Kang Yatse I Peak Expedition

• Starts from Leh and follows the scenic Markha Valley route.
• Passes through traditional Ladakhi villages, monasteries, river valleys, and high-altitude meadows.
• Features Nimaling Meadow and Kang Yatse Base Camp at approximately 16,700 ft.
• Includes glacier travel, snow climbing, fixed ropes, and technical summit sections.
• Reaches the Kang Yatse I Summit at approximately 21,000 ft (6,400 m).
• Offers spectacular views of the Markha Valley, Zanskar Range, Ladakh Range, and Karakoram region.
• Includes technical training with crampons, ice axe, harness, ascenders, and glacier-travel techniques.
• Concludes with a crossing of Kongmaru La Pass and descent toward Leh.
• Considered an expedition-grade, very difficult climb requiring strong fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience.

The Kang Yatse I Expedition is one of the most challenging and rewarding mountaineering objectives in Ladakh. Located above the famous Markha Valley within the Hemis National Park region, Kang Yatse I stands as the higher and more technical summit of the Kang Yatse twin peaks.

Unlike standard trekking peaks, Kang Yatse I requires climbers to use mountaineering equipment and techniques. The expedition combines a scenic trek through Ladakh’s villages and valleys with glacier travel, snow climbing, and technical summit sections. It is designed for experienced trekkers and aspiring mountaineers seeking their first major Himalayan expedition.

Day 1 — Arrival in Leh
Rest and initial acclimatization with hydration and medical checks at approximately 11,500 ft.

Day 2 — Acclimatization in Leh
Sightseeing, monastery visits, and short acclimatization walks around Leh.

Day 3 — Leh to Skiu and Trek to Sara
Drive through scenic Ladakh landscapes, begin trekking, and reach Sara campsite.
75 km drive | 4–5 km trek

Day 4 — Sara to Markha
Trek along river valleys, passing traditional settlements before reaching Markha village.
10 km trek

Day 5 — Markha to Hankar
Continue with a steady altitude gain and increasingly expansive mountain views.
13 km trek

Day 6 — Hankar to Nimaling
Enter the high-altitude meadows of Nimaling with the first close views of Kang Yatse.
12 km trek

Day 7 — Nimaling to Base Camp
Move into expedition territory and establish the high camp.
3–4 km trek

Day 8 — Training and Acclimatization
Technical training covering rope work, crampon walking, ice-axe techniques, glacier movement, and safety procedures.

Day 9 — Base Camp to Camp 1
Ascend towards Camp 1 through high-altitude mountain terrain.
3–4 km trek | Camp 1: 18,700 ft

Day 10 — Camp 1 to Camp 2
Continue the ascent into the upper mountain environment.
2–3 km trek | Camp 2: 19,300 ft

Day 11 — Summit Day
Technical climbing through snow and glacier terrain to the 21,000 ft summit, with panoramic Himalayan views before returning. This is the most demanding day of the expedition.
8–9 km round trip

Day 12 — Camp 1 to Base Camp
Controlled descent to Base Camp followed by recovery and rest.
3–4 km trek

Day 13 — Base Camp to Chokdo via Kongmaru La
Cross Kongmaru La Pass, experience dramatic canyon views, descend to Chokdo, and drive back to Leh.
16 km trek + road transfer

Participants should ideally possess:

• Excellent cardiovascular endurance
• Experience above 15,000 ft
• Multi-day trekking background
• Strong leg strength
• Ability to carry a loaded backpack

Preparation should include:

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

Starting Point

Leh, Ladakh

Nearest Airport

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

Nearest Major Railway Station

Jammu Tawi Railway Station

Most expedition members fly to Leh for acclimatization before travelling by road to the Markha Valley and continuing towards Kang Yatse I 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.