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Yala Peak Climbing

Trip Facts: Activities : 11 day Trekking, 3 nights in Kathmandu.

Start/End: Kathmandu

Destination : Yala Peak Summit

Trip Duration : 13 days

Max. Altitude : 6145 meters

Group Size : Min. 1 / Max.20

Best Season : February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December.

Trip Grade :

Daily walking Hour: Approx. 4-6
Yala peak is a part of the Langtang Himal which is located at the central part of Nepal. Yala Peak ClimbingWalking through the dense forest and traditional ethnic settlements you reach the wonderful base camp of Yala peak. The base camp of Yala Peak is Kyangjin Gompa (3749m/12300 ft). You will have stunning views of Lantang Lirung (7246m), Lenpo Gang 7083m), Dorje Lakpa (6990m) and mighty Shishapangma (8027m) in Tibetan side.

Yala Peak is a fantastic beginner's mountaineering trip, to one of Nepal's easier trekking peaks. Just to the north of Kathmandu in the Langtang region, this 5500 meters peak is situated in a beautiful valley of rich grazing pastures and Tamang people. From Kathmandu you drive to Dhunche or Syabrubesi, and after three-day's trekking you can reach Yala Peak.

Itinerary Day 01: 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 02: 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 03: 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 04: Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang village (3430m.)
via Ghore Tabela which takes about six hours. As you continue climbing there are occasional glimpses of Langtang Lirung between the trees. At Ghora Tabela [3000m], the trail emerges from the forest. While walking here, you can catch a glimpse of white monkeys and local birds. Once there was a Tibetan resettlement project here, but now it is a Nepalese army post though it has no permanent inhabitants. The trail continues to climb gently and the valley widens, passing a few temporary settlements used by herders who bring their livestock to graze in the high pastures during the summer months. There is a monastery which we can visit shortly before arriving at the village of Langtang, the headquarters of the Langtang National Park. The houses of Langtang and its neighbouring villages are of the flat-roofed Tibetan style, surrounded by stone walls enclosing fields of buckwheat, potatoes, wheat, turnips and barley.

Day 05: 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 06: 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 07: 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 08: 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 09: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu by bus, which takes about nine hours.

Note: It is possible to combine with some other activities such as white water rafting and wildlife safari. The itinerary can be customized according to your duration of holiday.

Service Includes

• Climbing peak permit
• 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
• An Experience head Sardar/Guide.
• Trained Cook and Kitchen boy(s).
• Required number of porters
• All camping gears, high quality tents two men tent with sleeping mattress.
• Group dinning tents with table and chairs
• Kitchen tents and Toilet tent
• EPI gas with stove for high camp
• All meals quality and hygienic (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• All hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice)
• Available high food
• All necessary Climbing hardware gears including Climbing ropes.
• Complete first aid kits
• Oxygen with mask and regulator for emergency/medical purpose.
• Insurance of all local team members
• Equipment for porters

Service Excludes

• Medical/personal high risk insurance (suggest have rescue coverage policy as well)
• International airfares and departure tax.
• Personal climbing gears.
• Major meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• Cost of personal expenses
• Tips

Equipment Lists

Footwear:

Running shoes: For travel and easy walking
Sport sandal: That can be worn with socks. (Teva, Chaco)
Lightweight hiking boots: Leather or fabric/leather with sturdy mid-sole and a Vibram sole.
Climbing boots: Plastic double boot. Aveolite liners for warmth recommended. (Vasque, Koflach, Scarpa)
Booties: Synthetic or down isulation. Any brand with thick foam soles.
Lightweight socks: Three to four pairs synthetic/wool blend (Bridgedale, Patagonia, Smartwool)
Mid-weight socks: Three to four pairs synthetic/wool blend (Bridgedale, Patagonia, Smartwool)

Clothing:

Lightweight long underwear top: (Patagonia Capilene, REI, Mountain Equipment Co-op)
Mid-weight long underwear tops: Zip-T neck design is good. Light colors are better for tops because they are cooler when hiking in direct sunlight and just as warm as dark colors when worn underneath other layers. (Patagonia, North Face, Mountain Hardwear)
Lightweight long underwear bottoms: (Patagonia Capilene, REI, Mountain Equipment Co-op)
Mid-weight underwear bottoms: Dark colors are preferable because they do not show dirt. (Patagonia Capilene, REI, Mountain Equipment Co-op)
Briefs: Four pairs synthetic or cotton. Running shorts also work well for underwear. (Patagonia Capilene)
Short-sleeved shirts: Two synthetic; most nylon running shirts or athletic shirts work. (North Face, Patagonia, or any brand of PowerDry)
Jacket, synthetic or fleece: Synthetic jackets or pullovers are a great alternative to fleece because they are lighter and more compressible. Primaloft type fill or Polartec 100 or 200 fleece is recommended. (Wild Things Primaloft, Patagonia Puff Jacket)
Synthetic insulated pants: Primaloft or Polarguard 3D. Full side zips are recommended. Mountain Hardwear Chugach 3D pants are an example. An acceptable alternative are fleece pants Polartec 100 or 200, but they are bulky, heavier and less versatile.
Down insulated jacket: Expedition weight with a hood. (Marmot, North Face, Mountain Hardwear)
Waterproof breathable jacket & pants: Jacket must have a hood, pants must have full-length side zips. (Arc'Teryx, Marmot, Mountain Equipment Co-op)

Head & Hand Gear:

Liner gloves: Lightweight synthetic (Patagonia Capilene or any brand of PowerStretch)
Windstopper fleece gloves: (any brand of Windstopper fleece)
Gore-Tex Mittens w/ pile liners: Expedition weight liner for the first pair, second pair should have a light weight pile liner. (Outdoor Research)
Bandana: Two to three traditional cotton style.
Sun hat: Any lightweight hat with a good brim or visor.
Wool or fleece hat: Any brand of warm hat that can go over ears.
Balaclava: At least one. Some people layer a very thin Capilene balaclava under a thicker fleece one.

Accessories:

Sunglasses #1: For high altitude. 1 pair of high quality 100%UV and 100%IR with a minimum of 80% light reduction, side shields such as those found on “glacier glasses” are not recommended, but size and shape of lens should offer maximum protection from bright light on snow.
Sunglasses #2: One pair high quality 100%UV and 100%IR, for lower elevations, also as a backup. It is important to have a spare pair of sunglasses.
Ski goggles: (Bolle, Smith)
Gaiters w/reinforced lowers: Short, simple gaiters are best, such as Outdoor Research's Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters.
Headlamp w/spare bulb: (Petzl, Black Diamond)
Spare batteries: For headlamp and other gadgets you bring.

Climbing Equipment:

Ice axe: General mountaineering axe. 60 cm length is good for most people but it does depend on your height. Shaft should be straight, not curved. You will need a leash to attach your axe to you harness as well as a “wrist loop”. Bring a commercial leash designed for glacier travel or 6 ft of 9 / 16 inch webbing and your guide will help you construct one. (Grivel, Black Diamond)
Crampons: 12 point step-in (Grivel, Black Diamond)
Harness: Alpine style, you should not have to step through leg loops to put it on and off. It should be lightweight and fully adjustable. (Black Diamond)
Carabiners: Two large locking “pear” shaped, 6 regular mountaineering carabiners (avoid small gate specialized sport climbing ‘biners) (Black Diamond, Petzl, Clog)
Prussik cord: 20 feet of 6mm perlon which is also known as static accessory cord.(don’t cut it, bring in one piece)
Ascenders: One left or right hand orientation, does not matter (Petzl)
Rappel device: Figure 8, ATC or Trango Pyramid

Camping Gear:

Backpack: 5000 cubic inches (80 liters) or more, internal frame. Top opening mountaineer’s rucksack style is best. Avoid large zipper openings and excessive outside pockets. Larger packs are better than smaller, because they are easier to pack with cold hands and they distribute loads more effectively. (Gregory, North Face, Dana, Arc’Teryx)
Small day pack: Optional, should be small and simple, can double as stuff sack or organizer, useful for airline carry-on and for while touring in cities. (Black Diamond, Lowe)
Sleeping bag: Expedition quality rated to at least minus 20F (-25C) ((Marmot, North Face, Moonstone)
Sleeping pad: Inflating, full-length (Therm-a-rest)
Foam pad: (Ridgerest)
Water bottles: Two 1-liter, leak-proof wide-mouth. (Nalgene, Lexan)
Lightweight steel thermal bottle: (Zojirushi, Nissan, Outdoor Research)
Pee bottle: One 1-liter, leak-proof wide-mouth (Nalgene, Lexan)
Pee funnel for women: (Freshette)
Pack towel: Small or medium size. Do not bring “terrycloth”, bandanas work in a pinch. (PackTowl)
Trekking poles: Make sure they are adjustable and can extend or shorten. (Leki, Black Diamond)
Swiss army knife: Remember not to leave in carry-on bags for any international or domestic flight.
Large mug, plastic bowl, Lexan fork and spoon: lightweight metal is ok. (MSR)

Medical & Personal:

Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher, non-oily (Dermatone or Terrapin)
Lipscreen: SPF 30 or higher, any brand
Toiletry kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, alcohol-based anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial soap, comb/brush, shave kit, lighter, small long-burning candle, needle/thread, throat lozenges (bring travel size bottles to keep you kit small)
First-aid kit: Ibuprofen/aspirin, assorted band-aids, moleskin, little of hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin-type suave, Nu-skin spray, small gauze pad, roll of adhesive tape, tweezers, safety pins, small bottle of water purification tablets. Include any prescription travel meds that might prescribed by your doctor. (antibiotics, Diamox, sleep aids)
Zip-loc bags: Always useful
Baby wipes
Ear plugs: Very useful in noisy lodges and tents. Available in most hardware stores.
Water purification tablets: Such as Potable Aqua brand iodine tablets. You will be given plenty of purified water during your trek and climb, but one bottle of backup purification tablets is always a good idea for your travels. They are especially useful in hotels on you way to Nepal. You should not drink untreated tap water anywhere in Asia and bottled water in some rare cases might not be available.

Travel Items:

Expedition duffel bag: 8000+ cubic inches (130+ liter). Light colors are better for labeling with your name. Buy something well built with large, strong zippers. These bags are strapped to Yaks! (North Face, Patagonia “Black Hole”, Wild Things “Burro Bag”)
Travel bags: Extra duffel bags are useful for storing things in Kathmandu, in Namche and at Base Camp. Most soft sided “carry-on’ type bags work well. (Camp Trails “Packable”, Wild Things “carry-on”) You might also use extra large stuff sacks. Plan to fly to Nepal with two large duffels, and some smaller bags for organizing inside.
Nylon stuff sacks: Several different sizes, light colors preferable for labeling. (Outdoor Research)
Long sleeve shirt: Cotton, comfortable
Hiking shorts and/or skirt/sarong: 1 pair (any brand of Supplex short)
Lightweight pants: One pair (any brand Supplex or “stretch woven” pant)
City clothes for Kathmandu and Bangkok: Casual, one or two changes. Kathmandu is warm in the daytime, cool in the evenings. If you stay in Bangkok it is hot and ropical.
Passport belt/pouch
Small padlocks: for locking duffel bag(s)
Book(s)
Journal
Camera / video camera w/ extra batteries: We suggest plenty of non-rechargeable power, such as lithium batteries. Cold weather is hard on ni-cad and regular alkaline batteries and solar recharging is not always an option.
Film: Bring plenty, it is expensive in Nepal. Be sure to keep in your carry-on luggage, in clear zip- lock bags so that it can be inspected at airports. If you bring a digital camera, bring extra media storage cards. book this triptell a friendask an expert