Kang Yatse 2 Trek Expedition

• Altitude: 11,500 ft

• Check in Hotel

• Briefing about the trek at 5 pm (mandatory)

• Bring a copy of ID proof and 2 photo graphs. foreigner, a copy of passport and visa

• Network is available (only post-paid)

• ATM is available

• Can purchase or rent trekking equipment from Leh

• Visit of any very high altitude place or pass is not advisable

• Consumption of alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited

Kang Yatse II Peak Expedition begins from Leh. Arrive in Leh through flight or train. Your stay will be in the hotel after you reach. Leh is already at a height of 11,000 ft, hence you should be acclimatized pretty well. Use this day as an opportunity to rest and get your body acclimatized to the high altitudes.

Good phone connectivity is available in Leh. You can use this day to shop for the forgotten things or rent equipment. Strictly stay from alcohol and smoking. If you arrive late, you can rest for the day. You can additionally roam around and get adapted to the culture. Leh is quite popular for its cultural treasures, monasteries, palaces and temples. Try to keep it low and easy on the body.

Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel

• Acclimatization and sightseeing in Leh

• Can visit to monasteries: Shey, Thiksey, Sangam, and Hemis

• Avoid River Rafting, You can plan it after your trek

• Visit of any very high altitude place or pass is not advisable

Yet another day to get used to the low temperatures or to discover the splendid Leh! Apart from adventures and surreal scenery, Leh is well-known for its monasteries and palaces. Step into the history of Leh through the Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery and ThikseyGompa. You can find thousands of adventure seekers or tourists in Leh during peak season. Try to interact with everyone to get used to the culture. Leh is famous for its cafes and hanging out places. If you wish you can try them. Again, strictly keep hands off alcohol and smoking.

Apart from cultural heritage, Leh must be travelled for its passes and lakes like Nubra valley, Pangonglake. We do not allow roaming of trekkers to such places. This is to avoid strain on the body that might hurdle the process of acclimatization. Therefore, try to avoid moving to higher altitudes and stroll to nearby places. Enjoy your wonderful stay in the hotel.

Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel

• Altitude: Chilling 10,500 ft, Skiu 11,150 ft

• Drive: 65 km, 2-3 hours (Leh to Chilling)

• Trek: 9 km, 4-5 hours (Chilling to Skiu)

• First one hour is steep ascent, rest is easy walk

• Drive through Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus

The drive from Leh to Chilling is like entering the ocean of barren, brownish yellow yet stunning region of the Himalayas. In the first half of the journey, major monuments Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Spituk Monastery will quaintly welcome you. The silent and vibrant Magnetic Hill also passes by as you make your own way. Through the views of color changing rocks, dry grasslands you will cross the confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers. Chilling is a popular village of Leh known as the Base camp for Chadar in winter and river rafting in summer.

The trek ahead incepts with a steep ascent going through Zingchen gorge. Amidst you will also cross the river on a trolley at Kaya-Do place. The trail many times comes across Indus River. Skiu will mark the first camping in the tents. It is located at the confluence of rivers Shgri Nala and Markha. The village has fairly 10-15 houses. They are also good for homestay and tea breaks. The habitat also has an old monastery. End your first day of the trek in Skui, looking forward to the upcoming thrills.

Accommodation: Camp/Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Altitude: 12,200 ft

• Trek 16 km, 7-8 hours

• Altitude Gain: 500 m/1,050 ft

• Longest but normal and plan slope

• Markha is one of the largest village in the valley

• Cafes on the way

• 2-3 river crossing

• Monastery and palace to visit at Markha

The advantage of Kang Yatse trek is that it seamlessly overlaps with the Markha valley. Therefore, you can boastfully complete Markha valley trek too. And today is the day to witness the Markha valley. This will be the longest day of trekking with a total of 20 km of the hike. On this pretty long day, you will be welcomed by 3-4 villages and their rejuvenating hot tea. The first such village, Harding comes immediately after 2 hours of hiking. Keep walking ahead for another 2-3 hours, till you reach Chalak village. It is placed beautifully amongst the barley fields with mountains in the background. Again, have some tea and get all energized for the remaining trek.

The next camping site is at Markha village, which is 5-6km from here. Despite that, it will take 2-3 hours due to the steep climb to Markha valley. The Markha river flows with a strong current and you will have to cross this furious river. The river level might be till knee, depending on the snowfall. The Markha valley is considered the largest because it has around 30-40 houses. For people interested in history, there are ruins of a fort. You can also find an old monastery that is believed to be built in the 1800s. Make sure to walk through the village and interact with the locals while sipping hot tea.

Accommodation: Camp/Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Altitude: 13,400ft

• Trek: 13 km, 7-8 hours

• Altitude Gain: 400 m/1,200 ft

• Teahouse at Umling village

• Last village of the valley

• View of a beautiful monastery

• Path will intersect the River a number of times

• After Umlung, you will have a first look of Mt. Kang Yatse(6400m)

Wake up all fresh and be happy as today will be an easy trek. The upcoming trail meets streams and Markha river several times serving as a refreshment. Umlung village is a tiny village, which can be recognised by houses and a monastery on the route. After Umlung the Kang Yatse peak comes to visibility and keeps calling you! Hankar village will be the next short break point. You can notice the Tacha monastery, skillfully placed on such a height. Hankar is also a camping site and one can have a night stay here.

Trudge along the well-marked trail from Hankar towards a stone bridge. There are many routes coming out, you keep following the same path. In the next 2 hours, the pastures of Thochungtse become visible. There camping sites and tea houses here. Find yourself comfortable with the beautiful grasslands and rest for the day.

Accommodation: Camp/Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Altitude: 15,800 ft

• Trek: 7 km, 4-5 hours

• Altitude Gain: 700 m/2,400 ft

• An easy trek

• Amazing view of Mt. Kang Yatse

• Amazing view of Tigu lakes (double lakes)

This will be a short day filled with surprises. The sight of Kang Yatse gets closer and bigger. The trail is a gradual ascent of 700 meters comprising of 3-4 hours trek. Mystic Mani stones having prayer inscriptions will be found on the route. Recite the devotional prayers and hope for a wonderful summit. You will be greeted by twin Tigu lakes. Though these lakes are tiny they reflect the magnificent Kang Yatse peak.

The trails enter into a huge plain of Nimling where sheep, mountain goats, sometimes rabbits are found grazing. Nimling is renowned as grazing pasture lands and will also be your camping site. The entire setup is extremely pleasant and gives a contemplating experience.

Accommodation: Camp/Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Altitude: 16,700ft

• Trek: 3 km, 2-3 hours

• First half is up hill through loose rocks, rest is gentle downhill and across the river

• Don’t exhaust your body, take rest as much as possible

This will be the smallest trekking day of the entire trek. Hence, chill and try to make the most of the beauty around you. The first half of the trek has loose rocks but the stunning views of Kang Yatse will ease the pain. The latter half of the trail is a descend. After 2-3 hours you will arrive at your base camp at 5,100 meters.

Make sure to remain out of the tent to get acclimatized. Try to not strain your body and relax at the camping site. This is the best time to study the mountains around you, try to capture as much as you can.

Accommodation: Camp/Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Team will issue you the technical equipments

• Learn how to use technical equipments

• Briefing and planning for the summit

• Push for the Summit at 11 pm (Timings may get change)

This is a thoughtfully added day to help you get acclimatized to the high altitudes. You can consider this as a training day. Our team will be granting training on usage of technical equipment. You will be taught how to walk in the snow, using crampons, handling of ice axe, and other techniques that are a must for the summit attempt.

Try to grasp as much as you can. In doing so try not to exhaust yourself, as next will be the summit day. The delightful Kang Yatse peak will be staring at you throughout. Additionally, you can also go nearby for height gain trek. Make sure you give enough rest to your body for the summit attempt. Pack your backpack for the summit day, keep it light and easy. You will have dinner early to wake up midnight for the last climb. Hence, try to sleep early to get enough sleep.

Accommodation: Camp/Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Altitude: 20,500ft

• Trek: 5 km each way, 12 hrs

• Reach on the Summit by 6 am

• Reach to Base camp by 11 am

• Packed breakfast and hot lunch at camp site

• Carry enough hot water

And the most exciting day rises! We will start midnight for the summit push to be at the top around 6 am for glistering sunrise. Carry packed lunch, refreshments and enough water for the strenuous climb.

Today you will be rising from 5100 meters to straightaway 6200 meters. Therefore, being mentally strong is the key. The route to the summit is through the famous Kang Yatse shoulder. The trail starts with loose moraine and scree. Loose rocks make is difficult to secure the foot on the trail. Use a trekking pole for assistance. The route upwards has crevasses which are covered with snow most of the time. Based on the level of snowfall you will have to rope up for safety. Be careful and watch every step. The route goes to the north face through the northwest ridge towards a rocky outcropping.

After a steep climb to the top, you will find the 360 degrees views of the Zanskar range, Karakoram peaks and mountains surrounding Kang Yatse. You might also notice the K2 peak (second highest peak in the world). You may also spot the distant Tibet mountains. The views are flawlessly satisfactory and will bring back all the energy to climb down.

The entire summit path is 5 km each way. When you retrace your steps, be cautious on the scree and moraines. Make sure you return from the top by 1 pm to avoid further issues due to weather. Come back to the base camp to rest after the exhausting summit attempt.

Accommodation: Camp/Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Altitude: Kongmaru 17,100ft, Chokdo 12,100ft

• Trek: 16 km, 7-8 hours

• Descent to Chokdo (Shang Valley) from KongmaruLa is little long

• Highest Altitude pass crossing to the trek makes it a difficult day

• It will take 3-4 hours of hike for Kongmaru La Pass

• Amazing view of Indus Valley and Ladakh Range

• Steep descent and rocky terrain

• Drive to Leh 60 km

Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11

• Buffer day will be used if unable to summit due to of any unforeseen circumstances.

• Opting a buffer day will be a team decision not an individual.

• Keep a buffer day in your travel plan.

• Buffer day is not included in the cost.

• Buffer day cost entire group per day (INR 30,000)

• Please make any further travel plan on Day 12.

• If buffer day is not used in the Expedition then it can be used to explore Leh.

  • Rafting in Zanskar

  • Mountain Biking

  • Motorcycle Tour

  • Khardung La visit

  • One day trip to Pangong lake

  • Full day sightseeing

  • Zip line

With satisfaction and happiness begin to return home. This day is like a bonus to enjoy the fulfilling mountains again. The terrain goes through the highest Kongmaru La pass. After a strenuous climb of 2 hours to Kongmaru La pass, you will be pleasantly welcomed by the Karakoram range and the excellent array of peaks. Hold your breath for the mind-blowing sight of the huge K2 Mountain, the second highest peak in the world. There are prayer flags moving along the wind. To your surprise, there is a good network connection from the pass.

Further trek of 5-6 hours will bring you to Chokdo. The route has a steep descent and rocky terrain. It will present the amazing side of the cold dessert as you trudge through Indus and Ladhak valley.

Today you will have mixed feelings, sadness because the trek ends today and satisfaction of completing the trek. The trail changes drastically through the scenery of Indus valley and Ladakh range. This is the last stop of the entire trek, that also has many homestays. Look back and try to fill the salient features of the Ladakh in your eyes that you have just experienced while remembering the Kang Yatse II trek. Your pick up vehicle will take you all the way down to Leh.