A 14-day Langtang Valley trek to a 5,500 m summit -- Yala Peak, the fastest beginner mountaineering objective in the Langtang region.
Duration
14 Days
Max Altitude
5,500 m / 18,045 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
Max 14 trekkers
Region
Langtang Valley Treks, Nepal
Best Season
Spring · Autumn
Accommodation
Teahouses & base camp tents
Meals
All meals on trek & at camp
Transport
Drive KTM to Syabrubesi (6-7 hrs)
Dates & Prices
Choose your date
All dates are guaranteed departures — we never cancel for low numbers. Book online or send a quick enquiry.
YearMonth
8 departures · 2026
Sep
5
Sep 5, 2026 — Sep 18, 2026
8 seats left
Available
USD1,825
per person
Sep
16
Sep 16, 2026 — Sep 29, 2026
8 seats left
Available
USD1,825
per person
Sep
21
Sep 21, 2026 — Oct 4, 2026
8 seats left
Available
USD1,825
per person
Oct
4
Oct 4, 2026 — Oct 17, 2026
8 seats left
Available
USD1,825
per person
Oct
14
Oct 14, 2026 — Oct 27, 2026
8 seats left
Available
USD1,825
per person
Can’t find a suitable date? We run private departures on any date with as few as 2 trekkers.
Trip Overview
About the Yala Peak Climbing
Yala Peak Climbing is a 14-day Himalayan expedition in the Langtang region of Nepal, combining a classic valley trek through Langtang National Park with a summit of Yala Peak at 5,500 m. The route follows the Langtang Valley from Syabrubesi (1,400 m) through Lama Hotel, Langtang Village and Kyangjing Gompa before the high camp and summit push on day 8.
Yala Peak is an NMA Group B trekking peak and one of the most accessible summits in Nepal, with a PD (peu difficile) grade, a straightforward snow and glacier approach, and no severe technical sections. Climbers still need crampons, an ice axe and the physical conditioning to move on snow above 5,000 m. Published summit elevations range from 5,500 m (NMA and the DB record) to 5,520 m and 5,732 m in various sources; this trip uses 5,500 m throughout.
The Langtang Valley adds context the summit alone does not: Tibetan-influenced villages rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake, Kyangjing Gompa and its monastery, and a cheese factory still running at 3,800 m. Acclimatisation at Kyangjing is built into the itinerary before the push to base camp and the summit. The sections below cover permits, altitude, gear, seasons and what to expect on the day.
Last updated June 2026
Trip Highlights
Highlights
1
Summit Yala Peak (5,500 m) on a glacier approach from the Langtang Valley
2
Views of Langtang Lirung, Shishapangma and the Tibetan plateau from the top
3
Acclimatisation day at Kyangjing Gompa (3,800 m) with the 1955 yak cheese factory
4
Classic Langtang Valley approach through rebuilt villages and Tibetan-style culture
5
Forest and rhododendron below Lama Hotel; high pasture and snow above Kyangjing
6
PD grade -- the most accessible NMA Group B summit in the Langtang region
Day by Day
Full 14-day itinerary
Tap any day to expand — altitudes, walking times, meals, and overnight details for every stage of the journey.
A Swotah representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drives you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Your climbing guide meets you in the evening for a briefing on the itinerary, permits and gear check. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Sleep at 1,400 mDinner
Tonight’s stay
Hotel
A guided morning through Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites -- Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple complex and Kathmandu Durbar Square -- with time in the afternoon to finish the NMA trekking-peak permit paperwork and rent any climbing gear you need in Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Sleep at 1,400 mBreakfast
Tonight’s stay
Hotel
A 6 to 7 hour jeep drive on the Pasang Lhamu Highway heads northwest from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,400 m), the road head for the Langtang Valley. The last section is unpaved. Overnight in Syabrubesi.
Sleep at 1,400 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
The trail enters Langtang National Park from Syabrubesi and climbs steadily through mixed subtropical and temperate forest -- rhododendron, oak and bamboo below, pine and fir above -- along the Langtang River to Lama Hotel (2,748 m). About 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at Lama Hotel.
Sleep at 2,748 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
The valley opens out above the tree line and the trail passes several small settlements rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake to reach Langtang Village (3,500 m), where Langtang Lirung (7,227 m) fills the north skyline. About 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in Langtang Village.
Sleep at 3,500 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
A shorter walk through high Tamang pastures reaches Kyangjing Gompa (3,800 m), the last permanent settlement in the upper Langtang Valley. The yak cheese factory here, running since 1955, is worth a visit. The monastery sits above the village with views across to Kyangjing Ri and Yala Peak. About 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at Kyangjing Gompa.
Sleep at 3,800 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
A rest and acclimatisation day at Kyangjing Gompa before moving higher. The recommended activity is the hike to the ridge above the village toward Tsergo Ri (4,984 m): climb for 2 to 3 hours to around 4,300 to 4,500 m, check your body's altitude response, then descend. The guide checks pulse oximeter readings for every team member. Overnight at Kyangjing Gompa.
Sleep at 3,800 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
The trail leaves the teahouse lodges behind and climbs open yak pasture and moraine above Kyangjing to Yala Base Camp at 4,940 m, below the snow line and with a clear view of the summit slope. The team sets up camp and the guide reviews crampon fitting, ice-axe technique and the self-arrest position that will be needed the following morning. About 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at Yala Base Camp.
Sleep at 4,940 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Camping
Departure before dawn from Yala Base Camp (4,940 m) for the summit push on Yala Peak at 5,500 m. The approach follows a snow ramp and a short glacier section to the top, gaining roughly 560 m. Crampons and ice axe are on from base camp; the guide leads the rope on the upper snow. The summit gives a 360-degree panorama including Langtang Lirung (7,227 m), Shishapangma (8,027 m) to the north across the Tibetan border, and the Ganesh Himal group to the west. The ascent takes 4 to 6 hours; the descent returns to Yala Base Camp, where the team breaks camp and continues down to Kyangjing Gompa. About 8 to 9 hours total. Overnight at Kyangjing Gompa.
Sleep at 5,500 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Camping
A recovery day at Kyangjing after the summit. The morning is free for a second walk above the village or a visit to the monastery. The afternoon is for rest before the two-day descent. Overnight at Kyangjing Gompa.
Sleep at 3,800 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
The descent retraces the valley trail through Langtang Village and the forest to Lama Hotel (2,748 m). The lower altitude and warmer air are noticeable after the high camp. About 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at Lama Hotel.
Sleep at 2,748 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
The final trekking day drops back through the national park forest to Syabrubesi (1,400 m), where the jeep meets the group. About 4 to 5 hours of walking. Overnight in Syabrubesi.
Sleep at 1,400 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Guesthouse
A 6 to 7 hour jeep drive on the Pasang Lhamu Highway returns the group to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for a meal in Thamel or a final walk around the city. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Sleep at 1,400 mBreakfastLunchDinner
Tonight’s stay
Hotel
Your Yala Peak Climbing trip ends today. A Swotah representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. If you would like to extend your stay or add another trek or climb in Nepal, contact us and we will arrange it.
Sleep at 1,400 mBreakfastLunch
What’s included
What's included
Every cost on the trail is broken out below — no hidden fees, no surprises at the trailhead.
Included
11 items
Airport transfers with an escort by Private Vehicle.
Standard/Deluxe rooms in Kathmandu on twin/double sharing with breakfast.
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, along with ticket fees.
Accommodation during trek (or camping in case of need).
All meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
Authorized English-speaking guide along with required Porters (3:1) for the trek.
Equipment clothing for porter, including their insurance.
All applicable government taxes.
All expenses for all staff –meals, accommodation, salary, equipment, insurance, transportation.
All necessary paperwork, local permit, and climbing permit costs.
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
Not included
4 items
International flights; Nepalese visa fee.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Lukla because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain due to any reason other than the scheduled itinerary.
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
Travel and rescue insurance.
How hard is this trek?
Yala Peak Climbing is graded PD (peu difficile) and suits fit trekkers with no prior mountaineering experience, provided they are led by a certified climbing guide. The glacier and snow approach above 5,000 m demands crampons, an ice axe and the stamina to move at altitude.
▲Strenuous. Summit at 5,500 m with crampons and ice axe required. Prior trekking-peak experience or guided instruction needed.
Overall Rating
4
Moderate
out of 10 · physical effort scale
Max altitude5,500 m
Trekking days11 days
Trip Details
Everything you need to know
In-depth guides on accommodation, food, permits, insurance and special considerations — tap any topic to expand.
Yala Peak is graded PD (peu difficile), the entry level of the alpine difficulty scale, and is one of the most approachable trekking peaks managed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The summit sits at 5,500 m -- some published sources cite 5,520 m or 5,732 m, but 5,500 m is the NMA record and the figure used throughout this trip. The summit day starts from Yala Base Camp at 4,940 m and gains roughly 560 m on snow and glacier, typically requiring 4 to 6 hours for the ascent.
Trekking days on the approach average 5 to 7 hours and are moderate in grade, but the altitude profile climbs quickly: two nights above 3,800 m at Kyangjing before the high camp move aid the acclimatisation. Anyone with a cardiac or respiratory condition should have a medical clearance before booking, and all climbers should watch for AMS symptoms and tell the guide immediately. Swotah guides carry a pulse oximeter and a first-aid kit on every day of the trek and climb.
Spring (late March to May) and autumn (October and November) are the two reliable windows for Yala Peak Climbing, matching the stable-weather periods that govern most Langtang trekking. Autumn gives the clearest skies after the monsoon, firm snow on the upper slopes and cold but settled conditions on summit day; it is the most popular season.
Spring is warmer at lower elevations, with rhododendron colour in the forest below Lama Hotel, and the snowpack on Yala is deep enough to give a good climbing surface through April. Early spring (March) can see residual winter ice on the final approach. Winter (December to February) is possible for experienced climbers but cold and quiet; the monsoon (June to September) brings poor summit visibility and wet snow. The season cards above show month-by-month conditions.
Three permits are required for Yala Peak Climbing: the Langtang National Park entry permit (NPR 3,000 per person for non-SAARC nationals), the Trekkers' Information Management System card (TIMS, around NPR 2,000), and the NMA trekking-peak permit issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association for Yala Peak as a Group B trekking peak. Since September 2025 the NMA has waived the royalty fee for peaks below 5,800 m; the current charge is a garbage deposit of USD 500 per group, refundable on proof of waste pack-out.
Unlike the Manaslu or Dolpo restricted areas, the Langtang National Park does not impose a minimum-group-size rule, but a licensed climbing guide is mandatory for the summit attempt. Swotah arranges all permits once you supply a passport copy and photos, and confirms current fees before departure, as NMA regulations have changed recently and may change again.
The Langtang Valley has well-run teahouse lodges from Syabrubesi to Kyangjing Gompa (3,800 m), with hot showers available lower down and attached bathrooms in the village lodges. Kyangjing, the last permanent settlement, has several solid lodges with good menus and an acclimatisation day built in before the move higher.
Above Kyangjing, the trek shifts to tented camp or basic base-camp shelters at 4,940 m before the summit push. A four-season sleeping bag is essential for the nights above 4,000 m, where temperatures drop well below freezing. Kathmandu offers comfortable hotels at the start and end of the trip.
Teahouse meals on the Langtang approach include dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, eggs and Tibetan bread, with the menu narrowing and prices rising above Langtang Village. Kyangjing is known for its yak cheese factory, and the fresh cheese is worth trying on the acclimatisation day. At base camp, the Swotah cook team prepares hot meals on the two high-camp nights.
Three meals a day are included throughout the trek. For water, aim for 3 to 4 litres a day above 3,500 m to reduce altitude-sickness risk. Boiled water is sold at lodges; a filter, purification tablets or a UV pen work at the tap. Carry a reusable bottle and avoid single-use plastic in the national park.
Yala Peak Climbing begins with a 6 to 7 hour jeep drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,400 m), the main road head for the Langtang Valley. The Pasang Lhamu Highway is paved most of the way but can be slow in the monsoon season, and the final section to Syabrubesi is unpaved.
The return follows the same road. Swotah runs both road legs in a private jeep, which handles the rough final stretch better than a local bus. The Langtang Valley is close enough to Kathmandu that an emergency evacuation by helicopter is feasible on any day of the trip; Swotah will brief you on the evacuation procedure at the gear check in Kathmandu.
The Yala Peak summit day starts from Yala Base Camp at 4,940 m, typically before dawn, and climbs roughly 560 m of gain over snow and a short glacier section to the summit at 5,500 m. The route is non-technical in the alpine sense -- no fixed ropes, no vertical ice -- but crampons and an ice axe are required from base camp onward, and self-arrest technique is the critical skill the guide will check before departure.
Standard technical gear for each climber includes a mountaineering harness, crampons (semi-rigid or rigid) compatible with your boots, an ice axe, a helmet, and climbing gloves. Swotah provides a gear check in Kathmandu and can advise on rentals for items you do not own. The summit gives a 360-degree panorama that includes Shishapangma, Langtang Lirung and the Tibetan plateau to the north.
Kyangjing Gompa at 3,800 m is the cultural and logistical hub of the upper Langtang Valley, with a monastery, a yak cheese factory established in 1955, and high pastures ringed by peaks. The acclimatisation day here is also the best opportunity to explore: the trail to Tsergo Ri (4,984 m) above the village gives a longer hike and altitude test without an overnight commitment.
The Langtang Valley was devastated by an earthquake and avalanche in April 2015, which destroyed Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa partially; the rebuilt settlements are newer, but the culture, the mani walls and the monastery have been restored. Trekking the valley is part of the effort to support that recovery, and spending money at local lodges matters here more than on busier circuits.
A licensed climbing guide is required by NMA regulation for the Yala Peak summit attempt, and Swotah's guides hold Ministry of Tourism licences with NMA high-altitude training. Porters carry loads of 20 to 25 kg maximum; Swotah provides a free duffel so that climbers walk with a light daypack. At base camp, the team includes a cook who prepares hot meals on the two high-camp nights.
Swotah carries group climbing gear -- rope, snow pickets and a first-aid kit -- on the summit day. Personal technical gear (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet) must be either owned by the climber or rented in Kathmandu; the Thamel district has reliable rental shops. The gear check in Kathmandu is mandatory, and any missing item can be sourced that day.
Mobile coverage in the Langtang Valley runs with Nepal Telecom (NTC) as far as Kyangjing, with a reliable signal at Lama Hotel and Langtang Village. Above Kyangjing at base camp, coverage is patchy and often absent. Swotah provides a tourist SIM and advises treating the high-camp nights as off-grid.
Langtang National Park has a strict Leave No Trace policy. Carry a reusable bottle, take all waste back from base camp, respect the mani walls and monastery at Kyangjing by walking clockwise and keeping quiet inside, and ask before photographing people in the villages. Tipping is customary but not mandatory: 10 to 15 percent of the trip cost, split among guide, porter, cook and driver, is the common range and goes directly to seasonal workers in the valley.
What to pack
What to pack
The full kit list. Anything we loan (sleeping bag, down jacket) is called out — bring everything else.
✓Duffel bag (carried by porter)
✓Daypack (25-30L)
✓Dry bag or rain cover
✓Packing cubes
Frequently Asked
Questions & Answers
Everything trekkers ask before booking. Don't see yours? Tap Enquire — we usually reply within a few hours.
Yala Peak is not a technically difficult peak to climb, but you need good stamina and energy to climb it. Even though Yala Peak can be climbed without any previous climbing experience, you need to know how to use the climbing equipment and gears. At Base Camp, our guide also helps you how to use that equipment so you don’t need to worry about that.
The best seasons for Yala Peak Climbing are during autumn (September, October, and November) and spring (March, April, May).
Usually, we have to walk about 6 to 8 hours a day. But it shouldn't be taken as certain thing. Because the walking hour really depend on client's speed. So it's really relative.
In some villages, it is possible to charge the devices, but it costs extra to charge the camera and other electronic equipments. It usually costs between $3-$6 per hour. So it's expensive. The best idea is to bring a power bank.
Yes, for the first few days, it's possible to have telephonic communication. In some villages, you can make local and international calls from telephone provided by the guesthouse owner after paying the price directly to them. In higher altitude regions, we usually have satellite phones with our Sherpas or Guides.
Usually, we rent a sleeping bag which is good for -10 degree Celsius or -20 degree Celsius. In case the sleeping bag is not warm enough for you, we'll also provide you the extra blanket.
During trek, please use comfortable and flexible dress. While trekking during the day at lower altitudes, lightweight trekking trousers and T-shirts are recommended. It's always a good idea to carry a waterproof jacket and some warmer clothing with you though as mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. For the cold nights, thermal underwear, a warm fleece jacket and even a down jacket will help to keep you warm. Good shoes are of great importance. They must be comfortable. For higher altitude treks where you may have to tread snow for long hours, good boots are available for rent in Kathmandu. For mountaineering, you will require special clothes that can be bought or hired from us.
To confirm your booking, a deposit of $200 or 15% of total trip cost is required if you are booking at least a year in advance before trip departure date. If booking is made less than 100 days before the trip departure, you'll need to pay 20% to confirm the trip, if before two months, 25% of the total trip cost will need to be paid and if booked between 30-60 days, 50% of the total trip cost needs to be paid and finally, if you are booking 30 days prior to trip departure, then 100% payment should be made. The payments can be easily made by the bank transfer or Western Union Money transfer. The due balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu with cash (preferably USD/EURO) or card on POS/credit card machine. Please note that non refundable fee is 10% or $200 whichever is greater.
You have to pay the remaining balance after arriving in Kathmandu either by cash or through credit card, before we start our adventure.
It's always a good idea to book on your own. But we can also help you booking your flight in case of request.
Yes, you can add the extra days as per your wish, but for the extra day, you will have to pay the additional cost to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
The hotel in Kathmandu does provide the free storage services. So you can leave the clothes which are not necessary for the trekking. The best way is to save it in our office store room which is equally safe.
You can use a credit card only at Kathmandu. As outside the Kathmandu valley, you have to use the cash so change your currency into the Nepalese Rupees before the trekking.
There are no hidden costs in our itineraries. Therefore you don't need to carry much, but everything that's not mentioned on itinerary for example extra cup of tea, coffee, charging electrical appliances, can cost you extra. Therefore, we recommend you to keep at least $20-$50 per day for your personal expenses.
Definitely we will provide you porter, or yak as per the condition. Besides your personal bag and the water bottle which will be frequently needed for you, they must be carried by you and remaining will be carried by our porter or yak.
Yes, the trekking guides working in our company are the certified license holders and they also have received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project).
Yes, our climbing guides are well trained and have got the license from the Nepal Mountaineering Association. They are experienced with many mountains above 5000 m to 7000 m and also some of them have experienced the 8000 m peaks.
Our guides are well trained; they carry the first aid box for emergency. You also take some medicine box for your personal use.
During the trek, you will get clean and hygienic food. Our cooks and helpers will cook the special meals.
There are plenty of water stations on each stop on the route. You can easily fill up the bottle from the open taps. We recommend that you bring water purifier tablets with you or at least get it from Kathmandu before you depart for trekking. You can also buy mineral waters but we usually recommend tap water which is pure and it helps us not promoting plastic bottled water.
Yes, of course you can change the lodge if you don’t feel comfortable at one place, but it really depends on the availability of the lodges. During the peak season, the possibilities of changing the lodges are low.
We will send our potters to reserve the lodges before we reach there.
Yes, you shouldn’t worry about this. As you arrive, our representative will be standing outside the airport terminal. You'll be directly transferred to the hotel.
For nights in cities, we use standard/superior standard/deluxe rooms whereas, during the trek we use lodges/tea houses/guesthouses/home stay for our clients, and whatever is available and accessible. We also arrange sleeping bags for our clients, on their request. For this expedition, accommodation will be tented camp.
We mostly use the comfortable and efficient vehicle so that you may not get a problem during the ride. We use private or tourist vehicle for sightseeing in the Kathmandu. Depending on the nature or group sized, we use cars, minibus, vans or jeep for travelling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. Mostly we use AC vehicles for your comfort.
No, there will not be any problem as mostly at the high altitude, we prefer vegetarian food to avoid the food poisoning.
We make sure to take security measures during climbing to make your expedition successful. We hire experienced and authorized Guides/Sherpas to safeguard your life in the mountains. We strongly recommend that you follow the guide’s instruction with utmost care.
No vaccinations are compulsory in the Himalaya, but we do recommend you are covered for Diphtheria & TB, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus. We also recommend: •A dental check-up prior to traveling that you know your blood group in case of emergency. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Swotah travelers at the time of your booking.
Why Travel with Swotah
Eight reasons to book with us
Most Nepal operators look the same from the outside. Here's what actually makes the difference.
Born in Nepal
100% locally owned since 2016. Trek profits support Sherpa families and village schools directly.
Guaranteed Departures
Every date on our calendar runs — no minimum group size. You never pay to be cancelled.
Certified Guides
NATHM-licensed, WFR-certified, English-speaking. Most were born within two valleys of the trail.
Small Groups
Small groups, typically 6–8 trekkers. You get a real experience, not a convoy.
Gear Included
Sleeping bag and down jacket loaned at no extra charge — both rated to –20°C.
Flexible Payment
Deposit from 10% to confirm, balance before departure or in cash on arrival. Reschedule up to 30 days prior.
24/7 Support
Kathmandu office and dedicated WhatsApp emergency line. We answer at 2am if needed.
Hall of Fame
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2023, 2024 and 2025. Hundreds of verified five-star reviews.
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