Kang Yatse I & Kang Yatse II Twin Expedition

Trek Details

Duration

15 Days / 14 Nights

Max Altitude

6400 m

Trek Length

94 KM

Difficulty

Hard

Best Season

June to September

Start Point

Leh

End Point

Leh

Nearest Railway

Jammu Tawi Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusion
  • How To Reach
  • Policy
  • Packing List
  • FAQs

Best Months for this Trek

Open Closed

Overview

Your Adventure at a Glance

The Kang Yatse I & Kang Yatse II Twin Peak Expedition is one of the most demanding and prestigious mountaineering journeys in Ladakh. This expedition offers climbers the rare opportunity to summit two Himalayan six-thousanders in a single adventure while traversing the breathtaking landscapes of the Markha Valley.

Located in the heart of Ladakh, Kang Yatse I rises to approximately 21,000 ft and requires technical climbing skills, while Kang Yatse II stands at around 20,500 ft and is considered a challenging trekking peak. Combining both summits into one expedition creates an extraordinary experience that blends high-altitude trekking, glacier travel, technical climbing, and endurance-based mountaineering.

The route follows the famous Markha Valley trail, passing through remote Ladakhi villages, Buddhist monasteries, river crossings, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain. As the expedition progresses, climbers gradually acclimatize before moving towards the shared base camp of both peaks. The adventure then transitions into a true mountaineering expedition with higher camps, technical sections, snow slopes, and summit pushes.

Kang Yatse I demands the use of mountaineering equipment such as fixed ropes, crampons, harnesses, and ice axes, while Kang Yatse II provides an equally thrilling high-altitude summit experience. Reaching both summits rewards climbers with spectacular views of the Karakoram Range, Zanskar Range, Stok Kangri region, and the vast cold desert landscapes of Ladakh.

This twin peak expedition is best suited for experienced trekkers and aspiring mountaineers looking to test their endurance, technical skills, and high-altitude performance in one of the most beautiful mountain regions of India.

About the Trek

Mythology, Best Time & More More

Expedition

Best Time

The ideal time for the Kang Yatse I & II Twin Peak Expedition is from June to September. During this period, the weather remains comparatively stable, mountain passes stay accessible, and summit conditions are generally favorable.

Fitness

Difficulty Level

This expedition is categorized as challenging and is suitable only for experienced trekkers and mountaineers. Kang Yatse I includes technical climbing sections requiring rope work, while Kang Yatse II demands strong endurance and high-altitude fitness

Locality

Culture

The expedition passes through ancient Ladakhi settlements where trekkers experience traditional mountain lifestyles, Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels, mani walls, and centuries-old cultural traditions unique to the region.

Wildlife

Flora and Fauna

The route passes through areas associated with Hemis National Park, home to blue sheep, marmots, Himalayan foxes, and various high-altitude bird species. During summer, alpine flowers bloom across the meadows around Nimaling.

Climate

Weather

Ladakh experiences a cold desert climate with dry conditions and clear skies during the trekking season. While daytime temperatures can remain comfortable, nights at higher camps often fall below freezing. Strong winds and sudden snowfall are possible near the summits.

High Altitude

Fitness Requirement

Participants should have prior experience on high-altitude treks above 5,000 meters. Excellent cardiovascular fitness, endurance training, and familiarity with mountaineering equipment are highly recommended before attempting this twin peak expedition.

Day-by-Day Plan

Trek Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Leh

Arrive in Leh and spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude. Proper acclimatization is essential before beginning the expedition due to the extreme elevations involved later in the journey.

Day 2

Acclimatization and Local Sightseeing

Spend the day exploring nearby monasteries and cultural landmarks around Leh. Visits to Shey Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, and Sangam help the body gradually adapt to the altitude.

Day 3

Drive from Leh to Skiu and Trek to Sara

Drive through the scenic Indus Valley to Skiu, the starting point of the trek. Begin walking through the Markha Valley trail and continue towards Sara village for the first night on the trek.

Day Day 4

Sara to Markha

Follow the Markha River through beautiful valleys, wooden bridges, and traditional settlements. Reach Markha village, one of the largest villages in the region, known for its monastery and local culture.

Day Day 5

Markha to Hankar

The trail gradually gains altitude as it moves deeper into the valley. Enjoy magnificent mountain views and pass through remote landscapes before reaching Hankar village.

Day 6

Hankar to Nimaling

Trek towards the vast grasslands of Nimaling, one of the most scenic campsites in Ladakh. Towering peaks and expansive alpine meadows surround the campsite.

Day Day 7

Nimaling to Kang Yatse Base Camp

Leave the main Markha Valley trail and head towards the shared base camp of Kang Yatse I and Kang Yatse II. The route climbs steadily through rugged mountain terrain.

Day Day 8

Rest Day and Technical Training

Spend the day acclimatizing and learning the use of mountaineering equipment such as crampons, ropes, harnesses, and ice axes. Final preparations are made for the summit phase.

Day Day 9

Base Camp to Camp 1

Begin ascending towards Camp 1 through rocky and glacial terrain. This marks the start of the expedition’s technical climbing section.

Day Day 10

Camp 1 to Camp 2

Continue climbing higher towards Camp 2. The route becomes steeper and more demanding as climbers gain altitude.

Day Day 11

Summit Kang Yatse I and Return to Camp 1

Start the summit push before dawn. Navigate steep snow slopes and technical sections using fixed ropes before reaching the summit of Kang Yatse I. After enjoying panoramic Himalayan views, descend safely back to Camp 1.

Day Day 12

Camp 1 to Base Camp

Descend from the higher camp and return to the main base camp. Spend the remainder of the day resting and recovering after the challenging summit climb.

Day 13

Rest and Acclimatization at Base Camp

An additional acclimatization and recovery day before attempting Kang Yatse II. Final checks are completed for the second summit push.

Day Day 14

Summit Kang Yatse II and Return to Base Camp

Begin the ascent during the night and climb steadily towards the summit of Kang Yatse II. The summit offers magnificent views of Ladakh’s mountain ranges and glaciers before descending back to base camp.

Day Day 15

Base Camp to Chokdo via Kongmaru La and Drive to Leh

Cross the spectacular Kongmaru La Pass and descend through dramatic mountain landscapes towards Chokdo village. From there, drive back to Leh and conclude the twin peak expedition.

What's Covered

Inclusions & Exclusions

INCLUSION

  • Accommodation: Stay in tents/guesthouses on twin/triple sharing; base in guesthouse.
  • Meals: Simple, nutritious vegetarian meals provided.
  • Day-wise Meals: Meal plan varies by day.
  • Day 1: Dinner + breakfast next morning.
  • Trek Days: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner included.
  • Final Day: Dinner + breakfast before departure.
  • Non-veg meals are not served.
  • Trek Equipment: Sleeping bags, tents, kitchen setup, mattresses, crampons (if needed).
  • Transportation: Included if opted during booking.
  • First Aid: Basic medical kits available.
  • Permits: Forest entry fees and permits included.
  • Guides: Led by trained and experienced trek leaders.

EXCLUSION

  • All kinds of personal expenditures are excluded.
  • Anything that we have not mentioned above.
  • The trek cost is not inclusive of meals bought during the journey on 1st day and last day.
  • Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage.
  • Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.

Getting There

How To Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. Regular flights connect Leh with Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and other major Indian cities. Leh serves as the starting point of the expedition.

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station. Travelers can continue their journey to Leh by road or take a connecting flight.

By Road

Leh is accessible through the Srinagar–Leh Highway and the Manali–Leh Highway. Both routes remain open seasonally and offer some of the most scenic road journeys in the Himalayas.

Booking Policy

Cancellation Policy

PolicyUpto 30 days29–21 days21–15 days14–0 days
Batch Shifting
Refund100%50%0%0%

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. No-shows and last-minute cancellations are non-refundable. In case of bad weather or force majeure, the company reserves the right to modify or cancel the itinerary.

Preparation

What To Pack

Clothing & Footwear

  • High-ankle waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
  • Thermal base layer — top & bottom (2 sets)
  • Down jacket (600+ fill power)
  • Windproof & waterproof shell jacket
  • Trekking pants (quick-dry, 2–3 pairs)
  • Woolen gloves + waterproof outer gloves
  • Warm balaclava & beanie hat
  • Woolen socks (4+ pairs)
  • Gaiters for snow and scree

Gear & Essentials

  • 35–45L daypack with rain cover
  • Trekking poles (collapsible, 2 poles)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ & lip balm with SPF
  • UV-protection polarised sunglasses
  • Personal first aid & altitude medication (Diamox)
  • Water bottles (2L) or hydration bladder
  • Water purification tablets
  • Valid government photo ID (mandatory for permits)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is previous mountaineering experience required for Kang Yatse I & II?

Yes. Previous high-altitude trekking and basic mountaineering experience are strongly recommended, especially because Kang Yatse I involves technical climbing sections.

What is the maximum altitude reached during the expedition?

The highest point is the summit of Kang Yatse I at approximately 21,000 ft (6,400 meters). Kang Yatse II reaches around 20,500 ft (6,250 meters).

Which summit is more difficult, Kang Yatse I or Kang Yatse II?

Kang Yatse I is significantly more difficult due to technical climbing sections involving ropes, crampons, and steep snow slopes. Kang Yatse II is challenging but comparatively less technical.

What is the best season for this expedition?

June to September is considered the best period for stable weather, accessible trails, and safer summit attempts.

What makes the Twin Peak Expedition unique?

The expedition allows climbers to summit both Kang Yatse I and Kang Yatse II in a single journey while exploring the beautiful Markha Valley, making it one of Ladakh’s most complete mountaineering experiences.

What if we want to leave extra luggage at the base village?

You can keep extra luggage in the base village for any particular trek. There are no cloak roo charges applicable. Its free of cost.

Is there mobile signals available on treks?

If you are going on a trek don’t expect mobile signals. There are few spots on the trails of few treks where you might find a single tower or something but it always depends if that is enough to make a call or not.

How do you manage toilets?

We use portable toilet tents for sanitation needs, as permanent structures may not available. These are dry toilets, so please bring wet wipes or tissue paper for personal hygiene.

Do I need to carry trek equipment?

For this trek you just need a day bag to carry during the trek, extra luggage can be left behind at the camp site. Proper bedded swiss tents are available on this trek.

Can we consume Alcohol during the trek?

It’s a strict no. If you fall sick during the trek due to alcohol consumption H2H has the right to cancel your trek and send you back to base village. No expenses shall be refunded in that case and you will have to pay additional for stay at base village.

How do I prepare for the trek?

Start running/walking at least 3-4 Kms everyday.

What kind of shoes will I need? Does a sport shoe work?

If it’s a snow trek a good trekking shoe is mandatory. If you buy a new shoe do walk for few days so that it fits you well and doesn’t leave you with blisters while you trek. If it is a summer trek or post monsoon trek a shoe with good grip and ankle support will do.

₹ 140,000 ₹ 130,000
+GST
Per person Special Offer