Trek the Langtang Valley to Summit Yala Peak (5500m)
Climb one of the few non-technical peaks in Nepal and experience the mighty Himalaya away from the crowds
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking mountain guidesAll accommodation
2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu, 8 nights in teahouses along the trail and 1 night campingMeals
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinnersTransfers & porterage
Airport transfers and everything in between; porters will carry your overnight luggage on the trekEquipment, permits & fees
Crampons, ice axe, ropes, helmet and harness will be provided; all your trekking permits and fees are sorted for youSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Hike from steamy forest to high-altitude trails in the wildly beautiful Langtang Valley, close to the Tibetan border
Grab your crampons, ropes and ice axe as you navigate the ridge to Yala summit (5500m) on an adventure of a lifetime
Trek among panoramic views of towering peaks and tumbling glaciers in the High Himalaya, including Shishapangma (8027m)
Key Information
Day 1
Arrive in Nepal
Welcome to Kathmandu! After checking in you'll have a pre-departure meeting with your guides to run through the plans for the trek. You'll finish the day with a group dinner to get to know your team for the next couple of weeks.
Day 2
Roadtrip to Syabrubesi
Driving
Bidding goodbye to Kathmandu, you'll hop on a bus for a bone-rattling journey to Syabrubesi – the set-off point for the trek ahead. The journey will take approximately seven hours, but there's plenty to look at as you drive along the scenic banks of Trishuli River with beautiful views of valleys, meadows, rivers, and mountains. You'll make a stop at Dhunche to have your permits checked before bedding down in a teahouse in the village of Syabrubesi.
Day 3
Through the forest to Lama Teahouse via Bamboo
Hiking
Time to lace up your hiking boots up and hit the trail. The gently undulating track weaves up and over the Bhote River suspension bridge through dense forest and past Langtang Khola. Passing through the hamlet of Bamboo, keep your eyes peeled for red panda – these elusive creatures can sometimes be spotted in the forest. You can expect a few glimpses of snow-covered peaks but today is mostly about the river, forests, rocky stairs and a few bridge crossings. Although the elevation is not high yet (below 2500m), the humid temperature will make the hike a sweaty one and test your stamina for the challenge ahead.
Day 4
To Langtang village
Hiking
Start the day with a walk through beautiful wild forests of hemlock, oak and huge rhododendron, with snow-capped peaks beginning to appear in the distance. After a steady climb, you'll pass the army checkpoint at Ghodatabela before reaching Langtang village. This sombre spot was one of the worst-hit areas when the earthquake hit in 2015 and is still being rebuilt – income from tourism is fundamental to its recovery.
Day 5
Stomp on to Kyanjin Gompa
Hiking
Leaving Langtang behind, the trail crosses yak pastures and follows a meandering stream. Gengchempo (6387m) is a prominent landmark off to the east and your first sight of a mighty peak. The trail reaches the Tamang settlements of Mundu (3410m) and Sindum (3410m) flanked by equally spectacular peaks, as the full Langtang range makes an appearance. Time for some dal bhat at your teahouse in Kyanjin Gompa to end the day.
Day 6
The Kyanjin Gompa loop
Hiking
No need to pack up this morning as you'll return to the same spot this evening. Today is a relatively easy day as you acclimatise to being at altitude (currently at 3830m). You can wander to a monastery, visit a local cheese factory or walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung. For those with energy to burn, your guide can also take you up Kyanjin Ri (4773m) for a breathtaking panorama of the Langtang peaks. Overnight at Kyanjin Gompa, don't forget to look up at the stars!
Day 7
To Yala Base Camp
Hiking
Leaving behind the last settlement you'll see for a couple of days, you'll start to trek along the rocky glacial trail. You'll arrive at base camp (4600m) mid-afternoon with plenty of time to settle in, grab a hot drink and marvel at the peak above. Sunset this high up is something to behold, and worth checking out before you gather together in the mess tent for a hearty meal prepared by your crew.
Day 8
Summit day!
Hiking
Headtorches at the ready as you set off for the summit in the early hours, when conditions are usually at their best. The summit generally takes approximately eight hours, with the last 700m usually needing ropes, crampons and ice axes. You'll make your way along a small ridge to reach the top at 5500m – Yala Peak bagged! Your reward is panoramic views of Shishapangma, Dorje Lakpa, Gangchempo, Naya Kang, Tserko Ri, Langtang Lirung and many other astonishing mountains. After summiting, you'll head back to base camp for a quick refuel before descending back down to Kyanjin Gompa.
Day 9
The long descent to the Lama Teahouse
Hiking
With lung fulls of oxygen, you'll hop, skip and jump back down the valley all the way to the Lama Teahouse in Rimche. Now at a sensible altitude to do so, you can grab a local beer and celebrate your achievement!
Day 10
Back to Syabrubesi
Hiking
It's the last day on the trail today, with an easy walk through the forest, retracing the track past Bamboo and Dovan and onto the overnight spot at Syabrubesi. This small town perched above a river is the perfect place to end your trek and to reflect on your achievement, before saying goodbye to the mighty Himalaya tomorrow.
Day 11
Road trip back to Kathmandu
Driving
Jump on the bus back to Kathmandu, where a hot shower and your clean clothes await. You'll be staying right in the centre of Thamel, an area popular with travellers and packed with street food and backstreet bars. Head out for a final group meal and perhaps onto a local cocktail bar for a final celebratory nightcap.
Day 12
Last day in Kathmandu
Enjoy a well-earned lie in and breakfast at your hotel, then spend your last day exploring the city before heading back to the airport, and reality.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Kathmandu Airport (KTM)
Arrive by 16:00 on Day 1
Ends
Kathmandu Airport (KTM)
Any time on Day 12
Transfers
Airport arrival and departure transfers are included no matter when you arrive and depart (even if booking extra nights before or after the trip), provided you have completed your passenger information form and have supplied your flight details in advance. On Day 1, your tour leader will arrange a group briefing before a welcome dinner, so we strongly encourage you to book a flight landing by 16:00 in order to be able to join this on time.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Kathmandu from major airports in the UK, Europe and North America.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9 – Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 11
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 12
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfast is usually either hot porridge, muesli or Tibetan bread served with an omelette or boiled eggs. The menus in each of the teahouses are very similar, and there will usually be a choice of traditional Nepalese dhal bhat (a mixed plate of lentils, rice, vegetables and pickles – delicious and healthy), momos (Nepalese dumplings), mixed noodles, pasta or even pizza. Although meat is available at some teahouses, we suggest you ask your guide for advice about eating it – it tends to depend on how far it has travelled, as to whether or not it is a safe option.
Dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian diets can be catered for while trekking although meals may get a bit repetitive – dhal bhat will likely be your go-to staple. Gluten-free/coeliac diets are tricky to cater for on teahouse treks: beware that powdered soups and seasonings used often contain gluten, and cooking oil is commonly reused and may cause cross-contamination. Please explain your dietary requirements to your guide so that they can assist when ordering, and bringing along some extra food/snacks is advisable.
What is the accommodation like?
Kathmandu
You’ll stay in a centrally located tourist hotel in the heart of Thamel (such as the Hotel Holy Himalaya, or one of a similar standard), close to the main shopping area and heritage sites. You will stay in twin-share rooms.
Trekking the Langtang Valley
Generally, most adventures to Nepal are based in remote areas where the accommodation will be basic. On the trek you will stay in teahouses most nights – these are mountain lodges that tend to have a communal dining area and basic toilets. The rooms are usually twin-share sorted by gender; however, if there is an odd number in the group they may occasionally be mixed. There’s no heating so you'll need your warm sleeping bag. WiFi and hot showers are often available at a small cost. You can usually charge your phone up – again, you guessed it, for a cost – so remember to take an adapter.
Yala Peak
You'll also spend one night in a twin-share dome tent at Yala Peak Base Camp. All your camping kit is provided, but you might wish to pack a small inflatable pillow.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space a private room can be booked, please see Optional Extras for pricing. Please note, this is only possible for the two nights in Kathmandu and is subject to availability. Please request this at the time of booking.
This trip has been rated as Tough
Much of the trek is within the capabilities of people with good fitness and stamina who are keen and experienced trekkers. Still, it is important to note that trekking at altitudes above 3000m (10,000ft) is more demanding on the body than walking at low elevations. Some training beforehand will help and we advise doing at least one weekend of back-to-back days walking. The guide will set the pace and as with all treks at altitude, the approach is ‘slowly, slowly’ to help you adjust.
The ascent of Yala Peak is non-technical so you do not need previous mountaineering or high-altitude climbing experience. You will, however, summit using ropes, crampons and an ice axe – you will learn the basics and practice using these while hiking on the previous days, and there will be plenty of time to go through these skills with your guide before you start the summit attempt. It may be that you use these items for a short period only or for a couple of days as you approach the summit, the weather is highly changeable so you will prepare early on in the trek to ensure you feel confident with the ascent. Overall, the climbing day will still feel challenging due to the rapid altitude gain and the terrain during the summit push, so good stamina and preparation is crucial.
What will I need to carry?
There will be one porter for every person. They will each carry up to 20-25kg of kit (including your climbing gear), so your overnight bags will be transported for you. Please pack no more than 15kg per person of personal clothing/items (including your sleeping bag) in a soft backpack or duffel bag, allowing for the climbing equipment to make up the remainder of the porter's weight limit. You will only need to carry a daypack with essentials in it (extra layers, snacks, water, suncream, camera etc).
There are two key seasons for trekking Yala Peak in Nepal:
Pre-Monsoon/Spring (March-May): Temperatures rise significantly in spring and flowers are in full bloom in the lower lands. Although it can still drop below freezing at night, the daytime temperatures tend to sit between 10-15°C.
Post-Monsoon/Autumn (Sept-Nov): This is the most popular time to trek in Nepal with sunny and mild days generally. It can get cold and windy at higher altitudes, however skies are usually clear.
Snow is likely in early March and late November but for other dates later in Spring and earlier in Autumn, it will be less prevalent. If there is minimal or no snow, the summit will be approached as more of a scramble than a snowy hike, so crampons and ice axes won't be needed. Of course, mountain weather is notoriously hard to predict and snow can be expected on any trip, so all the kit will travel with you in case it is needed.
Classic trek with a mildly
Classic trek with a mildly technical peak added on. Well-organized local hosts
Where to begin? To start I will say that I would 100% recommend this trip for anyone looking for STUNNING natural beauty, a true cultural immersion, and a very tough physical challenge. I would 100% NOT recommend this trip for the faint of heart - you need to be prepared for very basic (and COLD) accommodations, and a very very tough physical challenge. I personally LOVED this trip - I have done may group trips (this is my 4th with MBA), and this was, hands down, my favorite to date. Our local guides Sunil, Ngima and Chhiring were absolute professionals, and they were there to encourage and support each of us every step of the way. I am not a climber, but with 3 practice days I felt confidant on summit day. They looked after our comfort and safety every step of the way, and made sure all our needs were met. I have never seen such incredible scenery, and the local teahouses where we stayed gave a true glimpse into the local culture. The food was very plentiful, and delicious. The accommodations were basic, and VERY cold. It was cozy in the dining areas, where we gathered around a wood stove in the center of the room for dinner, but the rooms had NO heat - be sure to pack warm clothes and a cold weather sleeping bag for the nights. If you are looking for a true adventure, a physical challenge, and a true cultural experience DO THIS TRIP!!! A+++
An amazing and physically challenging trek! For someone who has never done mountaineering before, this was a unique experience that pushed me to my limits. The trek up the valley was beautiful, with many gorgeous waterfalls, views of distant summits, local wildlife, and immersion into the local culture of living in the Langtang valley. The summit day was long (16.5h), hard, and rewarding with spectacular views in every direction.
Trip of a lifetime! I cannot recommend this trip enough. If you want to experience a truly Nepalese mountain trek then pick this one. The trails are pretty quiet and take you from jungle to snowy miuntains over the course of a few daysa. The summit day of Yala Peak is a challenging and serious day out (especially in snow) but the reward of snowy mountain views for miles is worth it.. The local team were incredible making the trip for me. Experienced, knowledgeable and always on hand to ensure we had the best experience. The accommodation in Kathmandhu is comfortable great for exploring the crazy city and the tea houses on the trekking route gave a really special almost home stay experience. Big thanks to Dakman, Pasang and Ngima for a trip that I will never forget!
The trek was a fantastic experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Dakman and the climbers Ngima and Pasang were very patient and accommodating throughout the trip and helped us all successfully reach Yala summit with not much prior mountaineering experience. They were all very polite and fun to be around as well as the porters. I would recommend the trip to anyone who wants to push themselves to new limits! I would also recommend bringing protein supplements if you’re used to a protein-rich western diet.
Yala peak is an A+ adventure. It’s not for your typical hiker but for those who want next level experiences this is the trip for you. You must complete over 50 miles of breathtaking views and eventually find yourself in the rare air. It’s tough but one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The local operators, Freedom Adventures, are completely invested in making the experience the best possible. Personally, I feel Nepal and the Himalayas have changed my outlook of life in a better way and I’m left thinking about my next trip to this magical country.
I have just returned from the Yala Peak trip 06-17th November 2022. It was my first time in Nepal and first time to the Himalaya. It has been a dream of mine since I was 15 - and it did not disappoint. I have always been apprehensive about booking onto group trips online and going to the mountains with people I did not know. I was lucky in a sense in that I was going with 1 other - and we actually met prior to departure as it turned out we only live 10 minutes away from each other! So in this sense it actually felt like a private trip/expedition for us. It is hard for me to pick a highlight - the objective was to climb Yala Peak which we successfully completed but without a doubt the whole trip was excellent. I wanted a challenge - and Yala Peak certainly provided this - not technically but the altitude did weigh down on us low landers (Bristol being 11m above sea level!). Aside from this the trip really was a brilliant introduction to Nepal and the Himalaya for me - and has left me hungry for much more. The team provided by my local host was excellent - our main guide Dakman was great and I cant praise him highly enough - a perfect balance for me of not being overbearing but a kind hearted, friendly and knowledgeable bloke who spends his whole life walking these mountains. I dont like to be smothered or waited on hand and foot - but the guide was literally there for any needs which we did have. We were very lucky with our climbing guide Ashok- usually guiding on 8000's and so to have him share some of his time, knowledge and insight with us was a real special bonus. The Langtang Valley is beautiful - in the sunshine the area surrounding Kyanjin Gompa was genuinely up there with the most beautiful and powerful scenery I have ever seen and walked amongst. Whilst I have never been to the Annapurna and Everest areas I have in recent years been put off by the increasing commercialization of that area and the number of tourists that head there. Langtang still has that genuine rural/remote feel to it. There are of course other hikers there but it retains its peace and serenity. I love the fact you get to stay with the real people living a tough life surviving where most would not - quite literally sharing their homes and dining spaces with us. If you want a pampered 5* hotel kind of experience this is not the trip for you. The showers are generally freezing and the toilets stink. If this does not phase you then I would hands down recommend this trip. I will never forget the smiles and the hospitality of the people we stayed with. In particular the girls at Mountain View Guest House Langtang Village. Whilst feeling saddened to witness the site of the tragic landslide that occurred following the earthquake of 2015 that destroyed the original village - their huge smiles, happiness and hospitality was so amazing and the happiness infectious. It really was inspirational and despite the horror of what had happened had rebuilt/were continuing to rebuild their lives. This is a particularly rambling review - I dont think i have quite unpacked/processed the trip in its entirety yet but it really was an amazing experience for me. The saving process begins again from now and I hope to return soon. Thanks to Much Better Adventures and my local host for their parts in organising and putting this trip on.
Yala Peak trip was everything what I hoped so (beautiful area to trek, challenging climb to the top, friendly local people, good food and a lot of good memories). The local host was great (including Krishna who arranged for all transport, hotel etc. and made sure that the trip run smoothly). I fill that I made new friends in Nepal. I struggled with the altitude sickness, but local guides (Dakman, Ashok, Pasang & Asman) were all very supportive and helped me to achieve my dream and reach the Yala Peak!
Yala Peak is a brilliant but very hard trip. Starting at 25 degrees and 90% humidity in the low lang tang valley and hiking up to the minus degrees you can see so much of what Langtang has to offer in one trip. I did go in May so the weather may be different for another trip but the contrast is massive. Brilliant views with plenty of time to relax after a long day's hike. I would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone.