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We trek
up the valley past Kyangjin to Yala, and climb to
the top of Tsergo Ri [5066m], where the views are
as spectacular as anywhere in the Himalaya. After
completing our climbs of Yala Peak [5520m] and Naya
Kanga Peak [5846m], we descend from the upper Langtang
Valley as far as Syabru, before following a different
trail, past Sing Gompa, to the sacred lakes of Gosainkund.
We cross the Laurebina La [4610m] and return to Kathmandu
through the lovely villages of the Helambu region.
The Langtang Valley is located only 19 miles north
of Kathmandu, close to the border of Tibet, below
the main crest of the Himalaya. The valley is dominated
by Langtang Lirung [7246m], the highest peak in the
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 beautiful scenery in the whole of Nepal.
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 point on a broad
flat plateau. The views from here are as spectacular
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 not technically
difficult 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.
Fit 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. Once again the views from the
summit are spectacular, a fitting climax to a magnificent
climb.
For anyone not wishing to climb Yala Peak and Naya
Kanga, there is every opportunity to explore the spectacular
upper Langtang valley. Our camps are in superb locations,
the trekking is not difficult and there are many good
options for day walks from our base camps. The trek
to and from the Upper Langtang valley is a 'classic'
in its own right. We descend from the upper Langtang
Valley as far as Syabru before following a different
trail, past Sing Gompa, to the sacred lakes of Gosainkund.
We cross the Laurebina La [4610m] and return to Kathmandu
through the lovely villages of the Helambu region.
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Day 01:
Kathmandu to Dhunche [1970m].