Kang Yatse 2 Trek-second option
Looking for a challenging and exhilarating trekking adventure? Look no further than our 10-day Difficult Max trek to an altitude of 6,250m/20,500ft! With 80km of trail to cover, this Cross Over trek is not for the faint of heart, but will be an unforgettable experience for those who are up for the challenge.
The trek is accessible via the Manali-Leh or Srinagar-Leh highways, and the trail type is Cross Over. Your starting point will be Leh airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport), where you'll be met by our team and taken to the base camp in Leh.
The best time to embark on this trek is between July and mid-September, when the weather is most favorable. The group size is limited to 12-15 trekkers, including both male and female participants. You'll be provided with delicious meals while on the trek, including vegetarian options and eggs.
Accommodations will include guest houses, camping, and home stays, ensuring a diverse and authentic experience throughout your journey. With a difficulty rating of "Difficult Max," this trek will push you to your limits and leave you with incredible memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot on our Leh to Leh Batch and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget!
Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than the Kang Yatse II Peak Expedition, where you'll embark on a challenging trek through the stunning Himalayan region.
Day 01 - Arrival in Leh:
Upon arrival in Leh, which is situated at a height of 11,000 ft, you'll check into your hotel and take some time to acclimatize to the altitude. It's important to rest and avoid alcohol and smoking to help your body adjust. While in Leh, take the opportunity to explore its rich cultural treasures, including monasteries, palaces, and temples.
Day 02 - Acclimatization at Leh:
Spend another day in Leh to continue acclimatizing to the high altitude and immerse yourself in its cultural heritage. Visit the Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Thiksey Gompa, among other attractions. While in Leh, interact with fellow travelers and locals to get a feel for the culture. Keep in mind that we don't allow trekking to higher altitudes to avoid putting undue strain on the body.
Day 03 - Drive from Leh to Chilling and trek to Skiu:
Get ready to hit the trail! The drive from Leh to Chilling takes you through the awe-inspiring, barren Himalayan landscape, passing by landmarks like Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Spituk Monastery, as well as the Magnetic Hill. After crossing the confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers, you'll arrive at Chilling, the base camp for Chadar in winter and river rafting in summer. The trek begins with a steep ascent through Zingchen gorge, and you'll cross the river on a trolley at Kaya-Do place. Along the way, you'll come across the Indus River several times before reaching Skiu, where you'll spend your first night camping in tents. The village is situated at the confluence of rivers Shgri Nala and Markha and offers opportunities for homestays and tea breaks. Skiu is also home to an old monastery, adding to its charm.
This is just the beginning of your Kang Yatse II Peak Expedition. Over the course of 10 days, you'll cover a total of 80 km and reach altitudes of 6,250m/20,500ft. The trek is graded as difficult and is accessible by Manali-Leh or Srinagar-Leh highway, with Leh airport serving as the nearest airport. The best season for the trek is from July to mid-September, and the trekking batch size is limited to 12-15 trekkers, both male and female. Meals while on the trek are vegetarian with eggs, and accommodation includes guesthouses, camping, and homestays.
Day 04 - Skui to Markha
The Kang Yatse trek offers a unique advantage as it overlaps with the Markha valley. You can proudly complete the Markha valley trek on this journey. Today, you will witness the beauty of the Markha valley, making it the longest day of the trek with a total hike of 20 km. During this long day, you will pass through 3-4 villages where you can rejuvenate with a cup of hot tea. After hiking for 2 hours, you will reach the first village, Harding, followed by Chalak village after another 2-3 hours of walking. This village is situated amongst picturesque barley fields with a stunning mountainous backdrop. After enjoying some hot tea, you will continue on to the next camping site, Markha village, which is located 5-6 km away. However, the steep climb to Markha valley will take you another 2-3 hours. The Markha river, with its strong current, will require you to cross it, and the level of the river depends on the snowfall. The Markha valley is the largest and has around 30-40 houses, including the ruins of a fort for history enthusiasts. You can also find an old monastery believed to be built in the 1800s. Take some time to explore the village and interact with the locals while sipping hot tea.
Day 05 - Markha to Thachungtse
Wake up feeling refreshed as today's trek will be easy. The trail meets several streams and the Markha river, offering a refreshing experience. You will come across Umlung village, recognized by its houses and monastery. The sight of Kang Yatse peak will be visible, calling you towards it! After Umlung, Hankar village will be your next short break point. You can see the Tacha monastery skillfully placed at a height. Hankar village also serves as a camping site, where you can spend the night. Follow the well-marked trail from Hankar towards a stone bridge. Keep following the same path as many routes come out of it. Within the next 2 hours, you will reach the pastures of Thochungtse, where you can find camping sites and tea houses. Relax and unwind amidst the beautiful grasslands.
Day 06 - Thachungtse to Kang yatse base camp
This short day will be filled with surprises as the sight of Kang Yatse gets closer and bigger. You will ascend gradually for 700 meters, taking around 3-4 hours of trekking.
Day 07 – Rest and Training Day
Today is an important day to acclimatize yourself to the high altitudes of Kang Yatse peak. Our team will provide training on using technical equipment, such as crampons and ice axe, as well as techniques required for the summit attempt, including walking in the snow. Take this opportunity to learn as much as you can, but be mindful not to exhaust yourself, as tomorrow will be the big day. Throughout the day, the stunning Kang Yatse peak will be visible, serving as a reminder of the ultimate goal. You may also choose to go for a height gain trek nearby. However, make sure to get enough rest for the summit attempt. Pack your backpack for the summit day, keeping it light and easy. You will have an early dinner before heading to bed early to ensure enough sleep before the midnight start for the summit climb.
Day 08 – Summit, back to Base Camp
Today is the day you have been preparing for: summit day! The climb will begin at midnight, aiming to reach the top of the peak by 6 am for an unforgettable sunrise experience. Bring packed lunch, refreshments, and plenty of water to sustain the strenuous climb. The altitude gain from 5100 meters to 6200 meters will be challenging, so staying mentally strong is crucial. The route to the summit starts at the famous Kang Yatse shoulder, with loose moraine and scree making it difficult to secure your footing. Use trekking poles for support. The upward path has crevasses, which are mostly covered with snow, and depending on the level of snowfall, you may need to rope up for safety. Be mindful of every step, as the route goes to the north face through the northwest ridge towards a rocky outcropping. After a steep climb to the top, you will be rewarded with 360-degree views of the Zanskar range, Karakoram peaks, and the surrounding mountains of Kang Yatse. On a clear day, you may even spot the K2 peak, the second-highest peak in the world, and distant Tibet mountains. The views are breathtaking and will give you the energy to climb down. The entire summit path is 5 km each way, so make sure to be cautious on the scree and moraines while descending. Return to the base camp by 1 pm to avoid any weather issues. Take some time to rest and recover from the exhausting summit attempt.
Day 09 - Base Camp to Chokdho via Kongmaru La & drive to Leh
As you bid farewell to the mountains, Day 09 presents you with a bonus opportunity to relish their beauty once more. The day's journey takes you through the highest Kongmaru La pass, offering a challenging climb of two hours. However, the stunning Karakoram range and the majestic array of peaks that greet you at the top are worth the effort. Brace yourself for the awe-inspiring sight of the towering K2 Mountain, the second highest peak in the world, and the fluttering prayer flags in the wind. Surprisingly, you can stay connected to the world through the good network coverage at the pass.
The trek from the pass to Chokdho takes around five hours, and the trail features a steep descent and rocky terrain. As you walk through the Indus and Ladhak valley, you will be treated to the mesmerizing side of the cold desert. The final leg of your journey involves a pick-up vehicle that takes you all the way down to Leh.
Day 10 - Leh to Delhi
On the last day of your adventurous trip, you bid farewell to Leh and head back to Delhi. With a heavy heart, you take away unforgettable memories of the stunning landscapes, challenging climbs, and breathtaking views that the mountains have to offer. The memories of your trekking and summiting experience will stay with you forever.