Yala Peak Climbing 12 Days

Why Yala Summit for your mountain adventure in Nepal?

It is understandable that after completing some high-altitude mountain adventures around the world, you would like to enhance your portfolio by conquering a Himalayan peak in Nepal.

If so, Yala Summit will be the outstanding choice for you, which lacks any technical complications along with a gorgeous walking route. Plus, you will have the most intensely maddening images of those Himalayas of Nepal, which are seldom visible on any other mountain trail.

While standing atop the Yala Summit, look at the glimmering white snow walls of Gangchempo, Dorje Lhakpa, Shishapangma, Naya Kang, Langtang Lirung, and the whole other mountain range.

Plus, the accessibility and location of Yala Summit make it the perfect acclimatizing Himalaya before you dare to attempt any other serious Himalayan peaks in Nepal.

Being very near Nepal’s capital, the roadway access to the summit doesn’t require any exhausting flights or delays. Additionally, the Yala peak climbing route is also not that trodden, which means you will rarely meet anyone else.

As for the cultural part, here, you will meet the distinct Tibetan-Burman descendants of Tamangs. They are also Tibetan Buddhists, but very different and distinguished from the Sherpas.

All these components make the Yala Peak climbing 12 days trip a must to take while you are in Nepal.

When is the best period for Yala Peak Climbing?

Yala Peak climbing is excellent to be undertaken in any month between September, October, and November. These months immediately after monsoon welcome autumn time in Langtang with the clearest air, consistent and warm weather, and more importantly, the driest climbing mountain trail with extraordinary mountain sightings.

If you could not make the summit climb this time, then you can also undertake the Yala Peak climbing 12 days trip between March, April, and May. These months before the monsoon hail the springtime. Little rain, blooming quiet Langtang jungles, and a very thin pile of snow create a wonderful scenario for the expedition.

The winter cold during December, January, and February should be attempted only by experienced adventurers. The deep snow and plummeting temperature at the base camp can often pose some challenges for the new climbers.

The summer and the monsoon period between June, July, and August should be avoided by everyone due to the potential hazards of floods and landslides on the trail.

Yala Peak Climbing and Summit Difficulty Grade

As per the Alpine Grade Rating System, the Yala Summit with 5500 m elevation is a Grade F (Facile) Summit, indicating it is a relatively simple, easy hiking peak, mostly consisting of gentle slopes and inclination.

The way to the summit from its base camp has no crevasses, making the climb a simple, uncomplicated task. Only the last 400 m section can be a bit steep and arduous, for which handrails and fixed ropes will be utilized.

If you choose to summit the peak in the winter, extra gear such as crampons and ice axes may be needed as well. As for its walking route, it is also mediocre, making the hiking pretty easy and comfortable.

Lodging at every overnight village and only one night under a tent also makes the journey very straightforward. The highest elevation attained will be at the summit itself, while the highest sleeping elevation will occur at its base camp at 4900 m.

The total walking length will be around 77 km, with each day’s walking duration spanning up to 7 hours.

Does Yala Peak Climbing suit beginners?

Yala Peak has been designated a trekking peak for a reason. The total ascent to the summit from the base camp will be limited to 600 m while the slope of the summit is inclined at 35 to 40 degrees.

Thus, this Himalayan Peak makes an excellent option for new climbers eager to achieve the heights of a Himalayan peak in Nepal. Additionally, an acclimating climb of the Tserko Ri at Kyanjin Gompa, followed by the necessary climbing skills taught by our experienced climbing guide, will help to shine your mountaineering skills.

With expert supervision, teaching, full support, and a short travel program, the Yala Peak Climbing 12 days trip is ideal even for those who lack alpine technical expertise.

Does Yala Peak Climbing need a guide?

Previously, many adventurers have attempted Yala Peak climbing without a guide. However, their experience showed that a guide for the Yala Peak climbing is a necessity.

That’s why, from April of 2023, the Nepal Government has mandated the presence of a local licensed guide for every mountain adventure in Nepal, including Yala Peak climbing.

Yala Peak may be a simple Himalayan peak, but it still exceeds 5000 m in altitude. Sudden onset of adverse weather, getting lost on the route, and getting stuck on some steep angles on the peak are some of the challenges you may face.

Having a skilled and experienced guide by your side, you will feel confident in facing these hazards. You will also be given climbing training, along with gear usage and practice.

A guide will also show you the best possible route, so your chances of not only trekking but also conquering the summit become higher. He will also manage any AMS that occurs and assist you with proper acclimatization, vital to avoid the acute mountain sickness.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness/ Altitude Sickness) and Acclimatization

Experiencing the minor symptoms of AMS during the Yala Peak climbing 12 days trip is usually common. After all, the summit itself stands above 5000 m, while the approaching journey towards the summit will occur above 3000 m altitude most of the time.

The air at these elevations generally consists of less oxygen, thus triggering the AMS in most (not all) climbers regardless of their athletic skills and fitness.

Life Himalaya Trekking has thus planned a very gradual ascent with each day’s hike mostly restricted to 6 hours. A rest and acclimating plan has been scheduled at Kyanjin Gompa as well to make you physically ready for the challenge of the summit.

Still, you must be aware of the early signs of the AMS, such as headache, vertigo, fatigue, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Diamox, a diuretic medicine, will aid in removing these symptoms, but you have to use this only if your doctor advises you to.

The major helping measure for AMS is drinking enough water from the day you start walking towards the Yala Summit. Plus, adding some garlic, lemon, and ginger to your diet will also work a miracle.

Rest assured, our guides are fully trained to handle such measures and will keep monitoring your oxygen level with an oximeter. If required, supplemental oxygen and descent may occur.

What type of training is right for the Yala Peak Climbing?

Please do not underestimate the height and the challenges of the Yala Summit, although it is considered a trekking summit. It still is a Himalayan Peak that poses its own kind of difficulties in the form of steep icy sections and inclines.

Additionally, you will face long days of walking that will challenge your endurance and fitness. Therefore, it is essential that you practice and train yourself in basic alpine skills, such as using gear like ropes, crampons, and ice axes, while also improving your cardiovascular strength through exercises like walking, swimming, running, cycling, and hiking.

Engaging in rock climbing sessions can also be very helpful. If you choose to hike, ensure that you aim for a daily altitude gain of around 500 meters.

And, if you are new to the mountain altitude and its journey, instead of jumping directly to the summit challenge, it is wise if you try the Langtang Valley trek first.

What other adventure can you add to your Yala Peak climbing 12 Days Trip?

We understand if you seek some more excitement and challenge after conquering the Yala Summit. Well, not to worry, as the Yala peak climbing 12 days trip can be extended with a few more adventurous journeys that will take you to some incredible corners of Nepal.

Ganja La Pass Trek (5130 m) is one such alternate adventure that you can set off on from Kyanjin Gompa. Then, the Helambu Valley’s extraordinary beauty awaits you after the pass.

Another distinct 3800 m Pangsang Pass can also be added if Ganja La Pass is not to your liking. Once the Pass is crossed, amazing Ruby Valley will await you next.

Gosaikunda Lake trek can be another admirable journey which involves the crossing of the 5610 m high popular Lauribina Pass.

Himalayan Summits to attempt after Yala Peak Climbing

Once Yala Summit is in your grasp, you can set your sights on Ama Dablam (6812 m), Mera Peak (6476 m), Lobuche East (6119 m), or Island summit (6165 m).

If these peaks do not intrigue you, then you can also explore the heights of Dhampus Peak (Thapa Peak, 6012 m), Saribung Peak (6346 m), Chulu West (6419 m), Chulu East (6584 m), Himlung Peak (7126 m), Pisang Peak (6091 m), and Baruntse Peak (7129 m).

Sleeping, Eating, and Traveling Logistics

A standard double-sharing room of a pleasing and clean three-star hotel in Kathmandu will be arranged for your nightly stays in the capital. You will get the utilities of WiFi, a hot shower, and a private bath in these hotels.

Additionally, by adding a small fee, you can also make your Kathmandu stay fancier by upgrading to hotels rated 4 and five stars.

When the hiking starts, snug little homely tea houses in the overnight villages will be your sleeping shelter. And, on the Yala base Camp, Life Himalaya Trekking will supply you with durable individual tents for sleeping, eating, and a latrine.

A hearty, fulfilling breakfast will be on your table in Kathmandu every morning, while lunch and dinner will have to be self-catered. On the route, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be arranged by Life Himalaya Trekking.

On camping, our kitchen team will be responsible for serving you fresh, hot meals every day.

Life Himalaya Trekking’s private 4WD will be available for your TIA transfers both at the beginning and end of the journey, while a private jeep or bus will be arranged for your travel between Kathmandu and Syabrubeshi.

Travel Insurance

Please do not disregard the significance of travel insurance for Yala Peak climbing. It is not only needed for your all-around safety but also obligatory for the expedition.

Although not the tallest summit, Yala Peak is still a Himalaya where unseen and unimaginable events can occur at sudden moments. Such as sudden weather change, AMS, fall, slips, injuries, or any other form of accidents requiring evacuation via helicopter or air ambulance.

Thus, for the Yala Peak climbing 12 days trip, we suggest you have the helicopter evacuation coverage in your insurance plan up to 5600 m elevation.

You should also consider investing in a policy that covers theft or loss of your belongings, expedition delays, extensions, or cancellations.

Permits required for the Yala Peak Climbing

Travelers often believe that Yala Peak does not require any permits. Yala Peak, being a trekking summit, does not need a climbing permit from Nepal Mountain Association, but it does require a trekking permit for Langtang National Park, along with a TIMS Card from TAAN (Trekking Agency Association of Nepal).

The relevant tourism office in Kathmandu or Dhunche issues the Langtang National Park permit for 3000 NPR per hiker and the TIMS Card for 2000 NPR per hiker. Life Himalaya Trekking will handle the fees and the acquisition of these permits.