Overview
We are the only company in the world who have an expedition leader and doctor on all Kang Yatse II (6,250m) expeditions. As well as this, we keep our group sizes sustainably small. Established in 2007, we offer high altitude trekking and mountaineering in some of the most breath-taking locations around the world.
Trekking Kang Yatse II
This 16-day expedition is suitable for experienced trekkers, or those who have a good level of fitness. Towering at an impressive 6,250 meters, Kang Yatse II is a serious challenge. Furthermore, it is the highest trekking peak in the Indian Himalayas.
Our route to the mountain is along the stunning Markha valley. We pass through traditional villages and enjoy stunning mountain views. Going up the valley is gradual which is perfect for acclimatisation and it improves our chances of a successful summit attempt.
The 12-hour summit day is the crux of the itinerary. We spend most of the day on snow which require the use of ropes. However, the view from the top is one of the best in the Himalayas. As well as this, the trek offers great views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges including K2 (8,611m), the second highest peak in the world.
This is one of the best trekking peaks in the Indian Himalayas. Its proximity to Leh makes it very accessible. In addition, visits to monasteries, palaces, markets and remote villages are all included. As well as this, you will also get to see Delhi’s best sights and enjoy plenty of retail therapy.
Kang Yatse II Expedition Costs and What’s Included
The total cost of trekking Kang Yatse II is highlighted above. You are required to pay a €399 deposit to secure your spot. A part-payment of €1000 is due six months prior to departure. You can pay the remaining balance by instalments or in full. However, all fees must be paid three months prior to departure.
Your fees include the following;
- International flights from Dublin to Delhi return (Economy Class) (UK flights not included)
- Internal flights in India
- Experienced expedition leader
- Experienced expedition doctor
- Training Weekend
- Earth’s Edge team of guides, cooks and muleteers
- All accommodation based on twin sharing in hotels in Delhi & Leh and camping elsewhere.
- All meals and drinking water except in Delhi where accommodation is based on B&B
- A celebratory dinner
- All transport throughout the expedition
- All group gear consisting of first aid kits, mountaineering equipment, cooking equipment etc.
Flying from the UK?
You are more than welcome to join us from the UK. If so, you can select the ‘exclude flights’ option on the checkout. You can then book your own international flights to Delhi.
Itinerary
Day 5
Leh to Chilling to Skiu (3,400m): 6 hrs trekking.
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Drive to Chilling village and then trek to Skiu.
Day 6
Skiu to Markha (3 800m): 8 hrs trekking.
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Cross the Markha river several times before we reach Markha village.
Day 7
Markha to Thachungtse (4,150m): 6 hrs trekking.
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Trek through Umlung and Hankar villages to reach our campsite at Thachungtse. We get our first view of Kang Yatse today!
Day 8
Thachungtse to Nimaling (4,700m): 4 hrs.
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Climb away from the Markha valley to reach a beautiful plateau called Nimaling.
Day 10
Rest day at Base Camp.
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We practice skills on a nearby snow slope and go for an acclimatisation hike in the afternoon.
Day 11
Base Camp to to Kang Yatse II (6,250m) to Base Camp: 16 hrs.
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Early in the morning, we ascend on scree and moraine to reach the snowline. From there the terrain is mostly gradual except for a few short steep sections which may require the use of rope. From the summit we descend to reach Base Camp for lunch.
Day 13
Base Camp to Chuskirmo to Leh (3,500m): 10 hrs.
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We retrace our steps back down to Nimaling and then ascend to the Kangmaru La Pass (5,260m) where we enjoy our last panoramic views of the larger peaks before descending to Chuskirmo and driving to Leh.
Day 14
Spare day in Leh.
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Relax or go shopping or sightseeing in Leh. In the evening we have a celebration meal.
Day 15
Leh to Delhi.
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Take the amazing flight back down to Delhi over the Great Himalayan Range. Enjoy the rest of the day in Delhi for shopping, sightseeing or relaxing.
Facts
Kang Yatse II is in Ladakh in Northern India. It is one of the most stunning places in the world. Kang Yatse II is located at the end of the Markha valley in the Himalayas in the Ladakh region of northwest India.
The Kang Yatse II peak is the most dominant peak in Markha valley.
It's also one of the highest trekkable peaks in India. Despite its altitude, Kang Yatse II is a popular peak and is often climbed as an initial non-technical foray into high altitude mountaineering.
On a clear day you'll get great views of the Karakoram Range, sometimes even K2 (the second tallest mountain in the world) in the far distance.
Ladakh is the highest plateau of the Indian state of Kashmir with much of it being over 3,000m. The total area of 45,110sq km makes Ladakh the largest district in India. The largest town in Ladakh is Leh.
Ladakh is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. It spans the Great Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges and the upper Indus River Valley.
Buddhism is the religion of the majority of Leh District’s population. The most attractive features of the landscape of Leh are the Buddhists Gompas (monasteries).
Best time to trek to Kang Yatse II?
We trek Kang Yatse II in Summer. Temperatures on the expedition may vary from 0 to 30 degrees during the day and -20 to 10 degrees at night. It’s best to be prepared for lower temperatures due to wind chill or the weather turning bad. Usually the days are hot and the nights are cold. You should be ready for inclement weather at all times as the weather can change rather quickly at high altitude. For accurate weather information please review these two websites; Mountain Forecasts and Norwegian Meteorological Institute.
What do you need to trek Kang Yatse II?
We have an extensive packing list on what you should bring with you when trekking Kang Yatse II. You can view this packing list here.
How to prepare to trek Kang Yatse II
We have classified Kang Yatse II as a level 6 expedition, for more information about our levels system click here. As with all our ‘demanding’ expeditions we expect participants to have a very good level of fitness. Although this is not a technical climb, there is some scrambling on summit day. If there is snow or ice on the ground, you may need to use crampons and be roped to one of our Earth's Edge guides. For many people, it will be the hardest physical challenge of their lives. It is not essential, but we recommend that all participants should have previous experience of camping and trekking at high altitude (>4000m). The group moves at a comfortable pace and nobody is ever left behind. Nevertheless, it is your responsibility to contact us if you have any concerns regarding your level of fitness, health or ability to complete the trek. We recommend that you read our detailed document on Kang Yatse II before signing up. You can read this document here.
Certified B-Corp
Earth's Edge is a certified B-Corp. In fact, we are the highest scoring B-Corp in Ireland. We are passionate about sustainable travel, bettering the lives of the people connected with the company and minimising our environmental impact.
Tree Planting
We plant 8 native trees in Nepal for each person that travels with us in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects. If you would like to plant more, please contact info@earths-edge.com. Each extra tree costs €0.75 cents. Learn more about our tree planting here.
