Yala Peak

Overview

Yala peak is a beautiful mountain in the Langtang region of Nepal which lies at the altitude of 5500m. It is a non-technical, and a perfect peak for beginners. However, a basic mountaineering idea is required. According to Nepal Mountaineering Association, Yala Peak is categorized as a simple trekking peak. The climbing consists of simple scrambling with 25 degrees slope, 180m of snow climbing on a 35-40 degree slope, and 650m of climbing on the summit day. The base camp for Yala peak lies at the height of 4500m, from where you can see a stunning view of Langtang Lirung, Lenpo Gang, Dorje Lakpa, and the great Shishapangma which lies on the Tibetan side. Yala peak falls under the protection of Langtang National Park where you can witness a lot of rare flora and fauna. Rare animals like snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan Tahr, etc. The trail also passes through the lush forest of Rhododendron, and pines, beautiful landscapes, and Langtang River. Langtang valley is a relatively short trek and it is perfect for those who are under limited time. 

Temperature and weather

In the Langtang valley or lower altitudes, it is relatively warmer. In the spring season (March-May) the average daytime temperature can be around 10-20⁰C. The autumn season has a similar temperature. The winter season is the coldest of all with a temperature of 6-9⁰C. The minimum temperature in the winter season can be around -3⁰C. During the summer season, the temperature rises over 30⁰C in lower altitudes. 

In higher altitudes, the temperature is always below the freezing point. The spring season still receives snowfall. The winter season is very harsh and extremely cold. 

 Considering all the temperature, weather, and warmth the best or peak season to trek and climb Yala peak is in spring and autumn. The bearable temperature, the clear skies, and atmosphere, stunning views of Rhododendrons and mountains, the best condition of the trails, these all features make these seasons best for climbing.

Food and accommodation 

  there are enough teahouses available in Langtang valley which provides basic facilities like warm rooms, blankets, and pillows. But they have to be shared with other trekkers as well. Private rooms are available but sometimes only. Also, the washroom and toilets have to be shared. They provide home-cooked meals like Dal, Bhat, vegetables, noodles, pasta, soup, etc. However, these facilities are limited to Kyanjin Gompa. No teahouses are available once you cross Kyanjin Gompa and the only solution is to camp. You have to prepare food by yourself. All the equipment like tents, sleeping bags, mats, cooking gas, utensils are very much important in this trek. If you choose to travel through the agencies they will hire a cook for you and also manage the camping for nights. 

Transportation

The gateway of Yala peak is Syabrubesi to which a bus is available from Kathmandu. It might take around 8-9 hours to reach Shyabrubesi from Kathmandu and cost you 1200-1400 NRS. After your arrival at Shyabrubesi, you need to walk further to Yala Base camp. 

Guides and porters– when it comes to peak climbing, professional, licensed, well-educated, and experienced guides are everything you need. They lead you, they have great knowledge about directions, people, villages, camping sites, etc. Since you will be carrying all the stuff for camping you will definitely need a porter to help you. Guides usually charge up to 35-40$ per day and porters charge around 25-30$ per day. However, if you choose to travel through agencies they will hire a guide and a porter for you

Permits and fees

Langtang National Park entry permit

NON SAARC countries- 3000 (excluding VAT)

        SAARC countries- 1500 (excluding VAT)

TIMS- 1000NRS

Communication and electronics

There are facilities for electricity and telephones in most of the teahouses. Mobile coverage of NTC and NCEll are available. You can be connected with your friends and families. There is also no problem in charging the electronics. However, you need to pay few extra money to the owner to use these facilities. Internet is available in a few places like Shyabrubesi, Dunche, and the Langtang valley itself. 

Safety and fitness 

The road to Yala peak base camp is rough, steep, and can be snowy. The trail above the base camp is more challenging. Luckily, Yala peak is an easy peak and anyone with basic mountaineering ideas can do this. However, the extreme temperature and altitude can be serious problems if you don’t apply the necessary precaution. Any peak climbing requires concentration, focus, patience, and knowledge. Physical and mental stability is the most important factor. Physical fitness can be built by running, jogging, and doing some light exercise before starting your trek. The average walking hour of 5-6 per day, and overnight camping, risk of altitude sickness, combining all these facts, the trek and climb to Yala peak can be moderately difficult.  

*Symptoms of Mountain sickness

-Headache

-Dizziness

-Loss of appetite

-Shortness of breath

-Fast heartbeats

*Preventing mountain sickness 

-Walk slow

-Stay hydrated

-Have nutritional food 

-Have enough rest

-Avoid smoking and alcohol 

*Medicines for mountain sickness 

-Acetazolamide 

-Ibuprofen, paracetamol (for headache)

-Promethazine (for nausea) 

Other requirements

Travel insurance– trekking to high altitudes can always be risky. Travel Insurance is something you might want to do before trekking anywhere. Sometimes in emergency cases, people need to be evacuated through a helicopter and get medical service. So, in such cases, your travel insurance will be bearing the cost for you. Seeing all these benefits, the government of Nepal has made travel insurance mandatory thing before trekking. However, it is very important to mention the heights and all the places you will be reaching during your trek. Your insurance entirely depends on the details you have provided earlier. Travel insurance costs you around 150$ which is good for 1 month. 

Visas/passports– if you are not a Nepalese or Indian citizen, then a visa and a passport are mandatory. You can get your Nepalese Visa at Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months.