Ladakh: Kang Yatse I & II Expedition with Local Guides & Full Support

Summary

Summit both Kang Yatse peaks in Ladakh’s wild silence

You’ll land in Leh feeling the altitude straight away before heading into remote valleys dotted with prayer flags and laughter from local kids. Guided by seasoned climbers like Tsering, you’ll push through cold nights and tough climbs to summit both Kang Yatse II and I — standing above endless Himalayan ranges before returning to warm tea at camp. The quiet up there will stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out at Leh airport was the thin, dry air — and honestly, how quiet everything felt. Our driver waved a little sign with my name (spelled wrong, which made me laugh), then whisked us through winding streets to the hotel. The next day, our guide Tsering took us up to Stakna Monastery; incense clung to my jacket for hours after. He pointed out faded murals and told a story about monks hiding butter lamps from windstorms. I tried to listen but kept getting distracted by the view over the Indus — it’s just so wide and blue here.

The trek started proper from Sara village after a bumpy drive that rattled my teeth. We crossed tiny bridges where kids waved and shouted “Julley!” (I’m still not sure if I ever said it right). Markha village surprised me — green fields tucked between brown hills, prayer flags everywhere. Nights in tents were cold but our cook made these spicy lentils that somehow tasted better at altitude. I remember waking up once to yaks shuffling past and someone’s laughter echoing through the valley before dawn.

Kang Yatse II summit day is a blur of headlamps and crunching snow underfoot. The air was so thin I could hear my own breath rasping inside my hood. At the top, everyone just stood there quietly for a moment — no big cheers, just this weird mix of relief and disbelief looking out over Zanskar and Karakoram ranges (someone swore they saw K2 but who knows). Coming down was harder than going up; knees shaking, boots slipping on ice patches, but Tsering kept cracking jokes about his “mountain knees” being older than mine.

I didn’t expect Kang Yatse I to feel so different — steeper, lonelier somehow. The knife-edge ridge looked impossible from below but we clipped in and just… kept moving. My hands still remember the bite of rope through gloves. Back at base camp later, sipping sweet tea as the sun dipped behind jagged peaks, I felt both tiny and lucky at once. Even now when things get noisy back home, I think about that silence up there — it sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Leh

• Take morning flight to Leh
• Complete airport formalities
• Meet company representative
• Transfer to hotel
• Rest for acclimatisation

Day 2 — Acclimatisation and Leh exploration

• Visit Stakna Monastery
• Explore Leh Palace
• Visit Tsemo Monastery
• Visit Shanti Stupa
• Walk through Leh Market

Day 3 — Drive to Sara and trek to Markha

• Early breakfast
• Drive 2.5 hours to Sara Village
• Trek 3-4 hours to Sara campsite
• Lunch break at Sara Camp
• Trek to Markha Village
• Overnight in tents or homestay

Day 4 — Trek from Markha to Tachungtse

• Trek 15 km along river
• Ascend to 4370 meters
• Enjoy Himalayan views
• Settle at Tachungtse campsite

Day 5 — Trek to Kang Yatse Base Camp

• Trek from Tachungtse to Base Camp
• Traverse snow patches and rocky ridges
• Acclimatise at Base Camp
• Overnight in tents

Day 6 — Acclimatisation climb to High Camp

• Climb from Base Camp to High Camp
• Enjoy panoramic mountain views
• Descend back to Base Camp

Day 7 — Trek to Kang Yatse II High Camp

• Climb from Base Camp to High Camp
• Traverse rocky terrain and snow patches
• Prepare for summit attempt
• Overnight at High Camp

Day 8 — Summit Kang Yatse II and descend

• Start climb after midnight
• Ascend 1200 meters to summit
• Enjoy summit views
• Descend to High Camp
• Return to Base Camp

Day 9 — Rest day at Base Camp

• Rest and recover
• Hydrate and eat well
• Reflect on journey

Day 10 — Trek to Kang Yatse I Advance Base Camp

• Briefing with guide
• Climb from Base Camp to Advance Base Camp
• Set up camp and rest

Day 11 — Climb to Kang Yatse I High Camp

• Climb from Advance Base Camp to High Camp
• Navigate technical terrain
• Use fixed ropes and equipment
• Overnight at High Camp

Day 12 — Summit Kang Yatse I and descend

• Start early summit attempt
• Climb steep snow and ice slopes
• Reach Kang Yatse I summit
• Descend carefully to Base Camp

Day 13 — Buffer or rest day at Base Camp

• Rest or adjust schedule

Day 14 — Trek to Chokdo and drive to Leh

• Climb to Kongmaru La pass
• Descend to Chokdo village
• Drive back to Leh
• Optional visit to Hemis Monastery

Day 15 — Leisure day in Leh

• Enjoy final breakfast
• Explore Leh town
• Shop for souvenirs
• Celebrate with farewell dinner

Day 16 — Departure from Leh

• Explore Leh or return to Delhi

Top questions

How difficult is climbing Kang Yatse I & II?

Kang Yatse II is considered an accessible Alpine PD climb; Kang Yatse I is more technical (Alpine AD+/D-) with steep snow slopes and knife-edge traverses requiring mountaineering skills.

Is airport pickup included for this Ladakh expedition?

Yes, airport pickup and drop-off in Leh are included as part of your booking.

What kind of accommodations are provided during the trek?

You’ll stay in hotels in Leh; during trekking days, accommodations are twin-sharing tents or traditional homestays in villages like Markha.

Are meals included during the expedition?

Yes, nourishing meals are prepared by an experienced chef throughout the trek; packed lunches are provided on acclimatization or summit days.

Do I need prior mountaineering experience for this tour?

You need high physical fitness; basic mountaineering skills are required especially for Kang Yatse I due to its technical sections.

What equipment is provided by organizers?

Tents, sleeping bags, communal camping gear, climbing ropes/harnesses for group use, safety equipment like oxygen cylinder—all included.

Will there be local guides on this Ladakh expedition?

Yes, professional guides with experience in climbing and acclimatization accompany you throughout the journey.

How do we acclimatize before summiting?

The itinerary includes multiple acclimatization days—exploring monasteries near Leh first, then gradual ascent via trekking stages before each summit attempt.

Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

Travel insurance isn’t provided but is strongly recommended due to medical/emergency risks at high altitude.

What’s included

Your journey covers airport pickup/drop-off in Leh plus all ground transport for sightseeing and trekking stages. You get full support—porters carry camping gear (and one bag per person), an experienced chef prepares all meals including packed lunches on key days, while professional guides handle safety equipment like ropes or oxygen cylinders. All necessary permits/fees are sorted so you can focus on climbing instead of logistics—just bring your personal gear and snacks if you want extra comfort on those long Himalayan days.