KANG-YATSE 2

Drive Leh to Sara (3500m)The road goes through a flat and desolate plain along the river Indus till its confluence with the Zanskar where we make a u-turn and enter the Zanskar Valley and drive up along the muddy Zanskar till we reach Chilling. A little ahead of Chilling lies Kaya-Do where we cross the river and make our way to the small village of Sara. Overnight Camp.

Trek to Markha (3700m) The trail to Markha is not too strenuous, rising about 150m across 8km, and crossing the Markha river a couple of times. Markha is a substantial village, complete with a derelict fort on the hillside and a small village monastery. Overnight Camp.

Trek Markha to Thachungtse (4150m) a magnificent snow-clad mountain commands the views for the next two days. On the walk, there are sights of some fascinating geological creations of large boulders balanced precariously on top of consolidated earth spikes. Continue down over a bridge to Thachungtse, a lovely valley to camp in. A popular place to spot herds of blue sheep sliding up and down the cliffs with incredible agility. Overnight Camp.

The trek from Thachungtse to Base Camp (4950m) offers a beautiful ascent, passing several mani walls—stones engraved with prayer inscriptions—that add a spiritual touch to the journey. As you continue, you’ll come across a serene small lake, offering a breathtaking view of Kang Yatse. The mountain’s imposing bulk is perfectly reflected in the still waters, while the expansive Markha Valley lies below, offering a stunning panorama. After admiring the lake, the trail leads you upstream, steadily guiding you toward the Base Camp of both Kang Yatse I and II.

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We begin our summit attempt of Kang Yatse II midnight to reach the peak by sunrise. The climb starts on scree and moraine, eventually transitioning to snow, with blue ice sections appearing during peak season. The guide will instruct when to use climbing gear, depending on the conditions. The ascent is mostly gradual, but there are a few sections where we may need to rope up for safety. We aim to reach the summit by daybreak to enjoy the stunning sunrise and panoramic views of the Zanskar Range and distant Karakoram. Afterward, we descend to Base Camp for breakfast. The entire day takes about 10-12 hours

After breakfast, we pack our bags and begin our journey back to Leh, crossing the Kongmaru La Pass (5,200m). The descent is steep, with several stream crossings, as we make our way down into the valley toward Chokdo village. From there, a car will pick us up for the drive back to Leh, marking the end of our Expedition to Kang Yaste II.