A small Yala Peak, at an elevation of 5550 meters above sea level, is the perfect and safest climbing destination in Nepal. Only a physically and mentally fit person can summit Yala Peak. It does not require any previous trekking and climbing experience because it is a non-technical mountaineering peak. So, it is preferable for the novice trekkers too.
Yala Peak is popular as a viewpoint for seeing the spectacular mountain views, including Langtang and Sisapanga Himal. The former mountain lies in Nepal, while the latter is situated in Tibet, over 8000 meters above sea level.
From the summit of Yala peak, you can observe the panoramic mountainous scenery, like Langtang Lirung to the west. Yansa Tsenji (6500m), Shishapangma, Nepal- Tibet border, Langshisa Ri (6800m), and the Morimoto Peak (6750m) on the east.
The Peak Yala is located in the Langtang region of Nepal. So, the trail goes through the Langtang National Park in the beginning. You can explore the beautiful Langtang Himal ranges and other neighbouring peaks during trekking. The natural flora and the rare fauna are other features of this Langtang region. Blue pine, oak, birch, rhododendron, and other come under the former, while the latter includes musk deer, Himalayan thar, ghoral, Himalayan black bear, langur monkeys, red panda, and the snow leopard.
Most of the residents of this region are Tamang. It is an ethnic tribe in Nepal, but the Tamangis of this area follow the Tibetan culture. They can even speak the Tibetan language to trade their goods. This region is more populated compared to other trekking destinations like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. It covers various glaciated lakes, including beautiful Gosaikunda Lake, numerous mountains, and high peaks like Yala Peak.
This Langtan region is known only after the expedition of Bill Tilman and Peter Lloyd in 1949, and they discovered the peak, named as Yala Peak.
Langtang is the closest region to the Kathmandu Valley. It does not require any domestic flight. Only seven hours of road driving from Kathmandu takes you to Syaphru Besi. It is a trekking starting point, which lies in the Langtang region.
From the next day, a trek begins and goes on through the sub-tropical forest of Langtang National Park. You may see some rare animals as well. As the trail moves up, the green forests become thiner to thinest, and finally, there would not be the appearance of any greenery. Then the trail leads you to a wider area.
It is the Langtang Valley, equally a wonderful place. This valley touches the border between Nepal and Tibet. It is rich in Tibetan tradition and culture. It offers the magnificent Himalayan views such as Langtang Lirung (7,246m), Dorje Lakpa (6990m), Lenpo Gang (7083m), and the Shishapangma mountain.
Kyanjin Gompa, with 3970 meters altitude is the last settlement of this trek. It is an ancient Buddhist monastery site. You can explore more chortens on the way while going to Kyanjin, where you will have a day for acclimatization. And this day can be spent by hiking to Kyanjin Ri with an elevation of 4350 meters. You can uncover the majestic snow-capped peaks' views from their summit.
Yala Peak is closer to the border between Tibet and Nepal. It is located on the north-east side of Kyanjin Gompa. It takes two days to complete the climb from this place. You will spend your night in a tent for two days at the High camp of this peak, Yala.
During winter, the terrain of Yala Peak may be full of snow, but it is not difficult. You just need to be careful and alert while walking. Due to the heavy snowfall, it may require a rope for walking. However, the route is usually marked, so you can climb by following such marked routes. It is a non-technical expedition, but you need to learn about the use of some equipment, like crampons, an axe, and our climbing guide will definitely teach you before you go mountaineering.
While trekking to the Yala Peak Base Camp (4800m), you can see the beautiful Yala glacier and the south face of Yala Peak to the south-western side of you. Then the actual Yala Peak climbing begins. Though it is a descending walk for some time in between the expedition, it is considered an ascending walk, totally on boulders.
Yala Peak Climbing Highlights
After you arrive at the International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and taken to the hotel by a private vehicle.
It is almost 7 hours of road drive to Syaphrubesi from Kathmandu Valley. You will have to drive along the road near the bank of the Trishuli River. While driving, you can see a glimpse of Ganesh Himal. The terraced landscapes and the green hills can be explored during the journey.
Today, you are going to start your trek to Yala Peak. So, you will enter the Langtang National Park and walk through it. In the beginning, the trail follows the small Langtang river way and walks through the forest of rhododendron. During walking, you may see wild animals like monkeys, red pandas, and wild bears. Then the trek goes through the small village of Bamboo and climbs up slowly to the place called Rimche, and have lunch there. Finally, you will reach Lama Hotel along the straight way.
The trek goes towards the Langtang Valley. So, it goes through the Gumane chowk at first and to Ghoda Tabela. The Ghoda Tabela literally means the stable of the Horse. Afterwards, you can see the grazing yaks on your trail, and the trail takes you to the beautiful village, known as Langtang Valley. It is an old valley, full of local ethnics who follow the Tibetan tradition and culture. From this valley, you can see the spectacular views of the mountain ranges.
It is the shortest trekking day compared to other days. So, you will have a short trek to Kyanjin Gompa. After reaching there, you will have lunch and take a rest. Then you will explore the ancient Buddhist Monastery, the cheese factory, and others.
After having breakfast, you will have a trek to the base camp of Yala Peak. The trek ascends on the rocky trail through the pastures. From today, you will spend your night in a tent, and meals will be served there.
Today, you will spend your whole day by exploring around the base camp and engaging in simple training for using the fixed ropes and crampons.
Today, you are going to meet your final destination because you are going to summit the Yala Peak. It is not a difficult climb, so you can reach on the top of the Peak. From there, you can see the views of beautiful mountains like Mt. Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Shisapangma, and other snow-capped peaks.
Afterwards, you descend and reach Kyanjing Gompa.
After having breakfast, you will trek down to Lama Hotel by retracing the previous ways.
This is the last day of your trekking days. So, you will leave the Lama Hotel after eating breakfast and reach Syaphrubesi by following the previous ways.
Today, you will have breakfast and drive back to Kathmandu by following the previous roadways. After reaching there, you will be transferred to the Hotel.
You can hire a private vehicle to Syaphrubesi for a more comfortable and faster road trip
Below are the tentative lists of Yala Peak Climbing equipment.
Yala Peak climbing is not as strenuous as other destinations. So, the incident may happen rarely. However, no one knows what will happen. So, if anything like an injury happens, you will get the Helicopter evacuation. And our guide will take care of you till to the arrival of the Helicopter.
But you must do the travel insurance, and it must cover the Helicopter rescue cost in case of emergency. If the case is not too serious, your team will take you to the nearest clinic or government hospital. The horses are used as a means of transportation.
Besides, in case of altitude sickness, you will be taken down to the lower elevation. Otherwise, the Helicopter evacuation is the option.
Moreover, it will be the responsibility of the climbing crews in case of casualty. So, they move the casualty to the safest Helicopter landing place.
While talking about the climbing section, it is neither a hard nor an easy summit. Because you do not need to learn the climbing skills and techniques for the Yala Peak climbing. But it is a perfect destination for those who are preparing to do the mountaineering of other highest mountains in Nepal.
As Yala Peak is situated at an altitude of 5500 meters, the oxygen level may be lower, but you do not need to wear an oxygen mask. So, it is necessary to use the extra effort and energy.
Making your body fully hydrated and keeping a slow pace while walking would be best for tackling the higher altitude sickness.
Before climbing to Yala Peak, you will be taught how to walk on crampons and rope. Our guide will teach you in a very comfortable way.
Before summiting to Yala Peak, you will spend your night in a tent at the High Camp. One tent is estimated for two climbers. And you need to have your own warm sleeping bags. The camping hours would be for two days.
The other rest days during the trek will be spent at the local tea houses. The lodges are run by the local residents. You will be provided with twin-sharing rooms with a mattress, pillow, and blanket. It is a basic room without A/C. So, it would be better to take your own sleeping bag to make your body warmer.
The toilet is located outside the room. It is a traditional restroom on the basis of sharing. But in some teahouses, there are the facilities of Western toilets.
Regarding the shower, you can get the hot shower water in a bucket, and it would cost extra.
You will have a trek with our qualified and government-licensed guide. They are experienced in higher altitude trekking and expeditions.
We only send the healthy, strong, and friendly porters to the expedition. We ensure the insurance of all the porters and guides in the event of an accident or need for repatriation.
Regarding the trip preparation and support, we are always keeping in touch with you from your arrival to your departure. Our trekking crews are very friendly and knowledgeable, so they will give you sufficient time to discuss your preferences during the trip.
Our company is financially protected and insured, so your money will be safe and secure. Therefore, you do not need to be worried about your trip plan.
At last, we will provide you with all the support and advice that you need prior to this trip to Yala Peak.
For summitting the Yala Peak, you do not require the permit. You can climb this peak without a permit. But you need to buy the Langtang National Park Permits and TIMS card because the trail goes through the Langtang National Park area.
The Expedition to Yala Peak is not hard work. It is a small peak with just an elevation of 5550 meters above sea level. The route to the summit is mostly scrambling on the rocky trail. Then the trek goes up straightforward to the top of Yala Peak. So, it is the easiest mountaineering peak.
Though it is a teahouse trek, you need to spend your two nights in a tent in the Yala Peak Base Camp because there are no lodges. And everything, including meals, will be served there.
Foods in the mountain mostly consist of carbohydrates rich diet. You will get your breakfast and dinner in the lodge where you spent your night, but lunch will be taken en route while trekking.
Normally, a typical Nepalese meal like Rice, Curry, Daal, and Pickle is available throughout the Langtang region. But you can get the meals like Western, Chinese, as well as the indian there.
Usually, you can get the fresh meat and fish in the lower elevations. On the other hand, the non- vegetarian foods can also be found in the higher elevation, but may not be fresh in all the teahouses. So, we recommend that you not eat the meat in high-altitude places.
Regarding the drinking water, we advise you to drink only boiled water or use the water purification tablets to purify the normal water of the mountain region. But we strongly suggest that you not use the plastic bottles and encourage the trekkers to be eco-friendly.
At last, the beverages like the bakery, tea, coffee, milk, beer, soft drinks, local drinks, hard drinks, and others can be found there. And the price of these things goes up with the rise in elevation.
The cost of accommodation is included in the Yala peak climbing trip cost. Rising Adventure arranges the most comfortable accommodation as much possible as we can.
During trekking, you will spend your nights in a teahouse. It is like a lodge where you can sleep well. The teahouse provides simple rooms usually with two beds, pillows, and blankets. You can get attached bathroom rooms in the lower elevated places, while the attached bathrooms will not be there in the higher elevated places. You may need to share a toilet.
Due to the flourishing of tourism, the teahouses in the Langtang region are gradually improving their infrastructure day by day.
But you need to spend your two nights' accommodations in a tent. The camps will be set up by the porters and the guide. You can get everything like meals there in the tent. On the summit day, you will get a packed lunch of high-calorie foods.
Travel insurance is the most important thing for every trip. It helps you financially when you have an emergency like the loss of baggage, liability, or medical treatment. Because you are going to the high altitude trekking areas and there may be the chance of getting high altitude sickness or getting into some accidents due to unforeseen contingencies while trekking or climbing, though, Yala Peak is not a difficult climbing route. Sometimes, you need the helicopter evacuations as well, and it is very expensive to hire a helicopter. So, if you do the travel insurance, it can cover the cost of such an evacuation.
You need to pack a bit heavy bag for climbing while comparing to the trekking backpack. But it would be better to pack your stuff in two bags. One will be a day pack, and another will be a heavy pack. The former bag will be carried by yourself, which is full of your essential things like your passport, money, wallet, travel documents, water bottle, and the light things that you need during the day.
On the other hand, the latter bag will be packed for the porter who carries your heavy bag, full of trekking and climbing equipment, clothes, boots, and other things.
Besides, the backpack must be packed based on the season. Some of the lists of the Yala Peak Expedition equipment are as follows;
The journey to Yala Peak is very enjoyable. It is an easy climbing destination compared to other peaks like Island Peak, Mera Peak, and others.
Of course, altitude is a considering part of this mountaineering. But having a proper acclimatization assists you in reducing the risk of higher altitudes.
From the base camp of Yala Peak, the climbing starts. You need to begin this climb to Yala Peak before the winds come. It is steeper up to 700 meters, and the crampons, a rope, and an ice axe will be used to ascend this way.
Every climber may get tired after climbing with a rope at high elevations, but managing the pace between to eachother climbers would be safer and good teamwork.
So, a physically fit and healthy body would be beneficial for summiting the Yala Peak.
I really love Yala Peak Climbing. The trip was organized by Rising Adventure. Mr. Chandan, an owner of this company himself joined this trip. His management was brilliant.
I really recommend Rising Adventure.
