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.
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.
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 days from Kathmandu |
| Summit | Yala Peak, 5,520 m / 18,110 ft |
| Grade | Moderate to challenging (alpine grade F/PD−) |
| Experience needed | None; basic training included |
| Start and finish | Syabrubesi, 7–8 hours' drive from Kathmandu |
| Permits | NMA peak permit and Langtang National Park permit |
| Best time | March–May and September–November |
| Cost | From US$1,290 per person |
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.
| Cost item | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Full climbing package (this trip) | From US$1,290 per person |
| NMA peak permit | Varies by season (included) |
| Langtang National Park permit | About NPR 3,000 (included) |
| Climbing gear rental | About US$50–80 in Kathmandu |
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Yala Peak NMA permit and the Langtang National Park permit are included.
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.
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 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.
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.
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More trip options, quoted on request:
Yes, Yala Peak (5,520 m) is widely regarded as the easiest trekking peak in Nepal, with no technical climbing on the normal route.
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.
No. Good fitness and some trekking experience are enough; your guide teaches crampon and rope skills.
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.
About 12 days from Kathmandu, including the Langtang Valley trek and a reserve day.
March–May and September–November.
Shishapangma in Tibet, Langtang Lirung, Gang Chhenpo, Dorje Lakpa and the Langtang glaciers.
Yes, an NMA peak permit and the Langtang National Park permit, both included.
Yala Peak is easier, cheaper and needs no flights; Island Peak is higher and more technical.
Usually yes on the upper snow slope, depending on the season.
Drive to Syabrubesi (7–8 hours) and trek up the Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa.
Yes, add about 4 days to cross to the Gosainkunda lakes after the climb.
