Kang Yatse II (6,250 m) – 13 Days Ladakh Expedition from Leh
Kang Yatse II Expedition — 6,250m | 13 Days
Kang Yatse II rises to 6,250 metres above the Markha Valley in Ladakh’s Hemis National Park, one of the most striking mountain landscapes in the Trans-Himalaya. Unlike its higher neighbour Kang Yatse I — a more technically demanding objective — Kang Yatse II offers a comparatively accessible route to a true Himalayan 6,000-metre summit. It is not, however, a simple trek. The altitude is serious, the terrain glaciated above base camp, and summit success depends on careful acclimatization, steady pacing, and disciplined movement on snow and ice. For climbers prepared for the altitude and equipped with basic mountaineering skills, Kang Yatse II delivers one of the most rewarding introductory summits in the Indian Himalaya.
The journey to the mountain follows the classic Markha Valley route — widely considered Ladakh’s finest trekking corridor. From Leh, the trail enters Hemis National Park and the Markha Valley itself, where ancient Ladakhi villages, stone mani walls, and small Buddhist monasteries punctuate the landscape. The valley gradually narrows as the trail climbs deeper into the Zanskar range, eventually crossing Kongmaru La (5,150m) and reaching the alpine basin beneath Kang Yatse. Base Camp sits at approximately 5,000 metres on a broad moraine plateau, directly below the mountain’s glaciated south slopes.
From base camp, the expedition establishes a high camp around 5,400 metres on the glacier. Summit day begins well before dawn. The route ascends a gradual snow slope before steepening onto the summit ridge, where crampons and ice axe technique are essential. Although the route is not technically complex, it demands steady movement at extreme altitude and the ability to manage exposure on a high Himalayan ridge. The summit itself is a narrow snow crest offering exceptional views: the Zanskar range spreads to the west, the Karakoram appears faint on the northern horizon, and the Ladakh range stretches east toward the Tibetan Plateau.
Kang Yatse II is often described as an introductory 6,000-metre peak, but it should be approached with the seriousness of any high-altitude climb. Climbers must be comfortable with multi-day trekking above 4,500 metres, capable of sustained physical effort, and prepared to use basic mountaineering equipment under guide supervision.
Our Kang Yatse II expeditions are operated with experienced Ladakhi mountain staff — guides, high-altitude porters, and support teams who know the Markha Valley and Kang Yatse basin through seasons of work in these mountains. Their knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and local conditions is essential to the safe and responsible operation of the expedition.
Important Notes
- Best Season: July to September, when the Markha Valley trails are clear of winter snow and the summit slopes are typically stable.
- Alpine Grade: PD- (introductory alpine grade; requires basic mountaineering techniques).
- Summit Height: 6,250m. Highest camp: High Camp at approximately 5,400m.
- Technical Requirements: Crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, and fixed rope technique required on the summit section. All technical gear provided.
- Prerequisite Experience: At least one multi-day trek above 4,000–4,500m recommended. Previous snow or crampon experience helpful but not mandatory under guide supervision.
- Permits: Summit Routes arranges all
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Ladakh — required for foreign nationals
- Hemis National Park entry fee
- Trekking permit for the Markha Valley circuit
- Summit permit (Kang Yatse II is a designated trekking peak — no special mountaineering permit required from IMF, unlike higher peaks
- Fitness Standard: Should be able to hike 8–10 km comfortably with sustained elevation gain, or run 5–6 km continuously without difficulty. The primary challenge of Kang Yatse II is altitude rather than technical climbing. If this is your first high-altitude expedition, we strongly recommend reading our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya.
Brief Itinerary
| Day 1 | Arrive Leh (3,500m) — Rest & Expedition Briefing |
| Day 2 | Acclimatisation in Leh — Monasteries of Indus Valley |
| Day 3 | Drive Leh to Chilling — Trek to Skiu (3,400m) |
| Day 4 | Trek Skiu to Markha (3,700m) |
| Day 5 | Trek Markha to Hankar (4,000m) |
| Day 6 | Trek Hankar to Nimaling (4,700m) |
| Day 7 | Trek Nimaling to Kang Yatse Base Camp (5,000m) |
| Day 8 | Acclimatisation & Technical Training at Base Camp |
| Day 9 | Summit Push — Kang Yatse II (6,250m) — Return to Base Camp |
| Day 10 | Contingency / Weather Reserve Day |
| Day 11 | Base Camp — Kongmaru La (5,150m) — Chokdo |
| Day 12 | Drive Chokdo to Leh — Hemis Monastery |
| Day 13 | Departure from Leh |
Altitude Profile
📅 2026 Departures — Kang Yatse II Expedition (6,250m)
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