Climb Kang Yatse II
Ladakh’s Ultimate 6000m Peak

Kang Yatse II and the Markha Valley – an outstanding combination

Kang Yatse 2; 6250m trekking peak: 14 days/10 days trek
Price from £1749
per person
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Deposit £250

Balance due 8 weeks prior to departure

Sole occupation​​​ – see details in the link

Summit 6250m Kang Yatse II

Crampons, harness, ice axe, etc. included

Trek the superb Markha valley

Cross the 5200m Kongmaru La

All accommodation

India extension options
Excludes flights

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Ask a question​​​, or call Terry: 07725 943108

Kang Yatse 2 Trekking Peak

Ready to stand on top of a 6000m peak? Rising majestically at the end of the legendary Markha Valley, Kang Yatse II (6,250m) is the ultimate prize for ambitious trekkers and aspiring mountaineers. This expedition bridges the gap between high-altitude trekking and true Himalayan climbing. It offers an exhilarating challenge without requiring the technical climbing skills of a mountaineer.

Similar to Nepal’s Island Peak, Kang Yatse 2 is far less frequented, and offers a completely different weather window opportunity.

The Journey – having transited through Delhi to Leh, your trek begins winding through the dramatic gorges and ancient monasteries of the Markha Valley.

The ascent is gradual to begin with allowing time to acclimatise further. Following the glacial Markha valley river the trek eventually reaches the high pastures of Nimaling.

From here, you break off to Kang Yatse 2’s base camp at 5200m, and spend a further night acclimatising/resting.

On summit night, at around midnight, the push begins. After a few hours of trekking across moraine, the snowline appears. From here, roped in a team, with crampons on and under a brilliant blanket of stars, the final ascent to Kang Yatse 2 begins on the crisp, steep snow slopes. Standing on the summit ridge at sunrise rewards you with incredible, panoramic views stretching from the Zanskar range all the way to the Karakoram mountains.

Don’t fancy Kang Yatse 2? Try our Markha Valley trek.

Stunning Geology

The Markha Valley is a visual map of the collision between India and Asia 50 million years ago.

Trekking through it, you are actually walking along the dried floor of an ancient ocean. The dark grey slate and blue limestone cliffs you see were once deep-sea mud and tropical coral reefs.

As you climb toward the Kongmaru La pass, the dramatic towering canyon walls twist into surreal shades of deep purple, wine-red, and vibrant green. This happens because iron-rich river sediments oxidized over millions of years, leaving behind a colorful, alien-like landscape that feels like hiking on Mars.

Group DatesLand Only
21 Jun - 4 Jul 2027from £1749
12 - 25 Jul 2027from £1749
16 - 29 Aug 2027from £1749

Request 2026 dates.

Advertised price is based on a min of 4 pax. For groups of 2 or 3 pax, add £100 per person, twin share.

Getting there

From the UK, the standard route is to fly to Delhi, and then a domestic flight to Leh. Be aware that due to weather conditions, most flights into Leh are early morning.

High Altitude Entry Destination. Leh’s airport is one of the highest commercial airports in the world (3500m). We allow 2 nights on arrival to assist with acclimatisation.

Brief Itinerary

Allow a min of 2 days to reach Leh from the UK.

Day 1 – Arrive Leh
Day 2 – Free Day (acclimatisation), sightseeing tour
Day 3 – Drive to Zingchen, trek to Yurutse (4150m)
Day 4 – Yurutse to Shingo (4000m), over the Ganda La (4800m)
Day 5 – Shingo to Hamurja (3300m)
Day 6 – Hamurja to Markha (3800m)
Day 7 – Markha to Thachungtse (4200m)
Day 8 – Thachungtse to Nimaling (4800m)
Day 9 – Nimaling to Kang Yatse 2 Base Camp (5200m)
Day 10 – Kang Yatse 2 Base Camp (head for summit ~ midnight)
Day 11 – Summit, return to Base Camp, then Nimaling (4800m)
Day 12 – Nimaling to Chogdo (3900m), via the Kongmaru La (5260m), transfer to Leh
Day 13 – Free Day in Leh
Day 14 – Depart

Consider extending in India. More time in Delhi, visit the Taj Mahal, the Golden Triangle, or beyond….

Your day-to-day Kang Yatse 2 Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Leh, settle in
On arrival in Leh, you will be collected and transferred to your hotel/guest house. Leh lies at an altitude of 3500m and you are therefore strongly advised to rest as much as you can to avoid the effects of altitude. It is not uncommon to feel tired by the evening.

Day 2 – Free/Rest Day (acclimatisation)
While we offer you a sightseeing tour, today is also about acclimatising. Acclimatising to high altitude is not instant, it takes time. Our vehilce will take you to visit a couple of monasteries, Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery, and also Shey Palace. It is not compulsory, and it is adjustable. Take as much rest as you can. B

Day 3 – Drive to Zingchen, trek to Yurutse (4150m)
After breakfast, the adventure begins. Drive to Zingchen (45 mins) to meet the Support crew and away you go. The route progresses up the Zingchen Valley, ascending until you reach what is a one household village, Yurutse. It sits at the base of the Ganda La Pass (4800m).

Trek time: ~4 hrs
Meals: BLD

Day 4 – Yurutse to Shingo (4000m), over the Ganda La (4800m)
This is a straight up and down trek over the mighty Ganda La to Shingo. From the Pass, there are some magnificent views of snow-capped mountains merging into the distant ranges of the Karakoram. The trail descends steadily to Shingo, the head of the Skiu Valley. This is a good day to gain some altitude, and return to a safe sleeping altitude.

Trek time: ~6-7 hrs
Meals: BLD

Day 5 – Shingo to Hamurja (3300m)
The route continues to descend until you reach Skiu (3300 meters). It also marks your beginning of your time within the Markha Valley. The altitude is now lower than Leh. From Skui, the route follows the Markha river upstream. Continue to the overnight stop at Hamurja where we camp by the river.

Trek time: ~
Meals: BLD

Day 6 – Hamurja to Markha Village (3800m)
Markha is the main village in the valley, dominated by its castle ruins and big Monastery. If you fel up to it, explore the village.

Trek time: ~
Meals: BLD

Day 7 – Markha to Thachungtse (4200m)
From Markha the country changes and the warm, relatively heavily wooded section of the lower Markha is left behind. As you progress, it will get cooler as the altitude increases over 4000m. You will pass through Lower and Upper Hankar before reaching Thachungtse.
If you haven’t already, it’s highly likely you’ll be experiencing a number of river crossings today. Some will be minor rock hopping streams, others a more forceful thigh high affair. As the day progresses, so the sun melts the snow further up the valley causing the Markha river to swell.

Trek time: ~7-8 hrs
Meals: BLD

Day 8 – Thachungtse to Nimaling (4800m)
From Thachungtse the trail climbs steeply before it opens out to the flat’ish plain, broad meadow known as Nimaling. The Nimaling meadows provide pastures in the summer for yaks, sheep, goats, and horses from villages further down the valley. It is not unusual to see the occasional wild sheep or wolf. You may also see the impressive Lammergeier’s; the largest of the Himalayan raptors.

It’s only around 9km but the steep incline and significant increase in altitude can take its toll. You are likely to reach Nimaling by lunchtime. Nimaling is a fixed camp, replacing what would be homestays further down the valley. You will notice a distinct drop in temperature here, especially at night (possibly sub-zero).

Trek time: ~3-4 hrs
Meals: BLD

Day 9 – Nimaling to Kang Yatse 2 Base Camp (5200m)
Another short 3-4 hr day with a sharp ascent initially to a ridge before reaching the Base Camp at 5200m.
The rest of the day should be spent resting.

Trek time: ~3-4 hrs
Meals: BLD

Day 10 – Kang Yatse 2 Base Camp (head for summit ~ midnight)
A day of rest, and preparation for the summit push starting at around midnight.

Meals: BLD

Day 11 – Kang Yatse 2 Base Camp (head for summit ~ midnight)
At around midnight (Day 10), it’s time to head for the summit of Kang Yatse 2. This is a long, physically demanding 10-12 hr day but an extremely rewarding one.

The first few hours are on rocky, moraine terrain. Once you reach the ‘snowline’, which typically is around 5500 – 5600m, it’s time to put the crampons on. From here, roped up as a team, progress is slow up the firm 30-40° snow slopes.

The aim is to reach the 6250m summit before the sun rises over the mountains. And what a view it is too. There are spectacular, clear, panoramic views of the Zanskar range, the Ladakh range, and on an exceptionally clear day, the distant peaks of the Karakoram range.
The timing of the ascent is not only to witness the beautiful sight but to make best use of the firm conditions that the low overnight temperatures bring. The snow is firm. As soon as the sun hits, it can begin to soften.

The descent is clearly faster, all of the way back to the Base Camp. A short time will be spent here before continuing further to Nimaling. You will spend another night here.

Trek time: ~10-12 hrs
Meals: BLD

Day 12 – Nimaling to Chogdo (3900m), via the Kongmaru La (5260m)
From Nimaling, it’s a straight-forward ascent to the highest Pass in the area; the 5260m Kongmaru La. This marks the exit from the Markha Valley. An early start is recommended in order to exit the valley near Chogdo before the river levels rise too much, making any river crossings more difficult than they need to be.
It’ll take about 2 hrs to reach the Kongmaru La, marked with plenty of prayer flags. Have a good, and final look at the superb views around you, for descent from here to Chogdo is rapid, and the subsequent vehicle transfer to Leh. Before you know it, it’s all over!

The descent to Chogdo is around 1300m, so it’s tough on the body but it will equally appreciate the fast drop in altitude. In Chogdo, the transport will be waiting to transfer you back to Leh.

Of note here is the truly stunning geology. As you approach the Kongmaru La, the dramatic towering canyon walls reveal a colorful, alien-like landscape that is clearly the result of millions of years of change.

Trek time: ~6-7 hrs
Meals: BL

Day 11 – Free Day in Leh
Free day.

Meals: B

Day 12 – Depart
Transfer to the airport for departure.

Meals: B

What the price includes

  • Return airport transfers in Leh.
  • Hotel/guest house accommodation in Leh (4 nights), twin share, with breakfast.
  • Sightseeing tour to Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery on Day 2 (not compulsory).
  • Tented accommodation on trek (twin share) + sleeping mattresses.
  • All meals on the trek.
  • An experienced and qualified English-speaking local guide (carrying first aid kit + Oximeter).
  • Support team consisting of Camp Cook, helpers + pack animals to carry supplies.
  • Provision of safety climbing equipment: ropes, harness, carabiners, crampons, helmet, ice axe.
  • All necessary camping, environmental, trekking and climbing permits/fees to complete the trek.
  • Support and advice from our UK team who have personal experience of this trek.

What the price excludes

  • International/domestic flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Indian Tourist Visa
  • Staff gratuities
  • Personal expenses

Choose your own departure dates if you wish to suit your own plans.
Our advertised dates are open groups.
If you wish to trek solo (no-one else except our full support), please ask for a price.
The itineraries can be adjusted to suit you, eg more acclimatisation, more days in Leh, etc.

China great wall trek

When to climb Kang Yatse 2?

Late Jun, July, and August are the best months to climb Kang Yatse 2.
Outside of these months, snow may prevent passage over the high passes.
Even though it is high season summer months, you won’t get School groups here!

Why choose our flexible Kang Yatse 2 expedition?

In traditional Travel and Trek style, we build our Kang Yatse II departures entirely around your safety, your schedule and your wishes:

  • Your Dates, Your Choice: Pick any start date you wish within the prime Ladakh climbing season (late Jun – early Sep).
  • Small-Group Experience: We run private departures for groups as small as 2 people. If you prefer to go at your own pace, and only yours, then keep your departure to yourself.
  • Flexible Itinerary: We can advise on where delays may happen or where more time may be needed. You can choose and add as necessary.
  • The Perfect Stok Kangri Alternative: With Stok Kangri closed, Kang Yatse II stands as the absolute best 6,000er experience in Hemis National Park.
  • Avoid the potential busier 6000m Island Peak in Nepal.
China great wall trek

The slopes of Kang Yatse 2 (closer summit).

China great wall trek

The stunning geology in the Markha Valley.

China great wall trek

Classic trekking terrain.

India Notes

Essential Notes – essential reading on clothing and equipment such as waterproofs, boots, daysack, sleeping bags, travel insurance, travel health, and high altitude (opens new tab).

General Notes – covers generic information on our adventures (opens new tab).

Not many countries in the world offer the diversity of India, in so many ways. From touring to cycling to low-level trekking, motorbiking, tuk-tuks,  and climbing the 6000m peaks of the Himalayas; it’s all there.

Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh offer some of the best trekking in the world, with remote, low, and high altitude treks. The landscapes are beautiful. Combine anything in India with a short excursion to the unmissable Taj Mahal and possibly Jaipur too, all very close to Delhi.

Passport  – To enter India, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.

You will require a visa to enter India. How to apply for a tourist visa for India. The evisa is the simplest and quickest method.

For the most up-to-date passport validity and visa requirements, please visit the FCDO Travel Advice India webpage.

International Flights. We do not include or sell international flights. We can assist you with advice on the best flights based on our extensive experience of such matters in order to get you to, and from your destination based on your own travel plans.

London not convenient? – Other regional airport options are possible. We appreciate the potential inconvenience of London if you live some distance away. Whilst using regional airports may cost more, and in this case may involve one stop, that cost may be offset by the cost and time of travelling to London.

Domestic/Internal India Flights. India is a vast country and some itineraries either require or offer domestic flights. Specific itineraries will tell you whether these internal flights are included or not.

Ladakh. The Delhi – Leh flight takes about 90 mins and usually departs early in the morning due to the prevailing winds in Ladakh (they get stronger during the day). These flights can be a bottleneck during the summer months so you are advised to book these as early as you can.

If trekking in India, you will need a daysack and a trek holdall. See our article on holdalls and luggage.

Daysack – Recommended capacity is 35 litres. The daysack stays with you all of the time when trekking and is likely to contain:

  • waterproofs, fleece, duvet jacket, hat/gloves
  • water, snacks
  • sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • personal hygiene (toilet tissue, hand sanitiser)
  • camera
  • personal first aid kit

Trek Holdall – A holdall is a soft-skinned bag that will carry the remainder of your clothing/equipment, wash kit and sleeping bag. The Porters/pack animals do not walk alongside you during the day therefore when planning your packing, bear in mind that once your bag leaves you in the morning, you may not see it again until you reach camp at the end of the day.

Travelling there – Depending on where you are travelling to (and therefore what’s going with you), and how you’re getting there (direct flight or transiting another airport), consider what luggage you use to get your belongings there. The airport baggage handling systems can be rough at times.

Storing Luggage in India – free and safe storage facilities are available in hotels so you can leave clothing behind whilst you trek.

If you are touring in India, and do not require a trek holdall, then take whatever luggage type suits you.

In general terms, unless stated otherwise, you will be met on arrival in India and transferred back to the departure airport at the end of the trip.

This will also apply when domestic flights form part of your itinerary.

The hotels we use in major cities such as Delhi will be of 4/5* standard depending on the location (city, town). The lower standard will only be used where we need to or there is no alternative. The average will be 4*.

Ladakh

In Leh, hotel/Guest houses are used and they will be of a good standard. The star ratings don’t really apply here as we would know them!

On trek, through the Markha Valley, we may use a combination of homestays and tents to provide a mixture of culture and comfort.

Single room option costs and conditions are stated on each trip webpage; they will vary. Please check if you are unsure. For example, it may be included for hotels but not on treks due to tent limitations.

Please refer to the itinerary for what meals are included.

Trekking, Ladakh – all meals are provided by the Camp Chef, whether you’re camping or using a homestay. This will include packed lunches. There are some small ‘parachute cafes’ along the route to buy snacks, but don’t rely on them.

Meals on all treks:

  • Breakfast – a simple meal consisting of eggs and toast or cereal or pancakes and a hot drink.
  • Lunches – packed, usually made at breakfast.
  • Snack – usually supplied on arrival at the night camp; tea/coffee and biscuits or similar.
  • Evening meal – 3 courses. Soup, main meal, and dessert.

Trekking, Himachal Pradesh – On the trek, a skilled camp chef will supply your meals. Don’t expect a lot of meat dishes to be available due to the problem of storage. Depending on the specific trek, any form of shops to buy additional snacks (such as energy bars) may not be available so you should be prepared to take your own.

Touring, or trips that include a significant No of hotel nights – as a minimum, breakfasts will be included and possibly evening meals too. Please check specific itineraries.

Water

You should only drink water that has been treated, ie bottled mineral water or water that has been treated (ie boiled).

On the trek, the water will be prepared for you (boiled).

When touring, you can buy as you go (it is inexpensive).

India’s currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). You will not be able to obtain INR’s prior to arrival. We recommend that you work in INR’s in India. It is cheaper and the preferred currency, especially in the hills.

If you are trekking, we suggest that you take the majority of your money in cash as you will exchange the majority of it soon after you arrive in the country. Most treks depart the day after you arrive in-country (not in Ladakh) and once you leave for the trek, there are few if any opportunities to exchange.

ATM’s – If you prefer not to carry all of your money in cash en route to your destination, it is possible to withdraw money from ATM’s in cities, towns, and the airports. If you have more than one credit/debit card you can use, take it. It will provide flexibility should one not work for any reason.

Traveller’s cheques. While still valid, they are increasingly disappearing as a means of carrying funds. With the exception of major banks, you may find it very difficult to use them. The simple advice is to avoid them.

Exchange Shops – There is no shortage of money exchange shops on the city streets of India.

Spending money – This will depend hugely on what trip you are on and on your spending habits. Approximately £300 – £400 should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses including meals not included in the itinerary. It is sometimes better to go with more and to bring it back than to find yourself short (if you work in cash).

Credit cards – We recommend that you carry a credit card with you at all times for emergency purposes (preferably a travel credit card.). They are acceptable in larger shops, restaurants, and hotels but maybe not in smaller shops in smaller villages.

Tipping – In India tipping is a way of saying ‘thank you’ for your services. Our advice is to budget approx £30 – £45 per trekker (local currency equivalent), placed into a ‘pot’ and split between the Guide and other support staff. It is better to nominate one person to give tips to individuals rather than to give it to the Guide to distribute; it is more personal that way.

Fitness is very subjective and India has a huge range of challenges.

It is not practical to offer specific training advice here due to the vast array of challenges and fitness levels of those reading this. Our simple rule of thumb for treks in India is that if you are able to trek for 5-6 hrs per day*, on two consecutive days, over undulating terrain carrying your daysack (fully loaded, around 6-7kg) then you should be perfectly capable of completing the vast majority of our treks in good order.

Apart from the physical element, trekking to high altitude will have an effect (often more than the physicality). Can you train for altitude?

You don’t need to be super fit but we recommend that you adopt a regular training regime in the lead-up to your trip as the fitter you are, the less fatigued you may be and therefore the more you will enjoy it. Treks here are all about slow burn endurance; nothing speedy! Train for what you are going to do – walk, and with a daysack on your back that weighs 6-7 kg. Gear it towards ascending.

It is equally important to train your body to walk with the clothing and equipment that you will be using on the trek.

For specific advice call Terry: 07725 943108

All of our treks in Ladakh, and most in Himachal Pradesh will ascend to high altitudes. You are strongly advised to read about what Acute Mountain Sickness is (AMS, aka altitude sickness), be aware of the effects, the symptoms, and what to do if you succumb. Please read our section on High Altitude in the Essential Notes section (opens another page).

If you would rather speak to us for advice, call Terry: 07725 943108

India is a warm/hot country and in general terms, that is what you will experience.

Tours and cycle trips can expect a warm/hot environment with air conditioning required in overnight hotels.

If you’re trekking, you can expect a moderately warm environment whilst the sun is up (approx 20 deg C) but as soon as it goes down, the temperature will drop quickly (down to single figures overnight and well below freezing at the higher altitudes). Shorts/trousers and a t-shirt will be the standard style of dress on a daily basis until you reach higher altitudes when something warmer will be needed. In the evenings you will require several layers of clothing.

As soon as you add higher altitudes (above 4000m), expect the temperatures to drop to below zero overnight.
If it rains, it will tend to pour down hard for a short period of time and then dry.

Weather forecast in Leh, Ladakh.

There is no guarantee of any specific weather pattern. Please take the appropriate clothing and equipment.

Advice for vaccines is constantly developing. Visit your GP and the following UK travel advice website for the most up-to-date advice (including malaria) and information on where you will be travelling to. Don’t forget to include ALL travel if it includes a wider itinerary.

Also see our ‘Travel Health’ section with the Essential Notes section (opens another page).

Depending on your trip, you are highly likely to be met at the airport.

Your Guide (english speaking) is likely to meet you at the hotel shortly after you arrive, providing any briefing you need and timings for the coming days. The more you engage with him, the more you’ll get out of him! The Guide will know where to get further support if required.

Other support on trek will consist of a Camp Chef and either porters or pack animal handlers, or both.

If you are cycling, you’ll also have a back up crew of a mechanic and driver.

For touring, it’s likely to be the Guide (who may be with you throughout your time in India) and a driver (you have numerous if your travel includes domestic flights and train travel).

Mobile Phones

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in India. Coverage on trek is varied due to the remoteness but the locals are equally reliant on mobile phone use and therefore will know where to get signals!

Local sims are cheap and easily obtainable.

Be very careful using mobile phones at high altitudes when the temperatures are very low overnight; they can freeze and destroy the phone!

Most hotels have free wifi.

Email

With a combination of some internet cafes in most cities and towns and the availability of wifi in cafes, fast food outlets, etc… the facilities are there to access email and other forms of data communication from mobile phones at no cost.

India has a 220v, 50 Hz supply. Normal 2-pin European continental adaptors will work. World Power Plug and Adaptors – check what works.

Extensions In India – infinite options

Taj Mahal, Dalai Lama extension

Agra – Taj Mahal and Red Fort

Experience the great Indian railways and connect down to Agra (driving is an alternative). Once in Agra, you can visit the Red Fort on the same day and the truly majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise (the following day).

After the Taj Mahal, you have time to travel back to Dehli to get your flight back to the UK, so this is just a 1-day extension.

Old Delhi

Delhi – 2 Nights

Cap off your trip with 2 additional nights (or 3 nights) in this bustling, and yet cosmopolitan city. Compare Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk) with the new modern Delhi. It’s a stark comparison and best done (in our view) from the seat of a tuk-tuk! Hire a driver who will only be too happy to whiz you around the city to show you the sites. It’s the quickest, most fun, and cheapest.

  • Combine 2 nights here with 1 night to see the Taj Mahal
  • Experience Chandri Chowk, India Gate, Red Fort, the markets

All of our holidays can be tailor-made for YOU and we make it simple. It’s so easy to do. 

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