# Yala Peak Climbing with Langtang Valley Trek > Yala Peak climbing is the best introduction to Himalayan mountaineering: a 12-day trip that combines the beautiful Langtang Valley trek with the ascent of Yala Peak (5,520 m), often called the easiest trekking peak in Nepal. From Kyanjin Gompa you climb to Yala Kharka and a high camp, then follow rocky slabs and a gentle snow slope to a summit with views of Shishapangma (8,027 m) in Tibet, Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa.The trip is only a day's drive from Kathmandu, so no domestic flights are needed. It is graded moderate to challenging, suits fit trekkers with no climbing experience, and is best from March–May and September–November. The price includes a climbing guide, the peak permit, the Langtang National Park permit, training, transport and all meals on the trek. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 12 days - **Difficulty:** Moderate to challenging - **Activity:** Peak climbing and trekking - **Max altitude:** 5,520 m / 18,110 ft (Yala Peak summit) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Nov - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges, tent at high camp - **Meals:** All meals on the trek and climb - **Price:** from US$1,290 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/yala-peak-climbing - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=yala-peak-climbing ## Overview **Quick answer:** Yala Peak (5,520 m) in the Langtang region is the most accessible climbing peak in Nepal for beginners. The climb with the Langtang Valley trek takes about 12 days from Kathmandu, costs from US$1,290 per person, needs good fitness but no previous climbing experience, and is best in spring and autumn. Yala Peak rises above the Langtang glacier north of Kyanjin Gompa. The summit route is mostly a steep hike over rock and scree, with a short section of snow or ice on the final slope where crampons and a fixed rope may be used depending on the season. It makes a perfect first summit before trying Island Peak, Mera Peak or Lobuche East. ### Yala Peak climbing at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration12 days from KathmanduSummitYala Peak, 5,520 m / 18,110 ftGradeModerate to challenging (alpine grade F/PD−)Experience neededNone; basic training includedStart and finishSyabrubesi, 7–8 hours' drive from KathmanduPermitsNMA peak permit and Langtang National Park permitBest timeMarch–May and September–NovemberCostFrom US$1,290 per person### Why climb Yala Peak? - **Easiest trekking peak** in Nepal: a real summit without technical climbing. - **View of Shishapangma**, the only 8,000 m peak entirely in Tibet. - **Langtang Valley trek**, Tamang villages and Kyanjin Gompa included. - **No flights** and short travel from Kathmandu. - **Great value** compared with Everest-region peaks. ### How difficult is Yala Peak? Yala Peak is the **least technical** of Nepal's popular climbing peaks. The challenge is the altitude and a long summit day of 7–9 hours. You will use crampons on the upper snow slope if there is snow cover, and your guide will fix a rope where needed. Anyone who is fit and has trekked before can climb it. ### Yala Peak climbing cost Cost itemGuide priceFull climbing package (this trip)From US$1,290 per personNMA peak permitVaries by season (included)Langtang National Park permitAbout NPR 3,000 (included)Climbing gear rentalAbout US$50–80 in Kathmandu### Yala Peak vs Island Peak Island Peak (6,189 m) is higher, requires a glacier crossing and ladders, and involves Lukla flights. Yala Peak is lower, cheaper, less technical and reachable by road, making it the best choice for a first summit or a shorter holiday. ## Highlights - Summit Yala Peak (5,520 m), the easiest trekking peak in Nepal - View of Shishapangma (8,027 m) and Langtang Lirung - Langtang Valley and Kyanjin Gompa - No climbing experience needed; training included - No domestic flights: a day's drive from Kathmandu ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Someone from our office will be waiting at arrivals to take you to your hotel. Gear check. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Syabrubesi (1,460 m) A 7–8 hour scenic drive north via Dhunche. _Altitude: 1,460 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 120 km drive_ ### Day 3: Trek to Lama Hotel (2,470 m) Through forest along the Langtang Khola. _Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 2,470 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Langtang village (3,430 m) Out of the forest into the open valley. _Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 3,430 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 14 km_ ### Day 5: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 m) Past mani walls to Kyanjin Gompa and its cheese factory. _Walking: 3 hours · Altitude: 3,870 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 7 km_ ### Day 6: Acclimatisation: Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) Hike Kyanjin Ri for views of Langtang Lirung and the glaciers. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 4,773 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 7: Trek to Yala High Camp (4,900 m), training Climb via Yala Kharka to high camp and practise crampon and rope techniques. _Walking: 5 hours · Altitude: 4,900 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Tent_ ### Day 8: Summit Yala Peak (5,520 m), return to Kyanjin Gompa Early start over rock slabs and the final snow slope to the summit, then descend to Kyanjin. _Walking: 8–9 hours · Altitude: 5,520 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 9: Reserve day Spare day for weather or a second attempt. _Altitude: 3,870 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 10: Trek to Lama Hotel (2,470 m) Descend back down the valley. _Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 2,470 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 21 km_ ### Day 11: Trek to Syabrubesi, drive to Kathmandu Walk out to Syabrubesi and drive back to Kathmandu. _Walking: 4 hours · Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu We drive you to the airport in time for your flight home. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Road transport Kathmandu – Syabrubesi – Kathmandu - Yala Peak NMA permit and Langtang National Park permit - Teahouse lodges on the trek and tent at high camp - All meals during the trek and climb - Licensed climbing guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 climbers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - Group climbing equipment and fixed rope - Climbing training at high camp - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,600 m, including climbing and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters - Personal climbing gear (boots, crampons, harness, helmet), available to rent in Kathmandu ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation If you can walk 15 km with a few hundred metres of climbing and do it again the next day, you are in good shape for this trek. Start training two to three months ahead, and break in your boots before you fly. ### Altitude sickness This trek reaches 5,520 m on the summit, after acclimatising on Kyanjin Ri. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you. ### Weather and temperatures Kyanjin Gompa is cold at night, often −10°C in late autumn. Summit mornings are colder with wind. Spring can bring afternoon cloud and snow. ### Permits The Yala Peak NMA permit and the Langtang National Park permit are included. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money. ### Drinking water Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water. ### Travel insurance Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 5,600 m, including climbing, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure. ### Visa Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −15°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Mountaineering or stiff trekking boots compatible with crampons - Crampons, harness and helmet (can be rented) - Warm mitts ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Yala Peak the easiest peak to climb in Nepal? Yes, **Yala Peak (5,520 m)** is widely regarded as the easiest trekking peak in Nepal, with no technical climbing on the normal route. ### How high is Yala Peak? Yala Peak is about **5,520 m (18,110 ft)**; some sources give 5,500 m or 5,732 m for a higher neighbouring summit. ### Do I need climbing experience for Yala Peak? No. Good fitness and some trekking experience are enough; your guide teaches crampon and rope skills. ### How much does Yala Peak climbing cost? Our 12-day Yala Peak and Langtang package costs **from US$1,290 per person**, including permits, climbing guide, transport and meals on the trek. ### How many days does Yala Peak take? About **12 days** from Kathmandu, including the Langtang Valley trek and a reserve day. ### What is the best time to climb Yala Peak? **March–May** and **September–November**. ### What can I see from the summit? Shishapangma in Tibet, Langtang Lirung, Gang Chhenpo, Dorje Lakpa and the Langtang glaciers. ### Do I need a permit for Yala Peak? Yes, an NMA peak permit and the Langtang National Park permit, both included. ### Yala Peak or Island Peak for beginners? Yala Peak is easier, cheaper and needs no flights; Island Peak is higher and more technical. ### Do I need crampons on Yala Peak? Usually yes on the upper snow slope, depending on the season. ### How do I reach Yala Peak from Kathmandu? Drive to Syabrubesi (7–8 hours) and trek up the Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa. ### Can I combine Yala Peak with Gosainkunda? Yes, add about 4 days to cross to the Gosainkunda lakes after the climb.