Located in the Langtang region, Yala Peak is one of the excellent unofficial trekking peaks in Nepal. Compared to Island Peak and Mera Peak, Yala Peak is shorter and easier to climb.
If you want to go higher than Tserko Ri or mountain passes like Thorong La, Cho La, or Larkya La, Yala Peak climbing is an excellent option. Yala Peak is a non-technical peak, so it is best for beginner climbers.
From the Yala Peak Base Camp to the Yala Peak summit, you will mostly scramble on rock and snow slopes. Yala Peak stands 5,520 meters above sea level.
The low altitude of this peak makes it one of the most achievable mountains in the Himalayas, with a success rate up to 95%. You can complete the Yala Peak climbing in just 12 days.
The trip is not only about climbing the peak, but it also offers an adventurous hike through Tamang villages and rhododendron and bamboo forests.
You will start hiking from Syabrubesi, which can be reached in 8 to 9 hours of driving from Kathmandu. From Syabrubesi, you will traverse the Langtang National Park and hike for four days before arriving at Yala Peak Base Camp.
You will spend nights at the Lama Hotel, Langtang Village, and Kyanjin Gompa during the hike. Hiking gradually will help you avoid altitude sickness and increase the summit success rate.
In addition to that, we will spend an acclimatization day in Kyanjin Gompa. For acclimatization, the hiking point will be Tserko Ri. Likewise, you will also visit a local yak cheese factory.
As you travel from one elevation to another, you will see diverse vegetation, plants, and flowers. Some trekkers also spot langur monkeys, butterflies, and birds on the way.
The landscapes and scenery are incredible throughout the way. The journey offers stunning mountain views of Shishapangma, Ganchempo, Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Naya Kang, Dorje Lakpa, Kan Guru, Langshisha Ri, etc.
From Kyanjin Gompa, you will climb to Yala Peak Base Camp, where you will spend a night in the tent. We will provide tents and full base camp service, including food.
From the base camp, a final push will take you to the top of Yala Peak, from where you will witness a heavenly view of Mt. Shishapangma.
Yala Peak climbing difficulty
Yala Peak is one of the simplest trekking peaks. It has no technical sections. However, high-altitude, thin-air, and cold challenges make climbing overall demanding.
To climb Yala Peak, you have to be physically and mentally strong and possess previous trekking experience. During the climb, you will tackle different kinds of terrain and climate.
From the Yala Peak Base Camp, you will push for the summit and return in just a day. However, before that, you will spend multiple days hiking through small villages, lush forests, and meadows. From the base camp to the summit, the route is straightforward.
You will climb on rocky terrain and gradually join snow slopes that lead to the summit. We will fix the climbing route with ropes and use different climbing gear as needed. Crampons, walking axes, helmets, and harnesses are a few important climbing gear that we use during the Yala Peak climbing.
Check out our Yala Peak climbing map to learn more about the trail.
Altitude sickness
Yala Peak stands 5,520 meters above sea level. Unlike other trekking peaks such as Mera Peak and Island Peak, Yala Peak is not that high. Moreover, if you have done any circuit treks in Nepal, you will gain around the same elevation.
However, it doesn't mean the risks of altitude sickness are any lower on this peak climbing trip. On a good note, you will not reach 5,520 meters quickly.
Following our Yala Peak climbing itinerary, you will gradually ascend, spending nights in villages like Lama Hotel, Langtang Village, and Kyanjin Gompa. We also have an acclimatization day in Kyanjin Gompa and a hike to Tserko Ri that will further help you acclimatize and increase summit success.
We recommend that our climbers ascend slowly and maintain a consistent pace. It will allow them to preserve their energy and avoid unnecessary exhaustion. Likewise, it is also important that you are well hydrated and fed throughout the trip.
You will definitely get tired while hiking. However, you also have to make sure you are recovering quickly. So, maintain your pace, enjoy nature and the views, and keep yourself hydrated. Symptoms of altitude sickness are vomiting, difficulty breathing, headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite, etc.
These are some of the signs that show you are suffering from altitude sickness. If you see them, you must inform your guide and get medicine from him. Note that our guides are certified to provide altitude sickness medicines and have many years of hands-on expertise. So, you can trust their judgment.
How do you prepare for Yala Peak climbing in Nepal?
There are a few things to consider while preparing for Yala Peak climbing in Nepal, such as your physical and mental condition, trekking/climbing gear, permits, weather, a strong local team, and other logistics.
Even though the Yala Peak is a non-technical mountain, the physical challenges and requirements remain the same for this peak as for Mera Peak, Lobuche Peak, and Island Peak.
Physical fitness:
Your priority should be improving your fitness for Yala Peak climbing. You should make a daily exercise plan to fit your day-to-day schedule. Your workout should focus on improving your stamina and endurance, as well as strengthening your core and legs.
Strength training, day hiking, long walks, and activities like running, jogging, cycling, and swimming are highly effective ways to improve your fitness.
Mental fitness:
Mental fitness means understanding the Himalayan climate, weather, terrain, and limitations. Climbing a peak in the Himalayas is equally mentally demanding because it demands you push your limits.
You will walk 6 to 7 hours a day during hiking and up to 10 hours on summit day. Without mental resilience and willpower, it becomes very tough to climb a peak.
While exercising will gradually help your mind to break free from its comfort zone, we also recommend day hiking and multi-day trekking.
Acclimatization:
Acclimatization is important to avoid altitude sickness during climbing. Our Yala Peak climbing itinerary is planned to provide ample acclimatization opportunities, but it will be best if participants have previous high-altitude exposure.
For that, we recommend doing some treks like Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp, Mardi Himal trek, Annapurna Circuit trek, etc.
Climbing skills:
Yala Peak does not require previous climbing skills, so anyone can join it. However, it is best if you are mountain smart. What does this mean? Learn the basics of mountaineering by reading blogs and watching videos on YouTube.
By doing this, you will learn what to expect during climbing, and the challenges will feel less daunting. Additionally, our mountain guide will provide pre-climbing training before the summit push, which will further prepare you for the journey.
Trekking/climbing gear:
Quality alpine clothes and mountaineering gear will be a huge investment towards the success of your Yala Peak climbing. You need to wear special clothes that are light, breathable, and comfortable on your skin.
Layering clothes is important during hiking because you may feel hot one second and cold another second. If you feel hot, you can remove clothes or add an outer layer if you're cold.
Likewise, applying SPF and moisturizer is also important to protect yourself from sunburns and dry skin. Kindly follow the packing list we have mentioned at the end of this page.
Permits and logistics:
Climbing Yala Peak also involves obtaining necessary permits from the Nepal government and arranging transportation, accommodation, a guide, a porter, tents, etc. The good thing is you do not have to worry about these arrangements. We will do it for you. You can trust our expertise.
Does Yala Peak need a climbing permit?
No, Yala Peak does not need a climbing permit. Foreigners can climb Yala Peak with a Langtang National Park permit and a TIMS Card. As the peak is below 5,800 meters, it was removed from the list of 33 trekking peaks in Nepal.
Experience needed for Yala Peak
Yala Peak is perfect for first-time climbers. If you have never climbed a mountain before and want to give it a try, consider our Yala Peak climbing 12 days.
The peak is not technically challenging, but it tests your physical and mental endurance. You do not need previous climbing experience to climb Yala Peak, but we recommend that participants have prior high-altitude experience.
Even though the summit is not that high, you will use basic climbing gear like a walking axe and crampons. The exposure to high altitude, cold, and long summit days will prepare you for bigger trekking peaks like Lobuche Peak.
Yala Peak support team
Our professional mountain guide and porters will assist you during the Yala Peak climb. They will introduce you to the Langtang region, the Tamang community, and the mountains.
With our guides and porters, you can travel freely and safely. They will ensure your safety and comfort in the mountains. We request our guests to follow our guide's advice as they are trained to handle all kinds of situations in the Himalayas.
At the Yala Peak Base Camp, our support team will take care of the tents and prepare meals. You can focus on resting and getting ready for the summit push. Likewise, our team will also assist you with airport pick-up and drop-off as per our Yala Peak climbing itinerary.
- You will climb Yala Peak with a licensed mountain guide who has many years of experience.
- Our guides are trained in providing first aid and have hands-on experience.
- They are also trained in remote survival and rock climbing.
- Though we have a well-planned acclimatization strategy for Yala Peak climbing, the guide may customize the plan as per your body's needs.
- Porters carry a duffel bag for climbers. We have a 9 kg of maximum weight limit per climber for Yala Peak.
- Our base camp crew will set the tents and prepare meals at Yala Peak Base Camp.
Yala Peak emergency and evacuation
We provide immediate helicopter evacuation in case you suffer from severe altitude sickness or get hurt while climbing Yala Peak. Our rescue team stays on standby and can reach your location within a few minutes of a rescue request.
Helicopter evacuation costs a lot of money, so we recommend that climbers cover it in their travel insurance. Our guide will provide first aid if you suffer from any minor injury or sickness during the climb.
Note that climbing a peak in the Himalayas has underlying risks. We do our best to avoid them. However, sometimes unseen situations may arise. Nevertheless, we are ready to provide you with prompt evacuation or any support during Yala Peak climbing.
