Yala Peak Climbing 11 Days

Best time for Yala Peak Climbing

Yala Peak Climbing is best in the fall (September -November) and spring (March-May). These seasons are marked by good weather, clear mountain sightseeing, and described weather conditions, a good time to trek in the Langtang Valley and also provide the times to have a safe summit push.

Autumn is regarded as the best season of the Yala Peak. Once the monsoons are over, the atmosphere turns crystal clear, the skies are always blue and the weather is cool. Due to the certainty of the weather, it is also the most active season of trekking, and the paths may be crowded with other travelers.

The other season that is better to climb is spring. There is usually stable weather, the trails are not as full as they are in the autumn, and the Langtang Valley is lively with blooming rhododendrons and green scenery. There is easier accommodation and the prices can be a bit lower as there are fewer visitors.

The summer (June-August) season of climbing Yala Peak is not advisable because of massive monsoon rains, slippery paths, and lack of visibility. It is extremely cold during winter (December-February), there are deep snows and high winds that can block the route and make the ascent treacherous. To provide a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable climbing experience, spring and autumn continue to be the most appropriate seasons.

Elevation and Distance on Yala Peak Climbing

Yala Peak Climbing expedition will bring you to the very core of the beautiful Langtang Valley which is about 77 km north of Kathmandu. Though the traditional Langtang Valley Trek is an approximately 55 km walk only, the complete Yala Peak Climbing itinerary is a longer route since this one also involves the approach to the Yala Peak Base Camp and to the summit.

You start and finish your adventure in Syabrubesi, a trekking gateway that is relatively popular with a distance of approximately 112 km around Kathmandu. The path then gradually climbs through the forests, alpine plain, and mountain towns to a higher terrain of the Himalayas.

The climax of the journey is the summit of Yala peak at 5,550 meters with outstanding panoramic views of the Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Ganchenpo and even the Shishapangma in Tibet. The Yala Peak Base Camp will serve as the place where you will stay before the summit day at about 4,600 meters. The summit is about 9 km above Base Camp and can be climbed in a non-technical and consistent fashion.

This medium range, slow increase in altitude and a relaxed schedule of climbing makes Yala Peak one of the easiest entry level climbing peaks in Nepal.

Minimum/maximum walk per day

In the 11 days Yala Peak Climbing and trekking itinerary should be expected, the average length of walking days being 5 to 6 hours daily. The specific length of the time taken depends on the elevation gain on the day and the terrain, as well as the villages that are part of the route. Day 5 is one of the shortest trekking days and it involves a walk through the Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa in a scenic and easy hike that normally takes to 4 hours.

The hike to Kyanjin Ri is also shorter and can take 3 to 4 hours which allows your body to acclimatize to the rising altitude. The climax day of the whole journey is the summit day, which is the longest and most taxing day, when you reach the Yala Peak and go back to the Kyanjin Gompa. This entire ascending and descending exercise takes approximately 8 to 9 hours, depending on the weather conditions and the pace of the individual.

It is also the most rewarding day of the expedition though hard at the time, as one gets breathtaking views of the Himalayas on the peak.

Difficulty and Acclimatization on Yala Peak Climbing

The Yala Peak is a high altitude trekking peak in the Langtang Valley, north of Kathmandu and is graded as Grade F (Facile) according to the Alpine Grading System. This implies that it is termed as one of the simplest peaks within the Himalayas, where there is simple trekking which has a slow gradual ascent with no serious technical difficulties. The path between the Base Camp and the peak has minimal crevasses, and the majority of the ascent is by the smooth snow slopes.

The last 5400 meters to the summit ridge could be difficult to reach without fixed ropes or handlines because of the snow or ice. Crampons, ice axe, and a harness will be used on these areas, yet the methods are not complex and are easy to learn. This is why the Yala Peak is a great option when a first-time climber already has some background experience in trekking and wants to make his/her first step in the Himalayan mountaineering.

Yala Peak is another popular one day acclimatization mountain pursuit to more challenging ones such as Naya Kanga Peak Climbing, yet it is a great destination in its own right. Gradual acclimatization is highly emphasized in our itinerary to make sure that you are safe and comfortable.

A special rest and acclimatization day will be at Kyanjin Gompa where you will take a hike to the Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) the best warm up which will prepare your body to be at the altitude of Yala Peak. Walking hours are moderate, not more than 5-6 hours a day, with the exception of 5 hours on the peak day which is the most arduous and longest day of the journey.

This moderate course of action will make sure your body gradually adapts to it as your main probability of enjoying a successful and pleasant summit experience.

Can a beginner join Yala Peak Climbing?

Yala Peak is generally considered to be one of the most appropriate Himalayan peaks of this group as it is non-technical and the climbing path is relatively simple. Being a simple trekking peak according to the Nepal Mountaineering Association, it is one of the best introductions to alpine climbing and does not necessitate mountain climbing skills.

Though rudimentary understanding of crampons, ice axes, and snow movement is useful, ascending it is not very difficult to fit trekkers who are beginner climbers. Summit day entails about 180 meters of snow climbing on a slope of about 35-40 degrees with an overall elevation gain of about 650 meters thus being sensual yet affordable.

The journey to Yala Peak Base Camp, which lies at 4,600 meters, is also easy to climb, and the trekking distances are moderate with the gradual increase of the altitude in a picturesque trail along the Langtang Valley. During the expedition, climbers are accommodated in nice tea houses until they arrive at the base camp where they have to spend one night in tents.

An experienced and skilled guide takes the climb and supports every time, giving instructions and technical advice to ensure the climb is safe. Moreover, basic training sessions are also held in Kyanjin Gompa and Base Camp where beginners are taught to gain confidence and master the fundamental skills to be used during a successful and enjoyable climb.

Preparing and training for Yala Peak Climbing

To ascend the 5,500 meters high Yala Peak, one has to be physically fit, and early preparation will make climbing the mountain much easier and more pleasant. It is usually advisable to have at least two months of specialized training since endurance is one of the most important qualities that are required when climbing the mountain.

It does not matter whether you walk, run, bike, or even swim, consistency is essential and it will be best to have a not less than 4- 5 hours of training with a minimum of 500 meters of positive elevation gain at least once a week.

For urban dwellers who use running or swimming more often, a schedule of three training sessions a week is a good one, with the number of sessions going up slowly as you get fitter. Whatever your field of study, attempt to schedule more time in the outdoors to get a chance to test your equipment under its normal use, and also so that you are well acquainted with it by the time you reach the mountain, you can avoid any surprises subsequent to the actual climbing.

Altitude Sickness

Our 11 days of climbing Yala Peak will involve four nights in altitudes above 3,500 meters, with the low oxygen level sometimes causing acute mountain sickness or as it is more popularly referred to, altitude sickness. As the maximum height of this tour is approximately 5,500 meters, any symptoms associated with the altitude are usually mild and can involve insomnia, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, or fatigue that can be improved in most cases by simply resting the body and allowing it time to adapt within two to three days.

Others opt to take Diamox to aid and accelerate the acclimatization process, especially in journeys above 3000 m. It may be taken one day prior to the expedition in half a tablet of the substance in the morning and half in the evening.

Nevertheless, Diamox cannot be employed to climb higher once the symptoms have started, and it should not be used by people whose kidneys are not normal and those who have already been prescribed some other drugs. Preferably, mountaineers need to be more adaptable to their physical state as opposed to using medication and one of the best methods to avoid the effects of altitude is to keep your body well hydrated during the expedition even in cases where you do not feel thirsty.

Alternate routes

In order to make your Yala Peak climbing trip more adventurous, you may expand your trip to include the 5,130-meter Ganja La passover or even more summits. Once you have ascended the summit of Yala Peak and back to Kyanjin Gompa, you can plan the following day on other nearby climbing goal like Naya Kanga Peak or Paldor Peak, whereas others of the group may opt to walk towards Nyengang Kharka, cross the dramatic Ganja La Pass, and move on to Keldang.

Thence the path winds down to the old towns of Tarkeghyang and Sermathang, thence, lastly, to Melamchi and Kathmandu. You have one more option of extensions, which is to take the classic Helambu route: once you are done with the peak of Yala, and you come back to Kyanjin Gompa, you hike to Shin Gompa, further on to the sacred Lake Gosaikunda and cross the high Lauribina Pass and proceed to Tharepati, Tarkeghyang, and Sermathang on your way back to the valley.

Transportation, accommodation, meals and drinks on Yala Peak Climbing

Your Nepal adventure will start with a personal car service from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to your hotel, where you will spend the nights will be spent in a comfortable tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu. The very personal transfer that took you to the beginning of your journey will also take you back to TIA at the end of your journey.

Your trip to Syabrubesi will be organized at Kathmandu either by the tourist bus or private jeep providing you with a scenic ride through the scenic countryside of Nepal. It is by the same means of transportation that you will see Kathmandu at the end of your trek.

You will spend the nights along the way in tea houses mainly. These lodges are primarily family-owned and they provide comfortable rooms and homemade food which contains traditional cuisine like dal bhat, noodles, soups, momos, and pancakes. Full board meals will be taken, with fresh fruit after dinner. Water is served at all lodges and trekkers can either buy bottled water or purchase purification tablets given.

Another special treat about the trek is that you will spend your night in Yala Peak Base Camp where you will be settled in a warm and comfortable alpine grade tent. The tents have a mattress and other necessities so that one can have a peaceful night among the mountains.

In Kathmandu, you will have breakfast at your hotel every day, whereas all meals are included in the trek, and you can dedicate more time to the beautiful scenery and the cultural life of Nepal.

Communication, Gadgets Charging, and Internet/Wi-Fi

To communicate with mobile phones, either a physical SIM card of Namaste or Ncell or a Nepal eSIM can be used. As the whole trek remains at an altitude of less than 5, 000 meters, most villages will have good network reception. Each of these has 4G and 5G internet access and can guarantee you remain connected on your trip. Also within the trekking pathway, tea houses and lodges provide WiFi at a low cost, and devices can be charged at almost every stop at a low fee. In Yala Peak Base Camp, it will supply solar power to charge your gadgets so that you are not out of power even in the mountains.

Yala Peak Climbing Cost

The Yala Peak climbing 11 days and Kathmandu to Kathmandu package begins at USD 1,399 per person in a group of 17 persons. Individuals who want to have a personal trip will pay USD 1,899 each. Independent climbers who have the desire to be part of the program individually will be charged an extra USD 100. It is worth mentioning that no additional climbing permit is now necessary to climb Yala Peak since the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) took this mountain off their list of permits because of its relatively low altitude at 5,732 meters.

The package will cover all the required permits such as TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card and the Langtang National Park permit which will be offered by Hill Sherpa Trekking. This is a complete package which includes transportation, accommodation, meals, assistance on treks, and all the official permits and makes the entire climbing experience a hassle-free event from beginning to end.

Permits

The Yala Peak is a trekking peak that is located below 6000 m, and therefore, does not entail a climbing permit. The expedition needs only two permits, Langtang Entry National Park permit and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMs) Permit.

Why climb Yala Peak?

If you’ve already hiked at high altitudes in other places and want to add a Nepali Himalayan summit to your list of accomplishments, Yala Peak is the best choice. The climb is not too hard, so beginners can do it and have a really gratifying experience.

From the top, you’ll be able to see the Langtang mountain range, including Langtang Lirung, Naya Kang, Shishapangma, Dorje Lhakpa, Gangchempo, and other beautiful peaks that you can’t see from other regions of Nepal.

The trekking path is gentle and well-paced, giving you plenty of time to become used to the altitude. This makes it one of the simplest Himalayan peaks to reach, especially for first-time hikers. Because it’s close to Kathmandu, you don’t have to worry about long drives. You can spend more time appreciating the mountains.

The trail to Yala Peak is not well known, so you can have a real Himalayan experience in peace and quiet. You’ll meet the Tamang people along the journey. They are a distinct Tibeto Burman society with deep traditions and wonderful hospitality that will give a cultural element to your trip.

All of these things make the Yala Peak Climbing trip a must do for any traveler who wants both adventure and breathtaking natural beauty in Nepal.

What other peaks can I climb after Yala Peak?

Now that you’ve made it to the Yala Summit, you may plan your next mountain adventure, which will be even more exciting and spectacular. Some options include Mera Peak 6561 m,  Imja Tse/Island Peak 6,189 m, Lobuche East 6119 m,

You get to choose how severe you want the experience to be. Baruntse, Pisang, Himlung, Chulu, Saribung, and Dhampus are some of the other options, which are most technical Ama Dablam 6,812 m.

Do I need a guide to climb Yala Peak?

Yala Peak is technically a trekking peak, therefore it might not appear like you need a guide. The Nepal Government has required all mountain trekking and climbing trips to have a licensed guide beginning April 2023.

Yala Peak Climbing is a trekking peak, although it is in the Nepali Himalayas, where the weather can change quickly. Don’t underestimate its height, which is more than 5,500 meters. A qualified guide knows a lot about the dangers of the mountains, makes sure you become used to the altitude, and can change the route, pace, and gear to make sure you are as safe as possible.

Having an expert guide greatly increases your odds of successfully reaching the top of Yala Peak while lowering your danger of getting acute mountain sickness. This makes your trip both safe and fun.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is required for the expedition due to the necessity of the TIMS permit for the Yala Peak climbing experience. Travel insurance is a requirement in case of the high altitude air rescue in the case of emergencies. Climbing to 5600 m altitude is of great risk, hence the insurance is required.

In the event of climbing and hiking activities, the insurance must cover any potential injuries, accidents, infections, and mountain sickness that is associated with the activities.
Some insurance policies only cover altitudes up to 3000 m. For these reasons, please check with your insurance provider and confirm the maximum altitude range limit of your policy.