Kang Yatse I & Kang Yatse II Twin Peak Expedition

• Starts from Leh and follows the scenic Markha Valley route.
• Combines trekking with technical mountaineering and glacier travel.
• Includes Nimaling Meadow and Kang Yatse Base Camp.
• Features ascents of both Kang Yatse I (21,000 ft) and Kang Yatse II (20,500 ft).
• Involves crampons, ice axe, ropes, harness systems, and snow-climbing techniques.
• Crosses diverse terrain including river valleys, meadows, moraines, glaciers, and snow slopes.
• Offers spectacular views of the Zanskar, Karakoram, and Ladakh ranges.
• Concludes with a crossing of Kongmaru La Pass and return to Leh.
• Considered a very difficult, expedition-grade mountaineering challenge requiring strong fitness and prior high-altitude experience.

The Kang Yatse Twin Peak Expedition is one of the most ambitious guided mountaineering programs in the Indian Himalayas. It combines ascents of both Kang Yatse II and the more technical Kang Yatse I, two prominent peaks located above the famous Markha Valley in Ladakh.

The expedition follows the scenic Markha Valley route through remote villages, river valleys, high-altitude meadows, and barren trans-Himalayan landscapes before establishing base camp beneath the twin peaks. The journey gradually transitions from trekking to full-scale mountaineering with glacier travel, fixed ropes, crampons, and summit camps.

Day 1 — Arrival in Leh
Arrival and registration followed by rest, hydration, and initial acclimatization at approximately 11,500 ft.

Day 2 — Acclimatization in Leh
Local sightseeing, monastery visits, light walks, and altitude adaptation.

Day 3 — Leh to Skiu and Trek to Sara
Drive to Skiu and begin trekking along the scenic Markha Valley trails.
75 km drive | 4–5 km trek

Day 4 — Sara to Markha
Trek through traditional villages and river crossings with a gradual ascent.
10 km trek

Day 5 — Markha to Hankar
Longer trekking day with increasing altitude and spectacular mountain views.
13 km trek

Day 6 — Hankar to Nimaling
Trek through high alpine meadows with views of the Kang Yatse massif.
12 km trek

Day 7 — Nimaling to Base Camp
Trek to the expedition base camp and establish the climbing camp.
3–4 km trek

Day 8 — Training Day
Technical training covering rope handling, crampon use, glacier movement, self-arrest techniques, and safety drills.

Day 9 — Base Camp to Camp 1
Ascend towards Camp 1 through high-altitude mountain terrain.
Camp 1: approximately 18,700 ft

Day 10 — Camp 1 to Camp 2
Continue the ascent into the upper mountain environment.
Camp 2: approximately 19,300 ft

Day 11 — Kang Yatse I Summit Day
Early summit push involving technical climbing sections, reaching approximately 21,000 ft before returning to Camp 1. This is generally the most demanding day of the expedition.

Day 12 — Camp 1 to Base Camp
Descend to Base Camp for recovery and preparation for the second summit attempt.

Day 13 — Rest Day
Acclimatization, equipment preparation, and final summit briefing.

Day 14 — Kang Yatse II Summit Day
Overnight summit push through snow slopes and glacier terrain, reaching approximately 20,500 ft before returning to Base Camp.

Day 15 — Base Camp to Chokdo via Kongmaru La
Cross Kongmaru La Pass, descend to Chokdo, and drive back to Leh, marking the conclusion of the expedition.

Participants should ideally have:

• Excellent cardiovascular fitness
• Multi-day trekking experience
• High-altitude exposure
• Strength and endurance training
• Experience carrying loaded backpacks

Training should include:

• Running
• Stair climbing
• Hiking
• Strength workouts
• Endurance exercises

Starting Point

Leh, Ladakh

Nearest Airport

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

Nearest Major Railway Station

Jammu Tawi Railway Station

Most trekkers/expedition members fly to Leh for acclimatization before continuing by road to the Markha Valley and Kang Yatse Base Camp.

Clothing

• 1 full-sleeve & 2 half-sleeve synthetic quick-dry T-shirts

• 1 fleece T-shirt

• 1 wind stopper / fleece jacket

• 1 windproof jacket

• 1 down feather / hollow jacket

• 1 thermal innerwear set (upper & lower)

• 2 synthetic quick-dry trekking pants

• 1 wind stopper / fleece pant

• 1 pair waterproof gloves

• 1 pair fleece / woollen gloves

• 1 poncho / waterproof jacket and pant

Head Gear

• 1 head torch

• 1 sun cap

• 1 woollen cap

• 1 balaclava

• 1 synthetic & 1 woollen buff / neck gaiter

• Sunglasses with UV protection and side cover

Footwear

• 1 pair water-resistant, high-ankle trekking shoes with good grip

• 1 pair floaters / flip-flops

• 7 pairs cotton socks

• 2 pairs woollen socks

• 1 pair gaiters, if required

• 1 pair micro spikes, if required

Backpack

• 50–60 L backpack with rain cover and comfortable shoulder straps

• 20–30 L daypack with rain cover, if offloading is opted

• Walking stick

• 2 × 1 L water bottles or 1 hydration pack + 1 × 1 L bottle

• At least 1 thermos flask

• 1 small tiffin / lunch box

• Personal medical kit / medicines

Food / Snacks

• Energy bars

• Dry fruits

• ORS / electrolytes

Personal Essentials

• Sunscreen

• Moisturiser

• Chapstick / lip balm

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Toilet paper & wipes

• Soap / hand sanitizer

• Antibacterial powder

• Quick-dry towel

Refund percentages vary depending on cancellation timing:

• Earlier cancellations receive higher refunds/vouchers.
• Emergency situations may qualify for special refund consideration.