Langtang Heli-Trek and Climb
Catch a helicopter ride and in just two weeks you’ll experience the very best Nepal has to offer
This incredible trip begins with a breath-taking trek into the heart of the Nepal Himalayas and climaxes with an optional climb of 18,700-foot / 5700-meter Yala Peak. Yala Peak is a straightforward ascent perfect for aspiring climbers seeking a stunning alpine landscape and a straightforward mountaineering objective. Skills will be taught on the trip which will allow non-climbing trekkers the thrill of standing on a Himalayan summit. Langtang National Park, the first Himalayan national park, contains the objective, Yala Peak. Walking in the heart of the beautiful Langtang region, trekkers will find fewer people than the Everest and Annapurna circuits while enjoying amazing views along the way; in particular the stunning snow peaks of Langtang Lirung (23,773 ft / 7246 m), the 99th highest mountain in the world), Lenpo Gang (23,238 ft / 7083 m), Dorje Lakpa (22,933 ft / 6990 m) and a myriad of other “smaller” mountains.
-
Trip Perks
Climbing a 18,045 ft / 5500 m Himalayan peak in 2 weeks round-trip! Yala Peak is the perfect mountain climbing introduction, situated in the grandest mountain range in the world, yet suitable for climbers of all abilities. And if you want to just make it a trek, no problem, so you can bring non-climbing friends along for the journey — an adventure for all!
-
Description
Using helicopters will allow for a summit attempt on this lofty Himalayan peak without the time commitment typically necessary for climbing in Nepal. While the emphasis of this trip is to provide an ascent of a Himalayan peak for those on a time frame, we will also take time to enjoy a complete Himalayan experience: exploration of the vibrant city of Kathmandu, glimpses of the traditional ways of locals live, Buddhist culture and trekking amidst high villages and monasteries.
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
-
Langtang Heli-Trek
$4,800 – 14 Days / Includes travel time
-
Single Supplement (I want my own room) – $900
-
Price Includes
- Guide(s) and staff
- Park fees
- Climbing Permit
- Helicopter flight from Kyanjin Gompa to Kathmandu
- Kathmandu city tour
- Three scheduled hotel nights in Kathmandu (double occupancy)
- Scheduled restaurant meals in Kathmandu
- All teahouse accommodations and food while on the trek
- All support staff including cooking staff, porters and pack animals
- Ground transportation and airport transfers
-
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare
- Flight to start of trek (optional)
- Nepal entry visa and airport fees
- Personal equipment and clothing
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- Personal porter
- Breakfast and lunch Day 3
- Dinner Day 4 & 13
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure
- Guide/Staff gratuities
-
Payment Schedule
- $700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 120 days prior to departure
- The balance may be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
-
Langtang Heli-Trek 2023
- Apr 8, 2023 — Apr 21, 2023
- Oct 7, 2023 — Oct 20, 2023
Custom Dates Available — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
International Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 121 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 120 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
The total number of days for your trip includes all travel to and from your destination, with some exceptions. Dates listed on the website start with your departure date from the U.S. and include the day you arrive home.
For this trip you will need to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal on Day 3 of the itinerary. You will cross the date line in mid-flight to Asia, thus losing a day. If you are traveling from outside the US. your itinerary may require less time to reach Kathmandu, so all that is required is that you arrive on Day 3 of the itinerary, where Mountain Madness services begin. If you arrive early, we can assist with extra hotel arrangements and activities. Otherwise, you can arrive at any time on Day 3. You will be met at the airport by a Mountain Madness representative and transferred to your hotel.
Your return flight home should be scheduled for the second to last day of the itinerary.
Please contact our office for any help needed with your flight schedule.
Langtang Heli-Trek and Climb Day by Day
-
Day 1-2
Travel
Travel to Nepal takes several days coming from the US In order to provide you with the exact number of days needed for this excursion, we have included travel time in the itinerary. You will depart from the US on Day 1 and, by crossing the international date line, arrive in Kathmandu on Day 3, where Mountain Madness services begin. If you are travelling from somewhere other than the US, travel time may vary, however Mountain Madness services still begin on Day 3.
-
Day 3
Kathmandu
Elevation: 4,383 ft / 1336 m
Arrive in Kathmandu on Day 3, where a Mountain Madness guide meets you. We stay at the famous 5‑Star Yak-n-Yeti Hotel or Hyatt. Great food from all over the world, fabulous shopping, and Durbar Square with its numerous temples and markets are nearby.
-
Day 4
Kathmandu
Elevation: 4,383 ft / 1336 m
While we wrap up last minute paperwork with the Nepali government, we arrange for you to enjoy a city tour visiting the palaces, Durbar Square, Hindu temples and shrines, Buddhist stupas — or you can just relax at the hotel. A favorite destination is the Monkey Temple, a Buddhist temple situated on a small hill that offers panoramic views of the city. Or you can join the thousands of Hindus who venture to the Pashupatinath temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal and the most famous Shiva temple in Asia. The trip orientation will follow in the evening where we discuss the upcoming trek.
-
Day 5
Kyanjin Gompa
Elevation: 12,660 ft / 3859 m
We drive to the Himalayan foothills where we begin our trek into the Langtang region. The sights on the drive are amazing, providing dramatic views of terraced hills and the distant Himalayan giants. After arriving in the village of Kyanjin Gompa, we meet the rest of our staff and porters for the trek. If the group is large enough to fill a helicopter, the option to fly here is possible at an additional cost.
-
Day 6
Kyanjin Gompa
Elevation: 12,660 ft / 3859 m
Acclimatization and rest day.
-
Day 7
Kyanjin Ri
Elevation: 12,660 ft / 3859 m
Acclimatization excursion to Kyanjin Ri (15,659ft / 4773 m). This hike takes you to the peak which lies beyond the prayer flag-marked hilltop directly above Kyanjin Gompa. It takes the trail that ascends the slope just behind the village where you reach the gully and stream running northwards as it widens, is hemmed in by high ridges on the either sides. On the summit, the view is fantastic with a 360 degree Himalayan panorama. Back to Kyanjin Gompa for overnight stay in tented accommodation.
-
Day 8
Yala Peak Base Camp
Elevation: 16,450 ft / 5014 m
On this day, we will start early morning hiking after having breakfast. Today you will look forward to a gentle climb and a small river crossing. Our Guide will lead you to Yala Peak Base camp where we will set up the camp. Our kitchen crew will serve you the hot dinner and overnight in tented accommodation.
-
Day 9
Yala Peak Base Camp
Elevation: 16,450 ft / 5014 m
Gear familiarization, training. We spend part of the day working with ice axes, crampons and practicing skills that will be used on our summit attempt.
-
Day 10
Yala Peak Base Camp
Elevation: 16,450 ft / 5014 m
Today we take another rest and acclimatization day. There is the option of taking a light hike up the valley for a wider variety of photos of the valley and mountains of the Khumbu region.
-
Day 11
Yala Peak Summit Day
Elevation: 18,045 ft / 5624 m
Early morning, we will prepare for our ascent of Yala Peak. It will be mixed climbing both with ice and rocky mountain. We will use crampons for an hour climb and then the rest will be easy going on rocky mountain. We will take a break after reaching High Camp at 17,500 feet and continue climbing above. The guide will set up the fixed line above High Camp and the kitchen crew will serve hot drinks and light food there. After the summit, we will return to Kyanjin Gompa or nearby village along the trekking route.
-
Day 12
Kyanjin Gompa
Elevation: 12,660 ft / 3859 m
Return to Kathmandu via helicopter.
-
Day 13
Kathmandu/optional flight home in evening if desired
Elevation: 4,383 ft / 1336 m
Free day in Kathmandu
-
Day 14-15
Fly Home
Depart Kathmandu and fly home. Arrive home on Day 15.
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for Langtang Heli-Trek and Climb
-
Carrying Gear
-
Day pack (30-45L)
With padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 10 and 20 pounds. A pack with a volume between 1800-2500 cu. in. (30-45 liters) serves most people’s needs well
Examples:
Osprey Stratos
-
Pack cover
Waterproof cover
-
Large duffel bag (22Lbs Max)
Your mountain gear will be kept in it and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters. Limit loads to items on the equipment list. Your large duffel cannot exceed 22 lbs (10 kg) Approximate size: 28”x16”x16” No wheels or hard sides, please
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
-
Small duffel bag
Large enough to hold everything you’re not taking on the mountain. Will be stored at hotel, to be used after trip
Examples:
Patagonia Black Hole
-
Small padlock for duffel bags
Extra security
-
Baggage tags
Makes identifying your bags easy at airports or hotels
-
-
Sleeping Gear
-
Expedition quality sleeping bag (0F)
Zero-degree F (Minus eighteen-degree C) sleeping bag and stuff sack. Night-time temperatures can be as low as 0°F (-18°C) so bring a warm enough bag
Examples:
Marmot Never Summer, Feathered Friends Snow Bunting
-
-
Climbing Gear
-
Adjustable trekking poles
Three piece poles recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond Trail Back Pole
-
-
Feet
-
Thin socks (2 pair)
Two pairs of synthetic or wool socks to wear under heavy wool socks to help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
Examples:
Smartwool or Cool Max
-
Thick socks (3 pair)
Three pairs of synthetic or wool socks, medium to heavyweight. Check boot fit with thin and thick socks on
Examples:
Smartwool or Thorlo
-
Gaiters
One pair of gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots. Make sure they fit over your boots
Examples:
Outdoor Research Verglas or Crocodiles
-
Hiking boots
One pair light to medium-weight hiking/backpacking boots, waterproof, large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one thick sock
Examples:
Salomon Quest 4D
-
Tennis shoes or sandals
Lightweight to wear in camp after a long day of hiking
-
-
Upper Body
-
Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
-
Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
-
Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
-
Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
-
Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
-
Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is recommended and ideal
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
-
Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
-
-
Lower Body
-
Undergarments
Adequate supply for the entire trip
-
Bathing suit (optional)
lightweight and packable
-
Hiking shorts
One pair of quick-drying shorts. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
-
Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
-
Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
-
Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
-
-
Miscellaneous
-
Stuff sacks/ditty bags/plastic bags
To organize gear in your duffle and pack. All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large heavyweight plastic bags (trash compactor bags work great)
-
Toiletries
Toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amount), etc. Bring enough for the entire trip
-
Toilet paper
1 – 2 rolls stored in a plastic bag
-
Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
-
Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
-
Ear plugs
To block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
-
Water Bottles/Water System (Trekking)
Two one-liter, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, bring at least one hard plastic bottle.
Examples:
Nalgene
-
Water purification
Steri Pen, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine. Purifies drinking water while on the trip.
-
Water flavoring
Powdered additives like Gatorade or NUUN tablets make treated water taste better
-
Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
-
Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
-
Personal first aid and drug kit
small personal first aid kit with ample bandaids and moleskin
-
Nausea medications
Pepto Bismol tablets; Maalox, Gelusil M or Mylanta antacid tablets. Donnatal for stomach cramps. Probiotic capsules taken daily may help keep your gastro-intestinal system working smoothly
-
Towel
For wash up in camp
-
Handi-Wipes
A small pack or two anti-bacterial are great for general hygiene
-
Spare contacts and glasses
Contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions, so make sure you have your back-up glasses with you. Glasses wearers should have a spare set
-
Umbrella (optional)
Protection from rain and sun; compact and light weight
-
Snacks (trek)
Trail snacks are important, and an assortment of candy bars are available at teahouses along the way. Bring some power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking. You will be fed well throughout the trek, so this is just something extra
-
Poncho
A poncho is great for lower down on the mountain when it is raining. Rather than having to wear your hard-shell jacket and overheat, just throw the poncho over yourself and your pack and you will stay dry as a bone
-
Spare bottle for a pee bottle, and a pee funnel (Lady J or Freshette) for women
It can be a cold walk to the toilet at night
-
Insect repellent
A must!
-
Personal electronics
Phone with camera, and/or separate camera. Bring extra batteries and memory!
-
Electronics charging
If you want to charge your electronics along the way, a small, lightweight solar panel to charge batteries or portable charging device may be a good addition
-
Travel power adapter
Most come in kits with all the plugs you need. Double-check to make sure you’re taking the correct adapter/plugs
-
Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
-
-
Book Trip
Langtang Heli-Trek
$4,800
14 Days / Includes travel time
Elevation
Yala Peak: 18,700 ft / 5700 m
Route
Kyanjin Valley to Yala Peak
Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
Climbers on the trip need only have basic snow and ice-climbing skills, but this is not required. Skills needed for the ascent will be taught while on the trip.
Trekking will involve 4 – 6 hours of walking per day with a challenging day to base camp of about 3,500-feet+. You should be in good physical shape and participating in 3 – 4, 1‑hour minimum cardiovascular workouts per week before the trek. Participants are encouraged to walk several hours or more a week leading up to the trek.
Share
-
Email -
Facebook -
Pinterest -
Twitter
