Kang Yatse II (6,250 m / 20,500 ft) is among the most accessible trekking peaks in the Indian Himalayas for fit, ambitious trekkers who wish to enter the world of 6000-meter summits. Set in the Markha Valley of Ladakh—India's high-altitude desert—this expedition offers a rare combination of challenging ascent, spectacular landscapes, and deep cultural immersion.
The trail begins from Leh and quickly enters the serene, historical Markha Valley, passing by ancient monasteries, barley fields, and crumbling fortresses. The terrain evolves from lush valley floors to dry canyons, painted mountains, and then to glacial scree and snowfields near the summit base. Local wildlife such as blue sheep, marmots, and golden eagles are often sighted, and you’ll pass shepherds and Buddhist chortens along the route.
While the summit of Kang Yatse I is technical and requires mountaineering experience, Kang Yatse II is a non-technical ascent—but it’s not easy. The final summit push involves negotiating loose scree, altitude-induced fatigue, and an early morning start over glaciated terrain. However, with proper acclimatization and conditioning, the summit is well within reach for trekkers with strong cardiovascular fitness and mental grit.
What makes this expedition special is not just the climb but the journey: the dramatic isolation of Markha, the humility of Ladakhi villages, and the empowering feeling of standing at 20,500 ft. From the summit, one sees the Karakoram peaks to the north, the Zanskar Range to the south, and, on a clear day, even K2 in the far distance.
Day 1
Leh
Drive Distance: NA
Time Taken: NA
Elevation Profile: 10,500 ft
Arrive in Leh, the heart of Ladakh, nestled along the Indus River. You will be transferred to a cozy guesthouse or homestay. The day is reserved for complete rest to allow your body to begin acclimatizing to the high altitude. Wander the local bazaars or enjoy a view of the Leh Palace in the evening if feeling energetic, but avoid physical exertion. A team briefing and gear check will be conducted in the evening.
Day 2
Leh to Skara
Drive Distance: ~8 km (Leh to Skara)
Time Taken: ~30 mins drive, 1 hr trek
Elevation Profile: 10,500 ft → 11,000 ft
A short drive takes you to the trailhead near Skara. The first trekking section is a gentle acclimatization hike that introduces you to the Markha trail system. Skara lies just off the main tourist map and offers a peaceful introduction to Ladakhi landscapes. Overnight in tents with distant views of the Zanskar ridgelines.
Day 3
Skara to Markha
Trek Distance: ~12 km (Skara to Markha)
Time Taken: 5–6 hrs
Elevation Profile: 11,000 ft (Skara) → 12,370 ft (Markha)
Today’s trail meanders through willow groves, buckthorn bushes, and crosses glacial streams. The route alternates between soft alluvial plains and narrow gorges, flanked by ochre-colored cliffs. The highlight is reaching the village of Markha, one of the most picturesque settlements in the valley with a functioning monastery, barley fields, and traditional Ladakhi homes. Expect a warm welcome from villagers and overnight in tents near the river.
Day 4
Markha to Thachungtse
Trek Distance: ~11 km (Markha to Thachungtse)
Time Taken: 6 hrs
Elevation Profile: 12,370 ft (Markha) → 13,600 ft (Thachungtse)
Leaving behind the agricultural charm of Markha, the trail enters wilder terrain. Walk past mani walls, abandoned ruins, and solitary chortens as you climb steadily along the valley. The landscape is marked by dramatic rock formations and gradually narrowing paths. Thachungtse sits beside a small stream under towering cliffs, with occasional blue sheep sightings in the vicinity.
Day 5
Thachungtse to Kang Yatse II Basecamp
Trek Distance: ~10 km
Time Taken: 4–5 hrs
Elevation Profile: 13,600 ft (Thachungtse) → 16,730 ft (KY 2 Basecamp)
This is a crucial transition day from alpine trekking to high-altitude expedition terrain. You leave the main Markha trail and ascend toward the flanks of Kang Yatse. The path becomes steeper and looser as it climbs across scree slopes and side ridges. Base Camp is set in a wide bowl beneath the imposing mass of Kang Yatse. Here, you prepare gear and rest early for the summit attempt.
Day 6
Acclimatization Day
Trek Distance: Minimal – acclimatization hikes around base
Time Taken: ~2–3 hrs
Elevation Profile: 16,730 ft
Today is a mandatory acclimatization day. You’ll do short hikes above Base Camp—typically up to 17,500–18,000 ft—and return. This helps your body adjust to the thin air and reduces summit day risks. The rest of the day is spent checking gear, reviewing the summit strategy, hydrating, and resting.
Day 7
Summit Attempt
Trek Distance: ~8 km (Round trip summit)
Time Taken: 10–12 hrs
Elevation Profile: 16,730 ft (KY 2 Basecamp)→ 20,500 ft (KY 2 Summit) → 16,730 ft (KY 2 Basecamp)
Summit Day begins at 1–2 AM with headlamps lighting your way. The ascent begins over loose scree and gradually leads to icy slopes. You’ll cross glaciated sections (usually snow-covered, not crevassed) with crampons and walk in roped teams if conditions require. The final push is a steep 200–300m climb to the summit ridge. The summit panorama is surreal—Zanskar to the south, Karakoram to the north, and if lucky, K2 on the horizon. After brief celebration and photos, descend safely to Base Camp.
Day 8
Trek from KY-2 Basecamp to Chokdo ; Drive to Leh
Trek + Drive Distance: ~11 km trek to Chokdo, 60 km drive to Leh
Time Taken: 6 hrs trek + 2 hrs drive
Elevation Profile: 16,730 ft → 12,000 ft → 10,500 ft
Trek out via the majestic Kongmaru La (17,300 ft)—a dramatic pass marked by prayer flags and panoramic views. The descent is steep and passes through vertical canyons and sulphuric hot springs before reaching Chokdo. From here, a vehicle picks you up and drives back to Leh. The team usually celebrates the successful expedition with a group dinner.
Day 9
Buffer Day
This day is kept as a buffer in case of summit delay due to weather. If unused, it can be spent exploring Leh’s monasteries, cafés, and markets. Optional visit to Shey, Thiksey, or Hemis monastery can be arranged.
Expectations on the Expedition
- Prior high-altitude trekking experience (above 14,000 ft) is strongly recommended.
- Participants must be comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day over steep, uneven, and exposed terrain.
- Ability to acclimatize at high altitudes and a mental readiness for early morning starts and physically demanding conditions.
- No technical climbing knowledge required, but basic knowledge of gear use (crampons, gaiters) is helpful and will be taught on the trek.
Minimum Fitness Requirement
- Capability to walk 12–15 km in mountainous terrain in a day.
- Should be able to brisk-walk 5 km in under 40 minutes.
- Stamina to sustain steep climbs at altitude with a 6–8 kg daypack.
- Recommended 4–5 weeks of endurance training before the expedition (running, cycling, stair climbing, core workouts).
Expedition Behaviour
- Follow acclimatization protocols and hydration strictly.
- Be team-oriented and adaptable to mountain uncertainty (weather, terrain).
- Stay committed to Leave No Trace principles.
- Be honest about physical/medical conditions and report any altitude symptoms early.
- Carry your own gear unless opting for offloading.
Inclusion
Exclusion
SELECT DATE TO REGISTER
Thank You!
Your form has been submitted successfully. We'll get back to you soon.
₹56499 per person
