Kang Yatse 2

On arrival at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, also referred to as the Leh Airport (3520m/11,500ft), you will be overcome by a sense of awe and wonder. The stark contrast of the landscape when compared to the Indian and Nepal Himalayas is immediately evident. You notice the inherent chill in the air, the single-digit temperatures and the complete absence of vegetation, as well as the effort it takes to possibly walk up or downstairs due to the lower percentage of oxygen in the air.

When you exit the airport, look out for the ADVENTURE PULSE BANNER (that’s us, by the way), which will be your ride to our hotel. The first day is spent just resting in and around the hotel so that you allow yourself to acclimatize to the environment and the high altitude. In the evening, we will go for a small walk to Leh Market, where if you like, you can explore the local culture, purchase souvenirs, and indulge in the local cuisine.

Most of you will be flying in to Leh and as it is located at over 11,500ft , acclimatizing is extremely important. The second day in Leh is spent resting and casually exploring the beautiful town and the Leh Market, which is the heart of the city. Breakfast will be served at the hotel itself. We’ll be happy to direct you to famous restaurants in Leh so you can head out for a scrumptious lunch.

In the evening, we’ll walk up to the mesmerizing Shanti Stupa where you can get a view of the entire city at sunset with panoramic views of the valley. Shanti Stupa is truly one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Leh. This short hike where you climb 555 steps to the Stupa helps in the acclimatization process as we follow the maxim of climbing high and sleeping low.

• Maximum Elevation: 3760 m / 12,335 ft
• Trek Distance: 6 km
• Trekking Time: 3 hours

In the morning, a 3-hour drive will take you from Leh to Skiu, which is a small village located on the banks of the Indus, surrounded by the jagged ridgelines of Ladakhi mountains. Owing to the new road which has been constructed on this route from Chilling (which was the original roadhead) to Skiu , today is a relaxed day of trekking. The trail is relatively easy, with a gradual ascent. After trekking for about 3 hours you will reach Markha and spend the night in a tent.

• Maximum Elevation: 4376 m / 14,356 ft
• Trek Distance: 13-15 km
• Trekking Time: 6-7 hours

The trek from Markha to Thachungtse is on the longer end. Today will also be the day where we have our first sighting of the Kang Yatse massif. The trek crosses rough terrain with plenty of small shrubs and some smaller animals like marmots. The trail also criss-crosses through the Markha River, a good source of fresh mountain water. Walking through the quaint villages of Umlung and Hankar, we’ll stop for lunch and tea before continuing our journey towards Thachungste!

• Maximum Elevation: 4800 m / 15,750 ft
• Trek Distance: 6-8 km
• Trekking Time: 4 hours

Today would be one of the most scenic scenic days of the trek as you climb to the beautiful high-altitude meadow of Nimaling. Located at 4800m, Nimaling is a lovely pasture used by passing shepherds for their yak herds. From Nimaling, you can feel the magnetic pull of the summits of Kang Yatse 1 and 2 drawing you upwards!

• Maximum Elevation: 5100 m / 16,730 ft
• Trek Distance: 2 km
• Trekking Time: 1-2 hours

Today’s trek will take you to Kang Yatse II Base Camp. The trail continues to follow the Markha Valley, but it becomes steeper and more challenging as you gain altitude. The views of Kang Yatse massif and the surrounding peaks become even more dramatic. After a couple hours of trekking, you will arrive at your Base Camp, located at an altitude of approximately 5,100 meters. This is a simple campsite with stunning views of the mountain. Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

• Maximum Elevation: 5100 m / 16,730 ft

Today, we will spend the day resting and preparing for tomorrow’s summit push. If there is heavy snow near the summit, we will require the use of crampons. Our guides will teach you how to use them effectively. We’ll start the day at a comfortable hour and head out to brush up on our technical skills.

Practising how to rope up, use carabiners, crampons and descenders is the best way to calm the nerves before any climb. The large boulders are perfect for some bouldering as well. In the evening, the expedition leader will brief us on the plan for the summit. Dinner will be served early as we’ll need enough rest for the long journey to the summit.

• Maximum Elevation: 6250 m / 20,500 ft
• Trek Distance: 6 km
• Trekking Time: 4 hours

Today is the big day and this one begins early! We start at midnight and slowly make our way up the mountain. The team will carefully cross the tricky moraine section and make our way up the glacier, navigating crevasses and roping up where required. Our guides will ensure that everyone is following a good pace. Mental fortitude is important on a climb such as Kang Yatse.

There might be some crevasses on the glacier that have been covered with snow, and using ice axes or trekking poles is a good way to probe the route ahead. Make sure you hydrate as dehydration can occur very quickly. Munching on some chocolate and nuts is the best way to recharge your energy reserves. We aim to reach the summit just after daybreak (close to 8 hours of trekking).
After a steep climb, we’ll crest the summit of Kang Yatse 2. Atop the peak, you get a view of the entire valley and ranges around. If you’re lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the second-highest peak in the world, K2. We will then slowly and carefully descend back to Base Camp.

Remember submitting is only half the job done, the goal should be to return safely.

This day is reserved in case of bad weather. We will use this day if the conditions to summit are not favourable.

• Descend to: 3900 m / 12,800 ft via Kongmaru La (5260m / 17,073 ft)
• Trek Distance: 12-13 km
• Trekking Time: 6-7 hours

From Base Camp, we will start our journey back to Leh. High on energy from a successful summit, today is a moderate level day. We start walking from Base Camp towards Nimaling and onwards to Kongmaru La (a famous mountain pass at 5260 metres). The trek up to the pass is a steep 2-hour ascent. From the pass, you’ll get another chance to view the mighty Karokaram with K2 standing tall. After crossing the pass, the terrain follows a 3-hour long steep descend. We will then reach Chuskirmo. Chokdo is a stone’s throw from Chuskirmo and where we’ll meet the road head.

If we make it back in time, we can also visit the Hemis Monastery. Hemis Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries and is known for the Hemis festival that takes place every year. From the road start, Leh is around 60 km and should take 2 hours to reach.

After close to a week and a half spent together in the high mountains of Ladakh, Adventure-Pulse representatives will drop you to the airport bidding you goodbye with the memories of your Kang Yatse 2 summit fresh in your mind!