Kang Yatse (II) Trek Trail Overview
The trek trail to Kang Yatse (2) is a beautiful walk across the Markha Valley, covering many quaint villages en route. Markha Valley is one of the prettiest Ladakh valleys, featuring exquisite monasteries, incredible views of the far-stretched neighboring Himalayas, refreshing snack stalls, and interactive locals. These elements keep trekkers entertained while staying grounded to the breathtaking scenery. Considering the stunning trek scenery, it can greatly assist climbers in choosing their next expedition.
Highlights of Kang Yatse II Trek
- Level: Difficult (first-time trekkers should avoid this expedition)
- Follow the Guidelines and Rules of the IMF for a safe expedition
- Proper conditioning & training of the body is required
- Group size: Minimum 5, Maximum 10 people
- Proper expedition gear & clothing for sub-zero temperatures needed
- Shoes: Single most important equipment
- High altitude requires proper acclimatization
- Best season: Post-monsoon or pre-monsoon; avoid rainy season due to landslides
- Phones don’t work on the trek; walkie-talkies are provided for communication
- Carry good photo gear for the beautiful landscapes
- Travel light (recommended backpack: 12–15 kg)
- Keep an extra day in your itinerary for summit attempts in case of bad weather
- Alcohol and smoking: Not allowed during the expedition
Highlights Along the Trek
The trek will take you through monasteries, ancient Himalayan culture, and the famous alpine meadows of the Ladakh valley. Trekkers begin their journey in Siku and end at the summit. The descent follows a different route, culminating at Chokdo.
The first rest day is in Markha Valley, passing through Hemis National Park, home to vibrant wildlife including snow leopards, Arghal, Bharal, and Shapu. The breathtaking view of Kang Yatse (2) is visible as trekkers near the end of their Markha Valley journey.
The meadows just before Namling, after leaving Markha Valley, offer some of the best views of the trek, with grazing sheep, shepherd trails, and lush greenery. The journey after base camp is challenging, requiring intense physical and mental effort. Kang Yatse (II) expedition is designed for experienced mountaineers aiming to climb peaks of 6000 meters or higher. Prior technical and mountaineering knowledge is highly beneficial.
Things to Look Forward To
- Sense of accomplishment and preparation for higher, harsher peaks
- Explore the beauty of Hemis National Park
- Captivating meadows with memorable fortitude
- Experience native culture across three villages in Markha Valley
- Old monasteries showcasing ancient history and providing serenity
- Confluence of the Zanskar River with the Indus River before traveling to Chilling
Views Along the Journey
- Hemis National Park: Wild fauna and opportunity to spot snow leopards
- Kang Yatse (2): Distant view at the end of Markha Valley, a perfect natural canvas
- Breathtaking beauty of Markha Valley, Zanskar range, and surrounding Karakoram peaks from the summit
- Possibility to see K2 peak and distant Tibet mountains depending on sky clarity
Nearby Places to Visit
Trekkers typically stay at least 2 days in Leh for acclimatization, allowing exploration of local culture:
- Thiksey Monastery: Home to over 500 monks and one of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh
- Gurudwara Pathar Sahib: Highly religious and impactful site in Leh
- Local markets for souvenirs and culturally guided items
- Explore additional monasteries to learn about local culture
Altitude Covered in Kang Yatse (II) Trek
- Leh – 3500m
- Siku – 3399m
- Markha Valley – 3703m
- Hangkar – 4000m
- Namling – 4699m
- Base Camp – 5099m
- Summit – 6250m
Kang Yatse (II) Trek Complete Guide
Our mission has always been to ensure that no trekker steps into the Himalayas without the right perspective. A trek is not just a checklist of summits; it is a serious commitment to the outdoors. Having the right information is what separates a reckless climb from a soulful journey.
This section serves as your definitive manual for the Kang Yatse (II) Trek. We have distilled years of mountain experience and real-time feedback into this guide to give you a clear, honest picture of the trail.
We provide this depth of information because we want you to be more than just a visitor—we want you to be a prepared, responsible trekker who respects the mountains as much as we do
Day 1 – Arrival in Leh
Arrive at Leh and drive to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the days ahead. Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 2 – Acclimatization Day in Leh
Take the day to acclimatize to the high altitude. You can explore local attractions including monasteries, markets, and traditional Ladakhi cuisine. Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 3 – Drive from Leh to Chilling, Trek to Skiu
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Chilling. Begin your trek to Skiu. Enjoy the wilderness and scenic beauty en route. Lunch on the way. On arrival in Skiu, check into a local guesthouse for an overnight stay.
Day 4 – Trek from Skiu to Markha
Start your trek early from Skiu to Markha. This is a long trek of approximately 8 hours. Take in the stunning landscapes along the way. Dinner and overnight stay at Markha.
Day 5 – Trek from Markha to Hangkar
Begin your trek from Markha to Hangkar. On the way, enjoy beautiful mountain views and old Tibetan structures. Arrive in Hangkar by evening. Rest and overnight stay.
Day 6 – Trek from Hangkar to Nimaling
After breakfast, continue the trek from Hangkar to Nimaling. This route takes you to a breathtaking plateau surrounded by towering peaks. It’s a perfect spot for photography. Overnight stay in Nimaling.
Day 7 – Trek to Kang Yatse Base Camp
Today’s trek starts from Nimaling and heads to the base camp of Kang Yatse. The trail offers magnificent views of the mountain. Reach the base camp and rest overnight.
Day 8 – Rest and Acclimatization at Base Camp
Spend the day resting and acclimatizing. There will be a training session on how to use ropes, crampons, and ice axes for the upcoming summit attempt. Overnight at base camp.
Day 9 – Summit Day: Base Camp → Kang Yatse Summit → Return to Base Camp
Start the summit attempt around midnight. Follow the techniques and instructions learned the previous day. After reaching the summit, return to the base camp for rest. Overnight stay at base camp.
Day 10 – Trek to Chokdo via Nimaling, Drive to Leh
Trek back to Chokdo via Nimaling. From Chokdo, drive to Leh. Check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 1 – Arrival in Leh
Arrive at Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Take the rest of the day to rest and recover from your journey. This is essential to prepare your body for high-altitude trekking. You may take a short walk around the hotel area to acclimatize slightly. Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 2 – Acclimatization Day in Leh
Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude of Leh. Explore local attractions such as Thiksey Monastery, Shanti Stupa, and the vibrant Leh Market. Try traditional Ladakhi cuisine to experience the local culture. Use this day to relax and prepare mentally and physically for the trek ahead. Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 3 – Drive from Leh to Chilling, Trek to Skiu
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Chilling. From Chilling, start your trek to Skiu, a small village in the Markha Valley. Enjoy the beautiful wilderness, flowing streams, and rugged mountains along the route. Stop for lunch on the way and interact with the local villagers. Arrive in Skiu in the late afternoon and check into a local guesthouse or camping site for an overnight stay.
Day 4 – Trek from Skiu to Markha
Begin your trek early from Skiu to Markha, a journey of approximately 8 hours. The trail passes through scenic valleys, suspension bridges, and isolated villages. Trekkers will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Reach Markha by evening, set up camp or stay in local guesthouses, and enjoy dinner with fellow trekkers. Overnight stay at Markha.
Day 5 – Trek from Markha to Hangkar
Today’s trek takes you from Markha to Hangkar. The trail crosses high passes, traditional Ladakhi villages, and ancient monasteries. Enjoy views of rugged mountain terrain, crystal-clear streams, and lush valleys. Arrive in Hangkar in the evening, rest, and enjoy dinner at the campsite or local guesthouse. Overnight stay at Hangkar.
Day 6 – Trek from Hangkar to Nimaling
After breakfast, continue trekking from Hangkar to Nimaling, which lies on a high-altitude plateau. This is one of the most scenic parts of the trek, offering magnificent views of towering Himalayan peaks, grazing yaks, and vast open meadows. Nimaling is an excellent spot for photography and enjoying the tranquility of the mountains. Overnight stay in Nimaling.
Day 7 – Trek to Kang Yatse Base Camp
Start early from Nimaling and trek towards the base camp of Kang Yatse (II). The trail gradually ascends and offers stunning views of Kang Yatse and surrounding peaks. Reach the base camp by afternoon, set up tents, and rest. This is a crucial point for acclimatization and preparing for the summit attempt. Overnight stay at base camp.
Day 8 – Rest and Acclimatization at Base Camp
Spend the day resting and acclimatizing at the base camp. Participate in a training session conducted by guides on the use of ropes, crampons, ice axes, and other mountaineering techniques. This day ensures that trekkers are fully prepared physically and mentally for the summit attempt the next day. Overnight stay at base camp.
Day 9 – Summit Day: Base Camp → Kang Yatse Summit → Return to Base Camp
Begin the summit attempt around midnight. Follow the technical climbing instructions learned the previous day. The ascent is challenging, requiring physical endurance, mental focus, and proper acclimatization. After reaching the summit of Kang Yatse (6250m), take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, Zanskar Range, and Karakoram peaks. Descend safely back to the base camp for rest. Overnight stay at base camp.
Day 10 – Trek to Chokdo via Nimaling, Drive to Leh
Start the descent from base camp to Chokdo, passing through Nimaling again. Enjoy the last views of the alpine meadows and surrounding mountains. From Chokdo, drive back to Leh. Check in to your hotel, relax, and celebrate the successful completion of your trek. Overnight stay in Leh.
Difficulty Level: Kang Yatse (II) Trek
Because the top is relatively high in elevation, we recommend a reasonable level of physical fitness. We strongly advise trekkers to be physically and mentally prepared for an endurance process as the arduous journey might throw obstacles at unexpected hours. Throughout the course, all groups will be guided by our experts for trekking equipment and any impending terrain. Trekkers must be aware of any AMC conditions and must notify our teams before continuing their ascent.
Is it Safe?
Set amidst the high altitude ranges, concerns regarding Kang Yatse (II) trek safety are indeed very valid. To assure you, we have all the possible probabilities calculated if anything goes off the schedule. At every stop point of the journey, trekkers will be going through a proper guided session informing them about the upcoming terrains.
All of our professionals strive to provide the best experience possible for trekkers, so a collaborative contribution of a relaxed mindset and morally communicative behavior with fellow trekkers will be greatly appreciated.
Weather Conditions in Kang Yatse (II) Trek
The weather conditions vary depending on the time of year trekker’s travel. The months of July to October are generally considered to be comfortable for this expedition; however, as the teams gain altitude, the weather may become much colder, with chilly nights and mornings. Winters are highly improbable for this summit expedition.
Trekking Essentials
- Clothing: Because nights at elevations tend to be considerably colder, we suggest having well-graded, warm and comfortable clothing along with good quality shoes.
- Medical Kits: Despite the fact that we handle medical crises, we urge individuals to keep their emergency kits at hand in any case of personal underlying illnesses.
- Photography: Since the journey provides you with a picturesque view of many peaks, don’t forget to bring your camera along with extra batteries.
- Luggage Support: Our staff will consult with fellow trekkers about their luggage and, if lacking, will assist trekkers in obtaining any necessary equipment. Only the relevant luggage should be brought, as a result.
Other Important Trekking Essentials
Connectivity and Transactions
- All networks, including Vi, Airtel, and BSNL, function well in Ladakh, but connectivity along the route is unpredictable, so we advise people to complete all of their work ahead of time.
- Trekkers will be provided with walkie-talkies beforehand in case of emergency.
- Last ATM transactions available will be at Leh. We recommend travelers to collect cash beforehand or while in Leh as ATMs available at other places might not dispense cash at times.
Kang Yatse (II)’s ascent and descent are both challenging with occasional tough terrain and acclimatization. The best time to hike these paths is between July and October, when Himalayan region experiences moderate climate. The temperature usually ranges between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day with substantially colder nights; the higher the trekkers ascend, the colder it becomes.
How to Reach in Kang Yatse (II) Trek
If you are travelling from any metropolitan city in India or from outside India, getting to the capital city of Delhi may be the first and most important step. All major modes of transportation, such as air, road, and rail, can take you to Delhi.
Leh is connected to most major cities in India via all chief modes of transportation. Trekkers could perhaps conduct extensive research for their direct mode of transportation to ensure a much smoother arrival.
How to reach Leh from Delhi
By air– Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the nearest airport to Leh. It is well connected to Delhi with many flights in a week. Cabs are easily available from the airport to Leh.
By road-Delhi have road routes to Leh via Manali or via Srinagar. Trekkers will have to book either a bus or private cabs. Prior booking for cabs and bus are easily available at various sites.
Delhi Leh Chilling
By railway
- Please note that we don’t provide timings schedules for transportation before Leh. Subjected to various conditions the scheduled timings and availability of particular rides may differ. We recommend trekkers to reach out our teams for any queries. You can drop an email or call us for an initial guided session.
- Our teams will be collecting trekkers at fixed points of airports, railway stations and bus stands.
- It is recommended that unless any delay arrives, trekkers are advised to reach the destinations at least 2 hours prior
Necessary Items for trekkers
Mandatory Documents
Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voters ID, etc,)
Passport and Visa important to foreigners
Medical Certificate (First part should be filled by the Doctor and Second part by the Trekker)
Declaration Certificates
Note: – Many trekkers commit the same mistake of carrying unnecessary items on a trek which only makes the backpack heavy. It is important to know the right items to carry. It differs from season to season if you are trekking in summers then carry less layers of warm clothing and if you are trekking in winters carry enough layers to protect yourself against chilly cold.
Basic Trekking Gears
The Clothes You Should Bring On Satopanth Expedition
Head Gears
Foot Gears
Personal Care Essentials
Carry a Personal Medical Kit
Are you Looking for Trekking Equipment on Rent?
If any trekker requires trekking equipment on rent, Himalayan Hikers offers the best-quality gear available for rental. Many individuals are in need of such equipment, and renting provides a cost-effective solution, allowing them to access high-quality gear at an affordable price without the need for a significant investment for short-term use.
Trek Equipment You can book directly on first day at the Base Camp.
Note:-
Please take all medicines only when prescribed by the doctor. In case you face any problem during your trek,
discuss and take advice from the Professional guide.
The Trek is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand, Himachal,Kashmir,Laddakh,Sikkim,Nepal, requiring both physical preparation and mental readiness. Although it is categorized as a moderate trek, reaches an elevation of over 12,720 feet and traverses remote Himalayan terrain, which can be physically and mentally challenging. Here's how you can prepare yourself for a safe and successful accomplishment of the Trek:
Physical Fitness
Building a good fitness base is essential for every trekker. The Trek itinerary involves 5 to 6 hours of walking every day. Though the trails are well-marked, they are often bumpy and include steep uphill sections, which may affect your stamina. You can overcome your physical limitation with a 6-week training program that you can begin about 2 months before your Trek. Your 6-week fitness routine should include
Pro Tip: If you have time, you can skip the Sunday training and go for a long-distance walk or mini day-hike (7–10 km) with a loaded backpack to simulate real trekking conditions. A short 1-day hike around your city/town can help a lot.
Mental Preparation
Physical strength is only half the journey, the other half is mental resilience. The trail takes you through remote clearings, steep climbs, cold starry nights, and no mobile connectivity. Be prepared to:
(I) - Detach from the digital world.
(II) - Embrace basic mountain living (camping, toilet tents, limited electricity).
(III) - Push through moments of fatigue, weather discomfort, or altitude effects.
A positive mindset, patience, and the ability to adapt will carry you farther than muscle ever could.Himalayan Hikers is a reputable trekking company that places a high priority on safety. Here are some of the safety measures they take to ensure the safety of their clients during the Trek:
Experienced Guides: Himalayan Hikers hires experienced and certified guides who are well-versed in the terrain, weather conditions, and local culture. These guides have first-hand knowledge of the routes and are equipped to handle any emergency situations that may arise.
Proper Gear: The company provides all the necessary gear and equipment to their clients to ensure comfort and safety during the trek.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Himalayan Hikers places great emphasis on hygiene and sanitation during the Trek. They provide clean drinking water, hand sanitizers, and toilet tents to ensure that their clients are healthy and comfortable.
Emergency Services: The company has a well-defined protocol for handling emergency situations. They have a team of trained medical professionals who are available 24/7 and can be quickly mobilized in case of an emergency.
Acclimatization: Himalayan Hikers follows a gradual acclimatization process during treks to ensure that their clients adjust to the high altitude gradually. They also monitor the health of their clients regularly and provide necessary medical attention if required.
Overall, Himalayan Hikers places a great emphasis on safety and takes all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients during treks.
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