang National Park such as the Red Panda, bears, monkeys, etc along the route but only if we are lucky. After an uphill climb, we will reach Lama Hotel. A healthy reminder, Lama Hotel is a name of a place, not a hotel’s name. We will spend the night in a tea house.

   • Overnight stay in a tea house

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

3. day 3

   Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3307 m)

   Highest Altitude	3307 m
   Trek Duration	5 hours

   Same as yesterday, we will kick off our trek after an early morning healthy breakfast. We will climb uphill and pass through rhododendrons along the way. The trails in some places are a little bit risky because of the landslides.

   Also, we will meet a lot of mules and horses along the path as they are the only means of transport to carry the goods. After a further ascension, we will reach the freshly built Langtang village. The Langtang Village was devastated by the earthquake in 2015 as the whole village was covered by debris, stones and mud. Many people in the villages lost their lives in the process, so, a memorial place with the name of deceased people is built in the nearby villages.

   Still, tea houses and hotels are being built and the tourism industry is slowly gaining pace. Apart from that, we will perceive the beautiful Himalayas of the Langtang range such as Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa etc. We will spend our night in a tea house in Langtang village.

   • Overnight stay in a tea house

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

4. day 4

   Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3798 m)

   Highest Altitude	3798 m
   Trek Duration	4-5 hours

   After an early breakfast, we will head towards Kyanjin Gompa, famous for the local cheese factory and an ancient monastery. The trails are easy and after a short uphill hike, we can easily reach the Gompa. The place offers a mouth-watering and breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas of Langtang Range.

   Furthermore, the landscapes of hills perceived from the Kyanjin Gompa is very unique and soothing to our minds. Finally, we will spend our night in a tea house.

   • Overnight stay in a tea house

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

5. day 5

   Acclimatization at Kyanjin Gompa

   Highest Altitude	3798 m

   Our fifth day is allocated for acclimatization and rest. While hiking towards high-altitude areas, our body faces some difficulties to adjust so, it is of very vital importance to adjust our breathing and heart to avoid altitude sickness and other problems. We will explore the area and climb shorter hills as preparation and adjustment before going for Yala Peak. We will spend our night in a tea house.

   • Overnight stay in a tea house

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

6. day 6

   Kyanjin Gompa to Yala Base Camp (4940 m)

   Highest Altitude	4940 m

   As usual, we will initiate our expedition after an early morning breakfast. We will ascend uphill and pass through pasture lands and rock areas to reach Yala Base Camp. The alluring and appealing beautiful Langtang Range will encompass us along the whole way up to Base Camp.

   The trails are a bit rocky so, there is a risk of getting struck by a rock. Apart from that, the trails are okay and easy to walk. Finally, we will set up a camp in the Yala Base Camp for an overnight stay

   • Overnight stay in a tent.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

7. day 7

   Rest and Practise Day

   Highest Altitude	4940 m

   Before the ascension of Yala Peak, we will take a rest in the Base Camp and practise for the climb. We will train to use the climbing kit like crampons, axe, ropes etc. Also, our climbing guide will brief us about the possible dangers during the climb. After a whole day of practising and getting used to the usage of tools, we will spend the night in a tent.

   • Overnight stay in a tent

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

8. day 8

   Summit to the top of Yala Peak (5520 m) and Back to Kyanjin Gompa

   Highest Altitude	5520 m
   Trek Duration	10-12 hours

   We will start our climb very early in the morning at around 3 AM. The trails are fairly easy and can be easily climbed however, the presence of rocky paths may pose a danger to us. We may need rope and crampons at the end of our ascension.

   Other than that, we have to pay attention to the rocks because the climb is full of rocks up to the very top. After reaching the summit, we will be welcomed by a 360-degree expansive view of the Himalayas of the Langtang Range.

   Furthermore, the top will provide us with a peek at the great Sishapangma lying on the Tibetian side. Sishapangma is the lowest-altitude peak among the fourteen eight-thousanders peaks.    But, the weather may hamper our view. After a couple of pictures snapping, we will descend down towards the base camp and further down towards the Kyanjin Gompa, where we will hat for an overnight stay.

   • Overnight stay in a tea house.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

9. day 9

   Kyanjin Gompa to Ghodatabela

   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   Same as any other day, we will walk downhill from Kyanjin Gompa after an early morning breakfast. We will walk through the same trails and forests. The majestic view of the Himalayas will encompass half our way. After walking for 5-6 hours, we will stop at Ghodatabela for our overnight stay in a tea house.

   • Overnight stay in a tea house

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

10. day 10

    Ghodatabela to Syabrubesi

    Trek Duration	4-5 hours

    After an early morning breakfast, we will give continuity to our journey. We will head back along the banks of the Trishuli river and finally, halt our steps at Syabrubesi for a night in a hotel.

    • Overnight stay in a hotel

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

11. day 11

    Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu

    Driving Hours	9-10 hours

    After an early morning breakfast, we will hop onto the bus and drive back towards Kathmandu.

    • Overnight stay in a deluxe hotel

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• An experienced English-speaking Trekking/expedition Guide (Govt. registered), Cook, and Assistant Climbing Guide (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide).

• Porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter)

• High-quality North Face or Mountain Hardware or similar sleeping tent, kitchen, dining, toilet tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment during the climb

• Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) followed by a cup of Tea/Coffee during the trek and climb.

• Safe Drinking water

• One-hour Trekker's Massage upon completion of the trek

• All mountain accommodation (Last night private room with independent bathroom/hot showers in Pokhara.)

• A comprehensive medical kit

• Company T-Shirt and Broacher

• Trekking equipment, such as a down-filled sleeping bag and duffel bag

• Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant