Yala Peak

Yala peak is a part if the Langtang Himal which is located at the centerl part of Nepal. The peak is seldom climbed in it’s own right, often being used as a warm-up for Naya Kanga on the opposite side of the valley. The summit gives surprisingly good views of Shishapangma if you are lucky enough with the weather. 

The climb is easy and suited for anyone with trekking experience. We start in Syabrubesi after a 5 hour drive from Kathmandu and spend five days hiking up the beautiful Langtang valley to Kyanjin Gompa at 3800 m. Kyanjin Gompa is situated below Langtang Lirung (7246 m) and we spend three days acclimatizing taking day-hikes in spectacular surroundings. We establish base camp on a meadow at 4800 m and climb Yala Peak the next day. The last 400 m is on ice so we will be using crampons, ice axe and rope. From the summit we can see Shishapangma (8046 m) and the fluted Gangchempo (6388 m). After the climb we return to Dhunche via Syabrubesi and drive to Kathmandu.

Itinery

Day One

Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche (1966m.) which takes about eight hours. You head north out of Kathmandu driving through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Dhunche. The first part of your drive up to Trishuli Bazaar is quite smooth. The path now moves along the gravel road. During the rainy season, the way is sometimes blocked due to landslides. Your drive from Kathamandu to the destination is to be made by either local bus or land cruiser.

Day Two

Trek from Dhunche to Syabru Gaon (2581m.) which takes about five and a half hours. Trek to Syabru Gaon (6950ft, 2120m). The trek today is very leisurely through forests and terraced hill slopes. As you enter Syabru, you descend to the ridge line that separates the Langtang Khola from the Trishuli River. Syabru is a beautiful village stretched out along the ridgeline. You will continue through the village to your campsite about fifteen minutes beyond on the slopes below the village. The sunset is spectacular; brilliantly backlighting the houses perched on the ridgeline above. From here you can enjoy spectacular view of Lantang Lirung (7245m.), Tibetan Himal ranges and so on.

Day Three

Trek from Syabru Gaon to Lama Hotel (2470m.) which takes about five hours. The trail descends along the ridge on Syabru's main street and then drop to the Ghopche Khola (2050 m.) and again descends to the Landslide (1810m.). Afterwards, you trek ascends gently to Rimche (2400m.) through Bamboo (1960m.) and at the end your trail is level to the Lama Hotel. En route you could see red pandas, monkey and bear if you are lucky. There are few lodges and shops which provides the trekker supplies.

Day Four

Trek from Syabru Gaon to Lama Hotel (2470m.) which takes about five hours. The trail descends along the ridge on Syabru's main street and then drop to the Ghopche Khola (2050 m.) and again descends to the Landslide (1810m.). Afterwards, you trek ascends gently to Rimche (2400m.) through Bamboo (1960m.) and at the end your trail is level to the Lama Hotel. En route you could see red pandas, monkey and bear if you are lucky. There are few lodges and shops which provides the trekker supplies.

Day Five

Trek from Langtang Village to Kyangjin (3870m.) which takes about three hours. The trail climbs gradually through small villages and yak pastures as the valley opens out further and the views become more extensive. After crossing several small streams and moraines, the trail reaches the settlement at Kyangjin. Here, there is a small monastery and a government-operated cheese factory. We should arrive at Kyangjin by lunch time allowing time to acclimatise and explore the area. It is a dramatic setting, with snow covered peaks surrounding us in all directions. At this point, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Dorje Larpa (6990m.), Langtang Ri (6370m.), Langtang Lirung (7245m.) and so on.

Day Six

Rest day at Kyangjin Gompa and excursion in and around. This is day to rest and explore the area. You can visit the monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyangjin Ri [4350m], directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks.

Day Seven

Trek from Kyangjin Gompa to Yak Kharka and it takes about five hours. The early part of the trail moves along the leveled path till Marku and then leaving Langtang Khola you trek ascent path all the way to Yak Kharka. The views you can enjoy are of Ganchenpo, Naya Kang and others.

Day Eight

Trek from Yak Kharka to Yala Base Camp which takes about four hours. To reach Yala Base Camp you trek along the rocky glacier trail. You will be quite accompanied by the views of Ganchenpo, Naya Kang, Tserko Ri, Yala peak and others.

Day Nine

Summit Yala peak and back to Yak Kharka and it takes about eight hours. At the summit of Yala peak, you will be stunned by the panoramic views of Shishapangma, Dorje Lakpa, Ganchenpo, Naya Kang, Tserko Ri, Langtang Lirung and many Tibetan mountains.

Day Ten

Trek from Yak Kharka to Kyangjin Gompa which takes about four hours. You trek descent path all the way to Kyangjin Gompa. The views you can enjoy are of Ganchenpo, Naya Kang and others.

Day Eleven

Trek from Kyangjin Gompa to Lama Hotel which takes about six hours. From Kyangjin you retrace your route, following the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and on to Ghora Tabela. After lunch you continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.

Day Twelve

Trek from Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi via Sherpa Gaon which takes about five hours. The upper part of the trail is more beautiful for the panoramic view of mountains and green hill views. This path is broader and remains sunny through the different Shepra and Tamang villages. The first half part of the trail is gradually down and then the trail does steeply descent to the Syabrubesi (1600m.). There was run a project called Chilime Power Plant. The main inhabitants belong to Tamang community and they have adopted Tibetan lifestyle.

Day Thirteen

Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu by bus, which takes about nine hours

Equipment List