This itinerary combines the beautiful Markha valley trek in the Hemis National Park with the ascent of a spectacular peak – Kang Yatse II (6200m).
The climb of Kang Yatse II does not require special mountaineering skills but a good physical condition and prior trekking experience at high altitude are essential for a successful summit attempt. The peak is a thing of sheer beauty standing tall in the middle of this dry land of scree and loose rocks.
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Leh to Zingchen by car (45 min), visit Spituk monastery on the way. Zingchen (3402m) – Rumbak (3956m) 2-3 hrs, 6.5 km, +555m / -0m | Camping | meals: L, D |
| Day 2 | Rumbak (3956m) – Stok La (4855m) – Rumbak (3956m) Those who prefer to rest can skip the Stok La ascent and explore Rumbak area instead. 5 hrs, 10.1 km, +995m / -995m Rumbak (3956m) – Yurutse (4148m) 2 hrs, 3.5 km, +266m / -73m | Camping | meals: B, L, D |
| Day 3 | Yurutse (4148m) – Ganda La (4961m) – Skiu (3366m) 6-8 hrs, 17.8 km, +813m / -1595m | Camping | meals: B, L, D |
| Day 4 | Skiu (3366m) – Markha (3760m) 6-7 hrs, 21.2 km, +451m / -57m | Camping | meals: B, L, D |
| Day 5 | Markha (3760m) – Tachungtse (4376m) 6-7 hrs, 16.0 km, +655m / -39m | Camping | meals: B, L, D |
| Day 6 | Tachungtse (4376m) – Base Camp (5130m) 5-6 hrs, 9.3 km, +771m / -17m | Camping | meals: B, L, D |
| Day 7 | Acclimatization day (short walk above Base Camp) / rest day Camping | meals: B, L, D |
| Day 8 | Base Camp (5130m) – Kang Yaste II summit (6200m) – Base Camp (5130m) 7-10 hrs, 6.2 km, +1070m / -1070m | Camping | meals: B, L, D |
| Day 9 | Base Camp (5130m) – Kongmaru La (5260m) – Chogdo (3905m) 6-7 hrs, 15.6 km, +425m / -1650m | Camping | meals: B, L, D |
| Day 10 | Chogdo (3905m) – Shang Sumdo (3680m) 2 hrs, 4.9 km, +20m / -245m | meals: B, L The car will pick you up from Shang Sumdo. Visit Hemis, Stakna, Thiksey and Shey monasteries. Drive back to Leh. |
What’s included
| Camping equipment (tent, mattress, kitchen tent, etc., except sleeping bag) for 9 nights |
| Meals (vegetarian): 9 breakfasts, 9 packed lunches, 1 lunch in a local restaurant and 9 dinners prepared by the accompanying cook |
| Experienced mountaineering guide (English speaking) supported by assistant guides as the group size dictates |
| Horses for the transportation of the luggage, 1 bag of maximum 13 kg per person |
| Transportation by car from Leh to Zingchen and from Shang Sumdo to Leh |
| Wildlife fee, entrance tickets to monasteries (Spituk, Hemis, Stakna, Thiksey and Shey), permits, climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, etc. |
What’s not included
| Travel insurance |
| Hotel and meals in Leh |
| Flights |
| Sleeping bag and trekking poles |
| Any deviation from the itinerary |