Kang Yatze I & II

Kang Yatze Expedition via the Markha Valley

The Markha Valley offers the ideal acclimatization trek in preparation for this climb. The route leads through picturesque villages, rows of stupas and mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers), ancient monasteries, ruined forts, and beautiful traditional homesteads.

Kang Yatze is the most prominent peak in the Markha Valley, rising to a striking, cone-shaped summit. The mountain features two impressive peaks: the main summit, Kang Yatze I, standing at 6,400 meters, and the slightly lower western summit, Kang Yatze II, at 6,250 meters. During this expedition, we aim to summit both.

On a clear day, the views stretch as far as the Nun Kun and Zanskar ranges to the west, and even to K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum massif in the distant north.

This journey serves as an excellent introduction to Himalayan mountaineering. It’s particularly well-suited for experienced trekkers seeking more of a challenge than a standard hiking trip, yet not quite ready to commit to a full-scale 6,000-meter ascent.

After arriving in New Delhi, we continue by air to Leh in Ladakh, where we spend the first four days acclimatizing. During this time, we explore several monasteries around Leh and complete a day hike from Likir to Yangthang to help adapt to the altitude.

Our trek to Kang Yatze Base Camp takes us through the spectacular Markha Valley. Crossing high passes and traversing alpine meadows, we gain altitude gradually as we ascend toward the Nimaling Plateau. It’s a grand and immersive journey through the dramatic landscapes of Ladakh.

The ascent of Kang Yatze II is considered technically straightforward and free of objective hazards. It involves slopes of scree and snow ranging from 35 to 60 degrees, along with a short ridge section leading to the summit.

Kang Yatze I, on the other hand, is a more demanding climb. From our high camp at 5,800 meters, we continue over snowfields using crampons, fixed ropes, and a Jumar to gain about 400 vertical meters on slopes ranging between 40 and 70 degrees.

The summit is a beautiful dome offering sweeping panoramic views. On clear days, it’s possible to see all the way to the Karakoram range and K2, nearly 200 kilometers to the northwest.

At over 6,000 meters, this expedition is physically demanding and rated moderate to high in difficulty. Previous experience with crampons is helpful but not essential.

Highlights

• A spectacular introduction to mountaineering in the Himalayas

• Summit one or both of the peaks: 6,400 m (Kang Yatze I) and 6,250 m (Kang Yatze II)

• Experience the scenic beauty of the Markha Valley

• Explore the historic mountain town of Leh

• Visit the monasteries of Likir, Hemis, and Thiksey

• Enjoy a day hike through traditional villages in the Sham Valley

• Trek through parts of Hemis National Park – the realm of the snow leopard

• Take in panoramic views of multiple mountain ranges, including the Karakoram and K2 (on clear days)

• Ride a rickshaw through the narrow alleys of Old Delhi’s historic spice market

Kang Yatze I & II Expedition

Supplied by: Hi On Life Adventures
In collaboration with: The Search Adventures

Itinerary – Kang Yatze II (6,250 meters – Non-Technical)

Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi. Transfer to the domestic terminal and flight to Leh.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Leh. Visit the Hemis and Thiksey monasteries. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Drive to Likir and trek to Yangthang.
Day 4: Extra day in Leh for acclimatization and expedition preparations.
Day 5: Drive from Leh to Skiu and begin trek to Markha.
Day 6: Trek from Markha to Hankar.
Day 7: Trek from Hankar to Base Camp.
Day 8: Rest day and training at Base Camp.
Day 9: Summit day – climb Kang Yatze II and return to Base Camp.
Day 10: Contingency day (weather/altitude buffer).
Day 11: Trek from Base Camp to Chuskirmo via the Kongmaru La pass.
Day 12: Trek from Chuskirmo to Shang Sumdo. Drive back to Leh.
Day 13: Flight to New Delhi. Hotel check-in and guided sightseeing tour of Old Delhi.
Day 14: Departure day – international flights home.

Price: USD 2,775 + international flights to/from Delhi

Itinerary – Kang Yatze I (6,400 meters – Semi-Technical)

Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi. Transfer to the domestic terminal and flight to Leh
Day 2: Sightseeing in Leh. Visit Hemis and Thiksey monasteries. Overnight at hotel
Day 3: Drive to Likir and trek to Yangthang
Day 4: Extra day in Leh for acclimatization and expedition preparations
Day 5: Drive from Leh to Skiu and begin the trek to Markha
Day 6: Trek from Markha to Hankar
Day 7: Trek from Hankar to Base Camp
Day 8: Rest day and technical skills training
Day 9: Preparations for the summit climb
Day 10: Trek to High Camp at 5,800 meters
Day 11: Summit day – climb Kang Yatze I and return to Base Camp
Day 12: Contingency day
Day 13: Trek from Base Camp to Chuskirmo via Kongmaru La
Day 14: Trek from Chuskirmo to Shang Sumdo. Drive back to Leh
Day 15: Flight to New Delhi. Hotel check-in and sightseeing in Old Delhi
Day 16: Departure day – international flights home

Price: USD 2,950 + international flights to/from Delhi

Cost Includes

• Domestic flights: Delhi–Leh–Delhi

• 5 nights in Leh with full board (Spic and Span Hotel or similar standard)

• All guided sightseeing in and around Leh in a private minibus, including entrance fees

• English-speaking expedition leader

• Climbing Sherpas

• Expedition cook and kitchen staff

• Pack animals for equipment transport

• 10-day fully equipped camping trek

• North Face VE 25 tents (shared, 2 persons per tent)

• Foam sleeping mats and Exped down mattresses

• Dining tent with tables and chairs

• Toilet and shower tents

• Full kitchen setup

• All meals during the trek

• Boiled and purified water provided four times daily

• Use of down jacket, down sleeping bag, fleece liner, and duffel bag

• All climbing equipment (except mountaineering boots and crampons)

• All permits (national park, climbing, conservation fees, etc.) and applicable taxes

• 1 night in Delhi (Pride Plaza or similar)

Cost Excludes

• Single room in hotels unless the single supplement has been paid

• Personal tent during the trek unless the single supplement has been paid

• Visa for India

• Personal travel insurance

• Mineral water, beer, soft drinks, and additional coffee/tea outside of meals

• Mandatory tips for guides and porters – recommended amount: USD 275 per participant