Yala and Naya Kanga Peak Climbing

The Langtang Valley is situated only 19 miles north of Kathmandu, close to the border of Tibet. The Langtang valley is dominated by Langtang Lirung (7246m), the highest peak in this area. This trek with its optional climbs of Yala Peak and Naya Kanga offers a wonderful introduction to mountaineering in the Himalaya, among some of the most spectacular and grand scenery in the whole of Nepal.

The trek starts after a 7 hour drive to Dhunche. In the beginning we walk through sub-tropical jungle, then dense forest of oak, birch and pine before the valley opens out into alpine meadows and yak pastures. In the spring these high meadows are carpeted with a rich different of alpine flowers - gentians, violets, edelweiss and primulas to name just a few – and the forests are also in full bloom with rare tree orchids and the colorful rhododendron flowers. The Langtang forests are also known for their wildlife, including red pandas, Himalayan black bear, wild boar and langur monkeys.

We trek up the valley to Kyangjin where we camp in a superb setting, dominated by the fluted North West face of Kangchenpo, whilst Kyangjin Ri provides a splendid viewpoint. From Kyangjin we move further up the valley to Yala, a small yersa (summer hamlet). Basing ourselves here allows time to walk to the top of Tsergo Ri (5066m), the highest view point . The views from here are as superb as anywhere in the Himalaya, a 360 degree panorama of snow capped mountains including Langtang Lirung, Pemthang Ri, Langshisha Ri, Dorje Lakpa, and Kangchenpo.

Our base at Yala also provides us with the opportunity to climb Yala Peak (5500m). This is an easy and provides good acclimatisation and training for our climb of Naya Kanga (5844m). The climb is straightforward being little more than a walk up steep snow slopes of around 30 degrees. The view from the summit is breathtaking - magnificent snow capped peaks all around and views across to the mountains of Tibet, including Shishapangma.

it and acclimatised we move from Yala to our base for Naya Kanga, a camp on moraines below the Kangja La. From here there are good views of the north east ridge of Naya Kanga, the route we will be climbing. The climb is fairly straightforward, though the final snow crest is quite narrow, great fun for those with a head for heights.

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