Kang Yatse II
The crown 6,250m jewel above Markha Valley.
Kang Yatse II combines the villages, river crossings and high pastures of Markha Valley with a serious glacier summit. It is an ideal progression for strong high-altitude trekkers who are ready to learn rope movement, crampon technique and expedition discipline.
Authentic Expedition Gallery
Kang Yatse II (6,250 m) Summit Snow Shoulder
Climbers ascending the sweeping 45-degree snow shoulder toward the 6,250m summit.
Nimaling High Plateau & Mountain Backdrop
Expansive high pastures of Nimaling beneath the soaring dual peaks of Kang Yatse.
Interactive Altitude Curve (1,000m to 6,250m)
Between Trekking & True Mountaineering
Kang Yatse II combines the villages, river crossings and high pastures of Markha Valley with a serious glacier summit. It is an ideal progression for strong high-altitude trekkers who are ready to learn rope movement, crampon technique and expedition discipline.
Journey through Markha Valley and progress onto glacier terrain for a guided 6,250-metre summit attempt.
A Learning-Led Expedition
This programme is for people who want more than a photo at altitude. Carry your personal responsibility, practise the systems that protect the rope team, and understand why turning around can be the strongest mountaineering decision of the day.
A Progression, Not a Shortcut
The programme creates deliberate time for assessment, acclimatisation and technical snow training before the summit push.
A Clear Mountain Story
Move from lower valley approach routes through high moraines, intermediate camps and high Himalayan ridge lines on Kang Yatse II.
Decisions Led by Conditions
Route, camp position, departure time and turnaround point remain operational decisions—never compromised by ego.
A True Team Experience
Learn camp discipline, gear care, pacing and rope-team responsibility rather than being treated as passive passengers.
Detailed Alpine Itinerary
10 Days / 9 Nights • Total Distance: 60 km + Summit Push • Max Elevation: 6,250 m / 20,505 ft
Arrival in Leh (3,500 m) — Acclimatization & Expedition Briefing
Arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh and transfer to the hotel. Full day of mandatory rest and hydration to adjust to the thin trans-Himalayan air. Meet the expedition team in the evening for briefing and document verification.
Acclimatization Hike around Leh (Shanti Stupa / Leh Palace)
Drive from Leh to Chilling & Trek to Skiu (3,400 m)
Trek from Skiu to Markha Village (3,700 m)
Trek from Markha to Hankar (4,000 m) & Thachungtse (4,200 m)
Trek from Thachungtse to Nimaling Plateau (4,720 m) & Kang Yatse Base Camp (5,000 m)
Acclimatization & Glacier Training Day at Base Camp
SUMMIT PUSH: Base Camp to Kang Yatse II (6,250 m) & Return to Base Camp
Operational Weather Buffer / Contingency Day
Trek from Base Camp across Kongmaru La (5,260 m) to Chokdo & Drive to Leh
Fixed Departure Dates & Batches
Small-group alpine integrity (Max 8 climbers per batch) with guaranteed departure schedules.
Custom & Rolling Dates Available
We operate weekly scheduled batches throughout the active climbing season. Connect with our expedition desk to lock your dates or join an existing rope team.
Inquire Departure ScheduleGlacier Ropework & Snow Footwork Lab (Day 7)
Before anyone steps onto high snow slopes or summit ridges, our expedition leaders conduct hands-on technical rehearsals on appropriate snow slopes:
Summit-Day Decision System
Reaching the summit is secondary to returning safely to basecamp. Our expedition leaders operate under clear, non-negotiable safety criteria:
Regardless of proximity to the summit, any team that has not reached the top by 10:00 AM must reverse direction immediately before afternoon snow softens or summit storms develop.
Guides monitor coordination, cognitive alertness, and breathing. Anyone exhibiting AMS, ataxia, or severe exhaustion is turned around with an assigned guide.
If summit day faces high winds, heavy snow, or zero visibility, the attempt is called off and rescheduled to the reserve buffer day if mountain weather permits.
Suggested 8-Week Mountaineering Preparation
Aerobic Conditioning & Lower-Body Strength
Best Seasons & Mountain Weather
Firm Snow & Snow Bridges
Abundant firm snow cover across high camps, col and summit slopes on Kang Yatse II. Ideal for crampon step-kicking.
Day: 8°C to 15°C · Night: -5°C
Pleasant lower valley temperatures with cold sub-zero nights at High Summit Camp.
Clear Early Mornings
Alpine starts at 02:00 AM capitalise on crisp, stable weather windows before afternoon convective clouds form.
Field, Clothing & Technical Equipment
Expedition Inclusions & Exclusions
- Personal Travel: Airfare, railway tickets, or road transport to and from the reporting hub (Manali / Leh / Kathmandu) prior to Day 1 and after the trip conclusion.
- Mandatory Insurance: Comprehensive mountaineering and travel insurance covering high-altitude medical treatment, search & rescue, and helicopter evacuation up to the peak altitude.
- Personal Technical Clothing: High-altitude down suit/jacket (-20°C rated), rigid mountaineering boots, thermal base layers, GORE-TEX outer shell jacket/pants, category 4 glacier sunglasses, and summit down mittens (rental assistance available).
- Personal Porter Offloading: Porterage charges for carrying personal backpack/rucksack during the approach and climb (standard porterage applies only to group gear and basecamp equipment).
- Town Meals & Lodging: Meals and hotel accommodations in town outside the specified itinerary days, or expenses incurred during extended stays due to personal schedule changes.
- Unforeseen Force Majeure Costs: Additional expenses resulting from natural roadblocks, landslides, avalanches, adverse weather delays, flight cancellations, or political strikes.
- Voluntary Early Descent: Any costs incurred if a climber chooses to return early or is evacuated due to AMS, exhaustion, illness, or personal reasons.
- Staff Tips & Gratuities: Discretionary tips for climbing guides, high-altitude sherpas, camp cooks, porters, and driver team.
- Personal Expenses: Personal snacks, packaged mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, laundry, hot showers, device battery charging fees at lodges, and telephone/internet costs.
Kang Yatse II is conducted under Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and local state forest department guidelines. Peak Core India secures all required clearances, camping permissions, and peak permits.
We operate under strict alpine conservation standards. All solid waste, food packaging, and non-biodegradable materials are segregated, packed out, and transported back for municipal recycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to attempt Kang Yatse II?
Tell us about your trekking history, current training and preferred month. We will help you decide whether Kang Yatse II (6,250 m / 20,505 ft) is the right next mountaineering step for you.