Kang Yatse 2

Kang Yatse 2

Description

Kang Yatse 2 is one of the high-altitude summits that provide 360 degrees views of the Himalayas. It is rated as a difficult graded trek, even though climbers have rated this trek easier when compared to Stok kangri. From the summit, you get to see Stok Kangri, K2, Broad peak, Gasherbrum massif, followed by other peaks and ranges of the Karakoram range.

The Kang Yatse Mountain is situated towards the ending point of the Markha valley, just before Kaongmaru La. This falls under the Hemis National Park. Kang Yatse has 2 summits – Kang Yatse 1(6500 meters) and Kang Yatse 2 (6200 meters). Kang Yatse 1 is a technical peak where you require technical climbing equipment and relevant mountaineering experience. For kang Yatse 2 you do not require mountaineering experience, however you still need the gear & equipment. Kang Yatse 2 is a non- technical summit.

Itinerary

Kang Yatse 2

Day 1 – Arrive Leh and rest (11,550 feet)
As we have gained altitude today by either taking a flight into Leh else riding or driving, we will need to rest for the day. Later in the evening we have a briefing session where the team members discuss the plan of action for the entire trek.

Day 2 – Acclimatization Day
After a healthy breakfast, we step out for an acclimatization walk. We would trek for nearly 3 to 4 kms in total and return. Later in the day we step out to the local market for our last-minute shopping for our trek.

Kang Yatse 2

Day 3 – Drive from Leh to Skiu (70kms/ 2hours 30mins) and trek to Sara (13kms/4hours) (11,550 feet to 11,980 feet)
We drive to the starting point of the trek Skiu. On the way we will cross Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, magnetic hill, Sangam point (confluence of Indus) and Chilling. Since 2019, the road from Chilling to Skiu has been constructed so we’ll continue our drive towards Skiu. From here we start the trek towards Sara.

It is an easy trek for the day. We trek for nearly 4hours and reach Sara.

Kang Yatse 2

Day 4 – Sara to Markha (9kms/ 3 – 4 hours) (11,980 feet to 12,440 feet)
Sara to Markha is an easy grade trek. It involves a flat walk without steep climbs or descents. The trail passes through small villages. 3 to 4 hours of trekking and we will reach Markha.

Kang Yatse 2

Make sure to visit the Markha monastery. It is not as big as the other monasteries in Leh, however it is beautiful.

Kang Yatse 2

Day 5 – Markha to Hankar (11.5kms/ 5 – 6hours) (12,440 feet – 13,300 feet)
We trek alongside the river to head for Hankar. We cross Umling (small village with 5 to 6 houses) and near it lays the Techa gompa over a cliff. If we are good on time, we can visit this monastery. This is the last village of the valley. Since we have now crossed 13000 Feet, it will take some effort to breathe (than the usual). Please take time and ensure proper rest. No hurry.

Kang Yatse 2

Day 6 – Hankar to Nimaling (10.5kms/ 6 – 7 hours) (13,300 feet – 15,580 feet)
We start our day post breakfast. We will cross Tachungtse which will be the mid-point of today's trek. At Nimaling we will camping and it will be best to layer up before the sun goes down.

Kang Yatse 2

Day 7 – Nimaling to Kang Yaste base (2.5kms/ 2 – 3hours) (15,500 – 16,750 feet)
Today’s trek is not a long one, yet it is a challenging day. We gain altitude of a little over 1000 feet in a span of 2 to 3 hours. We need to ensure to keep hydrating and to trek at a comfortable pace. On reaching the camp, we step out for a short acclimatization walk. This would be post rest and tea in the evening.

Kang Yatse 2

Day 8 – Rest and acclimatize
We have a team briefing today after breakfast where team Wanderers will allocate the technical & safety equipment to all the trekkers. How to put them on and use them will be showed over a practical demo. We step out as a team for this activity. The purpose of this activity is for us to get used to this equipment. We spend adequate time in this yet not too much as we need to rest as well. In the second half of the day, we pack our day packs/sacks and get prepared for the midnight. We have our dinner early and sleep.

Kang Yatse 2

Day 9 – KY base to Kang Yatse 2 summit and return (11kms/ 11 – 12hours) (16,750 feet – 20,500 feet and return)
Just at about midnight we get up and head for the summit. (Depending upon the overall pace of the team these timings might change). We take packed lunch along with munchies and fill our bottles with hot water for the climb. It is a 3000 feet ascent to the summit. We plan to reach the summit by 6.30am. Beautiful 360 degrees views of the Karakoram and Zanskar ranges add on to the celebration and excitement of making it to the summit. After spending adequate time to the top, we start our descent. We need to ensure to trek down carefully as the scree and moraines make our route slippery. We need to make sure to get to the KY2 base by 1.30pm, in order to avoid chances of getting stuck in bad weather. On reaching the camp we have hot lunch and celebrate our summit effort. Rest well after this day’s exhausting trek.

Kang Yatse 2

Day 10 – Base camp – Kongmaru La – Chokdo trek (15.5kms/ 7 – 8hours) and drive to Leh (60kms) (16,750 feet – 17,360 feet – 12,880 feet) and drive to Leh
We start our day by retracing our steps to Nimaling. From Nimaling we have a climb of nearly 1200 feet towards the Kongmaru La. It would take us 3 to 4 hours to get to the pass. Once we start the descent, we get amazing views of the Indus valley along with Ladakh ranges. This route will be steep and rocky. On reaching, we board the vehicles waiting for us (managed by team Wanderers) and get to Leh. Closing session in the evening after which we can step out to the market for some shopping.

Day 11 – Buffer Day.
We keep this as a spare day just in case it needs to be used. The decision of utilizing the buffer day will be taken by the trek lead post discussion with the group, as this has an additional cost of INR 3500 per trekker.

If not utilized on the trek, you can do some local sight seeing for this day or simply relax and enjoy the local markets and cafes in Leh.

Inclusions:
1. 1 guide for the group of maximum 12-14 trekkers. This ensures high safety standard which is the priority for us. All our guides are professionally trained with many years of relevant experience in guiding treks.
2. Accommodation in (dome tents) camps throughout. On twin/triple sharing basis.
3. Clean sleeping bags
4. Camping Mattresses
5. Toilet Tents (2) with portable toilet arrangements
6. First Aid / Medical Assistance
7. All Meals -starting from the beginning till the end. Highly nutritious vegetarian meals.
8. Forest, camping, trekking charges and licenses
9. Service Tax

Exclusions:
1. Porter/mule charges to carry your personal bag
2. Any meals/services not mentioned above
3. Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
4. Insurance
5. Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
6. Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
7. Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.