Key Highlights
Altitude
6420M
Days
13D -12N
Exp. Leader
10+ Year
Ladakh
Group Size
5 - 10 Max
Transport
Leh
Overview
Mt. Kang Yatse 1 2 Expedition
The Kang Yatse II 6240m or Kang Yatze is located at the East end of the Markha valley region of Ladakh just above Nimaling plains. The Kang Yatse peak is the most dominant peak in Markha valley. The lower western Peak of Kang Yatse II is easier (Alpine PD - Peu Difficile) and more frequently climbed. The main summit of Kang Yatse I required some technical ability. Dzo Jongo is a delight of trekkers as it doesn't require any technical climbing. If you are seeking for first Himalayan 6000m peak and away from the crowd that you may see in Stok Kangri peak. This side of Markha remains calm most of the time. Â
We start our excellent trek from Chilling after visiting the ancient village of Alchi. Crossing Zanskar River and entering into Markha valley. We trek along the Markha river en route we pass through barley fields, beautiful villages, and experience the daily life of Ladakh people. We climb to an open pasture of Nimaling and climb gradually to the base camp. With a panoramic view finally ascending to the peak of Kang Yatse II. On a clear sky, the view goes up to K2 and Karakoram range peaks. Finally, we cross the pass of kongmaru la and descend down to Chuskirmo, Chogdo to Shang. Finally, drive along the right banks of the Indus River to Leh.
Key Highlights
Altitude
6420M
Days
13D -12N
Ladakh
Group Size
5 - 10 Max
Exp. Leader
10+ Year
Transport
Leh
Complete
Itinerary of trek
Arrive Leh, Leh airport pick up and check into the hotel. The afternoon is free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude of 3500m as well as visit Leh bazaar. visit the Royal Palace of Leh from the 16th century.Â
After breakfast, we drive to visit Shey first, then Thiksey. Thiksey monastery, which is 27 km from Hemis. This monastery is the oldest monastery of Gelugpa School in Ladakh. The great Lama Paldan Shesrap built it in the 14th century. Here you can see the big statue of the Future Buddha. Continue to Taktok and Chemdey and return back to visit Hemis monastery which is 45 km far from Leh and it takes a 90-minute drive. The great Mahasiddha Staktsang Raspa along with great ancestor Singey Namgyal builds this biggest monastery in the 16th century. Continue to Matho then we drive to Stok which is situated opposite Leh at a distance of 14 km, At Stok visit, the Royal Palace was built in 1825 AD and the palace has great collections of antiquity. Continue to visit Matho situated 10 km from Stok, which has a 10th-century complex. Finally, we drive back to Leh
Leaving Leh we drive to Chilling, where a bridge over the Zanskar River marks the starting point of today's route. After the loads were loaded onto the horses, you can loosely with only a small daypack ongoing running. It is necessary to overcome a first small pass (3400 m) before you reach the first large village in the Markha Valley with Skiu.Â
Leaving Skiu today we will have a long, easy and pleasant walk up the Markha valley. We hike along the Markha River and cross numerous adjoining streams. The trail passes through willows, poplar trees, and sea buckthorn bushes. Passing by Chaluk, the last river to be cross before Markha. Markha is a wonderful village which has a charming campsite and deserted fort can be seen from camp,Â
Leaving Markha today you cross the river several times. We follow the clear path along the right bank and pass beneath the Humlung monastery. A few hours later arrival at the high village of Hankar, continue on the track leaving the broad valley and turning towards the narrow valley. As the trail goes higher and higher up the landscape presents spectacular scenes. Lastly crossing the bridge and continue to higher meadows of Thachungtse.Â
Today leaving camp we pass several Mani walls and come across a small lake.  From here you have a spectacular view of the two peaks of Kang Yatse. Nimaling is a high pasture ground where you will find herders from Markha valley and Shang Sumdo area graze their livestock during summertime. We will have the opportunity to taste fresh Dzo milk and other milk product to taste. The view of the main Markha valley to the west is wonderful, especially during sunset.
From Nimaling trail up the mountain to reach more high pasture where you will find Dzo and yaks grazing. Through the loose rocks to reach a point where we will get a clear view of Kang Yatse. We establish a base camp near the stream.
Today take the day to rest and before noon practice some technical skills which can be useful for next day and in the afternoon take some rest or gain some altitude.
The summit day. Leaving midnight early approach to the edge of Kang Yatze II. In the beginning, walking on scree and moraine than onto snow. At the snowline, crampons are applied and the rise follows. Gradual ascent all the way up except the last few steep parts where you rope up. Reach at the summit by sunrise and enjoy the great view over the Markha Valley to the West and Zanskar to the South, Ladakh & Karakoram to the North. Descent to base camp.Â
We keep this day as a reserve day or rest day, in case of any bad weather. This day will be used as an alternative.
Today leaving Nimaling, continue on a path where small stream to cross then a gradual climb to the top of the highest pass of our trek, with its wonderful views from the top as far as the eye goes to all directions. On a clear sky, one can see Kangyatse, far across K2 and Karakoram Range, and its peak rising above 7000m. Soon after crossing the pass steep and long descent to Chuskirmo.Â
We descend to the small village of Chogdo, we say adieu to our horseman and from here drive to the village of Shang Sumdo and continue to Leh. Check into the hotel, rest, and relax. Evening explore a local bazaar.Â
Morning transfer to airport and flight to Delhi.Â
Guidelines
Things to carry
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- Footwear: Trekking Boots (snow and water proof), normal walking boots, and floaters.
- Few pairs of warm/woolen socks.
- Luggage: Backpack (50 liters), Daypack (20-30 ltr), Duffel bag.
- Clothes: Waterproof breathable jacket & pants, Jacket (synthetic or fleece of down feather), insulated pants (Synthetic), Poncho, Sweatshirt, inner thermal (upper & lower), fleece, t-shirts, cotton trekking pants, shorts. * clothing as per the season
- Gear for Hand & Head: Liner glove, Bandanna, Sun hat, Woolen caps, Face mask etc. Accessories: Sunglasses/Goggles, anti-glare glasses, water bottle, hydra pack, Headlamp with spare bulb and extra batteries.
- Trekking Gears: Emergency tool kit.
- Protection and First-Aid: Sunscreen, toiletry kit, water purification tablets, Zip-lock bags, ear plugs, first-aid and all essential medicines.
- Camping Equipment: Sleeping bags (extreme -5 to +5 Celsius) with liner, trekking poles, etc.
- Shirts / T-shirts – 2/3, Warm shirt/light micro fleece pullover/full sleeve T shirt
- Trekking Pants that are water resistant/repellent and having inside lining for extra warmth- 2
- Windproof/water resistant outer shell (jacket) of good quality with a proper hood
- Down jacket with min 600 fill power rating, Thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater Thermal inner wear (upper and lower)
- Woollen cap, Inner fleece gloves, Outer water proof gloves
- Thick woollen socks and regular socks (4 – 5 pairs), Scarf/muffler (optional)
- Comfortable waterproof Trekking/Hiking shoes that come with a thick sole and high ankles
- Camp shoes such as sneakers/sport shoes
- Raincoat / Poncho
- Small light weight towel
- Insulated water bottle and hydration pack (optional)
- Cap / floppy hat to keep the strong sun away from your face, Sun glasses with UV protection and ability to cut the glare (important when traversing through snow) Sturdy walking stick / Trekking pole
- Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm
- Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
- Personal toiletries
- Day pack/small bag which you will carry on your back every day and keep your essentials in it
- Carry rain cover for your bags
- Keep a few poly bags or waterproof bags in your bag in which if required you can put your belongings in case of heavy rain
Mandatory Personal Medical Kit
- Diamox – 10 tablets (to prevent AMS)
- Dexamethasone – one strip
- Nifedipine – 5 tablets
- Crocin – 6 tablets (fever)
- Avomine – 4 tablets (motion sickness)
- Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies)
- Combiflam – 4 tablets (Pain killer)
- Norflox TZ & Lomofen– 6 tablets each (diarrhea)
- Digene – 10 tablets (acidity)
- Omez/ Rantadine – 10 tablets (antacids)
- Crepe bandage – 3 to 5 meters
- Gauze – 1 small roll
- Band aid – 10 strips
- Cotton – 1 small roll
- ORS – 10 packets
- Betadine or any antiseptic cream
- Moov spray (aches, & sprains)
- Knee cap, if you are prone to knee injury
- Anti fungal powder