Kang Yatse 2 Trek Expedition

Day 1: Arrival at Leh, — rest, acclimatize, briefing
Day 2: Acclimatization and Exploration of Leh
Day 3: Drive Leh to Skiu and trek to Sara
Day 4: Trek Sara to Markha
Day 5: Trek Markha to Thachungtse
Day 6: Trek Thachungtse to Nimaling
Day 7: Acclimatisation walk to Kongmaru La & back to Nimaling
Day 8: Trek to Kang Yatse Base camp
Day 9: Rest day
Day 10: Climb Kang Yatse II & descend to Base camp
Day 11: Bufer Day
Day 12: Trek to Chuskirmo
Day 13: Drive back to leh

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your Kang Yatse II trek expedition experience. Whether you're an avid mountaineer, an adventure seeker or a group of friends, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made expedition program. This customized program will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, technical equipment and any other premium facilities you may need during the climb. 

Starting from Leh (Ladakh), Kang Yatse II trek expedition passes through the famous Markha Valley which is known for its natural beauty, monasteries and cultural villages. Upon reaching Kang Yatse II base, you start your final summit push. Himalaya Shelter ensures your journey is safe and memorable with experienced local guides, technical support and all necessary permits. You can even request offbeat routes or sunrise hikes for a more immersive Himalayan experience. Moreover, no other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized program will enable you to enjoy your journey without any hesitation.

Kang Yatse II and its surrounding region flourished as a Buddhist kingdom connecting to Tibet. Though the region didn't significantly contribute to trade, it was important for pastoral life and spiritual practices for locals.

The famous Silk Route caravans were believed to pass near Markha Valley. Kang Yatse acted as a landmark for traders to navigate the barren valleys. It was considered a sacred peak which protected locals, shepherds and traders from natural calamities. Even today locals consider it as a sacred guardian. According to local Buddhist followers, the peak is considered the Abode of lha (deities) who guard the valley and its people.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, British explorers started documenting the Markha Valley and then Kang Yatse peaks came to know. In the late 20th century, they began gaining recognition as trekking peaks. Today they are counted as popular trekking expeditions in Ladakh region.

• Trekking and Mountaineering:

Kang Yatse II trek is more than a trek; it's an adventurous mountaineering experience in itself. You ascend to challenging high-altitude and pass through alpine meadows, rivers, quaint villages and then attempt the snow-covered summit. The journey enhances your mountaineering skills and provides you an opportunity to test your endurance and climbing skills.

• Views of Zanskar and Karakoram:

From the summit of Kang Yatse II, you can take the stunning 360-degree views of the famous Zanskar and Karakoram ranges. Even parts of Leh valley are also visible. On a clear day, you can even view the world's 2nd highest peak K2. The golden reflection of sunrise makes these panoramas even more beautiful and leaves you speechless.

• Hemis National Park:

The trail passes through Hemis National Park which is known for its elusive snow leopards, blue sheep and golden eagles and other Himalayan high-altitude wildlife. Stepping into here feels like an adventure in the raw wilderness of Ladakh where every phenomena carries a wonder and mystery.

• Rare Ladakhi Flora:

Despite the harsh weather and land conditions, you can find wildflowers like edelweiss, wild roses and gentians here. Hardy alpine grasses and medicinal plants grow here in meadows. The toughness of mountains and delicatessens of flowers are juxtaposed here show the resilience of nature and coexistence of strong and kind.

• Rich Cultural Experience:

Trekkers pass through remote Ladakhi villages on their way to Kang Yatse II. Most villagers follow Tibetan Buddhism. Interacting with them and observing their traditions give a new perspective. Monasteries, prayer flags, chortens line and paths fill the journey with spirituality and insights. Trekkers get a chance to explore culture and Ladakh’s timeless mountain heritage.

Kang Yatse II peak situated at 6,250 m above sea level is considered a challenging climb. It is placed in Ladakh Himalayas and the terrain is rocky and choppy such as steep moraines, glaciers, snowfields and crevassed sections. It is quality appropriate for skilled trekkers and for folks who are bodily match and mentally prepared. The climb is not for families, kids and solo travelers.

The entire expedition spans take 10-12 days, depending on approach, acclimatization and summit days. Climbers should stroll five to eight hours every day and it may growth to 12-14 hours in the course of the summit push.

Though Kang Yatse II is a less technical trek expedition in terms of other Himalayan peaks, the climb demands use of crampons, ice axes, ropes and harnesses. Solo climbing is strictly not advisable. Climbers can take assist from a certified mountain climbing manual or can be part of a group.

The weather conditions can also be extreme. Days can be moderately cold but sun can also be strong at higher altitudes, especially above 5,000 m. Nights are usually freezing cold and sudden snow storms can happen. Acclimatization may be very vital for climbers because the danger of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is high.

Overall it needs exceptional fitness, robust determination, earlier revel in and technical guidance. Serious mountaineers, making ready for better Himalayan expeditions, can try this.

The best time for the Kang Yatse II trek expedition is from June to September. During this time, climate situations are beneficial for mountaineering the high-altitude mountain peaks.

• June-July:

During this time, snow on decrease altitudes begins offevolved melting. The mountain comes alive with open trails and blooming meadows. Daytime temperatures at lower camps usually range between 10°C to 15°C, while higher camps stay between 0°C to 8°C. Nights are generally cold, dropping to –5°C to –10°C. Sudden snowfall and strong winds are common at summit camp and require strong gear. Sunlight can cause sunburn at higher altitudes; sunscreen is essential.

• August-September:

August-September brings more stable windows with clearer skies. Best time to view Karakoram and Zanskar ranges. Daytime temperatures range 8°C to 12°C at higher camps, while at nights, it can plummet to –8°C to –15°C near summit camp. Weather shifts remain unpredictable. Sudden snowfall can happen anytime. Overall this window offers a good possibility to successfully climb the summit but it requires proper preparation and acclimatization.

To reach Kang Yatse II, people usually start from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Leh is well connected by air and flights operate regularly from Delhi and other major Indian cities. The nearest railway stations are in Jammu and Chandigarh, but they are quite far, so most people prefer To fly at once to Leh. Once you reach Leh, it is important to spend 2 to 3 days there to get used to The excessive altitude and keep away from AMS.

From Leh, you start your road journey by driving towards Chilling, a small village that serves as the place to begin of the trek. This drive takes around 2–3 hours and passes through scenic landscapes along the Indus River and rugged mountains. From Chilling, the actual trekking starts

Clothing and Backpack

Get a good backpack (50 L) with a rain cover. Look for a bag that can provide you good back support. Pack 4 quick-dry t-shirts and 2 trekking pants. Get a pair of thermals (upper and lower) for night. Pack a fleece jacket or woolen sweater as a mid-layer. Get a waterproof wind breaker for sudden rain and chilly winds. For winter trekking, get a good down jacket. Now pack a woolen beanie and a balaclava. Get two pairs of gloves (woolen and waterproof). You should also pack a suncap for the daytime.

Footwear

You should look for good quality trekking shoes. Your shoes must be waterproof and provide good ankle support. Do not wear a new pair of shoes on the trek. Your feet must be familiar with the shoes. Now pack 4 pairs of trekking socks and 2 pairs of woolen socks. Pack a pair of comfortable slippers or sandals for the campsite.

Personal Care

For personal care items, start packing with your toiletries. Get a small zipper pouch and pack all the toiletries. Now look for a quick-dry towel and a toilet roll. You should also pack hand sanitizer and moisturizer. Pack a sunscreen that can protect your face from sunburn. You can also pack some snacks for the trek.

Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:

To overcome the difficulty level of  trekking, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle difficult terrain sections of the trail at high altitudes.