Kang Yatse II  Expedition Details

Kang Yatse II Expedition Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Leh (3,500 M)
Upon arrival at Leh, our team will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the guesthouse. This day is dedicated to acclimatization to Ladakh’s high altitude. You can relax, hydrate well, and take short walks in and around the guesthouse. In the evening, we will conduct a team briefing and overview of the expedition. Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh.

Day 02: Leh Sightseeing & Acclimatization
After breakfast, we head out for a half-day local sightseeing tour. Depending on the group’s interest, we may visit iconic spots like Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and monasteries nearby. Post lunch at a local restaurant, the rest of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatization. If you wish, you can explore the main Leh Market in the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03: Leh to Chilling – Trek to Sara (3,500 M)
We start early with a 2.5-hour drive from Leh to Chilling. Due to environmental regulations in Markha Valley, commercial vehicles are not allowed beyond the Chilling bridge. Hence, our trek begins from the bridge itself. We trek for about two hours through serene landscapes and reach the campsite in Sara village – a tranquil meadow flanked by clear streams and wildflowers. After lunch, we take a short acclimatization walk around the village. Overnight stay at Sara campsite.

Day 04: Sara to Markha (3,710 M)
We begin early today as we trek for 6–7 hours toward Markha village. The route offers beautiful views and, if lucky, sightings of local wildlife and shepherds. We arrive at Markha by lunchtime and enjoy the peaceful Himalayan atmosphere. In the evening, we take a short acclimatization hike around the campsite. Overnight stay at Markha.

Day 05: Markha to Hangkar (3,968 M)
Today’s trek begins with a visit to the ancient Yensa Monastery, belonging to the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. After passing the small village of Umlung, we continue for about an hour to reach Hangkar. This is where we first get a distant view of Kang Yatse II and the trail leading towards it. Our campsite lies on a lush green meadow beside a murmuring river. Overnight at Hangkar.

Day 06: Hangkar to Base Camp (5,100 M)
Today is a long but gradual ascent of 7–8 hours to the Base Camp. The trail is well-defined due to regular expeditions. On the way, we pass a small pond with incredible views of surrounding valleys including Nyimaling and the Kongmaru La Pass. A final stretch of 1.5 hours from the viewpoint brings us to Base Camp at 5,100 meters. Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 07: Acclimatization & Technical Training at Base Camp
This is a rest and preparation day. After a relaxed breakfast, we distribute technical gear like snow boots, crampons, ropes, and ice axes. We head to a nearby slope for basic mountaineering training. Our guide will demonstrate how to ascend and descend on snow using ropes, how to self-arrest with an ice axe, and techniques for glacier travel. After the session, we return early to rest before the summit night. Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 08: Summit Push – Kang Yatse II (6,250 M) & Return to Base Camp
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the expedition. We begin the summit push between 11 PM and midnight. The initial climb is over loose scree and moraine, followed by a gradual ascent over the glacier from the north face. We rope up and climb along the northwest ridge. By around 7–8 AM, we reach the summit of Kang Yatse II, where the vast Himalayan expanse unfolds around us. After soaking in the views, we begin our descent and reach Base Camp by noon for a hot meal. Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 09: Base Camp to Chokdo via Nyimaling & Kongmaru La (5,236 M) – Drive to Leh
After breakfast, we begin our final trek. The first leg is a descent to Nyimaling, followed by a steep ascent and descent over the Kongmaru La Pass. From here, we get panoramic views of Ladakh’s vast and rugged terrain. We reach Chokdo village after 7–8 hours of trekking, where vehicles will be waiting to drive us back to Leh. Optional market visit in the evening. Overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Day 10: Departure from Leh
After breakfast, we will drop you at the airport as per your flight schedule. Bid farewell to Ladakh with unforgettable memories of your Himalayan adventure.

Day 11: Buffer/Contingency Day
This extra day is reserved for contingencies like bad weather, altitude-related delays, or emergencies. It ensures that the itinerary remains flexible and increases the chances of a successful summit.

Inclusions

1. Airport pickup and drop in Leh

2. Accommodation in a guest house at Leh (with breakfast only)

3. All camping fees during the trek

4. All meals during the trek – Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

5. Sleeping bags, mattresses, tents, and complete kitchen setup

6. Mountaineering equipment if required – ropes, Scarpa snow boots, gaiters, crampons, ice axe

7. Experienced and certified trek guides

8. Medical kit and oxygen cylinders for emergency use

9. All internal transportation as per the itinerary

10. Support staff including cook, helper, and horsemen

11. Trekking permit issued by ALTOA (All Ladakh Tour Operators Association)

12. IMF (Indian Mountaineering Foundation) expedition fee

13. Environmental and wildlife sanctuary fee

Exclusions

1. Any kind of personal expenses

2. Fooding in Leh apart from Breakfast

3. All types of insurance (travel, medical, evacuation, etc.)

4. Airfare to and from Leh

5. Tips or gratuities for staff (optional, but appreciated)

6. Expenses due to itinerary change by the client

7. Any expenses due to natural calamities (landslides, snowfall, etc.)

8. Medical expenses in case of illness, injury, or evacuation

9. Personal Porterage

10. Charges incurred due to flight cancellation or delays

11. Any additional cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, political unrest, road blockages, etc.

Highlights of Kang Yatse II Expedition (6,250M)

• Summit a 6,000er!
  Conquer Kang Yatse II – one of Ladakh’s most iconic non-technical trekking peaks, ideal for aspiring mountaineers.

• Adventure in Markha Valley
  Trek through the heart of the pristine Hemis National Park, passing ancient villages, monasteries, and rare Himalayan wildlife.

• Dramatic Landscapes
  Experience Ladakh’s raw beauty: arid mountains, lush meadows, glacial lakes, and high mountain passes like Kongmaru La (5,236M).

• Alpine Base Camp Experience
  Camp at a stunning base camp located at 5,100M, with a surreal backdrop of Kang Yatse’s snow-laden flanks.

• Pre-Summit Technical Training
  Learn the use of snow boots, crampons, ropes, and ice axe on acclimatization day – guided by certified mountaineers.

• Cultural Immersion
  Explore ancient Ladakhi villages like Markha, Hangkar, and Sara, interact with locals, and visit the Yensa monastery.

• Wildlife Encounters
  Chances to spot blue sheep, marmots, and Himalayan foxes in their natural habitat.

• Glacier Traverse & Summit Push
  A thrilling summit night climb under the stars – traverse glacier fields and steep ridges to reach the awe-inspiring 6,250M peak.

• Panoramic Summit Views
  On a clear day, enjoy jaw-dropping 360° views of Stok Kangri, Dzo Jongo, Nun Kun, and distant Karakoram peaks.

• IMF Recognized Expedition
  The expedition is conducted with IMF (Indian Mountaineering Foundation) approval, including all safety protocols and environmental norms.

🏕️ Essential Mountaineering Gear Checklist

Clothing – Layer Up Wisely

• Base layers (thermal innerwear – top & bottom)

• Insulated jacket (down or synthetic for sub-zero temps)

• Fleece jacket or softshell

• Waterproof windcheater or hardshell jacket

• Waterproof pants or rain pants

• Trekking pants (2–3 pairs)

• Quick-dry t-shirts or shirts (2–3)

• Innerwear (thermal & regular)

• Insulated gloves (waterproof)

• Fleece or liner gloves for layering

• Woolen cap or balaclava

• Neck gaiter or buff

• Sun cap or wide-brimmed hat

• Trekking socks (4–5 pairs)

• Woolen socks (2 pairs for cold nights)

Footwear

• Trekking shoes (high-ankle, waterproof)

• Snow boots (Scarpa or equivalent – often provided by organizers)

• Camp sandals or crocs for evenings

• Gaiters (to keep snow and debris out – usually provided)

Bags & Packs

• Backpack (50–65L) with rain cover

• Daypack (20–30L) for summit day

• Duffel bag or rucksack (for mule load)

• Dry bags or plastic ziplocks for waterproofing

Mountaineering & Technical Gear (mostly provided)

• Crampons

• Ice axe

• Climbing rope

• Carabiners and harness

• Helmet

• Snow goggles

• Gaiters

• Ascender or descender if needed

Camping Essentials

• Sleeping bag (rated for -15°C to -20°C) – usually provided

• Sleeping mat or foam pad

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Trekking poles

• Water bottles (total 2L capacity) or thermos

• Mug and lunchbox

• Power bank

• Sunglasses (UV-protected, category 3 or 4)

Toiletries & Personal Hygiene

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap

• Tissue roll and wet wipes

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm

• Hand sanitizer and face towel

• Menstrual hygiene products (if applicable)

Medicines & Personal Care

• Personal medications

• Diamox (for AMS – only with doctor’s advice)

• Paracetamol or painkillers

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics

• Band-aids or blister patches

• ORS or electrolyte sachets

• Muscle relaxant spray like Volini

• Altitude sickness tablets

Documents & Miscellaneous

• Valid ID proof (original and photocopy)

• Medical certificate (if required)

• Passport size photos (2–3)

• Some cash (ATMs may not be available)

• Notebook and pen

✅ Pro Tip: Pack light but smart. Stick to essentials, keep your backpack waterproof, and test your gear before the expedition.

Train your lungs, legs, and mind – all three matter equally.

🏋️‍♂️ Extended Fitness Tips for High-Altitude Mountaineering:

1. Build Endurance Over Speed:
You’re not training for a sprint; you’re preparing for a long-duration challenge. Go for long, slow hikes with a backpack (gradually increase weight). Weekend treks are excellent real-time simulators.

2. Train with a Backpack:
Start adding 5–10 kg weight in your backpack during your stair climbs or trail hikes to mimic the actual load you’ll carry during the expedition.

3. Strengthen Your Ankles & Knees:
Do step-ups, box jumps, and single-leg balances to reduce the risk of injury. Downhill walks strain knees—practice them intentionally.

4. Flexibility & Mobility:
Add yoga and dynamic stretching to your regime. A flexible body handles terrain variations better and helps avoid cramps or joint stiffness.

5. Altitude Acclimatization Strategy:
Get used to climbing high, sleeping low. If you live in the plains, consider weekend hikes at moderate altitudes (2,000m–3,000m).

6. Improve Recovery Time:
Monitor how fast your heart rate returns to normal post-exercise. Better recovery = better adaptation at altitude. Try interval training (HIIT or hill sprints once or twice a week).

7. Mental Conditioning:
Mountaineering tests your grit. Practice meditation, cold showers, solo walks in nature—anything that builds patience and tolerance in tough conditions.

8. Nutrition Discipline:
Eat clean. Focus on complex carbs, good fats, and protein. Hydrate constantly. Add electrolytes to your water when training hard or sweating a lot.

9. Simulate Trek Days:
Try doing back-to-back long hikes over weekends. It mimics multiple trekking days and builds resilience.

10. Sleep Hygiene:
Altitude can mess with sleep. Get into a regular sleep cycle now, and train your body to rest and recover even after late-night activities.

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