Kang Yatse 2, which is situated in Hemis National Park, is the smaller of the two relatives, standing at 6,250 metres, while Kang Yatse 1 soars above it at 6,400 metres. On our walk, as we make our approach to its base through Markha Valley, Kang Yatse 2 emerges as one of the tallest hiking peaks in the great expanse of the desert environment in Ladakh. Standing towering in the centre of this barren landscape of scree and loose rocks, the summit is a sight of breathtaking beauty. From the moment you leave the high alpine city of Leh, you are surrounded by splendour. The journey to Skiu, the meeting of the two rivers with distinct colours?Zanskar and Indus?the sporadic sightings of local wildlife, the agonisingly dry but stunning trek through Markha Valley, and finally the slopes of this highly sought-after peak, which rises 6,250 metres and is so stunning that it's impossible to ignore it once you lay eyes on it. You get a sense of the regional culture and way of life as you pass through the little towns strewn throughout this desolate terrain. The terrain is dotted with shrines, mani walls, stupas, and other symbols of the nation's and its people's religious convictions. The prayer flags give this otherwise colourless background some colour. As we go to the highest altitudes of this magnificent peak, they also provide a sense of calm to the air that is gradually becoming thinner. Old monasteries, demolished forts, and abandoned buildings abound in this mud civilisation and blend in with the strange geological forms in the area, contributing to the mystique of the location. Although the majority of the walk consists of lengthy distances over difficult terrain, summit day, when we reach 1,200M in a single stride, continues to be the hardest day of the whole trek. Another aspect of the journey that has the power to catapult it to the top of your must-do list is the ascent back down through the high-altitude pass, Kongmaru La, which is located at an elevation of 5,236M. In between stretches of flat country abundant with pikus and marmots, there are a few strong inclines that make up the journey to Kongmaru La pass, which offers stunning views of Kang Yatse 1, Kang Yatse 2, and Dzo Jongo. The wind is severe on the pass and it is decorated with prayer flags. The valley appears and vanishes at every turn as you descend from the pass-through steep gorges and river crossings. The landscape is colourful, with rocks in a variety of hues, geological formations with tall vertical walls on each side of you, and the surge of water filling up these tiny crevices with some of the most unusual and fascinating wildlife you'll ever see. Since Kang Yatse 2 is a hiking mountain, no special gear or expertise is needed to climb it. However, due to the degree of stamina required and the high altitude, this journey is only appropriate for experienced climbers. For this peak, the optimum months to attempt are from June through September.
Is this trek good for me?
expand_moreKang Yatse II is made only for experienced trekkers who want to test their limits. The challenges faced in the trek should not be underestimated. You should attempt this trek only If you have already done a trek that climbs to 4700-5000 metres. It is recommended not to opt this trek if you cannot get acclimatized in the mountains of Ladakh. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek.?
Experience required
expand_moreA basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers. At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 ? 25 total trekking days in the Himalayas. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Fitness benchmark
expand_moreJog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) and Hold your breath for 40 seconds and 3 sets of Climbing 30 ? 40 steps in one stretch and Push Ups ? 10 and Lunges & Squats ? 15 X 2 sets
Requisite skills
expand_moreHow to use an Ice Axe How to use Climbing boots & Crampons How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending How to self-arrest using an ice axe Knowledge of Basic First aid
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
expand_moreKang Yatse II is an accessible 6000 m summit in Ladakh. The route to base camp involves hiking through the gorgeous Markha valley, living in Ladkahi homestays, and sampling local cuisine and culture. It is a good alternative away from the crowds of Stok Kangri.
What are the best months to visit this trek?
expand_moreThe best months to summit Kang Yatse are July to October.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
expand_moreThe trek begins from Leh in Ladakh. The best travel option around Leh is by air. By air:?Jet Airways, GoAir, and Air India provide daily flights from New Delhi to Leh. It is recommended that you make your flight bookings well in advance not only to save on the price but also for a confirmed seat. You can also take an alternate flight route to Srinagar. Fly to Srinagar from Delhi and then drive to Leh from Srinagar. The 10 hour road journey from Srinagar to Leh can be covered by hiring a shared taxi which will cost you around INR 3000-4000. The drive route from Srinagar to Leh is scenic. For coming back, you can either take a direct flight from Leh to New Delhi. Or take the same route via Srinagar. Flights from Srinagar to Delhi are cheaper than Leh-Delhi. By road:?You can take the route from Manali to Leh. Travel from Delhi to Manali by a HRTC Volvo bus. From Manali get a seat in a shared taxi (INR 2500-3500). If you are on a tight budget, There is also a bus from New Delhi to Leh (via Manali) with one side fare of INR 1365. The bus journey begins at 2:30 pm from Delhi ISBT reaching Keylong next day at 1:30 pm. After an overnight halt at Keylong, it reaches Leh the next day. The another route to Leh can be taken through Srinagar. There are shared taxis from Srinagar to Leh available at cost of INR 3000-4000. If you are an ardent biker, you wouldn?t mind taking a bike trip from Delhi to Leh and back.
What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
expand_moreBSNL has the best connectivity in Leh-Ladakh region followed by Airtel. However, all the mobile networks like Idea and Vodafone also work in Leh. Please note that only postpaid numbers work in J&K state, prepaid connections will cease to work as soon as you enter Ladakh region. On & Off network coverage is available throughout this trek (BSNL & Airtel mostly).
What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
expand_moreThere are so many enchanting places to visit in Leh-Ladakh. During your acclimatization period, you can roam around the town and visit the monasteries; Diskit Gompa, and Lamayuru Monastery. Drive up to the Magnetic Hill and experience the crazy magnetic phenomenon on the hill. The picturesque Nubra Valley will take your breath away. The green oasis villages, the monasteries, the ruined palaces- Turtuk and Bordang; there is a whole different culture in this place. It is 150 km away from Leh. You can take a shared taxi to this route. How can you leave Ladakh without seeing Pangong Lake, the sapphire blue lake? Also, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and Leh Royal Palace.
What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
expand_moreThe minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
expand_moreWhen you arrive in Leh, your stay will be made at a local guest house/hotel. The rooms will be provided on twin or triple sharing basis. You will receive the details of your accommodation through email a few days prior to the trek. On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
expand_moreWe provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius.
Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
expand_moreToilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
expand_moreYou will be provided with good quality of gaiters, crampons, and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
expand_moreVegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
What equipment can I rent from you?
expand_moreYou can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.
What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
expand_moreDuring the day, the temperature will range from 10 to 15 degrees celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 0 to -5 degrees celsius. Higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets.
When will there be snow on this trek?
expand_moreJuly to September is likely to receive a good amount of snowfall. During the other months, the snow accumulation is high and therefore the trek is not feasible.
Is there an option to offload my backpack?
expand_moreIf you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Who will lead us on the trek?
expand_moreA team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Is the trekking pole necessary?
expand_moreYes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don?t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
expand_moreYes, there are stores/shops in Leh from where you can buy necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Is it safe for solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
expand_moreYes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
expand_moreYes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
expand_moreThe hotel at Leh is the pickup point. The dropping point remains the same.
What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
expand_moreExpect to reach Leh late in the evening where hotel arrangements would be made by us. Make sure your flight/bus bookings from this point to your respective destinations are in the morning the next day post 10:00 Hrs.
What are the mandatory documents required for the expedition?
expand_moreID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried), Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) and Photocopy of ID Proof and passport size photos are the mandatory documents required for the trek.
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Refunds will be processed back to the bank account or credit card account used to pay for the event i.e., the source of payment. The amount refunded will be based on the net amount paid for the event, excluding additional components such as transportation, rent, or portage.
Kang Yatse 2, which is situated in Hemis National Park, is the smaller of the two relatives, standing at 6,250 metres, while Kang Yatse 1 soars above it at 6,400 metres. On our walk, as we make our approach to its base through Markha Valley, Kang Yatse 2 emerges as one of the tallest hiking peaks in the great expanse of the desert environment in Ladakh. Standing towering in the centre of this barren landscape of scree and loose rocks, the summit is a sight of breathtaking beauty. From the moment you leave the high alpine city of Leh, you are surrounded by splendour. The journey to Skiu, the meeting of the two rivers with distinct colours?Zanskar and Indus?the sporadic sightings of local wildlife, the agonisingly dry but stunning trek through Markha Valley, and finally the slopes of this highly sought-after peak, which rises 6,250 metres and is so stunning that it's impossible to ignore it once you lay eyes on it. You get a sense of the regional culture and way of life as you pass through the little towns strewn throughout this desolate terrain. The terrain is dotted with shrines, mani walls, stupas, and other symbols of the nation's and its people's religious convictions. The prayer flags give this otherwise colourless background some colour. As we go to the highest altitudes of this magnificent peak, they also provide a sense of calm to the air that is gradually becoming thinner. Old monasteries, demolished forts, and abandoned buildings abound in this mud civilisation and blend in with the strange geological forms in the area, contributing to the mystique of the location. Although the majority of the walk consists of lengthy distances over difficult terrain, summit day, when we reach 1,200M in a single stride, continues to be the hardest day of the whole trek. Another aspect of the journey that has the power to catapult it to the top of your must-do list is the ascent back down through the high-altitude pass, Kongmaru La, which is located at an elevation of 5,236M. In between stretches of flat country abundant with pikus and marmots, there are a few strong inclines that make up the journey to Kongmaru La pass, which offers stunning views of Kang Yatse 1, Kang Yatse 2, and Dzo Jongo. The wind is severe on the pass and it is decorated with prayer flags. The valley appears and vanishes at every turn as you descend from the pass-through steep gorges and river crossings. The landscape is colourful, with rocks in a variety of hues, geological formations with tall vertical walls on each side of you, and the surge of water filling up these tiny crevices with some of the most unusual and fascinating wildlife you'll ever see. Since Kang Yatse 2 is a hiking mountain, no special gear or expertise is needed to climb it. However, due to the degree of stamina required and the high altitude, this journey is only appropriate for experienced climbers. For this peak, the optimum months to attempt are from June through September.
Is this trek good for me?
expand_moreKang Yatse II is made only for experienced trekkers who want to test their limits. The challenges faced in the trek should not be underestimated. You should attempt this trek only If you have already done a trek that climbs to 4700-5000 metres. It is recommended not to opt this trek if you cannot get acclimatized in the mountains of Ladakh. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek.?
Experience required
expand_moreA basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers. At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 ? 25 total trekking days in the Himalayas. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Fitness benchmark
expand_moreJog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) and Hold your breath for 40 seconds and 3 sets of Climbing 30 ? 40 steps in one stretch and Push Ups ? 10 and Lunges & Squats ? 15 X 2 sets
Requisite skills
expand_moreHow to use an Ice Axe How to use Climbing boots & Crampons How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending How to self-arrest using an ice axe Knowledge of Basic First aid
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
expand_moreKang Yatse II is an accessible 6000 m summit in Ladakh. The route to base camp involves hiking through the gorgeous Markha valley, living in Ladkahi homestays, and sampling local cuisine and culture. It is a good alternative away from the crowds of Stok Kangri.
What are the best months to visit this trek?
expand_moreThe best months to summit Kang Yatse are July to October.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
expand_moreThe trek begins from Leh in Ladakh. The best travel option around Leh is by air. By air:?Jet Airways, GoAir, and Air India provide daily flights from New Delhi to Leh. It is recommended that you make your flight bookings well in advance not only to save on the price but also for a confirmed seat. You can also take an alternate flight route to Srinagar. Fly to Srinagar from Delhi and then drive to Leh from Srinagar. The 10 hour road journey from Srinagar to Leh can be covered by hiring a shared taxi which will cost you around INR 3000-4000. The drive route from Srinagar to Leh is scenic. For coming back, you can either take a direct flight from Leh to New Delhi. Or take the same route via Srinagar. Flights from Srinagar to Delhi are cheaper than Leh-Delhi. By road:?You can take the route from Manali to Leh. Travel from Delhi to Manali by a HRTC Volvo bus. From Manali get a seat in a shared taxi (INR 2500-3500). If you are on a tight budget, There is also a bus from New Delhi to Leh (via Manali) with one side fare of INR 1365. The bus journey begins at 2:30 pm from Delhi ISBT reaching Keylong next day at 1:30 pm. After an overnight halt at Keylong, it reaches Leh the next day. The another route to Leh can be taken through Srinagar. There are shared taxis from Srinagar to Leh available at cost of INR 3000-4000. If you are an ardent biker, you wouldn?t mind taking a bike trip from Delhi to Leh and back.
What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
expand_moreBSNL has the best connectivity in Leh-Ladakh region followed by Airtel. However, all the mobile networks like Idea and Vodafone also work in Leh. Please note that only postpaid numbers work in J&K state, prepaid connections will cease to work as soon as you enter Ladakh region. On & Off network coverage is available throughout this trek (BSNL & Airtel mostly).
What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
expand_moreThere are so many enchanting places to visit in Leh-Ladakh. During your acclimatization period, you can roam around the town and visit the monasteries; Diskit Gompa, and Lamayuru Monastery. Drive up to the Magnetic Hill and experience the crazy magnetic phenomenon on the hill. The picturesque Nubra Valley will take your breath away. The green oasis villages, the monasteries, the ruined palaces- Turtuk and Bordang; there is a whole different culture in this place. It is 150 km away from Leh. You can take a shared taxi to this route. How can you leave Ladakh without seeing Pangong Lake, the sapphire blue lake? Also, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and Leh Royal Palace.
What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
expand_moreThe minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
expand_moreWhen you arrive in Leh, your stay will be made at a local guest house/hotel. The rooms will be provided on twin or triple sharing basis. You will receive the details of your accommodation through email a few days prior to the trek. On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
expand_moreWe provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius.
Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
expand_moreToilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
expand_moreYou will be provided with good quality of gaiters, crampons, and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
expand_moreVegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
What equipment can I rent from you?
expand_moreYou can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.
What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
expand_moreDuring the day, the temperature will range from 10 to 15 degrees celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 0 to -5 degrees celsius. Higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets.
When will there be snow on this trek?
expand_moreJuly to September is likely to receive a good amount of snowfall. During the other months, the snow accumulation is high and therefore the trek is not feasible.
Is there an option to offload my backpack?
expand_moreIf you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Who will lead us on the trek?
expand_moreA team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Is the trekking pole necessary?
expand_moreYes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don?t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
expand_moreYes, there are stores/shops in Leh from where you can buy necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Is it safe for solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
expand_moreYes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
expand_moreYes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
expand_moreThe hotel at Leh is the pickup point. The dropping point remains the same.
What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
expand_moreExpect to reach Leh late in the evening where hotel arrangements would be made by us. Make sure your flight/bus bookings from this point to your respective destinations are in the morning the next day post 10:00 Hrs.
What are the mandatory documents required for the expedition?
expand_moreID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried), Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) and Photocopy of ID Proof and passport size photos are the mandatory documents required for the trek.
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Refunds will be processed back to the bank account or credit card account used to pay for the event i.e., the source of payment. The amount refunded will be based on the net amount paid for the event, excluding additional components such as transportation, rent, or portage.