Yala Peak Climbing - 14 Days

Langtang · 14 Days

Yala Peak Climbing - 14 Days

· Strenuous · Max altitude 5,732m (18,799 ft) at Yala Peak summit · Max group 2-16 people

Duration

14 Days

Max Altitude

5,732m (18,799 ft)

at Yala Peak summit

Grade

Strenuous

Lodging

Teahouse / Tented camp

Overview

Yala Peak (5,732m) is the gentlest of the NMA "trekking peaks" in the Langtang region - a non-technical snow climb that gives you a Himalayan summit experience without the rope-and-crampon technicality of Island Peak or Mera. The climb sits above Kyanjin Gompa in upper Langtang Valley and is normally combined with a 5-day acclimatisation trek from Syabrubesi. This 14-day itinerary builds in a Kyangjin Ri side hike before the climb so your body has a true sleep-low-climb-high day at 4,500m.

The summit day is a 6-7 hour push from a high camp at 4,940m. You will use crampons and a fixed rope on the final 80-metre snow ridge but no ice-axe arrest skills or technical climbing experience are required. Views from the top include Langtang Lirung (7,234m), Shishapangma (8,027m - across the Tibet border), Dorje Lakpa (6,966m) and the full Langtang massif. Lodge-based until base camp, then two tented nights for the summit attempt.

Highlights

  • Summit a 5,732m Himalayan peak with no technical climbing experience required
  • Stand on the Tibetan border with Shishapangma (8,027m) directly to the north
  • Walk the full Langtang Valley - earthquake-recovered villages, Tamang culture, yak pastures
  • Two acclimatisation hikes built in: Kyangjin Ri (4,773m) and Tsergo Ri (5,033m)
  • Lodge-based until summit day; only two nights in tent
  • Cross suspension bridges and bamboo forests on the approach
  • Visit Kyanjin Gompa - the 700-year-old monastery and Langtang cheese factory
  • All climbing gear (crampons, harness, helmet, ice-axe) included
  • Sherpa climbing guide with summit experience
  • No flights required - jeep access from Kathmandu

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)

🍽 None included

Airport welcome and transfer to your hotel in Thamel.

Day 2

Drive Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,450m)

⏱ 7-8 hours ↔ 122 km 🍽 Breakfast, Dinner

Private jeep north along the Trishuli river.

Day 3

Trek Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel (2,480m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Forest walk along the Langtang Khola.

Day 4

Trek Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,420m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb into the open valley with first big mountain views.

Day 5

Trek Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,880m)

⏱ 4-5 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Short walking day to the historic monastery and cheese factory.

Day 6

Acclimatisation at Kyangjin Ri (4,773m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day hike to the viewpoint above Kyanjin Gompa. Sleep low at 3,880m.

Day 7

Trek Kyanjin Gompa to Yala Base Camp (4,940m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb to the glacial moraine base camp. First night in tent.

Day 8

Summit Yala Peak (5,732m) and descend to Mundu (3,545m)

⏱ 10-12 hours ↔ 8 km ▲ 5,732m 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The big day. Pre-dawn start with headlamps, glacier traverse, fixed-rope summit ridge, photos at the top, then descend all the way to Mundu for the night.

Day 9

Trek Mundu to Lama Hotel (2,480m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long downhill day through Langtang Village.

Day 10

Trek Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi (1,450m)

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Final walking section back to the trailhead.

Day 11

Drive Syabrubesi to Kathmandu

⏱ 7-8 hours 🍽 Breakfast

Return jeep transfer.

Day 12

Rest day in Kathmandu

🍽 Breakfast

Spare day - useful as weather contingency.

Day 13

Kathmandu sightseeing

🍽 Breakfast

Half-day heritage tour of Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Farewell dinner.

Day 14

Departure

🍽 Breakfast

Airport transfer for your onward flight.

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What's included

Included

  • Private jeep transfer Kathmandu-Syabrubesi and return
  • Airport pickup and drop in Kathmandu
  • 3 nights twin-share 3-star Kathmandu hotel
  • Teahouse lodging on the trekking days
  • Two nights tented camp at Yala Base Camp and high camp
  • Three meals per day during the trek and climb
  • Langtang National Park permit and TIMS card
  • Yala Peak NMA climbing permit
  • Senior climbing Sherpa guide and assistant guide
  • Climbing gear hire (crampons, harness, helmet, ice-axe, climbing boots)
  • Group fixed-rope on the summit ridge
  • 1 porter per 2 trekkers (insured)
  • All applicable taxes
  • HHT duffel bag

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (compulsory)
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
  • Bottled drinks, alcohol, hot showers, charging
  • Personal climbing kit (boots, gloves, base layers)
  • Tips for the climbing crew

Trek guide

Yala Peak in Context

Yala is graded PD- (Peu Difficile minus) in the Alpine system. The 80m summit snow ridge is the only section that requires a fixed rope. The remainder is a glacier walk with crampons over moderate snow. NMA classifies it as a "trekking peak" rather than an "expedition peak" - the permit is cheaper and the route is open without prior climbing certification.

The Approach

Days 2-6 follow the classic Langtang Valley teahouse trail: Syabrubesi - Lama Hotel - Langtang Village - Kyanjin Gompa. This route was devastated by the 2015 earthquake (Langtang village was wiped out by a landslide-triggered ice avalanche) and has been rebuilt as a model recovery zone. Tamang community lodges replaced the original buildings.

Acclimatisation

  • Day 6: Rest at Kyanjin Gompa with Kyangjin Ri (4,773m) day hike
  • Day 7: Optional Tsergo Ri (5,033m) for the harder profile
  • Sleep at 3,880m through nights 5 and 6

These two days give the AMS-prevention window before the climb proper.

The Climb

  • Base camp: 4,940m, glacial moraine, two tents
  • High camp: 5,300m (optional)
  • Summit day: Wake 3am, headlamp departure, summit by 8-10am, return to base camp by mid-afternoon
  • Equipment: Crampons, helmet, harness, ice-axe, fixed-rope

Climbing Gear

We include all technical group equipment. You should bring your own well-broken-in mountaineering boots (B2 or B3 rated), insulated gloves and personal base layers.

Permits

  • Langtang National Park entry permit
  • TIMS card
  • Yala Peak NMA climbing permit (US$250 in the spring season)

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Stable weather, longer days, slightly warmer
  • Autumn (September-November): Clearest visibility but colder summit-day temperatures

Fitness

Strenuous. The summit day is a 10-12 hour effort from base camp. Capable of 6 hours of trekking with a daypack on consecutive days, plus prior altitude experience to 4,500m strongly recommended.

Packing list

Clothing: -25C down jacket, fleece, soft-shell, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermals (2 sets), 6 pairs socks (2 wool, 4 trek), beanie, sun hat, balaclava, neck buff

Climbing-specific: B2 mountaineering boots, gaiters, insulated mountaineering mittens + liner gloves, 2x climbing helmets straps liners, summit suit optional in winter

Accessories: 35L daypack, 60L duffel for porter, -25C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp + spare batteries, glacier sunglasses (cat 4), 2L water bottles, insulated bottle cover, hand warmers

Documents: Passport with Nepal visa, insurance with climbing-to-6000m cover, 4 passport photos

Medical: Diamox, painkillers, blister care, SPF 50+ glacier-grade, lip balm

Frequently asked questions

How technical is the climb?
Non-technical except for one 80m fixed-rope snow section. No ice-axe arrest skills required.

Have I trained enough?
If you can hike 6 hours uphill with a 7kg pack and have spent at least one night above 4,000m before, you should be capable.

What happens if weather closes summit day?
We have a contingency day built into the itinerary - one extra summit attempt possible.

Can I rent climbing boots in Kathmandu?
Yes - quality varies. We recommend bringing your own well-broken-in pair.

How cold is the summit?
-15 to -25C at dawn. A summit suit is optional but warm gloves are essential.

Is altitude sickness a real risk?
Yes - the climb tops 5,700m. Diamox is recommended from Day 5 onwards.

How does Yala compare to Island Peak?
Yala is shorter (14 vs 16 days), lower (5,732 vs 6,189m), less technical and cheaper. Island has the more dramatic summit ridge.

Can I trek without doing the summit?
Yes - the Langtang Valley alone is a great trek. You can break off at Kyanjin Gompa and return.

Do I need prior climbing experience?
No formal experience required. Multi-day trekking experience at altitude is enough.

Are there toilets at base camp?
Yes - dedicated toilet tent with portable pit.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $1395

per person

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