Yala Peak Climbing 12 Days

Best Time to Yala Peak Climbing 12 Days

Due to the geographical location, there are two main travel times for Yala Peak climbing and visiting the Langtang region: Autumn (Post-period after monsoon) and spring (Pre-period before monsoon).

The period from September to November (autumn) in particular can be described as an insider tip for Yala Peak climbing as the weather here usually will be constant with pleasant warmth in recent years. However, the good weather after the monsoon is a lure and tourists stumble upon each other on the route.

The second period from March to May (spring) is another high time when you can climb Yala Peak. Simply because the weather is usually good, because you won’t find the road infested with tourists, you will have a bed in all the places where you spend the night and the prices will be a little lower.

The heavy rain in June, uly and August prevent you from climbing the Yala Peak. On the other hand, December, January, and February are the coldest months and are not recommended, as snow can prevent you from climbing the Yala Peak. The cold at these altitudes is often an enemy to be reckoned with.

Elevation and Distance on Yala Peak Climbing

The Yala Peak climbing 12 days journey will take you to the breathtaking landscape of Langtang Valley which stretches 77 km in total from Kathmandu. The Langtang trek on the other hand without the Yala peak climbing spans only 55 km in length.

The round route begins and ends in Syabrubeshi just 111.8 km farther from Kathmandu. The soaring peak of Yala at 5550 will be our highest altitude on the entire climbing expedition while the Yala peak Base Camp will be the highest place where we will sleep in at 4600 m elevation. The Yala Peak is just 9 km far from the base camp.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

During the Yala Peak climbing 12 days journey, expect to walk for 8 days including a daily walking stage of about 5 to 6 hours each day. The duration of each stage may vary depending on the route and village we visit according to our itinerary.

On day 5, the shortest walk from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa will only take 4 to 5 hours. The acclimating walk to Kyanjin Ri nearby will be a quick 3 to 4 hours. The longest day will be when we summit the peak and hike back down to Kyanjin Gompa, taking 8 to 9 hours.

Difficulty and Acclimatization on Yala Peak Climbing

Yala Peak is a trekking peak north of Kathmandu in the Langtang region of Nepal. The Alpine Grading System groups the Yala Peak under grade F (facile), meaning it involves an easy walking track with a gentle slope ascent.

There are hardly any crevasses on the way to the summit from the base camp, but the last 400 m to the summit ridge may require the use of handrails or fixed ropes for safety. In snowy conditions, crampons, ice axes, and ropes are essential for the ascent.

Thus Yala Peak climbing is suitable for those with sufficient trekking experience and an excellent peak for your first ascent in the Himalayas. In addition, the Yala Peak is rarely climbed as a standalone objective but is often used as an acclimatization for Naya Kanga on the opposite side of the valley.

We place great emphasis on gradual acclimatization in all of our organized treks. For this trip, we have carefully planned a gradual increase in altitude with a rest day at Kyanjin Gompa, where you will undertake a short acclimating ascent to Kyanjin Ri at 4773 m before proceeding to the summit.

Each stage of the journey does not require walking for more than 6 hours, except for the final day of climbing.

Can a beginner climb Yala Peak?

Yala Peak Climbing is an ideal option for new climbers because of its non-technical nature. While some knowledge of alpine climbing is necessary, the ascent is relatively straightforward. Grouped under a simple trekking peak by the NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), the summit climbing involves simple scrambling.

The climbers need to climb on 180 m of snow on the slope inclined to 35-40 degrees while overcoming 650 m ascension on the summit day.

The Yala Peak Base camp is at 4600 m and the trek to the base camp is comparatively straightforward, with moderate daily distances and gradual elevation gain.

En route, your stay will be in tea houses and one day will be in a tent at the Yala Base Camp. In addition, our skilled guide with several years of experience will lead the climbing and will also provide safety instructions and technical advice during the climb. You will also get some climbing training at Kyanjin Gompa and base camp.

Preparation and Training for Yala Peak Climbing

To climb the 5500 m Yala Peak, you need to be in excellent physical condition. The sooner you get started with preparing yourself, the better and easier your climbing will be. In any case, two months minimum seems necessary for good physical preparation.

Endurance is one of the main qualities to develop to reach the Yala Peak Walking, running, cycling, swimming, whatever discipline you choose to work on it, be diligent. Prefer relatively long outings (4 to 5 hours) with a positive elevation gain (at least 500 meters).

If you live in the city and you opt for running or swimming, plan on an average of three sessions per week, gradually increasing the distances and pace.

In any case, try to focus on outdoor activities as much as possible to try out your equipment and avoid unpleasant surprises once you are in the situation.

Yala Peak Climbing 12 Days Altitude Sickness

In our Yala Peak climbing 12 days expedition, we will be spending nights above 3500 m for five days. Spending days at such high elevations means there is a very low oxygen level that can often result in acute mountain sickness generally known as altitude sickness.

In the case of our trip, we will not exceed the elevation of more than 5500 m so most probably, only mild altitude sickness can occur. Insomnia, dizziness, headache, appetite loss, and fatigue are some conditions you may develop that can often subside within 2 or 3 days on their own.

Diamox is a medicine that can improve and speed up your own acclimatization and can therefore possibly be used to prevent altitude sickness, especially when reaching places above 3,000 meters.

You can take Diamox one day before your trip, starting with half a tablet one time in the morning and half a tablet in the evening.

Please note that Diamox should never be used to reach higher altitudes if you already have symptoms. Also, if you have any kidney diseases or taking any other medicines, please ask your doctor before taking Diamox.

As a mountain climber, you should perhaps not use Diamox, but instead adapt your climbing to your state of health. If you want to completely avoid symptoms, it is important that you drink plenty, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Yala Peak Climbing Alternate Routes

To add an element of adventure to your Yala Peak climbing expedition, you can integrate the crossing of 5130 m Ganja La Pass into your journey.

After reaching the Yala summit and returning to Kyanjin Gompa, the next day, you can set out on a hike to Nyengang Kharka, cross the pass, and continue on to Keldang.

The onward track will direct you via Tarkeghyang, and Sermathang, ultimately leading you to Melamchi before returning to Kathmandu.

Alternatively, you can also go for the Helambu hike. After conquering the Yala summit and returning to Kyanjin Gompa, you can walk to Shin Gompa, proceed towards Lake Gosaikunda, and cross the Lauribina Pass to Tharepati, Tarkeghyang, and Sermathang.

Transportation, Accommodation, Meals and Drink on Yala Peak Climbing

Your journey in Kathmandu will commence with a private car transfer from TIA to your hotel, and the same car will transport you back to TIA on your final day in Nepal. Transportation from Kathmandu to Syabrubeshi and vice versa will be arranged by bus or jeep.

You will spend two nights in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu, and during the trek, you will doze in tea houses along the route. A night at the Yala Peak base camp will be spent in a tent, for which we will provide a comfortable tent, mattress, and any other necessary gear.

In Kathmandu, breakfast will be offered every morning at your hotel, while during the trek, full board meals will be served in the tea houses, along with fresh fruit after dinner.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/wifi

You can make use of either the Namaste or Ncell physical SIM cards, or you can utilize the Nepal eSim for mobile communication. As the entire trip is below 5000 m elevation, you can anticipate good coverage from these networks in almost all the villages. All three types of Sims also offer 4G and 5G network connections for internet access.

Additionally, the shelters along the track offer WiFi connection for a minimal charge, and you can easily recharge your gadgets for a minimal fee. At the base camp, we will provide solar power for charging your gadgets.

Yala Peak Climbing Cost

For a group of 17, the round trip price of the 12 days Yala Peak climbing package from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, the total normally starts from 999 USD per person. Additionally, the Hill Sherpa Trekking team will charge $1,390 USD for a private trip. Climbers who want to do it alone pay an additional cost is $100 USD. Our 12 days Yala Peak Climbing no longer requires a separate climbing permit. Yala Peak was eliminated by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) due to its low elevation of 5732 meters. The Hill Sherpa Trekking company provides the TIMS and Langtang National Park permit, which are included in the package.

Permits for Yala Peak Climbing 12 Days

The Yala Peak being a trekking peak below 6000 m, does not require a climbing permit. The expedition only requires two permits: the Langtang Entry National Park Permit and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Permit.

Why should you climb the Yala Summit?

If you have already covered some high-altitude hiking adventures in any part of the world and now wish to extend your resume by adding a Nepali Himalayan summit, then Yala Peak climbing will be an excellent opportunity for you.

The climb is not only technically easy and uncomplicated but it is also the most rewarding and fulfilling with the views that you will find entirely inexplicable.

The whole attractive Langtang mountain range with Langtang Lirung, Naya Kang, Shishapangma, Dorje Lhakpa, Gangchempo, and several alike will be shining on the horizon.

Literally, these peaks are rarely visible from any other destinations of Nepal. Plus, the Yala Peak climbing journey will progress you steadily offering you enough time to acclimate making it the most easy reaching adventure even to new hikers and climbers.

Additionally, the Langtang region is very much closer to Kathmandu thus eliminating entirely the necessity for nerve-wracking flights and long road journeys.

The trail to Yala Peak is also not the regularly beaten trail where you will get genuine natural and mountain actions in complete solitude. You will also get entertaining moments with the Tamangs, the Tibeto Burman people who are Tibetan Buddhists but very unique from the Sherpas.

All these compelling factors make the Yala Peak climbing expedition an unmissable journey when you are already in Nepal.

What other Himalayan Peaks can you attempt after Yala peak climbing?

After successfully attempting the Yala Summit, you can now plan for the next more adventurous and thrilling mountain adventure such as the Mera Peak, Ama Dablam, Imja Tse/ Island Summit, or Lobuche East.

The ultimate decision is yours on how intense the experience you like to have. There are also several other choices including Baruntse, Pisang, Himlung, Chulu, Saribung, and Dhampus.

Do you need to be accompanied by the trekking or climbing guide for Yala Peak Climbing?

If we look at the peak from a technical point, then a trekking or climbing guide may not be necessary. However, the Nepal Government has mandated the compulsory presence of a guide since April 2023 for any mountain hiking and climbing expedition.

It is because Yala Peak although a hiking peak is still a part of the Himalayas of Nepal where sudden weather changes can occur at any time.

Plus, its altitude that exceeds 5500 m also should not be underestimated. If you have a certified guide, he will have the knowledge of all the lurking dangers of the mountains.

Thus, he will be able to guarantee your safety and also enhance your chances of success in reaching the summit by adjusting the route, pace, and equipment. He will also assist with your proper acclimatization, which is very very significant to prevent acute mountain sickness.

Travel Insurance Necessity for Yala Peak Climbing

Since Yala Peak climbing necessitates procuring the TIMS permit, travel insurance becomes essential for this adventure. It should cover emergency evacuation and helicopter rescue at high altitudes reaching up to 5600 m.

Additionally, your policy must include coverage for any medical expenses that may arise during the climbing and hiking segments, such as acute mountain sickness, various ailments, infections, or accidents.

Please understand that some insurance policies only provide protection up to 3000 m, so please confirm with your insurer regarding your maximum altitude limit.