General trip description

Expedition route: Kathmandu, Syabrubensi, Kyanjin Gompa, Yala Peak, Ganja La, Naya Kanga, Melamchi Pul Bazaar, Kathmandu

In this trip you start with a bus ride to Syabrubensi, the starting point of the trek. Across good trails you will trek through the green, sometimes narrow Langtang valley, little villages, across suspension bridges and wild streams up to cold alpine areas. In the lower parts of this trip you will be trekking across forest trails, ascending fast to higher altitudes. Proper acclimatization is necessary! From the Kyangin Gompa you will enter a wild alpine valley. Easy trails lead to Yala Peak. Climbing this peak is not difficult, although it requires climbing across moraines and snow slopes with an angle of 30 degrees. From Kyangin Gompa we trek across easy trails to the base camp on the moraines below the Kangja La (4930m). From here you will have a good view at the climbing route, the North-East ridge of Naya Kanga. You will have to cross the crevassed glacier and climb through a mixed rock/snow couloir to the base of the ridge. The ridge requires climbing at snow with an angle of 30-45 degrees. After the obvious col, the summit ridge continues up, getting smaller near the summit. As the exposed summit ridge can be very narrow, just few climbers attempt to reach the real summit. After climbing Naya Kanga, the journey continues by descending the steep Ganja La across a small glacier and moraines. Further down, the trails become easier, although leading through wild and remote valleys until Pati Bhanjyang is reached where the trail joins the main Helambu trail. The picturesque Helambu valley offers easy trails and lovely landscapes.

Team composition

This expedition is organized in classic expedition style only or in combination with lodge style. Classic expedition style means that the trekking route and the route to the summit are approached by establishing different camps on the mountain: trekking camps, base camp and one or more high camps. Simple guesthouses may be available at certain stages and may be used, too.

Within our full expedition service - package, the expedition is led by an experienced Nepalese expedition leader, supported by a strong team of (other) climbing Sherpa’s, cooks and porters and/or yaks. The expedition leader has managed many Himalayan expeditions; he knows the route and has climbed the passes and mountains in this trip or mountains of equal altitude and difficulty himself. The expedition leader and the climbing Sherpa’s prepare and secure the trekking / climbing route and establish al camps. A strong team of porters carries all equipment & food. Check the different, available service packages to see what is included and not included.

Well developed and proven trekking, climbing and acclimatization schedules with sufficient rest & acclimatization days guarantee the safety and the highest chance to reach the different goals in this expedition. The strategy and all options will be discussed on the way.

Minimum / maximum group size:
- Private expeditions: no limit
- Fixed departure expeditions: minimum 3 members / maximum:12 members

Experience & skills

The trekking part in this expedition does not require specific experience or skills. You just should feel comfortable walking on steep, rocky, slippery and unstable terrain. Crossing Ganja La involves some short, but steep rock & snow sections with an angle of 30 to 40 degrees. Climbing Naya Kanga is more technical than most other trekking peaks in Nepal. The ascent and descent involves some short, but steep rock, snow & ice sections with an angle of 40 degrees. The summit ridge is steep, narrow and exposed. To ensure safety, ropes will be fixed at all difficult sections. You should feel comfortable with basic rock and alpine climbing techniques in winter conditions. This includes the following techniques: using ice axe and crampons, abseiling. View the trip’s difficulty for more details.

This expedition is open for trekkers/climbers with basic mountaineering experience or fit and keen trekkers who like to gain mountaineering experience at higher altitudes. It's an advantage if you have previous experience in winter camping and basic rock and alpine climbing techniques, although this is not mandatory. Basic alpine climbing training is built into the trips itinerary. As you’re part of a group during difficult situations and demanding activities, you must have experience in working and living in and with a group of people who share the same, common goal. An easy going, flexible attitude is a must.

Equipment list

After booking all expedition members will receive a final equipment list detailing all necessary clothing and (climbing) equipment to be individually provided. You may download an example list on this page (right top).

Best season, climate, temperatures

Indication of best seasons to make this trip (stable weather and clear views):
- Spring: March, April, May
- Autumn: October, November

Indication of temperatures: (depending on weather conditions)
- Below 5000m varying from: Day time: +10ºC / +30ºC. Night time: -5ºC / +15ºC
- Above 5000m varying from: Day time: -5ºC / +10ºC. Night time: -15ºC / -25ºC

Mountain storms are unpredictable and can arise quickly, changing trekking & climbing conditions dramatically. Rain, snow and strong winds are always possible.