Trekking · Nepal
Yala Peak
One of Nepal's easiest trekking peaks at 5,520 m, a non-technical snow summit above Kyanjin Gompa in Langtang.
Yala Peak, at 5,520 metres, is widely regarded as one of the easiest and most achievable of the trekking peaks of Nepal — a non-technical snow summit in the Langtang valley that makes an ideal first Himalayan peak, close to Kathmandu.
Overview
Yala Peak rises above Kyanjin Gompa, the highest village in the Langtang valley, north of Kathmandu near the Tibetan border. Unlike the bigger Khumbu and Annapurna peaks, it has no serious rock pitches or steep ice, so it is the natural choice for fit walkers wanting their first crampon-and-ice-axe summit. The Langtang valley itself is one of the most accessible trekking regions in Nepal, reached by road to Syabrubesi, which keeps the whole trip shorter and cheaper than the fly-in Everest peaks. From the top, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa and the border peaks crowd the skyline, with Shishapangma in Tibet visible to the north on clear days.
Height and location
At 5,520 metres (18,110 feet), Yala Peak sits within Langtang National Park, the first Himalayan national park in Nepal. Climbers approach on the Langtang region treks network up the Langtang valley, acclimatising naturally as they gain height to Kyanjin Gompa before establishing a high camp for the climb. Its proximity to Kathmandu — no internal flight required — is a big part of its appeal.
The climb
The ascent is essentially a steady snow plod. From high camp, climbers rope up to cross the glacier and ascend gentle to moderate snow slopes to the summit, using crampons and an ice axe for security rather than to overcome difficult ground. There is no fixed-rope headwall or exposed knife-edge ridge of the kind found on Lobuche East. The main demands are fitness and acclimatisation rather than technical skill.
Difficulty, season and safety
Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) give the firmest snow and clearest views. Although Yala is non-technical, the summit still exceeds 5,500 m, so unhurried acclimatisation in the Langtang valley is essential — read our altitude sickness guide before you go. Climbers wanting another gentle objective often look at the Khumbu's Pokalde Peak, while those after a sanctuary summit choose Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak). As with every trekking peak, you need an NMA climbing permit, a registered agency and a guide — see our Nepal trekking guide.
Fast facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 5,520 m (18,110 ft) |
| Region | Langtang valley |
| Difficulty | Easiest popular trekking peak |
| Access | By road, no internal flight |
| Base village | Kyanjin Gompa |
| Best access | Via the Langtang region treks |
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Frequently asked questions
How high is Yala Peak?+
Yala Peak rises to 5,520 metres (18,110 feet) in the Langtang region north of Kathmandu, above the village of Kyanjin Gompa.
Is Yala Peak a good first trekking peak?+
Yes. Yala Peak is one of the most achievable trekking peaks in Nepal, a non-technical snow climb with no serious rock or steep ice, making it a popular first Himalayan summit for fit trekkers with basic crampon skills.
How do you climb Yala Peak?+
Yala Peak is climbed from the Langtang valley, usually from a high camp reached above Kyanjin Gompa. The summit day is a steady snow ascent on gentle to moderate slopes, with crampons, ice axe and rope for safety on the glacier.
What can you see from Yala Peak?+
The summit gives close views of Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa and the peaks along the Tibetan border, and on clear days you can see Shishapangma in Tibet to the north.
