Kang Yatse Trek: A Thrilling High-Altitude Expedition in Ladakh
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About the Tour
The Kang Yatse Trek is an exciting and challenging high-altitude trek in Ladakh, leading adventurers to the summit of Kang Yatse II (6,250 meters/20,505 feet). This trek offers a thrilling experience of mountaineering, breathtaking landscapes, and views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges. With its technical climb and high-altitude challenges, this trek is ideal for experienced trekkers and those looking to step into the world of mountaineering.
Tour Details
- Region: Ladakh
- Altitude: 6,250 meters (20,505 feet)
- Duration: 9-12 Days
- Trek Distance: 75-80 km
- Difficulty Level: Challenging
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Temperature: Day: 5°C to 15°C | Night: -10°C to -20°C
- Start & End Point: Leh
Tour Challenges
- Extreme altitude and exposure to freezing temperatures.
- Technical climb requiring use of ropes and crampons.
- Steep ascents and unpredictable weather conditions.
- Risk of altitude sickness; proper acclimatization is a must.
Tour Facilities
- Expert mountaineering guides with summit experience.
- Camping accommodations with high-altitude gear.
- Nutritious meals to sustain energy levels.
- Emergency first-aid, oxygen cylinders, and evacuation support.
Food
- Energy-packed vegetarian meals.
- Breakfast: Porridge, toast, tea/coffee.
- Lunch: Rice, dal, vegetables, chapati.
- Dinner: Soup, rice, vegetables, dessert.
Who Can Participate?
- Trekkers with previous high-altitude trekking experience.
- Age limit: 18 years and above.
- Participants must have excellent physical fitness.
- Not suitable for individuals with severe respiratory or heart conditions.
How to Reach Leh?
Meeting Point: Leh
Nearest Airport:
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh (flights from Delhi, Srinagar, etc.).
Nearest Railway Station:
Jammu railway station, around 700 km from Leh.
By Road:
Leh is accessible via the Manali-Leh Highway and Srinagar-Leh Highway.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Information
- Pick-Up Point: Leh (airport or bus station).
- Drop-Off Point: Leh (airport or bus station).
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude: 33.8886° N
- Longitude: 77.5149° E
Key Highlights
- Summit one of Ladakh’s highest trekking peaks.
- Get panoramic views of the Karakoram and Zanskar ranges.
- Experience technical mountaineering in a high-altitude environment.
- Cross Markha Valley’s scenic trails before reaching the base camp.
- Witness breathtaking sunrise views from the Kang Yatse summit.
Join the Kang Yatse Trek for an exhilarating Himalayan expedition!
Included/Exclude
Inclusions in the Tour Package
- Accommodation: Camps (Sharing Camp for two people), Home Stay.
- Guides & Support Staff: Qualified & experienced Trek Leader, Guide, and Support staff to assist trekkers.
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping Bags.
- Meals: All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner – only vegetarian).
- Permits & Fees: Trekking Permits and Forest Fees.
- Trekking Equipment: Tent, Mattress, Sleeping Bag, Dining & Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Cooking Utensils, and Crampons (if required).
- Medical Assistance: First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
- Guide & Support Staff Expenses: Guide Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Potters: Potters will carry only trekking equipment.
- Potter's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Kitchen Staff: Included for cooking and meal preparation.
- Kitchen Staff Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Cook: Responsible for preparing meals.
- Cook's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Transportation: As per the trek itinerary.
Exclusions in the Tour Package
- Any other facilities that are not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Potters for carrying your personal luggage.
- Extra meals like lunch during the journey by cab and stay at hotels (lunch is only provided during the trek).
- Personal expenses such as Water Bottles, Laundry, Phone Calls, etc.
- Insurance.
- Gaiters.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under "Inclusions."
Tour Amenities
Certified Trek Leader
Hassle-Free Permits
Warm Meals, Always
Itinerary
Overview
Altitude: 3,500 meters / 11,500 feet
Highlights: Acclimatization and briefing
Detailed Plan
- Arrive in Leh and check into the hotel.
- Attend a mandatory briefing session at 5 PM.
- Ensure you have a copy of your ID proof and two photographs; foreigners need a copy of passport and visa.
- Network and ATM facilities are available in Leh.
- Avoid visiting high-altitude places or passes to aid acclimatization.
- Consumption of alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited.
- Overnight stay in a hotel.
Overview
Altitude: 3,500 meters / 11,500 feet
Highlights: Local sightseeing and acclimatization
Detailed Plan
- Visit monasteries such as Shey, Thiksey, Sangam, and Hemis to immerse in local culture.
- Continue acclimatizing to the high altitude.
- Overnight stay in a hotel.
Overview
Altitude:
- Skiu: 3,400 meters / 11,150 feet
- Sara: 3,600 meters / 11,800 feet
Drive Distance: 70 km (approx. 2-3 hours)
Trek Distance: 11 km (approx. 5-6 hours)
Detailed Plan
- Drive from Leh to Skiu, the starting point of the trek.
- Begin the trek through picturesque landscapes to reach Sara.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Altitude: 3,700 meters / 12,200 feet
Trek Distance: 10 km (approx. 5-6 hours)
Detailed Plan
- Continue trekking through the Markha Valley, crossing several streams and enjoying the vibrant flora.
- Reach the village of Markha, known for its traditional houses and a monastery.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Altitude: 4,100 meters / 13,450 feet
Trek Distance: 11 km (approx. 6-7 hours)
Detailed Plan
- Trek through terrains dotted with mani walls and chortens, reflecting the region's Buddhist culture.
- Arrive at Hankar, the last village in the Markha Valley.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Altitude: 4,800 meters / 15,750 feet
Trek Distance: 9 km (approx. 6-7 hours)
Detailed Plan
- Ascend towards Nimaling, a high-altitude plateau offering panoramic views of Kang Yatse and other peaks.
- The area serves as a pastureland for local shepherds.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Altitude: 5,100 meters / 16,732 feet
Trek Distance: 5 km (approx. 3-4 hours)
Detailed Plan
- A short trek to the base camp, allowing for acclimatization.
- Prepare for the summit attempt with briefings and equipment checks.
- Rest and hydrate well to prepare for the summit push.
- Overnight stay in tents at base camp.
Overview
Altitude:
- Base Camp: 5,100 meters / 16,732 feet
- Kang Yatse II Summit: 6,250 meters / 20,505 feet
Trek Distance: 7 km (approx. 10-12 hours round trip)
Detailed Plan
- Start the summit push around midnight to reach the peak by sunrise.
- The climb involves navigating steep slopes and using technical gear such as crampons and ropes.
- Enjoy breathtaking views from the summit of Kang Yatse II.
- Carefully descend back to base camp.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Altitude:
- Base Camp: 5,100 meters / 16,732 feet
- Kongmaru La Pass: 5,260 meters / 17,257 feet
- Chokdo: 3,900 meters / 12,795 feet
Trek Distance: 14 km (approx. 7-8 hours)
Detailed Plan
- Cross the high-altitude Kongmaru La Pass, the highest point of the Markha Valley Trek.
- Descend through scenic gorges and reach Chokdo village.
- Overnight stay in tents.
Overview
Drive Distance: 60 km (approx. 2-3 hours)
Detailed Plan
- Take a scenic drive back to Leh, passing through picturesque landscapes.
- Check into the hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest.
- Overnight stay in Leh.
Overview
Highlights: End of the trek and return journey
Detailed Plan
- Depart from Leh towards your next destination.
- Take back unforgettable memories of the Kang Yatse II summit.
Important Notes
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal seasons for the Kang Yatse II expedition are July to September.
- Weather Conditions: Expect cold temperatures, especially at higher altitudes. Snowfall and unpredictable weather changes are common.
- Fitness Requirements: This is a challenging trek, requiring high levels of fitness and prior trekking experience above 4,500m.
- Technical Climbing: Basic mountaineering skills and the use of crampons, ropes, and ice axes may be required.
- Altitude Considerations: Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Follow a gradual ascent and hydrate well.
- Permits and Documentation: Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required for trekking in Ladakh.
- Eco-Friendly Trekking: Follow the Leave No Trace policy—carry back all waste and avoid using single-use plastic.