High
12 Days
6,250 meters (20,505 feet)
18+
The Kang Yatse 2 trek is one of the most exhilarating high-altitude expeditions in the Himalayas. Situated in the remote and breathtaking region of Ladakh, this trek takes adventurers to the summit of Kang Yatse II, standing tall at 6,200 meters (20,500 feet). The trek offers panoramic views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges, including iconic peaks like Stok Kangri and K2.
Unlike its more technical neighbor Kang Yatse I, Kang Yatse II does not require advanced mountaineering skills, making it accessible to seasoned trekkers with basic mountaineering experience. The journey through the Markha Valley, rich with Buddhist culture and vibrant landscapes, adds to the trek’s appeal. However, the trek is graded as difficult, requiring physical fitness and acclimatization to tackle the challenges posed by the high altitude and rugged terrain.
Located at the end of the Markha Valley, just before the Kongmaru La pass, Kang Yatse II is part of the Hemis National Park. The mountain has two summits: Kang Yatse I (6,500 meters) and Kang Yatse II (6,200 meters). While Kang Yatse I requires technical climbing skills, Kang Yatse II can be attempted with proper trekking equipment and basic mountaineering knowledge. The trek offers a unique combination of challenging climbs and rewarding summit views, making it a bucket-list experience for adventure enthusiasts.
Upon arriving in Leh, you’ll immediately feel the altitude as Leh sits at over 11,000 feet. It’s crucial to rest and allow your body to acclimatize. Spend the day at leisure, and in the evening, attend a briefing session to discuss the trek itinerary and preparations.
Acclimatization is key to a successful high-altitude trek. Today, we take a short 3-4 km acclimatization walk around Leh, helping your body adjust to the thin air. Later, explore the local market for any last-minute shopping.
We start the day with a scenic drive to Skiu, passing landmarks like Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, and the Sangam point. The newly constructed road allows us to reach Skiu directly. From here, we embark on an easy 13 km trek to the village of Sara, where we’ll camp for the night.
Today’s trek is relatively easy, following a flat trail that winds through picturesque villages. The day’s highlight is reaching the village of Markha, where we’ll visit the small yet beautiful Markha Monastery.
The trail to Hankar takes us along the river, passing through the village of Umling and the ancient Techa Gompa perched on a cliff. As we ascend above 13,000 feet, the effects of high altitude become more pronounced, so it’s important to take it slow and stay hydrated.
Today’s trek leads us to the expansive Nimaling plateau. The climb is gradual but steady, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Nimaling is known for its green pastures, where locals graze their livestock during the summer months.
Though short, today’s trek is challenging due to the significant altitude gain. Upon reaching base camp, we’ll take a short acclimatization walk after resting. The camp offers spectacular views of the Kang Yatse massif.
This day is dedicated to acclimatization and preparation for the summit push. After breakfast, our guides will conduct a practical session on using technical gear like crampons, ice axes, and ropes. The rest of the day is for resting and mentally preparing for the summit attempt.
The most challenging day of the trek begins around midnight. Equipped with packed lunches and hot water, we start our ascent to the summit under the starlit sky. The climb is steep, with a 3,000-foot elevation gain. After reaching the summit by sunrise, we’ll spend some time taking in the breathtaking 360-degree views before descending back to base camp.
After an early start, we retrace our steps to Nimaling and then ascend to Kongmaru La (17,360 feet), the highest point of the trek. The descent from the pass is steep and rocky, offering stunning views of the Indus Valley. Upon reaching Chokdo, we’ll drive back to Leh, where the comforts of the city await.
A buffer day is included to account for any delays or unforeseen circumstances. If unused, you can spend the day exploring Leh’s markets and monasteries or simply relaxing.
With unforgettable memories of the Kang Yatse 2 expedition, depart from Leh for your onward journey.
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