Twin Peak Expedition: Kang Yatse II & Dzo Jongo East with Markha Valley

Overview

• Starts from Leh and follows the scenic Markha Valley route through remote Ladakhi villages and mountain landscapes.

• Passes through Skiu, Markha, Hankar, and Nimaling, with monasteries, river crossings, and traditional Ladakhi culture along the way.

• Features the spectacular Nimaling Meadow and Kang Yatse II Base Camp at approximately 16,700 ft (5,100 m).

• Includes acclimatization, summit preparation, and high-altitude trekking across rocky trails, snow slopes, scree sections, and mountain passes.

• Features summit attempts on Kang Yatse II at approximately 20,500 ft (6,250 m) and Dzo Jongo East at 20,000+ ft.

• Offers panoramic views of the Zanskar Range, Ladakh Range, Karakoram region, Kang Yatse massif, and Changthang Plateau.

• Provides the rare opportunity to achieve two high-altitude Himalayan summits in a single expedition.

• Concludes with a crossing of Kongmaru La Pass and a descent toward Leh.

• Considered a challenging high-altitude twin-peak expedition requiring excellent fitness, endurance, and prior high-altitude trekking experience.

This expedition combines two of Ladakh’s most impressive non-technical trekking peaks:

• Kang Yatse II
• Dzo Jongo East

The journey follows the famous Markha Valley route through remote Himalayan villages, river valleys, monasteries, and high-altitude meadows before ascending both peaks. It offers a rare opportunity to achieve two Himalayan summits in a single expedition while experiencing the cultural richness of Ladakh.

Day 1 — Arrival in Leh
Arrival in Leh followed by rest, hydration, and trek briefing at an altitude of approximately 11,500 ft.

Day 2 — Acclimatization in Leh
Explore monasteries and local attractions with short walks, focusing on proper altitude adaptation.

Day 3 — Leh to Skiu, Trek to Sara
Scenic drive through Ladakh followed by the beginning of the trek to Sara campsite.

Day 4 — Sara to Markha
Trek through river crossings and traditional villages with a gradual ascent towards Markha, the overnight halt.

Day 5 — Markha to Hankar
Continue through the Upper Markha Valley, passing monasteries, streams, and scenic mountain landscapes.
13 km trek

Day 6 — Hankar to Nimaling
Trek through high meadows with views of twin lakes and the Kang Yatse massif. Nimaling offers spectacular mountain scenery.

Day 7 — Nimaling to Kang Yatse II Base Camp
Trek across rocky slopes towards Kang Yatse II Base Camp.
4–5 km trek

Day 8 — Acclimatization and Training
Gear familiarization, safety instruction, and final preparation for the summit attempts.

Day 9 — Kang Yatse II Summit Attempt
Early morning summit push through snow slopes and steep terrain, with sunrise views and panoramic vistas across Ladakh.

Day 10 — Recovery and Transfer Toward Dzo Jongo
Rest and recover after the summit attempt before transferring towards the Dzo Jongo region for the next summit objective.

Day 11 — Dzo Jongo East Summit Attempt
High-altitude climbing with panoramic views of the Kang Yatse massif and Changthang landscapes, offering a quieter and less-visited summit experience.

Day 12 — Return Trek
Begin the descent towards the Kongmaru La region through rugged high-altitude terrain.

Day 13 — Kongmaru La to Chokdo and Drive to Leh
Cross Kongmaru La Pass, enjoying Indus Valley views and colorful canyon landscapes before descending to Chokdo and driving back to Leh, marking the end of the expedition.

Participants should ideally be capable of:

• Trekking 8–10 hours per day
• Handling significant altitude gain
• Maintaining endurance for multiple consecutive days

Recommended preparation:

• Running
• Stair climbing
• Cycling
• Hiking
• Strength training

Starting Point

Leh, Ladakh

Nearest Airport

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

Nearest Major Railway Station

Jammu Tawi Railway Station

Most trekkers fly to Leh for acclimatization before travelling by road to the Markha Valley and continuing towards the Kang Yatse II and Dzo Jongo East expedition routes.

Clothing

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

• 2 fleece T-shirts

• 1 wind stopper / fleece jacket

• 1 windproof jacket

• 1 down feather / hollow jacket

• 1 thermal innerwear set (upper & lower)

• 3 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

• 8 pairs cotton socks

• 3 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.