Yala peak is a distinctive peak that lies in the Langtang valley to the north of Kathmandu. Yala peak is 5530 meters high and it is one of the popular trekking peaks among the trekkers who want to go higher than Tserko -RI(4770m) and Kyanjin RI(4895m).
The top of the Yala peak provides a more stunning panorama of the Himalayan peaks from such as Langtang Lirung, Ganchempo, Langshisha RI, Naya Kang, Dorje Lakpa, ganja-la peak, Shishapangma, and other peaks around the Langtang region.
Yala peak used to be classified as a proper trekking peak until 2011 and used to cost a trekking permit for climbing but being relatively lower than another trekking peak (below 5800m) it was out-listed so, Yala peak doesn’t require any official permit to climb nowadays.
The main access to Yala peak is Kyanjin gompa which is the last proper settlement in the valley from where the walk begins. The trail to Yala peak follows halfway to Tsergo RI from where the path splits and takes you right up to Yala Kharka at 4500m.
Yala Kharka is used as the base for Yala peak climbing which is a beautiful meadow from where you can see a lovely sunset view on snow-capped mountains. So, on the following day, you head for the summit of Yala peak in which the trail goes up to the top of Yala peak off the glacier which provides the 3600 snow-capped mountains.
How difficult is Yala peak climbing and the route?
The Yala peak is supposed to be one of the easiest peaks to summit in Nepal which has over a 95% success rate. The route to the top is mostly scrambling on the rocky path all the way.
The course of the climbing begins from Kyanjin gompa in which The trail then climbs steeply up on the hill to Tsergo RI and follows halfway. Hereafter the trail splits off to the left which still climbs up and takes you to the vast beautiful meadow where we set our tent as a base at 4500m.
On the following day, the adventure starts off early in the morning in which the trail traverses uphill through the gravelly and rocky trail to the summit of Yala peak (5500m).
Does Yala peak need a climbing permit?
Until 2011 it used to cost $250 USD per head for a climbing permit but now it is removed from the list of 33 designated trekking peaks as it is relatively lower (below 5800m). So, now visitors can climb it without a permit.
What is the best time to climb Yala peak?
- Spring season which falls in the months of March, April, May is the best time to climb Yala Peak, as this season is relatively warmer in the mountain region, the sky remains clear and the weather is more predictable.
- Autumn is another descent season to climb the Yala peak which falls in the months of September, October, and November. During this month as well, the weather is temperate in the mountain region, the temperature remains temperate and the sky usually remains clear.
