YALA PEAK

Yala Peak is a mountain in the Langtang area in Nepal.

Location

The summit of the peak is located at 5,500 m (18,000 ft) above sea level and it provides a vantage point from where Shishapangma, 8,013 m (26,289 ft), can be seen. The Tsergo Ri giant landslide occurred close to Yala Peak.

This peak is considered as a trekking peak by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, and is a relatively simple, non-technical climb. The climbing of Yala Peak passes through the Langtang National Park. The flora and fauna of the peak and surrounding area consist of Rhododendron, Snow leopard, and Red panda. In its first leg, climbers choose to go to Kyanjin Monastery 3,900 m (12,800 ft), a famous Buddhist pilgrimage place, to adjust to the altitude and climate. Once acclimatized, the climbers move towards the base camp at Yala Kharka 4,600 m (15,100 ft).

Climbing route

Yala Peak climbs through the Southeast face from Kyanjin Gompa is considered among the easy 6000m peaks in Nepal and is recommended for travelers who are new to peak climbing. As the Nepal Government regards Yala Peak as a hiking trail, it doesn’t demand any special climbing permit.

The climb begins from the last campaign spot which is Yala Kharkha base camp at 4600m. The hike to the summit from the base camp is 9 kilometers in total, taking 5 to 6 hours of time. The climb along the southwest face does not need any fixed ropes, but crampons will be useful. The mountains from Yala Peak summit are Sisapangma (China’s 8000m peak), Langtang Lirung, Ganesh, Dorje Lukpa, and Gangchempo.