2-12 people
Moderate
Tea House / Tent
6,186m/ 20,295 ft
B / L / D
Flight / Private Car
March - May
Mt. Kyanjin Ri is a popular trekking peak located in the Langtang Valley of Nepal. It is not one of the highest peaks in Nepal but offers a thrilling and relatively accessible climbing experience for mountaineers, trekkers, and adventurers. At 4,773 meters (15,659 feet), it is often used as a training peak for those aspiring to climb higher Himalayan mountains or as a stand-alone adventure for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding climb in the Langtang region.
Mt. Kyanjin Ri Peak Climbing:
1. Location:
Mt. Kyanjin Ri is located in the Langtang National Park, which is situated north of Kathmandu. The Langtang Valley is known for its stunning landscapes, traditional Tamang villages, and magnificent views of snow-capped peaks like Langtang Lirung (7,227 meters) and Dorje Lakpa (6,966 meters). The peak is easily accessible from the village of Kyanjin Gompa, which is a popular stop for trekkers in the Langtang Valley.
2. Climbing Difficulty:
Kyanjin Ri is considered a non-technical peak, making it suitable for trekkers with basic mountaineering skills and those with a good level of fitness. While the climb does not involve any technical rock climbing or ice climbing, it requires a good level of stamina, especially when dealing with the high altitude.
- The ascent involves easy snow and ice slopes, and the route is straightforward. However, trekkers still need to be cautious of weather conditions, altitude sickness, and potential avalanches.
- Crampons and ice axes may be needed, depending on the snow conditions at the time of your expedition, but the climb does not require advanced technical skills like other Himalayan peaks.
3. Access and Trekking to Kyanjin Ri:
- The trek to Kyanjin Ri starts from Syabrubesi (about 7-8 hours from Kathmandu by road) and follows the well-established Langtang Valley Trek. This trek provides beautiful views of Tibetan villages, dense rhododendron forests, and scenic waterfalls.
- The Kyanjin Gompa (3,800 meters), a historic Tibetan Buddhist monastery, serves as the base for the climb. From Kyanjin Gompa, the climb to Kyanjin Ri is a day trip and can be completed as a part of the Langtang Valley Trek itinerary.
- The climb to Kyanjin Ri from Kyanjin Gompa typically takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on individual fitness and acclimatization.
4. Best Time for Climbing:
The best times to climb Mt. Kyanjin Ri are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures. The summer months (June to August) are generally less ideal due to the monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall and increased risk of landslides. Winter (December to February) may also be challenging due to cold temperatures and snow conditions, although experienced climbers might still attempt it.
5. Climbing Route and Difficulty:
- Base Camp to Summit: The route from Kyanjin Gompa to the summit of Kyanjin Ri is straightforward. The trek begins with a steep ascent through moraine and snowfields, and the final stretch involves scrambling up a gentle ridge.
- Summit Day: On summit day, climbers typically begin early in the morning to ensure they reach the summit before the weather deteriorates. The views from the summit are one of the biggest rewards of the climb. You will have panoramic views of surrounding peaks such as Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Naya Kanga, and Gangchenpo, as well as the beautiful Langtang Valley below.
6. Acclimatization:
Given its moderate altitude (4,773 meters), Kyanjin Ri does not require extensive acclimatization, but trekkers should still take care to avoid altitude sickness. Spending a day or two in Kyanjin Gompa before attempting the summit will help your body adjust to the altitude. It's essential to follow the "climb high, sleep low" rule to allow for proper acclimatization.
7. Equipment Required:
The climbing equipment needed for Kyanjin Ri is basic, especially compared to higher, more technical climbs in the Himalayas. Essential equipment includes:
- Crampons (if snow conditions are present)
- Ice axe (depending on conditions)
- Climbing harness (optional)
- Helmet (for safety, especially in rocky areas)
- Warm layers (for cold conditions at higher altitudes)
- Trekking poles (helpful for the steep sections)
- Proper trekking boots (to ensure good grip and support)
8. Permits:
- A Climbing Permit is required for Mt. Kyanjin Ri, which is issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). The permit cost is relatively affordable for a trekking peak compared to higher peaks in Nepal.
- Since the peak is in Langtang National Park, trekkers also need a Langtang National Park permit and a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. These permits are issued by the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
Trip Outline
Day 01: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) then trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek
Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft): 5-6 hours
Day 03: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): Acclimatization Day
Day 04: Namche Bazaar to Mende (3736 m/12,255 ft): 5-6 hours
Day 05: Mende to Kyajo Ri Base Camp (4550m/14925 ft): 5-6 hours
Day 06: Rest day at Kyajo Ri Base Camp
Day 07: Kyajo Ri Base Camp to Camp I (5200m/17056 ft): 4-5 hours
Day 08: Acclimatization and rest at Camp I
Day 09: Camp I to Camp II (5700m/18,700ft)
Day 10: Summit Day and Back to Camp II: 7-8 hours
Day 11: Trek back to Base Camp: 4-5 hours
Day 12: Base Camp to Namche Bazaar: 5-6 hours
Day 13: Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6-7 hours
Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu
Detail itinerary
Day 01: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) then trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft)
3 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek to Phakding (2652m). The flight to Lukla gives outstanding views of early morning sunrise on the snowcapped mountains. On landing Tenzing-Hillary Airport after a 40 minutes we will be at Lukla then we will reach the gateway to the Himalayas. The trek begins from the airport itself soon after meeting our crew there from where Phakding is a short walk. As this is the first day of the trek, we will rest in Phakding.
Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)
5-6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
We will start trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m): 5-4 Hours Starting early in the morning, the route passes through beautiful pine forests, Dudh Koshi River and views of Mount Thamserku. After passing a few settlements we a check post, the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. We further walk through the confluence of Dudh Koshi River and Bhote Koshi River, and take a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar where the first sight of marvelous Mount Everest and ridges of Mount Lhotse and Mount Nuptse welcomes us.
Day 03: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft)
3 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Namche: Acclimatization and Rest Day at Namche Bazaar, the biggest settlement in the Khumbu region, is well facilitated with ATMs, Internet cafes, restaurants, bakeries etc. Although it’s rest day for acclimatization, we will go for a short hike to a nearby viewpoint (Thame or Khunde) and take a tour of the place including the Tourist Visitor Center where information about Everest climbers, Sherpa people and their culture and flora and fauna of the region are briefed.
Day 04: Namche Bazaar to Mende (3736 m/12,255 ft)
5-6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Namche Bazaar to Mende (3736 m): 5-6 hours walk to Thame from Namche is relatively easy. The trail follows an almost steady level until we reach the settlement of Thame, a beautiful village with amazing views of the Himalayas. From here the trail makes a short ascent to Mende.
Day 05: Mende to Kyajo Ri Base Camp (4550m/14925 ft)
5-6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Mende to Kyajo Ri Base Camp (4550m): 5-6 hours From Mende we leave the main trails and follow a faint yak trail up over a couple of passes to enter the Kyajo Drangka; the isolated broad valley south of Kyajo Ri. On our way, we enjoy great views of the Himalayas including Thamserku, Khumbila, Kusum Kangaru, Kwangde and Pachharmo. Kyajo Ri Base Camp is set up on a flat surface between the rocky mountain on one side and a small river on the other
Day 06: Rest day at Kyajo Ri Base Camp
2 Hrs B/L/D Tent
Rest day at Kyajo Ri Base Camp This day is set aside for proper acclimatization before summiting the Kyajo Ri peak. However, since it is always wise to stay a little busy during acclimatization, we will be hiking to Camp I and back. Furthermore, we also check our climbing equipments today.
Day 07: Kyajo Ri Base Camp to Camp I (5200m/17056 ft)
4-5 Hrs B/L/D Tent
Kyajo Ri Base Camp to Camp I (5200m): 4-5 hours. The ascent to Camp I begins with hiking over a grassy spur and boulders. Next, our trail follows the upward rocky section with a lot of boulders and skid pebbles. We walk for another few hours on a steep trail before reaching Camp I. Our camp will be set on a level ground, with good views and within easy reach of water flowing out from the frozen lake at the foot of the Glacier
Day 08: Acclimatization and rest at Camp I
6 Hrs B/L/D Tent
Acclimatization and rest at Camp I. This is another day set aside for acclimatization and rest before summiting the Kyajo Ri peak. We will trek to Camp II and come back to Camp I to spend the night. This will also help us to prepare for the next day’s climb. Overnight at Camp I.
Day 09: Camp I to Camp II (5700m/18,700ft)
5-6 Hrs B/L/D Tent
Camp I to Camp II (5700m). Today will involves some technical climbing over mixed face slopes up to 55 degrees along with negotiating through a glacier. Camp II lies near the glacier and has sufficient place for camping. From the camp, we can see the climbing route we will be attempting the next day.
Day 10: Summit Day and Back to Camp II
7-8 Hrs B/L/D Tent
Our summit day begins in the early morning, around 3:00 am. After light breakfast we will start to climb through the rocky part with big boulders. Next, we will reach a part of the glacier from where it is a fairly hard climb. Here the ground steepens, and we climb snow and ice on the Southwest Ridge. There is one short rock section but primarily the climbing is on snow and ice. The sharp summit is a narrow wedge of snow. After spending some time celebrating our success and taking pictures on the summit, we return back to Camp I.
Day 11: Trek back to Base Camp
4-5 Hrs B/L/D Tent
Today we will return back to Kyajo Ri Base Camp and celebrate the successful completion of our trip. The return trip will be relatively easier than the summit day as you will have already known what to expect on your journey back. Upon reaching the Base Camp, we relax for some time and if interested, we may even explore the surrounding area.
Day 12: Base Camp to Namche Bazaar
5-6 Hrs B/L/D Tent
Understand that Green Valley strictly follows the ‘leave no trace principles’ whenever it can. We are a team deeply committed to maintaining ecosystems at home and around the world. Therefore, before leaving the base camp, we will clean the area. The mountains are our home and we believe that it is unwise to disregard its value by not preserving it. After cleaning the base camp we return back to Namche Bazaar via Mende and Thame.
Day 13: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
6-7 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Trek from Namche to Phakding and then to Lukla (2800m): 5-6 Hours the last day of the trek will continues with the steep downward trail. Trekkers need to walk really slow very controlled and in a balanced manner on the steep rocky terrain until reaching the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi, passing through the open plain, rhododendron forest while enjoying distant view of snow covered mountains. Finally Lukla is reached.
Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu
6 Hrs B
What's included?
- All domestic flights.
- Climbing Equitments
- Trekker’s Information Management System(TIMS) card
- All governmental procedure fees, all permits and local taxes.
- All meals and accommodation throughout the trek.
- An experienced English speaking trekking guide possessing valid license issued by the government of Nepal.
- Highly experienced trekking staffs.
- Travel and rescue arrangements.
What's not included?
- Visa fees/ international airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost.
- Hot and cold shower, battery recharge during the trek.
- Personal expenses phone calls, bar bills, extra porters, beverages etc.
- Personal Everest base camp trekking equipments/gears.
- Tips for guides, porters
- All others expenses not mentioned in “Trip Cost Includes” section.
- Costs incurred due to unforeseen reasons like general strikes, accidents, unavailability of tickets (see Disclaimer above) or any event beyond the control of the company