Trekking Kang Yatse II
This 13-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 expedition price is shown above.
Just pay a €399 deposit to secure your place. A part-payment of €1,000 is due six months before departure, with the remaining balance due three months before departure.
You can choose to pay the balance in instalments or in full.
Before You Go
- Pre-departure training weekend in Wicklow, Ireland
- An Earth’s Edge team jacket, buff and cap for you to keep
- Ongoing pre-departure support from the Earth’s Edge team
- Advice on training, equipment and preparing for altitude
In India
- Highly experienced Indian Expedition Guide and mountain guiding team
- Dedicated Earth’s Edge expedition doctor
- All accommodation based on twin sharing in hotels in Leh and camping on the trail
- All meals and drinking water except in Leh where accommodation is based on B&B
- Celebratory dinner at the end of the expedition
- Planned group transport throughout the trip
- Airport transfers
- Required trekking permits
- Fully stocked expedition medical kit
Flights
Flights are not included in the expedition price.
Travelling from Ireland? We’ll send you our recommended flight timings approximately 10 months before departure. These are designed to connect with our complimentary group airport transfers.
You are, of course, welcome to choose alternative flights that suit you better. Just make sure you arrive in Leh in time for the expedition briefing on Day 1.
Itinerary
Day 3
Leh to Chilling to Skiu (3,400m): 6 hrs trekking.
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Drive to Chilling village and then trek to Skiu.
Day 4
Skiu to Markha (3 800m): 8 hrs trekking.
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Cross the Markha river several times before we reach Markha village.
Day 5
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 6
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 8
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 9
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 11
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 12
Spare day in Leh.
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Relax or go shopping or sightseeing in Leh. In the evening we have a celebration meal.
Start Planning Your Journey
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What is the 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.
How to prepare to trek Kang Yatse II
We have classified Kang Yatse II as a level 6 expedition. 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 information document on Kang Yatse II before signing up.
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